What is the syllabus of CAT?

CAT consists of 3 sections: Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Ability (QA) & Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). The CAT exam is formulated to test the reasoning and decision-making skills of an aspirant as well as his conceptual understanding.

Is CAT exam very tough?

CAT exam can be challenging for a student who has not invested enough time in preparing for the exam. With strategic planning an aspirant can crack CAT exam.

Can we use calculators in CAT 2026?

Yes, the CAT exam allows the use of an on-screen calculator during the Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation sections. However, physical calculators are strictly prohibited.

Is CAT tougher than Jee?

In terms of the level of difficulty, the CAT & JEE exams are equally tough. Each of these exams requires in-depth preparation with complete conceptual clarity.

Is CAT exam very easy?

CAT is a national-level management entrance exam that is considered to be the toughest in the domain.

Is CAT harder than CA?

The skills required and tested in both of these exams are very different. It depends on the interests of the student.

Is CAT compulsory for MBA?

No, CAT is not compulsory for an MBA. However, if you wish to get admission in the top management schools in the country, you will have to qualify for the CAT exam.

Is there any sectional cutoff in CAT 2026?

Yes, to make it to your dream IIM, an aspirant needs to qualify not only for the overall cutoff but also for the sectional cutoffs as well. This cutoff may vary for every B-school. It is one of the factors that make CAT one of the most challenging management entrance exams in the country.

Can I cover the CAT syllabus in 2-3 months?

Yes, you can complete CAT syllabus in about 2-3 months, if you prepare in a planned, focused, and efficient way.

Does the syllabus for CAT change every year?

Since there is no official syllabus prescribed for CAT, there is no such change in the topics. However, the weightage of different areas has witnessed modifications after every few years.

Is the CAT syllabus the same as that of other MBA entrance tests?

Yes, the syllabus for CAT is similar to that of other management entrance tests like XAT, MAT, etc.

Which section of CAT is the toughest?

CAT is generally difficult in nature. However, in terms of time, VARC mostly more time-consuming than other sections. This is because of the tricky and long Reading Comprehension passages.

Which section of CAT holds highest weightage?

There is very less difference in the weightage allotted to different sections of CAT. Of all three sections, VARC carries the highest marks.

Is there negative marking in CAT?

Yes, CAT carries a negative marking for MCQs, but there is no penalty for wrong answers in the Non-MCQ part.

CAT 2026 Syllabus: Ace VARC, DILR, QA

CAT Syllabus 2026 is designed for final-year graduate students or passed-out candidates planning to prepare for CAT 2026. Knowing the CAT 2026 syllabus should be your first step before starting your preparation. The CAT exam syllabus is categorized into three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section tests a different skill. VARC tests reading. DILR tests logic and data sets. QA tests maths under time pressure.

IIMs conduct CAT every year. IIM Indore will conduct CAT 2026. It is conducted by one IIM each year with the conducting IIM changing every year. It is one of the most competitive entrance tests in India for admission to MBA courses. The CAT syllabus gives you a fair idea about the topics you need to cover and helps you plan your preparation accordingly. IIMs do not release an official chapter-wise syllabus.

Read on to know the complete CAT syllabus 2026 along with important topics covered in VARC, DILR and QA.

Complete CAT Exam Syllabus PDF

Here is the complete book listing the key topics of CAT along with the preparation strategy for different sections:

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CAT Syllabus 2026: Overview

CAT 2026 will be hosted by IIM Indore. The application form was released on August 3, 2026, and the last date is September 15, 2026. The CAT syllabus will not be released as a topic list by the IIMs. The application fee is Rs 2,700 for General and Rs 1,350 for SC/ST/PwBD. A detailed overview is provided below in tabular format.

Particular	CAT 2026 Details
Exam Name	Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026
Conducting IIM	IIM Indore
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Sessions	Three sessions
Exam Date	November 29, 2026 (Sunday)
Registration Started on	August 3, 2026, 10:00 AM
Registration Closed on	September 22, 2026, 5:00 PM
Admit Card	November 4, 2026
Application Fee – General/Other Categories	₹2,700
Application Fee – SC/ST/PwD	₹1,350
Sections	VARC, DILR, and QA
Total Questions	68
VARC	24 questions
DILR	22 questions
QA	22 questions
Total Marks	204
Exam Duration	120 minutes
Sectional Duration	40 minutes per section
Marking	+3 for a correct answer –1 for an incorrect MCQ No negative marking for TITA/non-MCQ or unattempted questions
Result	Expected in January 2026 / official result date to be announced

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

First, candidates need to understand the section-wise CAT 2026 syllabus and exam pattern in detail. CAT 2026 has three sections, VARC, DILR and QA, while the total number of questions in CAT 2026 is 68. You have to solve each section separately in 120 minutes (2 hours).

