The CAT Syllabus 2026 is officially divided into three core sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
IIMs do not release a detailed official chapter-wise syllabus for CAT; therefore, the topics listed below are based on previous years’ CAT question papers and the types of questions asked in the exam.
Most questions are asked from Reading Comprehension, Arithmetic, Algebra, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation, making these the highest-priority areas for CAT 2026 preparation.
| CAT 2026 Section | What It Tests |
|---|---|
| VARC | Reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, interpretation of passages and sentence-level understanding |
| DILR | Data analysis, logical reasoning, problem-solving and interpretation of charts, tables and caselets |
| QA | Mathematical concepts, quantitative reasoning and application of formulas to solve problems |
As per the CAT 2026 notification PDF, the CAT exam 2026 will be of 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) and will comprise 68 questions in a mix of MCQs and TITA (Type in the Answer) formats.
Source: CAT 2026 Notification PDF
Note: Solving previous year question papers and mock tests is one of the most effective ways to understand the actual syllabus and identify high-weightage topics.
Check: CAT 2026 notification was released on July 26, 2026, confirming that the exam will be conducted by IIM Indore on November 29, 2026.
Related Links:
- CAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Topic Wise, Marking Scheme, Duration, Type of Questions, and Syllabus
- CAT Topic Wise Weightage for QA, VARC, and DILR, Check Previous Years’ Questions
| Table of Contents |
CAT 2026 Syllabus Overview
The CAT 2026 syllabus is divided into three sections that assess a candidate's verbal, logical, and quantitative abilities. The table below lists the major topics covered in each section.
| CAT Section | Main Syllabus Areas | Primary Skill Tested |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | Reading Comprehension, Para-based Questions, Sentence Arrangement, Para Summary | Reading, comprehension, interpretation and verbal reasoning |
| DILR | Data Interpretation Sets, Logical Puzzles, Arrangements, Games, Tables and Caselets | Data analysis, logical thinking and decision-making |
| QA | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Mensuration and Modern Mathematics | Quantitative reasoning, calculation and problem-solving |
Check: 15+ Sample Paper of CAT: Quantitative Aptitude & DILR with Solutions PDF
CAT Syllabus 2026 PDF Official Website
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) do not release a separate, chapter-wise official CAT 2026 syllabus PDF.
- Collegedunia’s CAT 2026 syllabus has been compiled based on the latest exam pattern and analysis of previous years’ CAT question papers.
- It covers three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
Candidates can use the syllabus and previous-year question analysis on Collegedunia to identify important topics and plan their preparation.
CAT Syllabus 2026 Quant
The Quant section tests basic mathematics concepts up to Class 10 level but with higher logical complexity.
- Algebra contributes 30–32% of Quant questions.
- Quadratic equations and inequalities are among the most frequently asked problems.
| Topic | Key Sub-topics | Approx. Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Ratio & Proportion, Mixtures & Alligations, Time-Speed-Distance (TSD), Time & Work | 8–10 | 40% |
| Algebra | Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions (AP/GP), Logarithms | 6–8 | 30% |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration (2D & 3D) | 3–5 | 20% |
| Number System | Divisibility, HCF & LCM, Remainders, Base Systems, Factors, Unit Digits | 2–4 | 10% |
| Modern Mathematics | Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory, Basic Statistics | 2–3 | 10% |
Read More: CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
CAT Syllabus 2026 VARC
The VARC Section tests the verbal and reading ability of the students. As per the previous years' exam, the candidates have faced long and complex questions from this section, especially in Reading Comprehension.
- Reading Comprehension (RC) dominates VARC, contributing 65–70% weightage with around 16 questions.
- The remaining 30–35% comes from Verbal Ability topics, which have low individual weightage but together impact the overall score.
| Topic | Key Sub-topics | Approx. Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Philosophy, Economics, Sociology, Science, Abstract Passages | 16 | 65–70% |
| Para Jumbles | Sentence Arrangement (TITA-based questions common) | 2–3 | 10% |
| Para Summary | Identifying the correct summary of a paragraph | 2–3 | 10% |
| Odd One Out | Identify the irrelevant sentence in the paragraph | 2–3 | 10% |
| Para Completion | Fill missing sentence logically in the paragraph | 1–2 | 5% |
Read More: CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Syllabus 2026
CAT Syllabus 2026 DILR
The DILR section tests the analytical and logical thinking ability of the students. In CAT 2025, this section was considered one of the most unpredictable, with a mix of data-based and logic-driven sets that require careful selection and time management.
