The IIM Indore is expected to conduct the CAT 2026 exam and will likely release the detailed CAT syllabus along with the official notification in July 2026.

The CAT Syllabus will have 3 main sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

The CAT 2026 exam is expected to follow a similar pattern to the CAT 2025.

A total of 68 questions will be divided into 3 sections in 120 minutes, with a 40-minute strict sectional limit.

Over the last 5 years, Arithmetic and Algebra have contributed to 45–50% of QA questions, while Reading Comprehension forms about 70% of the VARC section.

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CAT Syllabus 2026

What is the Syllabus for CAT Exam 2026?

The CAT syllabus refers to the list of topics and skills tested in the CAT exam for admission to MBA and PGDM programs at IIMs and other top B-schools in India. The exam tests analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and reading comprehension skills.

The CAT Syllabus will be divided into 3 sections:

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Overview of the CAT Exam Pattern

  • It is a computer-based test of 3 hours.
  • The question paper consists of 100 questions divided into 3 sections.
  • Every section is allocated a time of 40 mins each.
  • The switching of sections is not allowed. But switching of questions within a section is allowed.
  • Each section consists of TITA (Type in the answer) questions and MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions).
  • No negative marking for TITA questions but -1 negative marking for each wrong answer in MCQs.

CAT Syllabus 2026

The CAT exam is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management for admission to MBA and PGDM programs in top B-schools such as IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta.

Based on the recent pattern (CAT 2025 reference), the exam consists of three sections with 40 minutes each.

Section Questions Marks Time
VARC 24 72 40 minutes
LRDI 22 66 40 minutes
Quantitative Ability 22 66 40 minutes
Total 68 204 120 minutes

Quantitative Ability (QA) Syllabus

The Quant section tests basic mathematics concepts up to Class 10 level but with higher logical complexity.

  • Algebra contributes 30–32% of Quant questions.
  • Quadratic equations and inequalities are among the most frequently asked problems.
Topic Key Sub-topics Approx. Number of Questions Weightage (%)
Arithmetic Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Ratio & Proportion, Mixtures & Alligations, Time-Speed-Distance (TSD), Time & Work 8–10 ~40%
Algebra Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions (AP/GP), Logarithms 6–8 ~30%
Geometry & Mensuration Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration (2D & 3D) 3–5 ~20%
Number System Divisibility, HCF & LCM, Remainders, Base Systems, Factors, Unit Digits 2–4 ~10%
Modern Mathematics Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory, Basic Statistics 2–3 ~10%

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) Syllabus

The VARC Section tests the verbal and reading ability of the students. As per the previous years' exam, the candidates have faced long and complex questions from this section, especially in Reading Comprehension.

  • Reading Comprehension (RC) dominates VARC, contributing 65–70% weightage with around 16 questions.
  • The remaining 30–35% comes from Verbal Ability topics, which have low individual weightage but together impact the overall score.
Topic Key Sub-topics Approx. Number of Questions Weightage (%)
Reading Comprehension Philosophy, Economics, Sociology, Science, Abstract Passages 16 ~65–70%
Para Jumbles Sentence Arrangement (TITA-based questions common) 2–3 ~10%
Para Summary Identifying the correct summary of a paragraph 2–3 ~10%
Odd One Out Identify the irrelevant sentence in the paragraph 2–3 ~10%
Para Completion Fill missing sentence logically in the paragraph 1–2 ~5%

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) Syllabus

The DILR section tests the analytical and logical thinking ability of the students. In CAT 2025, this section was considered one of the most unpredictable, with a mix of data-based and logic-driven sets that require careful selection and time management.

  • Logical Reasoning (LR) and Data Interpretation (DI) have a balanced weightage, each contributing around 40–50% with 8–10 questions.
  • Mixed LRDI sets form about 20% of the section (4–6 questions), combining both logic and data interpretation.
Topic Key Sub-topics Approx. Number of Questions Weightage (%)
Logical Reasoning Seating Arrangement, Scheduling, Games & Tournaments, Arrangements, Binary Logic 8–10 ~40–50%
Data Interpretation Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Caselets 8–10 ~40–50%
Mixed Sets (LRDI) Combination of LR + DI puzzles 4–6 ~20%
Advanced Puzzles Routes & Networks, Venn Diagrams, Distribution, Hybrid Sets 2–4 Included above

CAT 2025 DILR Slot-wise Topic & Question Distribution

CAT 2025 DILR showed clear slot-wise variation, with each slot having around 20- 22 questions across 4- 5 sets.

