CAT Syllabus 2026 remains largely unchanged from previous years, covering three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) do not release an official detailed syllabus PDF. Aspirants should prepare based on consistent past trends, with the expected CAT 2026 exam pattern consisting of 68 questions worth 204 marks to be solved in 120 minutes.
CAT Exam 2026 - What to Know
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s premier national-level entrance exam for admission into MBA and other postgraduate management programmes at the 21 Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1000 other top B-schools. Conducted annually as a computer-based test (CBT), CAT 2026 evaluates candidates on quantitative, verbal, and logical skills essential for management education.
No major changes are expected in the syllabus or pattern for 2026. The exam tests speed, accuracy, and conceptual clarity under sectional time limits. Official notification is expected in the last week of July 2026.
Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Total Questions | 68 (Expected) |
| Total Marks | 204 |
| Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes per section |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The expected CAT 2026 exam pattern is as follows:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration | Question Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 | 40 minutes | MCQ + TITA |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes | MCQ + TITA (Set-based) |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes | MCQ + TITA |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 120 minutes | - |
Marking Scheme:
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+3 marks for every correct answer
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-1 mark for incorrect MCQ
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0 marks for incorrect TITA or unattempted questions
No switching between sections is allowed due to the sectional time limit.
CAT Exam Subjects with Weightage
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VARC: 24 questions (72 marks) – approx. 36% weightage
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DILR: 22 questions (66 marks) – approx. 32% weightage
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QA: 22 questions (66 marks) – approx. 32% weightage
CAT Syllabus 2026 – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
VARC is often considered one of the most scoring yet tricky sections. It focuses on reading speed, comprehension, and English language usage.
Key Topics in CAT VARC Syllabus 2026:
- Reading Comprehension (RC) passages (Inference-based, factual, vocabulary-based)
- Parajumbles (Jumbled paragraphs)
- Odd Sentence Out
- Paragraph Summary / Completion
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Correction / Error Spotting
- Subject-Verb Agreement, Prepositions, Articles
- Idioms and Phrases, One-word Substitution
- Analogies, Antonyms-Synonyms
- Verbal Reasoning (Syllogisms, Critical Reasoning)
CAT Syllabus 2026 – Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR tests your ability to analyze data sets and solve logical puzzles quickly. Questions usually appear in sets of 4–6.
Key Topics in CAT DILR Syllabus 2026:
- Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables
- Caselets and Data Sets
- Venn Diagrams
- Seating Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Matrix)
- Blood Relations, Family Tree
- Direction Sense, Clocks & Calendars
- Binary Logic, Syllogisms
- Coding-Decoding, Puzzles
- Data Sufficiency
- Series and Propositions
CAT Syllabus 2026 – Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
QA evaluates mathematical and numerical ability. Arithmetic and Algebra dominate this section.
Key Topics in CAT QA Syllabus 2026:
- Number System (HCF-LCM, Remainders, Surds & Indices)
- Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, SI-CI, Ratios, Time-Speed-Distance, Work & Time, Averages, Mixtures)
- Algebra (Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations, Inequalities, Logarithms, Functions)
- Geometry & Mensuration (Triangles, Circles, Polygons, 3D Figures)
- Modern Math (Probability, Permutations & Combinations, Set Theory)
- Trigonometry, Binomial Theorem
Preparation Tips for VARC Section
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Read high-quality newspapers (The Hindu, Economic Times) and editorials daily to improve reading speed and comprehension.
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Practice at least 2-3 RC passages every day and focus on understanding the author’s tone and main idea.
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Solve previous year CAT para-jumbles and odd sentence questions regularly.
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Maintain a vocabulary notebook and learn 10-15 new words daily with usage examples.
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Take sectional mocks and analyze errors in inference-based questions.
Preparation Tips for DILR Section
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Practice different types of sets daily -start with easy tables and graphs, then move to complex puzzles.
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Learn quick calculation techniques for DI sets involving percentages and ratios.
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Solve at least one full DILR set from previous CAT papers every day.
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Focus on logical reasoning puzzles like seating arrangements and blood relations without relying on formulas.
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Improve selection skills -identify and attempt easier sets first during the exam.
Preparation Tips for QA Section
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Build strong conceptual clarity in Arithmetic and Algebra as they dominate the section.
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Create a formula sheet and revise it daily for quick recall.
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Practice mental math and approximation techniques to save time.
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Solve topic-wise questions followed by mixed sectional tests.
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Analyze mock tests thoroughly and rework all incorrect questions to avoid repeating mistakes.
