CAT Syllabus 2026 PDF: Complete Section-Wise Syllabus for VARC/DILR/QA

The CAT syllabus 2026 covers three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC, 24 questions), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR, 22 questions) and Quantitative Ability (QA, 22 questions). IIMs don't publish a chapter-wise syllabus, but past papers show QA follows Class 8–10 maths, VARC is mostly reading comprehension, and DILR tests sets and puzzles.

Section	Questions	Time	Key Topics
VARC	24	40 min	Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out
DILR	22	40 min	Tables, Charts, Caselets, Arrangements, Games & Tournaments, Scheduling
QA	22	40 min	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Maths
Total	68	120 min	+3 for correct answers, −1 for wrong MCQs, no negative marking for TITA

CAT 2026 is on 29 November, conducted by IIM Indore, about nine weeks away. That's not enough time to study every topic equally, and you don't need to. In recent papers, reading comprehension made up about two-thirds of VARC, and Arithmetic and Algebra together made up more than half of QA. Get those right first, then practise DILR sets under time pressure, because DILR is where most percentiles are won or lost. Below you'll find the full topic list, topic-wise weightage from recent papers and a free syllabus PDF

This article covers the complete CAT syllabus 2026, section-wise topics, important chapters, expected weightage, preparation tips, exam pattern and a practical study plan.

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CAT Exam Syllabus 2026: Quick Overview

Cat syllabus 2026 is broadly divided into three sections. Each section tests a different skill, so the preparation strategy should also be different.

As per CAT Exam Pattern, the paper has 68 questions and is conducted for 120 minutes. The paper includes MCQs and non-MCQs, commonly known as TITA questions. Correct answers carry 3 marks, while an incorrect MCQ generally attracts a 1 mark penalty.

MBA cat syllabus is designed to check aptitude rather than advanced subject knowledge. You need to understand concepts, apply them correctly and make quick decisions while solving questions.

Section	Questions	Time	Major Topics
VARC	24	40 Minutes	Reading Cobmprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out
DILR	22	40 Minutes	Data Interpretation, Puzzles, Arrangements, Logical Reasoning
QA	22	40 Minutes	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System

CAT Syllabus 2026 PDF Free Download  

Download Subject-wise CAT 2026 Syllabus PDFs

Subject wise Syllabus	PDF Links
CAT QA Syllabus	Download PDF
CAT DILR Syllabus	Download PDF
CAT VARC Syllabus	Download PDF

CAT Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Topics

The syllabus of CAT Exam can look lengthy when all the topics are listed together. However, it becomes easier to manage when divided into VARC, DILR and QA.

Candidates preparing according to the cat syllabus 2026 should first understand the basic topics in each section and then identify the chapters where they need more practice.

CAT VARC Syllabus 2026

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension is the first section of CAT syllabus. It mainly tests your reading ability, understanding of arguments and ability to arrange or summarise information.

Reading Comprehension has traditionally formed the larger part of this section. Verbal Ability includes questions based on paragraph structure and logical flow.

VARC Important Topics

• Reading Comprehension
• Para Jumbles
• Para Summary
• Odd Sentence Out
• Para Completion

Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension is one of the most important parts of CAT syllabus. Passages can be based on subjects such as history, science, economics, philosophy, technology, society and culture.

You are not expected to be an expert in these subjects. The questions are generally designed to test how well you understand the passage.

Questions may ask you to identify:

• The main idea
• The author's argument
• The tone of the passage
• An inference
• The purpose of a statement
• The meaning of a phrase
• The relationship between ideas

CAT DILR Syllabus 2026

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning form the second section of CAT syllabus. This section can feel unpredictable because the difficulty of the paper often depends on the sets that appear.

The DILR section contains 22 questions in the current pattern. These questions are generally presented through sets rather than as completely independent questions.

Important DILR Topics: The major areas include:

Data Interpretation

• Tables
• Bar Graphs
• Line Graphs
• Pie Charts
• Caselets
• Data Comparison
• Missing Data
• Charts
• Data-based puzzles

Logical Reasoning

• Seating Arrangement
• Linear Arrangement
• Circular Arrangement
• Distribution
• Selection
• Scheduling
• Ranking
• Games and Tournaments
• Team Formation
• Networks
• Routes and Directions
• Venn Diagrams
• Logical Puzzles

CAT syllabus for DILR does not require you to memorise a large number of formulas. Instead, you need to learn how to read information, organise it and find relationships between different conditions.

Why DILR Needs Regular Practice

DILR is not a section that can be mastered in a few days. You need to solve different types of sets regularly.

A set may initially appear difficult because of the amount of information given. However, once you represent the information correctly, the questions may become much easier.

This is why CAT previous year papers are useful for understanding the mba cat syllabus. They show you how the concepts are actually tested.