  • Slot 1 was LR-heavy, with nearly 60–65% sets from arrangements and puzzles, leading to lower attempts around 10-12 questions.
  • Slot 2 was balanced; it had caselets and graphs, allowing slightly higher attempts of 12-14 questions.
  • Slot 3 focused on integrated DI-LR sets, with ~60% mixed caselets and table-based DI, making it conceptually tougher.

Overall, the section emphasized hybrid sets and accuracy around 80–85% over attempts.

CAT 2025 Slot 1 (DILR)

Set No. Topic Sub-topic / Type Description No. of Questions
1 Logical Reasoning Circular Arrangement + Movement 4 people moving chairs with conditions across turns 4
2 Logical Reasoning Games & Tournaments / Group Switching Employee promotion/demotion across quarters with ratings 5
3 Data Interpretation Charts (Radar + Bar) + Trade Tariffs, imports, exports, trade surplus/deficit 4
4 Data Interpretation Caselet (Train Seating) Seat occupancy, segments, booking constraints 5
5 Logical Reasoning Puzzle (Taps/Responses) Coding of responses (Yes/No/Maybe) with constraints 4

Source - CAT 2025 DILR Slot 1 Question Paper

CAT 2025 Slot 2 (DILR)

Set No. Topic Sub-topic / Type Description No. of Questions
1 Logical Reasoning Arrangement / Ordering Balls & hoops (size comparison via conditions) 4
2 Data Interpretation Caselet (Weighted Average) Pollution Index with cities & NUR 5
3 Data Interpretation Charts (Bar/Line) Research papers by authors (multi-variable analysis) 4
4 Data Interpretation Graph Analysis Sustainability Index across years (growth rates) 4
5 Logical Reasoning Scheduling Puzzle Guru–student timeline with overlaps 5

Source - CAT 2025 DILR Slot 2 Question Paper

CAT 2025 Slot 3 (DILR)

Set No. Topic Sub-topic / Type Description No. of Questions
1 Data Interpretation + LR Table + Missing Data Call records between friends (matrix-based puzzle) 4
2 Logical Reasoning Caselet + Currency/Travel Multi-variable puzzle (countries, currency, travel cost) 5
3 Data Interpretation Charts (Progress Tracking) Puzzle-solving competition (time vs puzzles) 4
4 Logical Reasoning Circular Arrangement + Passing Passing object in a circle with rules 4
5 Data Interpretation Caselet (Trade & Economics) Trade balance, normalized trade, exports/imports 5

Source - CAT 2025 DILR Slot 3 Question Paper

CAT 2025 VARC Slot-wise Topic & Question Distribution

CAT 2025 VARC was RC-dominated across all slots, with 16–17 questions (~67–70%) out of 24questions.

  • Slot 1 focused on abstract, theory-heavy passages,
  • Slot 2 emphasized science and tech-based RCs with a strong inference focus.
  • Slot 3 featured inference-heavy RC along with logic-driven VA (para jumbles, insertion). Overall, inference-based questions were the most frequent.

CAT 2025 Slot 1 VARC

Section Type Topic No. of Questions Question Type
Reading Comprehension (RC) Electronic Music & Aesthetics 4 MCQ
Complex Systems, Contagion & Markets 4 MCQ
Insanity, Law & Alienists 4 MCQ
Income Inequality & Economic Growth 4 MCQ
Verbal Ability (VA) Para Jumbles (4 sentences) 2 TITA
Para Jumbles (5 sentences – odd one out) 2 TITA
Para Summary 2 MCQ
Sentence Insertion 2 MCQ

Source - CAT 2025 VARC Slot 1 Question Paper

CAT 2025 Slot 2 VARC

Section Type Topic No. of Questions Question Type
Reading Comprehension (RC) Humans & Biodiversity 1 MCQ (Summary-based)
Literary Geography & Interdisciplinary Studies 4 MCQ
AI, Big Tech & Bias 4 MCQ
Cavefish Evolution & Adaptation 4 MCQ
Science & Instrumentation (Astronomy vs Biology) 4 MCQ
Verbal Ability (VA) Para Summary 3 MCQ
Para Jumbles (4 sentences) 2 TITA
Odd One Out (5 sentences) 2 TITA
Sentence Insertion 2 MCQ

