The much-needed mental endurance, temperament, and strong conceptual clarity to clear the CAT exam don’t just come from reading books, making notes, and memorising formulas. Instead, they come from understanding the pattern and mastering the entire CAT syllabus with attention to detail. In order to succeed in the exam, applicants are required to solve 68 questions in 120 minutes. All 68 questions are derived from three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), which constitute the entire CAT exam. Understanding and mastering the CAT exam syllabus can be the difference between succeeding and failing the exam. Let’s get into more details in the content below.
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CAT 2026 – Syllabus Main Highlights
The preparation journey for the CAT exam might be full of ups and downs. There might be days of self-confidence and hopelessness. But by understanding and knowing what the exam syllabus focuses on and what subjects are included in the question paper, you can practise and learn with confidence every single day. It is worth noting that Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) are the foundations of the CAT exam syllabus. Each section carries 24, 22, and 22 questions, respectively, making a total of 68 questions. Here are the main highlights of the CAT exam syllabus.
Syllabus Highlight | CAT 2026 Details |
Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
Major Sections | VARC, DILR and QA |
VARC | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
DILR | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
QA | Quantitative Aptitude |
Total Questions | 68 questions, based on the current CAT structure |
Total Exam Duration | 120 minutes |
Sectional Duration | 40 minutes for each section |
VARC Questions | 24 questions |
DILR Questions | 22 questions |
QA Questions | 22 questions |
VARC Major Topics | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence, Verbal Reasoning |
DILR Major Topics | Tables, Charts, Graphs, Caselets, Seating Arrangement, Distribution, Games and Tournaments, Networks |
QA Major Topics | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Mathematics |
Most Important VARC Area | Reading Comprehension |
Most Important DILR Skill | Set Selection and Logical Reasoning |
Important QA Area | Arithmetic and Algebra |
Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-in-the-Answer (TITA) questions |
Negative Marking | Generally applicable to incorrect MCQs; TITA questions generally have no negative marking |
Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult, with difficulty varying across sections and exam slots |
Syllabus Nature | IIMs do not generally prescribe a fixed chapter-wise syllabus; topics are identified from previous CAT papers and exam trends |
Preparation Focus | Conceptual clarity, speed, accuracy, previous-year questions, sectional tests and full-length mock tests |
Key Success Factor | Effective question selection, time management and consistent mock-test analysis |
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Complete Latest and Updated CAT Syllabus for MBA 2026
Success in the CAT exam demands quick analysis, fast problem-solving, instant decision-making, and razor-sharp focus. Hence, don’t just memorise formulas, concepts, and logic. That’s a recipe for confusion and failure in the actual exam. Instead, take time to get to the bottom of each topic and understand the foundational logic behind the concept. The syllabus of the exam is designed to evaluate students on parameters like reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, interpreting information, data interpretation, and mathematical assessment. Find below the complete overview of the CAT 2026 exam syllabus.
CAT Section | Major Area | Important Topics Covered | Questions | Time |
VARC | Reading Comprehension | Main Idea, Central Theme, Inference, Author's Viewpoint, Tone, Purpose, Fact-Based Questions, Vocabulary in Context | 16 | 40 Minutes |
VARC | Verbal Ability | Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Para Completion, Odd Sentence Out, Sentence Arrangement | 8 | 40 Minutes |
DILR | Data Interpretation | Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Mixed Graphs, Caselets, Data Comparison, Data Sufficiency, Ratio and Percentage-based DI | 11* | 40 Minutes |
DILR | Logical Reasoning | Arrangements, Grouping, Distribution, Puzzles, Games & Tournaments, Venn Diagrams, Networks, Ranking, Scheduling, Set-based Reasoning | 11* | 40 Minutes |
QA | Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixtures & Alligation, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Simple & Compound Interest | 8–10 | 40 Minutes |
QA | Algebra | Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithms, Algebraic Expressions, Progressions, Sequences & Series | 5–7 | 40 Minutes |
QA | Geometry & Mensuration | Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Lines & Angles, Coordinate Geometry, Areas, Volumes and Mensuration | 2–4 | 40 Minutes |
QA | Number System | Divisibility, Factors, Multiples, HCF, LCM, Remainders, Unit Digits, Number Properties, Surds and Indices | 1–3 | 40 Minutes |
QA | Modern Mathematics | Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory, Progressions and related concepts | 1–3 | 40 Minutes |
Total | Three Sections | VARC + DILR + QA | 68 | 120 Minutes |
Download the CAT Syllabus in PDF
Your decision to build a strong learning and practice foundation based on the CAT syllabus can set you up for success. And if you combine your preparation strategy with discipline, consistency, hard work, and frequent CAT Mock Tests, you can surely achieve your desired score and percentile. To help you prepare better and faster to cover the long and complex syllabus of the Common Admission Test (CAT), we have brought you the complete syllabus in PDF format, which you can download for free in just one simple click.