Set Selection in DILR

You do not have to solve every set in the exam.

One of the most useful DILR skills is knowing which set to attempt first. During the exam, spend a few minutes scanning the sets and identify those that look manageable.

Prefer sets where:

• The information is easy to understand.
• The conditions are clearly stated.
• You can find a starting point.
• The calculations are manageable.
• Multiple questions can be solved from the same information.

If a set is taking too long just to understand, move to another one.

CAT QA Syllabus 2026

Quantitative Ability is the third section of CAT exam syllabus. It tests mathematical concepts and your ability to apply them efficiently.

Most QA concepts are based on school-level mathematics. However, CAT questions are often designed in a way that requires more thinking than direct formula application.

Important QA Topics: The QA section of cat syllabus is divided into five areas:

Arithmetic

• Percentages
• Profit and Loss
• Simple Interest
• Compound Interest
• Ratio and Proportion
• Averages
• Mixtures and Alligation
• Time, Speed and Distance
• Time and Work
• Pipes and Cisterns

Algebra

• Linear Equations
• Quadratic Equations
• Inequalities
• Functions
• Progressions
• Algebraic Expressions
• Logarithms
• Surds and Indices
• Special Equations

Geometry and Mensuration

• Lines and Angles
• Triangles
• Circles
• Quadrilaterals
• Polygons
• Coordinate Geometry
• Area
• Volume
• Mensuration

Number System

• Number Properties
• Factors and Multiples
• HCF and LCM
• Divisibility
• Remainders
• Prime Numbers
• Units Digit
• Last Two Digits
• Base System

Modern Mathematics

• Set Theory
• Venn Diagrams
• Permutation and Combination
• Probability

Arithmetic and Algebra are particularly important areas to cover early. However, candidates should not completely ignore other topics because the exact mix of questions can change.

CAT 2026 Topic Priority: What to Study First (Based on Recent Trends)

Quick note: CAT doesn’t have an official topic-wise CAT exam syllabus PDF. The priority below is compiled from recent CAT patterns and topic-weightage trends so you can focus on the most recurring + high-return areas first.

1) VARC Priority (24 Questions): RC is the game

Topic	Typical Weightage	What to Practise
Reading Comprehension (RC)	~60–70%	Inference, tone, central idea, paragraph function, vocabulary-in-context
Para Summary	~10–15%	Main idea + elimination-based options
Para Completion / Odd Sentence Out	~5–10%	Logical flow + theme detection

2) DILR Priority (22 Questions): Sets decide your percentile

Topic	Typical Weightage	What to Practise
Puzzles & Arrangements	~50–60%	Linear/circular/grid sets, distribution, ranking, hybrid logic
Tables & Charts DI	~40–50%	Tabular DI, bar/line/pie, mixed chart sets, caselets
Games & Tournaments	~10–20%	Round-robin/knockout, points table logic

3) QA Priority (22 Questions): Arithmetic + Algebra first

Topic	Typical Weightage	What to Practise
Arithmetic	~35–50%	Percentages, ratios, TSD, time & work, averages, P&L, SI/CI, mixtures
Algebra	~25–35%	Equations, inequalities, functions, sequences & series, logs
Geometry & Mensuration	~10–15%	Triangles, circles, 2D/3D mensuration, coordinate basics
Number System + Modern Maths	~5–10% each	Divisibility/remainders + P&C/probability/sets basics

How to use this priority (simple rule)

• First 60% of prep time → RC + DILR sets + Arithmetic/Algebra (highest repeat zones).
• Next 30% → Geometry + DI chart variety + VA (summary/completion/odd one).
• Last 10% → low-frequency topics (but keep them warm with weekly mixed practice).

Why this matters: CAT moved back to 68 questions in recent years with DILR at 22 questions, so set-selection and high-yield topic mastery have become even more important.

Download Now: Complete DILR & VARC Study Plan [Free PDF]

CAT Syllabus 2026 Topic-Wise Weightage

There is no permanent chapter-wise weightage for CAT exam syllabus. The number of questions from a topic can change from one year or slot to another.

Still, CAT Previous Year Papers give candidates a useful idea about the areas that deserve more attention.

Section	Important Areas
VARC	Reading Comprehension, Para Summary, Para Jumbles
DILR	Arrangements, Puzzles, Tables, Graphs, Caselets
QA	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System

In recent trends, Reading Comprehension has made up the largest share of VARC, while Arithmetic and Algebra together account for a major portion of QA. DILR can have a mix of Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation sets.

Candidates should use these trends for prioritisation rather than treating them as fixed rules.

How to Prepare CAT Syllabus 2026?

CAT syllabus becomes much easier when you divide preparation into clear stages.