Source - CAT 2025 VARC Slot 2 Question Paper

CAT 2025 Slot 3 VARC

Section Type Topic No. of Questions Question Types
Reading Comprehension (RC) Artificial Intelligence & Ethics 4 Inference, Summary, Assumption, Vocabulary
Forest Act & Colonial Policy 4 Inference, Main Idea, Critical Reasoning
Dams & Environmental Impact 4 Vocabulary, Inference, Author’s Argument
Tribal Imagination & Art 4 Inference, Conceptual Questions
Memory & Philosophy 1 Summary
Verbal Ability (VA) Para Insertion 2 Sentence Placement
Para Jumble 2 Sentence Sequencing
Odd Sentence Out 2 Odd Sentence Identification
Summary Questions 2 Passage Summary

Source - CAT 2025 VARC Slot 3 Question Paper

CAT 2025 QA Slot-wise Topic & Question Distribution

CAT 2025 QA was dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra across all slots (~70–80% weightage) with 22–23 questions each.

  • Slot 1 was Arithmetic-heavy (~45–50%), Slot 2 was more balanced between Arithmetic and Algebra (~40–45% each).
  • Slot 3 was more diverse and concept-driven with mixed/advanced questions (~18%), making it slightly tougher overall.

CAT 2025 Slot 1 QA

Topic Key Sub-topics No. of Questions Weightage (%)
Arithmetic Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Ratio & Mixtures, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work 10–11 ~45–50%
Algebra Linear & Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Exponents, Functions, Inequalities 6–7 ~27–32%
Geometry & Mensuration Circles, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration (Rhombus), Chords 3–4 ~14–18%
Modern Mathematics Permutation & Combination, Inequalities (Integer solutions) 2 ~9%
Number System Digits, Factors, Series (Patterns) 2–3 ~9–11%
Total 22 100%

Source - CAT 2025 QA Slot 1 Question Paper

CAT 2025 Slot 2 (QA)

Topic Key Sub-topics No. of Questions Weightage (%)
Arithmetic Ratio, Averages, Percentages, Profit & Loss, CI, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Mixtures 9–10 ~40–45%
Algebra GP, Logarithms, Exponents, Functions, Modulus, Quadratics, Equations, Minimization 8–9 ~36–41%
Geometry & Mensuration Circles (Tangents), Polygons, Triangles 4–5 ~18–23%
Number System Divisors, Powers, Digits 2–3 ~9–11%
Total 22–23 100%

Source - CAT 2025 QA Slot 2 Question Paper

CAT 2025 Slot 3 QA

Topic Key Sub-topics No. of Questions Weightage (%)
Arithmetic Ratio & Mixtures, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, Averages 7 ~32%
Algebra Logarithms, Functions, Inequalities, Algebraic Expressions, Equations 4 ~18%
Geometry & Mensuration Triangles, Circles, Trapezium, Properties of Geometry 3 ~14%
Number System Digits, Divisibility, Powers, Base Concepts 2 ~9%
Modern Mathematics Set Theory, AP/Series, P&C/Probability 2 ~9%
Mixed / Advanced (Number + Algebra + Logic) Exponents, Number Logic, Multi-concept Problems 4 ~18%
Total 22 100%

Source - CAT 2025 QA Slot 3 Question Paper

CAT Syllabus 2026 Preparation Strategy

If there’s one thing every CAT topper agrees on, it’s this: CAT is not about solving everything, it’s about solving the right questions with the right strategy.

Based on recent trends and experts analysis, even in a slightly tougher paper, 30–33 correct questions out of 68 can get you a 95–99th percentile. That’s less than 50% accuracy.

CAT 9-Month Phase-Wise Plan to Target 99 Percentile

You can prepare well for the CAT 2026 Exam in 9 months with a full, detailed, and strategic approach.

CAT 9-Month Phase-Wise Plan to Target 99 Percentile

Step 1: Foundation Building (Month 1–3)

  • A strong foundation is crucial; it includes NCERT books from classes 8-10 and coaching materials such as CAT King Family’s LOD (Level of Difficulty) books.
  • Foundation topics include formulas, geometry, arithmetic, algebra, number systems, coordinate geometry, permutations, combinations, and probability.
  • This foundational phase is expected to take about 3 months.