CAT Syllabus PDF | Topics Covered | Questions | Time | Remark |
Complete CAT Syllabus 2026 PDF | VARC + DILR + QA, including important sub-topics | 68 | 120 Minutes | Best for getting a complete overview of the CAT 2026 syllabus and creating an overall preparation plan |
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026 PDF | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out, Paragraph Completion | 24 | 40 Minutes | RC is the most important component; candidates should focus on reading speed, comprehension and inference |
CAT DILR Syllabus 2026 PDF | Tables, Charts, Graphs, Caselets, Arrangements, Grouping, Games & Tournaments, Networks, Venn Diagrams | 22 | 40 Minutes | Focus on set selection, logical reasoning, data analysis and solving sets within the sectional time limit |
CAT QA Syllabus 2026 PDF | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number System, Modern Mathematics | 22 | 40 Minutes | Arithmetic and Algebra are key areas; build strong concepts and improve calculation speed |
CAT Syllabus Topic-wise PDF | Detailed chapter-wise topics under VARC, DILR and QA | 68 | 120 Minutes | Useful as a preparation checklist to track completed, pending and revision topics |
CAT Syllabus with Weightage PDF | Section-wise and topic-wise question trends and approximate weightage | 68 | 120 Minutes | Helps aspirants prioritise high-frequency topics while planning preparation |
CAT exam sectional-wise syllabus and weightage
Understanding the sectional-wise syllabus and its weightage makes sense for all students who want to top the exam. The reason is that the sectional-wise weightage of the syllabus tells the whole story of the CAT exam, including key topics, subjects, and their importance. Scroll down to find a quick overview of the sectional-wise CAT syllabus.
CAT Section | Questions | Weightage | Major Topics |
VARC | 24 | ~35% | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence |
DILR | 22 | ~32% | Tables, Charts, Caselets, Arrangements, Games, Grouping, Networks |
QA | 22 | ~32% | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Mathematics |
Total | 68 | 100% | Three Sections |
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CAT VARC Syllabus – 24 Questions (40 Minutes)
VARC stands for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. With a total contribution of 24 questions to the CAT question paper every year, VARC constitutes the biggest section. It assesses the students’ ability to comprehend, analyse, and interpret written passages and language. Let’s break down the VARC syllabus in an easy-to-understand table.
VARC Area | Topics Covered | Expected Questions | Approx. Weightage |
Reading Comprehension (RC) | Main Idea, Central Theme, Inference, Author's Viewpoint, Tone, Purpose, Supporting Details, Fact-Based Questions, Vocabulary in Context | 16 | ~67% |
Para Summary | Identifying the Main Idea, Summarising Arguments, Eliminating Irrelevant Information | 3 | ~13% |
Para Jumbles | Sentence Arrangement, Logical Sequence, Connecting Ideas, Identifying Opening and Closing Sentences | 2–3 | ~8–13% |
Odd Sentence Out | Identifying the Irrelevant Sentence, Paragraph Coherence, Logical Flow | 2–3 | ~8–13% |
Total | Complete VARC Syllabus | 24 | 100% |
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CAT DILR Syllabus – 22 Questions (40 Minutes)
DILR is the short form of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. With a total contribution of 22 questions to the CAT question paper every year, the DILR section checks the foundational and critical knowledge of students in analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and decision-making skills under time pressure. Mentioned below are more details for your reference.
DILR Area | Topics Covered | Expected Questions | Approx. Weightage |
Data Interpretation (DI) | Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, Data Comparison, Missing Data, Data Sufficiency | 8–12 | ~36–55% |
Logical Reasoning (LR) | Seating Arrangement, Grouping, Distribution, Scheduling, Ranking, Ordering, Selection, Games & Tournaments | 8–12 | ~36–55% |
Caselet-Based Sets | Text-Based Data, Conditions, Constraints, Multiple Variables and Logical Deductions | 2–6 | ~9–27% |
Venn Diagrams & Set-Based Problems | Set Formation, Overlapping Groups, Classification and Distribution | 2–4 | ~9–18% |
Routes & Networks | Network-Based Problems, Routes, Connections and Path Analysis | 1–3 | ~5–14% |
Binary Logic & Conditional Reasoning | Yes/No Conditions, True/False Statements, Conditional Arrangements and Logical Deductions | 1–3 | ~5–14% |
Total | Complete DILR Syllabus | 22 | 100% |
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CAT QA Syllabus 2026 - 22 Questions (40 Minutes)
QA means Quantitative Aptitude. It evaluates the ability of students to solve numerical and mathematical challenges with speed and precision under the tight time limit of 40 minutes.
QA Area | Topics Covered | Expected Questions | Approx. Weightage |
Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixtures & Alligation, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Simple & Compound Interest | 8–10 | ~36–45% |
Algebra | Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Algebraic Expressions, Progressions, Logarithms, Indices & Surds | 5–7 | ~23–32% |
Geometry & Mensuration | Lines & Angles, Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Areas, Volumes and Mensuration | 3–4 | ~14–18% |
Number System | Divisibility, Factors & Multiples, HCF & LCM, Remainders, Unit Digits, Number Properties | 2–3 | ~9–14% |
Modern Mathematics | Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory and Basic Statistics | 1–3 | ~5–14% |
Total | Complete CAT QA Syllabus | 22 | 100% |
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