CAT Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Topics & Complete Guide

CAT Syllabus 2026

The exam is scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026. Based on the recently released CAT pattern and question paper, we can expect a three-section exam comprising around 68 multiple choice questions (MCQ) and non-MCQs. Each section will be of 40 minutes. The number of questions in each section is as follows: VARC-24, DILR-22, QA-22.

Section	Major Topics	Question Type	Key skills required
VARC	Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence, Paragraph Completion	MCQs and TITA	Reading, comprehension, inference, verbal reasoning
DILR	Tables, charts, graphs, caselets, arrangements, puzzles, games and tournaments	MCQs and TITA	Data analysis, logic, deduction, set selection
QA	Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Mathematics	MCQs and TITA	Calculation, mathematical reasoning, problem-solving

 

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CAT VARC Syllabus 2026

VARC section consists of 24 questions in total and is generally skewed in favour of Reading Comprehension (RC) and Verbal Ability (VA). Traditionally, the RC section has the majority of the questions. For CAT 2025, there were 4 RC passages with 4 questions each, apart from VA questions which consisted of para summaries, paragraph completion, odd-sentence questions and para jumbles.

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Key VARC topics

• Reading Comprehension: This refers to understanding the main point and author’s opinion, making conclusions and inferring, understanding the author’s mood, ideas that support his/her opinion and applying this information in practice. 
• Para Jumbles: This requires candidates to arrange sentences in a logical sequence to form a coherent paragraph.
• Para Summary: One needs to select a choice that represents the most accurate description of a particular paragraph.
• Odd Sentence out: One has to determine which of the sentences does not belong to the group.
• Paragraph Completion: One has to find a sentence that helps to conclude a paragraph. 
• Vocabulary: One should know the vocabulary well enough (though all exams do not include a separate section on it).
• Grammar: A solid grasp of grammar and sentence construction is useful (yet in CAT, grammar is not examined as a separate question type)

The trend in the recent CAT papers suggests that the pattern of questions may not always remain similar. For example, Paragraph jumbles made a comeback in CAT 2025 after being absent in CAT 2024, and it would be unwise to ignore them while preparing for CAT 2026.

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CAT DILR Syllabus 2026

DILR is seen in the form of sets. Each set presents a different situation and contains a number of questions relevant to it. Usually, there are approximately 4 or 5 sets in all.

• Data Interpretation: You will face visual data, such as tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and combination graphs. You need to make sure that you have control over the calculation to answer percentage and ratio questions.
• Data Caselets: You are given a paragraph of information, which you need to put in the form of a table to answer the questions.
• Logical Reasoning: You get to see seating arrangement questions, selection and grouping questions, scheduling problems, tournaments, and ranking.
• Puzzles and Series: This includes number-letter puzzles, maps, games, and routes.
• Blood Relations: Although sometimes part of a set, blood relations is usually a small part of arrangement questions.

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Key concepts to know

• Tables and charts
• Caselets
• Venn diagrams
• Arrangements and grouping
• Games and tournaments
• Ranking and scheduling
• Data-based calculations involving ratios, percentages and averages

The focus should be on picking the right sets. Many aspirants lose marks by spending 15 minutes on a set which they would never get. So spend the first five or six minutes just scanning over all sets and starting with the ones that you can do.

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CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026

Although the QA section focuses on basic mathematical principles, its questions are designed to test a number of skills, including application of these principles, analytical skills and the ability to solve multi-step problems. 

Arithmetic:

• Usually the greatest portion.
• Percentages
• Profit and loss
• Simple and compound interest
• Ratio and proportion
• Averages
• Mixtures and alligations
• Time and work
• Time, speed, and distance

Algebra: This includes equations of both linear and quadratic types, inequalities, polynomial functions, logarithmic expressions, radical expressions, and exponents, and series. Algebra is the second most significant section of the syllabus. 

