CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Syllabus

The Quantitative Aptitude section tests a candidate's mathematical and numerical ability. The IIMs do not release an official syllabus, so the topics below are derived from years of CAT past papers and trend analysis. 

Key Topics

1. Arithmetic: It is the single most heavily weighted area, accounting for nearly 40% of the questions — roughly 8–9 out of 22 questions. The important topics are as follows:

• Percentages
• Profit and Loss
• Ratio and Proportion
• Partnership Problems
• Mixture and Alligation
• Simple Interest & Compound Interest
• Time and Work | Pipe & Cistern | Chain Rule Problems
• Time, Speed and Distance | Train Problems | Boat & Stream Problems | Games & Races
• Averages

2. Algebra:

 It is the second most heavily weighted area, accounting for nearly 30% of the QA section — roughly 6–7 out of 22 questions. The important topics are as follows: 

• Function and Graph | Composite Functions | Domain and Range
• Quadratic Equation
• Progression
• Inequalities
• Logarithm
• Algebra Word problems

3. Number System:

  It is the thirds most heavily weighted area, accounting for nearly 10% of the QA section — roughly 2–3 out of 22 questions. The important topics are as follows: 

• The Concept of Last Digit
• Divisibility Rule
• Concept of Zeros
• Factors and Factorials
• Decimal and Fraction
• Surds and Indices
• HCF and LCM
• Problems on Numbers
• Problems on Ages
• Remainder Theorem

4. Geometry, Co- Ordinate Geometry, Basics of Trigonometry & Mensuration:

 It is a consistently tested area, accounting for nearly 14–15% of the QA section — roughly 3–4 out of 22 questions. The important topics are as follows

• Basics of Trigonometry
• Lines & Angles
• Area & Volume Problems – Quadrilaterals (Rectangle, Square, Rhombus), Cylinder, Cone, Sphere, Cuboid
• Triangles – Congruency, Similarity, Area, Pythagorean Triplets, various centres (Centroid, Incentre, Circumcentre, Orthocentre)
• Circle – Chords & Tangents, Angles in a Circle, Arc Length, Sector & Segment Area, Common Tangents, Circles Inscribed in/Circumscribing Polygons
• Polygons – Hexagon and Octagon
• Coordinate Geometry – Distance & Midpoint Formula, Section Formula, Slope of a Line, Equation of a Line, Area of a Triangle (using coordinates)

5. Modern Math: It is the smallest but high-scoring area, accounting for nearly 7–10% of the QA section — roughly 1–2 out of 22 questions. The important topics are as follows:

• Permutation and Combination
• Probability
• Sequences and Series

Aspirants are advised to build concept clarity starting from Class 6th–10th NCERT textbooks, maintain a formula sheet for regular revision, and practice full-length mocks to simulate real exam conditions.

CAT 2026 LRDI (Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation) Syllabus

The Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) section evaluates a candidate's ability to understand and analyze structured and unstructured data. This section is considered unpredictable and is often regarded as one of the more difficult sections of the CAT exam, typically presented as complex sets or caselets.

Key Topics

• Tables and Charts
• Games and Tournaments
• Scheduling
• Blood Relations
• Venn Diagrams and Hybrid Sets
• Puzzles and Seating Arrangements

Since LRDI questions are typically grouped into sets, accuracy and speed both play an important role. Candidates should focus on building strong fundamentals in Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, and Venn Diagrams, as these remain among the most frequently tested areas.

CAT 2026 VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) Syllabus

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is dominated by Reading Comprehension questions, which typically make up the majority of the section. Passages are commonly drawn from subjects such as culture, science, technology, philosophy, and economics.

Key Topics

• Reading Comprehension: Passages based on culture, science, technology, philosophy, and economics
• Verbal Ability:
  • Para Summary
  • Para Jumbles
  • Odd One Out / Sentence Exclusion
  • Sentence Placement
  • Vocabulary in Context

Aspirants should build a daily reading habit across newspapers, magazines, and books to strengthen comprehension. Practicing para-jumbles and odd-sentence-out questions without relying on options, and understanding transition words and connectors, helps build stronger analytical reading skills.

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Marks and Marking Scheme

CAT 2026 will be conducted as a computer-based test comprising three sections, each with a strict individual time limit of 40 minutes and restrictions on switching between sections. The exam totals 120 minutes and consists of 68 questions worth a maximum of 204 marks.

Section-Wise Breakdown

Marking Scheme

• Each question carries 3 marks.
• MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) carry a penalty of -1 mark for every wrong answer.
• TITA (Type-In-The-Answer) questions carry no negative marking, making them a safer attempt for candidates.
• PwD candidates are eligible for extra time of 53 minutes and 20 seconds per section.