CAT Exam Subject	No. of Questions*	Approx. Weightage	Major Topics
VARC	24	36%	• Reading Comprehension • Para Jumbles • Para Summary • Odd Sentence
DILR	22	32%	• Data Interpretation • Tables & Graphs • Caselets • Logical Reasoning • Arrangements & Puzzles
QA	22	32%	• Arithmetic • Algebra • Number System • Geometry & Mensuration • Modern Mathematics
Total	68	100%	Total: 120 Minutes

Note: The question count and section-wise distribution can change from year to year. The IIMs do not prescribe an official topic-wise weightage for CAT. The figures above are based on the recent CAT pattern and should be updated if the official CAT 2026 pattern differs.

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CAT Syllabus 2026: Important Topics to Study

CAT syllabus comprises three sections: VARC, DILR and QA. VARC assesses reading comprehension and verbal ability. DILR assesses data interpretation and logical reasoning through sets. QA assesses quantitative aptitude under a sectional time limit.

The IIMs do not release a fixed, chapter-wise syllabus. Candidates should therefore plan preparation around topics that have appeared consistently in recent CAT papers.

Section	Key Areas Covered
VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)	Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability topics like Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Para Completion, and Odd One Out
DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)	Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Sets based on Tables, Charts, Graphs, Arrangements, Puzzles, Games and Tournaments, Distribution and Venn Diagrams
QA (Quantitative Ability)	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System and Modern Maths

VARC is mainly about Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability, whereas DILR is a mix of data sets and logical reasoning questions. QA deals with basic mathematical subjects like Arithmetic, Algebra, number systems and Geometry.

CAT VARC Syllabus 2026: Topics and Estimated Weightage

VARC is one of the three CAT syllabus sections. Reading Comprehension carries more than 50% of the VARC weightage. In CAT 2025, about 16 of the 24 VARC questions were RC. Passages came from science, business, philosophy, history and current affairs.

Practise RC every day. After two or three passages, add verbal-ability questions so the full 40-minute section stays in balance. Learn vocabulary from the passages you have just read. Do not keep a separate word list.

Topic	No. of Questions	Format
Reading Comprehension	16	MCQ
Parajumbles	2	TITA
Odd Sentence Out	2	TITA
Para Summary	2	MCQ
Para Completion	2	MCQ
Total	24	Total Marks: 72

Topics You Must Study Based on PYQ Frequency

The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section has the highest weightage in the CAT exam. The VA area carries around eight questions, whereas RC passages have approximately 16 questions. The common topics of the VA area include para jumbles, para summary, odd sentence out, and para completion. Many of these questions are TITA type. A wrong TITA will not cost a mark, but an inaccurate guess that wastes time will impact the 40-minute slot.

Reading Comprehension passages: Economics, science, philosophy, AI/technology, literature, sociology, current affairs
Inference-based questions within RC: Highest-weightage skill, appears every year
Central idea/theme identification: Recurring RC question type
Author's tone and viewpoint: Recurring RC question type
Vocabulary-in-context (within RC only): New trend confirmed in latest CAT Entrance Test 2025
Parajumbles: Rotates yearly, and still worth full prep
Odd Sentence Out: The topic rotates yearly, and still worth full prep
Para Summary: Consistent across all 5 years, safe to prepare
Para Completion: Appeared in 3 of the last 5 years; that increases their worth practicing
Fill in the Blanks (contextual, sentence-selection type): rare but low-cost to prep since it overlaps with para completion skills

CAT DILR Syllabus 2026: Topics and Estimated Weightage

The CAT exam syllabus includes DILR as a section, with Data Caselets and Arrangement Sets making up 40–45% of the DILR syllabus weightage. In 2025, DILR had about 20–22 questions spread across five sets. Sets come from seating arrangements, scheduling, networks, games and chart-based data.

Do a daily period of set practice, timing yourself at 8 minutes per set. Do two or three sets, then do a switch-off between layout and data-heavy types to keep the routine balanced. Use actual CAT sets rather than generic reasoning puzzles, so practice stays connected to the exam format instead of drifting into unrelated logic tests.