Number System: This section includes divisibility concepts, remainder concept and concepts of factors, highest common factor (HCF), lowest common multiple (LCM), base systems, and factorial Concept. In this type of question, it tests concepts rather than heavy calculations.

Geometry and mensuration: Understanding of triangles, circles, polygons, coordinates and area and volume of various entities. This is the most difficult part of the syllabus according to many candidates. 

Modern Mathematics: Questions include permutation, combination, probability and set theory. Permutation and combination, probability and set theory. The number of questions from these areas can vary across CAT papers. 

Arithmetic, algebra, number systems are the most important topics and if you have little time in hand then focus on them. Then go for geometry and modern math.

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CAT Syllabus: Topic-Wise Weightage

CAT does not give out a weightage chart. The below table has been derived from the pattern of previous CAT Question Papers and the distribution may change every year.

Section	Commonly asked topics	Frequently tested areas	Needs more practice
VARC	RC (about 16 questions), para jumbles, summary, odd one out	Inference and main-idea questions	Long, abstract passages; TITA para jumbles
DILR	Arrangements, tables, charts, caselets, games	Mixed format sets	Set selection, complex multi-variable puzzles
QA	Arithmetic, algebra, number system, geometry	Percentages, TSD, equations, remainders	Geometry, P&C, higher-level algebra

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CAT Syllabus 2026: Section Wise Preparation Strategy

• VARC: Read something everyday, be it editorials, essays or long articles. Do two or three reading comprehension passages and after each one, analyse why the incorrect options can be eliminated. This habit will improve your accuracy more than doing multiple RCs. Do regular practice of paragraph jumbles in small slots of time.
• DILR: Solve one or two sets daily with a timer and re-attempt them after some time even if you have solved them correctly the first time. Learn if there was a faster approach to any set. Learn to make appropriate tables and diagrams as this will save you time.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Understand concepts first and then solve problems based on them starting with easy questions and then moving on to tougher ones. Maintain a separate notebook for theorems, formulas, shortcuts and common errors. 

For all three sections

• Concept first: Do not jump into mock tests before mastering concepts.
• Practice daily: It is better to do one hour of regular practice than practice for four hours in one day.
• PYQs: Do previous year questions as they give you an idea about the CAT difficulty level and pattern.
• Mock tests and analysis: Give substantial time to mock analysis. Review incorrect answers, unanswered questions, time-consuming questions and avoidable errors. Take notes of silly mistakes, questions left, time taken etc.

How to Approach CAT Syllabus 2026?

For the approaching CAT exam, it is important to manage time well and to have a proper preparation strategy:

• Start with the basics. Before dealing with advanced questions, ensure that you comprehend and practice the fundamental principles of arithmetic, algebra, and number theory.
• Create a study schedule based on topics. Allocate your weeks according to subjects and specify the aim for every week. Also, make sure that you have a revision day every week.
• Identify your topics. Basic topics of the exam, such as reading comprehension, arithmetic, algebra, arrangement, and data interpretation, should be emphasized when choosing the topics.
• Practice consistently. Many short daily training sessions would allow you to stay in shape and practice all three sections of the exam.
• Identify your weak points. Track the topics where you make repeated mistakes and revise and practise them regularly.
• Revise every subject. What you studied at the beginning of the preparation period will be forgotten after a few weeks unless you go back to it.
• Take sectional tests and full-length mocks. Start with solving sectional tests before moving onto mocks.

Lastly, it should be noted that no one covers the syllabus perfectly. A good score comes from consistent practice, smart planning and steady improvement.

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Conclusion

The syllabus of the CAT 2026 examination can be divided into three sections, the VARC section, the DILR section and the QA section. You should focus on mastering the basic concepts of each of the sections and practice constantly with a lot of practice questions and also write mock tests to understand where you stand in terms of preparation. With proper planning for preparing, you will be able to achieve the score you aim for in the CAT exam quite easily. In order to assess your level of preparation, you can take CAT mock tests and evaluate how well you have done in different sections.