- Logical Reasoning (LR) and Data Interpretation (DI) have a balanced weightage, each contributing around 40–50% with 8–10 questions.
- Mixed LRDI sets form about 20% of the section (4–6 questions), combining both logic and data interpretation.
| Topic | Key Sub-topics | Approx. Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement, Scheduling, Games & Tournaments, Arrangements, Binary Logic | 8–10 | 40–50% |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Caselets | 8–10 | 40–50% |
| Mixed Sets (LRDI) | Combination of LR + DI puzzles | 4–6 | 20% |
| Advanced Puzzles | Routes & Networks, Venn Diagrams, Distribution, Hybrid Sets | 2–4 | Included above |
Read More: CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2026
CAT 2025 Slot-wise Analysis: Difficulty, Question Distribution & Key Trends
- The CAT 2025 question papers show how the syllabus was actually tested across the three exam slots.
- While the overall sections remained the same, the question types, difficulty level and distribution of topics varied between slots.
- The analysis below can help CAT 2026 aspirants understand which concepts were tested and how the paper structure may vary on exam day.
CAT 2025 DILR Slot-wise Analysis
| Slot | Question Pattern | Major Topics | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | 5 sets, 22 questions | Arrangements, Games & Tournaments, Charts, Caselets | More LR-heavy with arrangement and puzzle-based sets |
| Slot 2 | 5 sets, 22–23 questions | Caselets, Graphs, Scheduling, Arrangement | More balanced mix of DI and LR |
| Slot 3 | 5 sets, 22 questions | Tables, Caselets, Charts, Circular Arrangement | More mixed DI-LR and multi-variable sets |
CAT 2025 VARC Slot-wise Analysis
| Slot | RC Questions | Major RC Themes | VA Questions | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | 16 | Music, markets, law, economics | 8 | RCs were theory-heavy |
| Slot 2 | 16–17 | Biodiversity, AI, evolution, science | 7–8 | Science and technology-based passages featured prominently |
| Slot 3 | 16 | AI, environment, history, philosophy | 8 | Inference-based RC questions were prominent |
CAT 2025 QA Slot-wise Analysis
| Slot | Arithmetic | Algebra | Other Topics | Key Observation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | 10–11 | 6–7 | Geometry, Modern Maths, Number System | Arithmetic dominated the section |
| Slot 2 | 9–10 | 8–9 | Geometry, Number System | Arithmetic and Algebra were more balanced |
| Slot 3 | 7 | 4 | Geometry, Number System, Modern Maths, Mixed | Greater variation with multi-concept questions |
What CAT 2025 Paper Analysis Means for CAT 2026 Preparation?
- Prioritise Arithmetic and Algebra in QA, but do not skip Geometry, Number System or Modern Mathematics.
- Practise RCs regularly because Reading Comprehension formed the majority of VARC questions across the slots.
- Prepare DILR through sets rather than isolated chapters, as the section can combine multiple concepts in one set.
- Practise different question types and difficulty levels, since the composition varied between slots.
- Solve complete CAT previous year papers under timed conditions to understand how topic distribution affects question selection and time management.
- Do not rely only on expected weightage. A lower-priority topic can still contribute multiple questions in a particular slot.
Is the CAT 2026 Syllabus the Same as CAT 2025?
Yes, the CAT 2026 syllabus is expected to remain the same as the CAT 2025 syllabus, as the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have not announced any changes.
| Feature | CAT 2025 | CAT 2026 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Sections | 3 | 3 |
| VARC Topics | Same | Same |
| DILR Topics | Same | Same |
| QA Topics | Same | Same |
| Official Syllabus | Not Released | Not Released |
| Major Changes | None | No major changes expected |
| Preparation Strategy | PYQs + Mock Tests | PYQs + Mock Tests |
Has the CAT Syllabus Changed Over the Years?
| Year | Major Update |
|---|---|
| CAT 2026 | No major syllabus changes expected |
| CAT 2025 | Core syllabus remained unchanged |
| CAT 2024 | No syllabus changes; topic distribution varied |
| CAT 2023 | Similar syllabus with slot-wise variation |
| CAT 2022 | No changes in core topics |
CAT Preparation Strategy Based on CAT Syllabus 2026
With approximately four months remaining for CAT 2026, candidates should focus on completing the syllabus quickly while allocating enough time for revision, previous year question papers, and mock tests.