Topic	Questions	Difficulty
Data Caselets (mixed DI-LR)	4–5	Moderate to Difficult
Seating / Circular / Linear Arrangement	4–5	Moderate to Difficult
Games & Tournaments	3–4	Moderate
Scheduling / Routes / Networks	3–4	Moderate to Difficult
Puzzles / Distribution-based Sets	3–4	Moderate to Difficult
Venn Diagrams / Set Theory	3–4	Easy to Moderate
Bar / Line / Pie Chart-based DI	3–4	Moderate
Total	20–22	Moderate to Difficult

Topics You Must Study Based on PYQ Frequency

The section is built entirely from integrated sets rather than standalone questions. You may see data caselets, arrangements, games, scheduling, networks, and chart-based sets.

Data Caselets: Passages of mixed DI-LR that require cross-referencing of numerical and logical clues carry the highest weightage and appear every year
Seating / Circular / Linear Arrangement: This is a recurring set type which has been confirmed across all CAT 2025 slots
Games & Tournaments: Deriving rankings, scores or match results from incomplete information For recurring and worthwhile full prep
Scheduling / Routes / Networks: Graph-like logic for timelines, paths, or connections
Puzzles / Distribution-based Sets: Assigning items or people with multiple constraints
Venn Diagrams / Set Theory: Learning about sets and how to calculate values for sets.
Chart-based DI (bar/line/pie): Reading and computing from visual data

CAT QA Syllabus 2026: Topics and Estimated Weightage

QA is a section in the CAT exam syllabus, and the weightage of Arithmetic and Algebra combined is approximately 60-65% weightage of the QA syllabus. QA had 22 questions in three slots in 2025. Out of these, 12-17 were Arithmetic and Algebra. Questions come from everyday applied math. CAT QA stays within applied Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number Systems.

Dedicate a daily slot to timed practice split by topic on Arithmetic and Algebra first, since they carry the highest weightage, then rotate through Geometry and Number System. Avoid over-preparing rare chapters like Coordinate Geometry which recently slots have shown less or no presence of.

Topic	No. of Questions	Format
Arithmetic	7–10	MCQ + TITA
Algebra	5–7	MCQ + TITA
Geometry & Mensuration	3–4	MCQ + TITA
Number System	2–3	MCQ + TITA
Modern Math (P&C, Probability, Set Theory)	1–4	MCQ + TITA
Total	22	Total Marks: 66

Topics You Must Study Based on PYQ Frequency

Quantitative Ability is the most calculation-heavy of the three sections. The total number of questions in the section is 22, for a total 66 marks.

Arithmetic (highest priority): Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Mixtures & Allegations, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Simple & Compound Interest. Time, Speed and Distance is consistently the single most-tested sub-topic
Algebra: Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithms, Progressions. Inequalities & Linear Equations dominated Slots 1 and 2 of CAT 2025 with 4 questions each.
Geometry & Mensuration: Lines, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, & Solids stayed balanced at up to 3 questions per slot in CAT 2025
Number System: Remainder Theorem, Trailing Zeros, LCM & HCF
Modern Math: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory
Coordinate Geometry: Very low priority, revise once.

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CAT Syllabus Analysis: Last 3 Years

The CAT syllabus has been more or less the same for the last 3 years and the questions are from VARC, DILR and QA. But the way questions are distributed over topics has varied between years and between slots. Candidates can get an idea of topics that have come consistently and topics which have had variations for 2023, 2024 and 2025. In VARC, Reading Comprehension has been the major area, while the key area in Arithmetics and Algebra has been QA. DILR has seen more variation in the kind of sets asked for.

Section	CAT 2023	CAT 2024	CAT 2025	Trend
VARC	RC ~68%; Para Jumbles 12%; Para Summary 12%; Para Completion 4%	RC 66.67%; Para Summary 12.5%; Para Completion 12.5%; Odd One Out 8.33%	RC remained a major component, with 16 RC questions; VA included Para Summary, Para Completion, Para Jumbles and Odd One Out	RC consistently dominates
DILR	Tables, Graphs and Arrangements featured prominently	Games & Tournaments, Distribution, Venn Diagrams, Line & Bar Graphs	Different LR and DI sets appeared across slots	Most variable section
QA	Arithmetic 41%; Algebra 32%; Geometry 18%; Number System 5%; Modern Maths 5%	Arithmetic 40.91%; Algebra 22.73%; Geometry 13.64%; Number System 9.09%; Modern Maths 9.09%	Arithmetic and Algebra remained important, along with other QA topics	Arithmetic remains a key area

What Does the CAT Syllabus Analysis Show?

The CAT Exam Syllabus comprises three sections, 68 questions, and 204 marks. VARC accounts for 36% weightage, while DILR and QA each account for 32%.