Step 1: Understand the Complete Syllabus

Before starting CAT Preparation, go through the cat syllabus 2026 and divide the topics into three categories:

• Strong topics
• Topics that need practice
• Topics that are completely new

This will help you decide where to spend more time.

Step 2: Build Your Basics

Start with the fundamentals.

For QA, understand the basic formulas and concepts.

For VARC, build a reading habit and start solving easy RCs.

For DILR, begin with simple sets and learn how to represent information.

Step 3: Practise Questions

Once the concepts are clear, solve questions regularly.

Do not focus only on the number of questions you solve. Check:

• Why did you make the mistake?
• Did you misunderstand the question?
• Was your method too long?
• Did you spend too much time?
• Could you have skipped the question?

Step 4: Solve Previous Year Questions

Previous year CAT questions are one of the best ways to understand the actual level of the CAT syllabus.

They help you identify recurring concepts and understand how familiar topics are presented in different ways.

Step 5: Start Taking Mocks

Mocks should become a regular part of preparation once you have covered a reasonable portion of the syllabus.

Initially, focus on accuracy. Later, work on speed, selection and time management.

Important Topics in CAT Syllabus 2026

If you have limited preparation time, start with the topics that have appeared frequently in previous CAT papers.

VARC

Reading Comprehension	Para Summary
Para Jumbles	Old Sentence
Para Completion	-

DILR

Tables	Seating Arrangement	Scheduling
Graphs	Distribution	Games and Tournaments
Caselets	Selection	Networds

QA

Percentages	Time and Work	Number System
Ratio and Proportion	Time, Speed and Distance	Probability
Averages	Algebra	Permutation & Combination
Profit and Loss	Geometry	-

These should form the core of your preparation, but the complete CAT Exam Syllabus should still be covered.

Common Mistakes While Preparing CAT 2026

Knowing the mba cat syllabus is only the first step. Many students lose valuable preparation time because of avoidable mistakes.

• Studying Without a Plan: Do not randomly pick chapters every day. Divide CAT syllabus into weekly targets.
• Ignoring Weak Areas: It is easy to keep studying your favourite section. But a strong overall score requires balanced preparation.
• Taking Mocks Too Early: Mocks are important but taking them without knowing the basics may not give you useful insights.
• Not Analysing Mocks: Your mock score is not the only thing that matters. The real benefit comes from understanding why you made mistakes.
• Trying to Solve Everything: CAT rewards smart decision-making. Spending five minutes on one difficult question can cost you several easier questions.
• Ignoring Previous Year Papers: PYQs give you a realistic understanding of the CAT exam syllabus and help you identify how concepts are tested.

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus [Free PDF Download]

CAT Syllabus and Previous Year Questions

CAT previous year questions are very important part of your exam preparation. They show you how the CAT exam syllabus is converted into actual exam questions.

PYQs help you understand:

1. Question difficulty
2. Common concepts
3. Question framing
4. Calculation requirements
5. Answer choices
6. Time required

Try solving topic-wise PYQs after completing individual chapters. Later, attempt complete papers under timed conditions.

CAT 2026 Preparation Tips

While preparing for CAT Exam, candidates are suggested to keep these points in mind.

• First understand the syllabus & then start your preparation.
• Strong your basics first.
• Practise regular on daily basis.
• Read regularly for VARC.
• Solve DILR sets consistently.
• Give extra attention to Arithmetic and Algebra.
• Revise formulas regularly.
• Practice CAT previous year questions
• Take sectional tests.
• Analyse every mock.
• Maintain an error log.
• Improve question selection.
• Do not spend too long on one question.
• Revise weak topics multiple times.

The goal is not just to finish CAT exam syllabus. You should reach a point where you can identify the right approach quickly and decide whether a question is worth attempting.

CAT Exam Pattern 2026

Knowing the CAT Exam Pattern along with CAT syllabus is important because CAT is not simply a test of knowledge. It is also a test of speed and decision-making.

Particular	Details
Exam Mode	Computer-Based Test
Total Questions	68
Total Duration	120 Minutes
VARC	24 Questions
DILR	22 Questions
QA	22 Questions
Time per Section	40 Minutes
Correct Answer	+3 Marks
Wrong MCQ	-1 Mark
TITA Wrong Answer	No Negative Marking

Candidates cannot freely move between the three sections. Once the 40-minute time limit for a section ends, the test moves forward.

This makes time management an important part of preparing for CAT exam syllabus.

Conclusion

The CAT exam syllabus becomes easier to manage when you divide it into three sections, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and prepare topic by topic. Use CAT previous year papers, sectional tests, and mock tests to track your progress, improve accuracy, and maintain an error log for repeated mistakes. Whether you’re starting out or revising for CAT 2026, use a reliable CAT syllabus PDF as a checklist and focus on consistent practice, speed, and question selection.