- Complete the syllabus by the end of August to leave sufficient time for revision.
- Solve CAT Previous Year Question Papers to understand question patterns and high-weightage topics.
- Attempt 20-30 full-length mock tests before the exam and analyse every mock to improve performance.
- Revise important formulas, vocabulary, and shortcut techniques every week.
- Focus on accuracy and time management rather than attempting every question
| Timeline | Preparation Focus | Recommended Activities |
|---|---|---|
| July | Complete the core syllabus | Cover Arithmetic, Algebra, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. Solve chapter-wise practice questions and strengthen concepts. |
| August | Finish the remaining syllabus | Complete Geometry, Number System, Modern Mathematics, and Verbal Ability topics. Start sectional mock tests and revise completed chapters regularly. |
| September | Previous Year Papers & Mock Tests | Solve CAT previous year question papers, attempt 1–2 full-length mock tests every week, and analyse your performance to identify weak areas. |
| October | Intensive Practice & Revision | Increase mock test frequency to 2–3 per week, revise formulas and concepts, improve speed and accuracy, and focus on time management. |
| November | Final Revision | Revise short notes, solve selected previous year questions, take a few final mock tests, and avoid starting any new topics. Focus on maintaining confidence and exam temperament. |
Check:
Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation
| Section | Best Book | Author | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| QA | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma | Concepts & Practice |
| QA | Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma | Advanced Practice |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Vocabulary |
| VARC | How to Prepare for VARC | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi | RC & VA |
| DILR | How to Prepare for DILR | Arun Sharma | Concepts & Practice |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning & DI for CAT | Nishit Sinha | CAT-level Sets |
Read More: Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation: VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude
Best Books for CAT QA
Best Books for CAT VARC
Best Books for CAT DILR
Read More: CAT 2026 Books PDF: Arun Sharma, Oswal and Best Books pdf Free Download
CAT Mock Tests 2026
- Mock tests help you to assess your preparation, improve time management, and identify weak areas.
- Once you've completed the major syllabus topics, start attempting sectional and full-length mock tests regularly.
| Preparation Phase | Recommended Mocks |
|---|---|
| Foundation | 0-2 |
| Practice | 8-10 |
| Final Revision | 20-25 |
| Overall | 30-35 |
Free CAT Mock Test 2026 PDF Download with Detailed Solutions
PDF-format mock tests are useful for offline practice and for detailed review after an online attempt.
- Always attempt the online version first under timed conditions, then use the PDF for review
- When reviewing solutions, categorize every wrong answer into: concept gap, silly mistake, or time pressure
- TITA questions (no negative marking) should be attempted in PDF mocks even when unsure - build that habit early
CAT Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Ques. Can I clear my CAT in 1 month?
Ans. Yes, you can clear the CAT in 1 month, but scoring a very high percentile like 99+ is challenging, unless you already have a strong basics. With a limited time, your focus should be on the smart strategy rather than completing the whole syllabus.
- VARC: In the VARC section solve on atleast 2 RCs as it contributes around 65-70% weightage and 5-8 questions from topics like Para Summary, Para Summary and Odd one Out.
- QA: In quants section focus on solving atleast 20-25 questions from Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work) and Algebra (Equations, Inequalities).
- DILR: Focus DI (Tables, Bar Graphs) and LR (Seating Arrangement, Puzzles) atleast 2 sets daily each and try to solve 8-10 questions.
Ques. What marks is 99.9 percentile in cat?
Ans. To score 99.9 percentile in CAT, you typically need around 95–110 marks out of 204, depending on exam difficulty.
Scoring 99.9 percentile means that you are in top 0.1% candidates, which can get you admission into top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta.
Ques. Which IIM will prepare CAT 2026?
Ans. The CAT 2026 is expected to conduct and prepare by the IIM Indore, which is likely to be conducted on 29 November 2026.
The CAT exam is conducted on the rotational basis by the older IIMs. As per the previous years trends, IIM Lucknow conducted it in 2023, IIM Calcutta in 2024, and IIM Kozhikode in 2025, setting the stage for IIM Indore in 2026.
Comments