VARC: Reading Comprehension Remains a Priority

Reading Comprehension has consistently formed the largest part of the VARC section. In CAT 2023, RC accounted for around 68% of VARC, while in CAT 2024, 16 out of 24 questions were based on RC. The CAT 2025 paper also continued to give substantial importance to Reading Comprehension.

For CAT 2026, aspirants should therefore give considerable attention to:

Reading Comprehension
Main idea and central argument
Inference-based questions
Author's tone and viewpoint
Para Summary
Para Jumbles
Odd Sentence

DILR: Question Types Can Vary

DILR has been more variable in the last three CATs. Different slots have different combination of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning sets.Tables, graphs, arrangements, distributions, games and tournaments, and Venn diagrams have appeared in recent papers.

For CAT 2026, students should not prepare DILR based on only a few fixed topics. Instead, practice a variety of sets and focus on understanding the information given, identify the right approach, and select manageable sets during the exam.

QA: Arithmetic and Algebra Remain Important

Arithmetic has always been one of the most important areas in the QA section. It comprised around 41% of the QA in CAT 2023 and around 40.91% in CAT 2024. Algebra was another major strand in both years.

For CAT 2026, students should give priority to:

Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Number System
Modern Mathematics

However, the topic-wise distribution is not fixed. A higher weightage in previous years does not guarantee the same number of questions in CAT 2026.

How to Prepare for CAT Exam 2026 – Step-by-Step Plan

Use the CAT syllabus as a study map, not as a chapter booklet from IIM. Cover VARC, DILR and QA against the 40-minute sectional timer. Build concepts first, then move to timed sets and full mocks. Review every mock on the same day.

Step 1: Understand the CAT Syllabus and Categorize Topics

Begin with the CAT 2026 syllabus. VARC tests Reading Comprehension and verbal ability, not grammar as a separate paper. QA tests Class 9–12 maths in 40 minutes, not advanced mathematics.
List topics into three categories:
- Familiar: Topics you are confident about.
- Somewhat familiar: Topics that need more practice.
- Unfamiliar: New or difficult topics.

Step 2: Start with Unfamiliar Topics

Prioritise unfamiliar DILR set types and weak QA chapters so you have time to improve them.
Then move to somewhat familiar topics and revise the familiar ones.
Keep a daily RC slot from the start, even while you close other gaps.

Step 3: VARC Preparation Strategy

Reading Comprehension accounts for more than half of VARC, so begin RC practice early.
Read CAT-style passages from science, business, philosophy, history and current affairs.
After two or three passages, add para summary, para completion, para jumbles and odd sentence.
Learn vocabulary from the passages you have just read. Do not rely on a separate word list.
Use grammar only as support for reading and VA, not as the main VARC plan.

Step 4: DILR Preparation Strategy

Practise full DILR sets: tables, graphs, charts, arrangements, games, distribution and Venn.
Time each set and note which types you should leave.
Improve calculation speed with tables, squares, cubes and roots.
DILR is not formula-led. Accuracy comes from set practice and selection, not from isolated puzzles.

Step 5: Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Strategy

Build concepts in arithmetic and algebra first, then geometry, number system and modern maths.
Do not treat trigonometry as a core CAT chapter.
Practise formulae that recent papers actually use.
Move from easy to moderate to difficult questions under a timer.
Use mental calculation to save time. Protect accuracy because MCQs carry −1.

Step 6: Practice Mock Tests

After the basics are in place, take sectional tests and full mocks that follow three 40-minute sections.
Review the same day: errors, time lost, and sets you should have skipped.
Repeat only the types you keep missing.
Do not follow a rule of solving every question three times.

CAT Syllabus FAQs

Q. Does IIM release an official CAT Syllabus PDF?

A. No. The CAT Syllabus is not issued as a chapter list. IIM Indore’s CAT 2026 notice names three sections (VARC, DILR and QA) and the 40-minute limit. Topics come from recent papers.

Q. What are the three sections in the CAT Syllabus 2026?

A. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Recent papers had 24, 22 and 22 questions. Confirm the count in the official mock.

Q. What should I study first in the CAT Syllabus?

A. In VARC, Reading Comprehension (more than half the section). In DILR, mixed sets rather than one-mark puzzles. In QA, arithmetic and algebra, then geometry and numbers.

Q. Is grammar a separate part of the CAT Syllabus?

A. No. VARC is RC plus para summary, para completion, para jumbles and odd sentence. Grammar supports reading. It is not a standalone CAT chapter.

Q. Can I finish the CAT Syllabus with mocks only?

A. No. Mocks test the CAT Syllabus. They do not teach it. Build RC, set-solving and QA concepts first, then take 40-minute sectionals and full mocks.

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