Step 2: Speed & Shortcut Mastery (Month 4–6)

  • The next 3 months focus on learning shortcuts to solve questions faster, as the CAT exam has strict time limits: 3 sections of 40 minutes each.
  • Without shortcuts, solving the paper within the time frame is not feasible.

Step 3: Mock Tests & Performance Optimization (Months 7–9)

  • The last 3 months involve taking mock tests, refining shortcuts, and focusing on important and scoring topics.
  • The speaker stresses honesty and realism: even toppers solve around 50% of the paper, with 30 questions out of 68 often enough to score 90-99 percentile.

CAT 2026 Subject-wise Preparation

CAT 2026 Recommended Books

The following Books are recommended by 

@catking To prepare for the CAT 2026, you only require 2–3 good books per section, along with deep practice. Most books take you from beginner to advanced, so you don’t need too many resources

  • Quant: Start with basics (NCERT, R.S. Aggarwal), then move to concept building (Arun Sharma), and finally advanced problems & shortcuts (Sarvesh Verma)
  • VARC: Focus more on reading and understanding, not mugging; books like Word Power Made Easy help, but RC practice is more important
  • DILR: Fewer books are enough, but consistent practice of different sets is the key

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Book Name Author Level Best For
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Arun Sharma Beginner → Advanced Concept building + practice
Quantum CAT Sarvesh Verma Advanced Shortcuts & high-level problems
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Nishit Sinha Beginner → Intermediate Concept clarity + structured learning
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations R.S. Aggarwal Beginner Basics & practice
NCERT Mathematics Class 6-10 NCERT Beginner Basic maths foundation
CAT 2026 Recommended Books

VARC (Verbal Ability & RC)

Book Name Author Level Best For
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Beginner → Advanced RC + VA complete prep
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT Nishit Sinha Intermediate RC practice + reasoning
Word Power Made Easy Norman Lewis Beginner Vocabulary building
High School English Grammar and Composition Wren & Martin Beginner Grammar basics
The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Nishit Sinha Advanced RC + critical reasoning
CAT 2026 Recommended Books

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

Book Name Author Level Best For
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT Arun Sharma Beginner → Advanced DI + LR fundamentals
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT Nishit Sinha Intermediate → Advanced CAT-level sets
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning R.S. Aggarwal Beginner Basic reasoning
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency Ananta Ashisha Intermediate DI practice
CAT 2026 Recommended Books

CAT 2026 Mock Test

The mock tests play an important role in the preparation for the CAT exam. It provides you with the real time simulation of the exam.

  • In the first 3 months (0–2 mocks), the focus is on building concepts, so mocks are not very important at this stage.
  • In the next 3 months (around 10–12 mocks), mocks help in improving speed, accuracy, and understanding the exam pattern.
  • In the last 3 months (20–30 mocks), most of the practice happens, making it the most important phase.

Overall, taking 30–40 mocks is ideal for achieving a 99th percentile.

Ideal CAT Mock Test Plan for 99 Percentile

Preparation Phase Duration Mock Frequency Total Mocks in Phase Purpose of Mocks
Foundation Building First 3 months 0–2 (optional) 0–2 Concept clarity, no heavy focus on mocks
Shortcut Learning Next 3 months 1 mock per week ~10–12 Build speed & basic exam strategy
Mock & Refinement Phase Last 3 months 2–3 mocks per week ~20–30 Full exam simulation & performance tuning
Total (Overall) 9 months 30–40 mocks (ideal) Required range for 99 percentile readiness

CAT Subject-wise Mock Test

Subjects Mock Test Link
CAT QA Mock Test Take Test
CAT VARC Mock Test Take Test
CAT DILR Mock Test Take Tes

Also Check: CAT Mock Test 2026: Free Mock Test Series, Topic, Sectional, Full CAT Mock Tests

CAT Previous Year Exam Analysis (2025-2022)

The CAT Previous years Question Papers analysis shows clear and consistent trends across sections. In CAT 2025, there was a change in the exam pattern; 2 questions were added in the DILR section, making it a total of 22 questions in DILR from 20.

CAT QA Section analysis

Arithmetic has the highest weightage with 7–8 questions, followed by Algebra (5–8 questions). Geometry, Number System, and Modern Math have lower but consistent presence.

