Quick Facts

• IIMs do not issue any official syllabus for CAT exam.
• CAT Syllabus is divided into three sections VARC, DILR and QA.

CAT Syllabus 2026 - At a Glance

• Sections in Exam: 3 (VARC, DILR, QA)
• Total Questions: 66-70 (MCQs + Non-MCQs, as per past trends)
• Sectional Time Limit: 40 minutes each (120 minutes overall)
• Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect MCQ, no negative for non-MCQ
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to high (focus on RC & Arithmetic-heavy QA). You can explore more by visiting CAT Exam 2026

CAT 2026 being only a few months away, the preparation must begin with a clear understanding of the syllabus. It outlines the topics and question types for one of India’s most competitive MBA entrance exams.

While the IIMs do not release an official syllabus, it is based on the exam trends and question patterns from previous years. CAT syllabus consists of three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

These sections collectively assess aptitude, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills. A well-structured study plan that prioritizes high-weightage topics and builds conceptual clarity is essential for maximizing performance in the exam.

What Are the Key Highlights of the CAT 2026 Syllabus?

Aspirants must remember CAT exam is not just about subject knowledge, it also tests how well candidates perform under pressure. Each section is required to be completed within 40 minutes, making time management a key factor in success. Reading CAT exam pattern will give you a clearer picture on this.

You can go through the following table summarizing the key highlights of CAT syllabus 2026:

Download Section-wise CAT Syllabus PDF

CAT 2026 preparation becomes more systematic with the availability of a detailed CAT syllabus PDF. Designed on the basis of past exam patterns and trends, this syllabus offers a clear breakdown of topics and subtopics across all three sections - QA, VARC, and DILR.

The PDF provides candidates with a well-structured roadmap to focus on key areas, plan their study schedule, and practice efficiently. To begin your preparation, simply download the CAT 2026 syllabus PDF from the links provided in the table below.

What Does the CAT 2026 Syllabus Include? 

A clear understanding of the syllabus is crucial for students preparing to crack the CAT 2026 exam. The following sections explain the well-structured approach to ensure better preparation, increasing familiarity with key subjects and topics for the CAT 2026 aspirants.

What Is the Section-wise CAT 2026 Syllabus?

CAT 2026 exam consists of three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. The VARC section focuses on reading comprehension passages, grammar, vocabulary, and para-based questions like para jumbles and para summaries.

DILR includes data interpretation sets like bar graphs, tables, and pie charts, along with logical reasoning problems such as seating arrangements, puzzles, and series.

The QA section tests arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and modern math, with a strong emphasis on conceptual clarity and speed.

CAT VARC Syllabus 2026

For CAT 2026, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section generally includes 24 questions. The majority of these are from Reading Comprehension, while the remaining come from Verbal Ability topics such as Para Jumbles and Para Summary. Reading Comprehension usually carries about 24-25% weightage, whereas Verbal Ability contributes around 10-12% of the total section.

Below is the topic-wise distribution of questions in the CAT 2024 VARC section:

Expert Tips on CAT VARC Syllabus

Check the following list of key tips for CAT VARC preparation:

• Build a daily reading habit from diverse sources
• Practice both RC and VA questions consistently
• Analyse mistakes from mock tests
• Time yourself to improve speed and accuracy
• Attempt VA first (if it suits you)
• Avoid getting stuck on difficult questions

CAT DILR Syllabus 2026

You may check the details of DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section for CAT 2026 as presented in the following section. It highlights that this section will consist of 20 questions worth 60 marks, contributing about 32% to the total exam score. The section will include 4 sets of questions to be attempted within 40 minutes. The two main focus areas are Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.

The following is the list of key Topics in DILR:

• Arrangements
• Games & Tournaments
• Set Theory
• Logical Sequences
• Tables, Charts, and Graphs
• Venn Diagrams
• Puzzle-based problems
• Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts)

Expert Tips on CAT DILR Syllabus

Check the following list of key tips to prepare for CAT DILR preparation:

• Practice a wide variety of DI & LR question types
• Take regular mock tests and analyse performance
• Strengthen conceptual basics in DI and LR
• Improve reading speed for quicker set comprehension
• Develop time management to select the right sets
• Maintain a calm and focused mindset during the exam

CAT QA Syllabus 2026

In CAT 2026, the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section will account for about 34% of the total weightage. You can expect most questions to come from Arithmetic (averages, percentages, profit and loss, etc.) and Algebra (equations, functions, progressions). Since Arithmetic usually carries the highest weight within QA, you should prioritize it as a key focus area during your preparation.

The QA section covers a wide range of topics studied in school-level mathematics. Mastering this section requires consistent practice and a clear understanding of fundamental concepts.

Check the following table for CAT QA Syllabus 2026:

Expert Tips on CAT QA Syllabus

Following is the list of some key points to prepare for CAT QA section:

• Build a strong foundation in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems
• Practice regularly with a mix of easy, moderate, and tough problems
• Revise formulas, shortcuts, and key concepts frequently
• Analyse mock tests to identify weak areas and improve accuracy
• Prioritize high-weightage topics to optimize preparation
• Manage time by attempting easier questions first before moving to tougher ones

What Is the CAT 2026 Exam Pattern?

Clear knowledge of the CAT 2026 exam pattern is essential for aspirants aiming to succeed. CAT 2026 will consist of MCQ and non-MCQ questions across three sections.

You should delve deeper into the CAT exam pattern of upcoming CAT 2026, as a part of your CAT exam preparation strategy.

Which Are the Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation?

You may refer to the following list of books for CAT 2026 covering all three sections – VARC, DILR, and QA. These books focus on concept clarity, practice, and exam-level questions.

Standard resources like Arun Sharma, Gautam Puri, R.S. Aggarwal, and NCERT Mathematics (Class 6–10) are widely recommended for systematic preparation. Also, referring to past CAT papers and reliable guides helps aspirants build accuracy and speed for the exam.

Key Takeaways for CAT 2026 Candidates

Priority Topics:

• QA: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems
• VARC: Reading Comprehension (RC), Para-based questions
• DILR: Puzzles, Data Interpretation, Arrangement sets

Key Exam Trends:

• Rise in Type In The Answer (TITA) questions
• Reduced test duration to 2 hours 40 minutes
• Dynamic difficulty level (one section usually tougher than others)