Slot Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Number System Modern Maths Total
CAT 2025 Slot 1 8 5 3 3 3 22
CAT 2025 Slot 2 8 8 3 3 0 22
CAT 2025 Slot 3 7 4 3 4 4 22
CAT 2024 Slot 1 8 5 3 3 3 22
CAT 2024 Slot 2 7 7 4 2 2 22
CAT 2024 Slot 3 8 6 3 2 3 22
CAT 2023 Slot 1 8 6 2 4 2 22
CAT 2023 Slot 2 6 8 3 3 2 22
CAT 2023 Slot 3 8 6 3 2 3 22
CAT 2022 Slot 1 8 6 3 2 3 22
CAT 2022 Slot 2 7 7 4 2 2 22
CAT 2022 Slot 3 7 7 4 2 2 22
CAT Previous Year Exam Analysis (2025-2022)

CAT VARC Section analysis

Reading Comprehension dominates with 65–70% weightage with 16 questions out of 24, while other topics like Para Jumbles and Summary vary each year.

Year and Slot RC Para Jumbles Para Completion Summary Odd Sentence Total
2025 Slot 1 16 2 2 2 2 24
2025 Slot 2 16 2 2 2 2 24
2025 Slot 3 16 2 2 2 2 24
2024 Slot 1 16 0 3 3 2 24
2024 Slot 2 16 0 3 3 2 24
2024 Slot 3 16 0 3 3 2 24
2023 Slot 1 16 2 2 2 2 24
2023 Slot 2 16 2 2 2 2 24
2023 Slot 3 16 2 2 2 2 24
2022 Slot 1 16 3 3 2 0 24
2022 Slot 2 16 3 3 2 0 24
2022 Slot 3 16 3 3 2 0 24
CAT Previous Year Exam Analysis (2025-2022)

CAT DILR Section analysis

Calculation-based sets carry the most weight (~8 questions), followed by puzzles and reasoning. Total questions increased from 20 to 22 in 2025, indicating a slight rise in difficulty.

Slot Calculation Based Reasoning Based Puzzle Based Arrangement Based Total
CAT 2025Slot 1 8 6 4 4 22
CAT 2025Slot 2 8 6 4 4 22
CAT 2025Slot 3 8 6 4 4 22
CAT 2024 Slot 1 8 5 4 3 20
CAT 2024 Slot 2 8 5 3 4 20
CAT 2024 Slot 3 8 5 4 3 20
CAT 2023 Slot 1 8 5 4 3 20
CAT 2023Slot 2 8 5 3 4 20
CAT 2023Slot 3 8 5 4 3 20
CAT 2022Slot 1 8 5 4 3 20
CAT 2022 Slot 2 8 5 3 4 20
CAT 2022 Slot 3 8 5 4 3 20
CAT Previous Year Exam Analysis (2025-2022)

CAT Syllabus 2026 FAQs

Ques. Can I clear my CAT in 1 month?

Ans. Yes, you can clear the CAT in 1 month, but scoring a very high percentile like 99+ is challenging, unless you already have a strong basics. With a limited time, your focus should be on the smart strategy rather than completing the whole syllabus.

  • VARC: In the VARC section solve on atleast 2 RCs as it contributes around 65-70% weightage and 5-8 questions from topics like Para Summary, Para Summary and Odd one Out.
  • QA: In quants section focus on solving atleast 20-25 questions from Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work) and Algebra (Equations, Inequalities).
  • DILR: Focus DI (Tables, Bar Graphs) and LR (Seating Arrangement, Puzzles) atleast 2 sets daily each and try to solve 8-10 questions.

Ques. What marks is 99.9 percentile in cat?

Ans. To score 99.9 percentile in CAT, you typically need around 95–110 marks out of 204, depending on exam difficulty.

Scoring 99.9 percentile means that you are in top 0.1% candidates, which can get you admission into top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta.

Ques. Which IIM will prepare CAT 2026?

Ans. The CAT 2026 is expected to conduct and prepare by the IIM Indore, which is likely to be conducted on 29 November 2026.

The CAT exam is conducted on the rotational basis by the older IIMs. As per the previous years trends, IIM Lucknow conducted it in 2023, IIM Calcutta in 2024, and IIM Kozhikode in 2025, setting the stage for IIM Indore in 2026.