The CAT exam syllabus 2026 is one of the most misunderstood aspects of CAT preparation. Unlike board or university exams, CAT does not publish an official syllabus, which leads to confusion, over-preparation, and wasted effort.
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Most blogs simply list topics.
This guide goes much deeper.
In this article, you will understand:
- The complete CAT exam syllabus 2026
- What topics actually matter and what you can safely ignore
- Section-wise topic weightage & trends
- How syllabus connects with CAT exam pattern and mock tests
- How to convert syllabus coverage into percentile improvement
This is a syllabus + strategy guide, not just a topic list.
CAT Exam 2026 Overview (Why Syllabus Alone Is Not Enough)
Before diving into the syllabus, one truth must be clear:
CAT is not a syllabus-completion exam. It is a question-selection exam.
CAT Exam 2026 Key Details
- Exam Name: Common Admission Test
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Sections: 3
- Total Questions: ~68
- Negative Marking: -1 for MCQs
- Conducting Body: IIM (rotational)
Understanding the CAT exam pattern is critical because the syllabus makes sense only in the context of time pressure and selection.
CAT Exam Pattern 2026 (Context for the Syllabus)
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 40 minutes |
| DILR | 22 | 40 minutes |
| QA | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 120 minutes |
📌 Each section has TITA questions (no negative marking).
📌 You cannot switch sections.
This pattern directly affects how deeply you should study each topic.
CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 – Section-Wise Breakdown
Section 1: VARC Syllabus (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
VARC contributes one-third of the CAT score but is the least predictable for most aspirants.
1. Reading Comprehension (RC) – Core of VARC
Weightage: 60–70% of VARC
Questions: 14–16
RC Passage Themes (Based on CAT Trends)
- Philosophy & Psychology
- Economics & Business
- Sociology & Culture
- Science & Technology
- History & Abstract topics
📌 CAT RC passages are not fact-based. They test:
- Author’s tone
- Central argument
- Inference ability
- Logical flow
RC Question Types
- Main idea
- Inference-based
- Tone & attitude
- Specific detail (limited)
👉 Strategy Insight (Non-Generic):
Reading speed matters less than comprehension depth. Many 99+ scorers attempt only 2–3 passages, but with high accuracy.
2. Verbal Ability (VA) Topics
Weightage: 30–40% of VARC
Questions: 8–10
Complete VA Syllabus
- Para Jumbles (with/without options)
- Para Summary
- Odd Sentence Out
- Sentence Completion (rare)
📌 Grammar rules are not directly tested.
👉 VA rewards logical sequencing, not vocabulary.
How to Prepare VARC Using the Syllabus
- Do daily RC practice, not random reading
- Focus on why options are wrong
- Use sectional tests to refine selection
(Internal reference: VARC Preparation Strategy page)
Section 2: DILR Syllabus (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
DILR is the highest differentiator in CAT.
Important Truth About DILR
There is no fixed syllabus. CAT tests adaptability, not topic mastery.
Data Interpretation (DI) Syllabus
Common DI Formats
- Tables
- Bar Graphs
- Line Graphs
- Pie Charts
- Caselets
- Mixed Data Sets
📌 DI questions are calculation-heavy but logic-driven.
Logical Reasoning (LR) Syllabus
Common LR Topics
- Seating Arrangement (Linear/Circular)
- Puzzles & Games
- Routes & Networks
- Tournaments & Rankings
- Venn Diagrams
- Distribution & Grouping
📌 CAT LR sets often mix 2–3 concepts in one set.
DILR Weightage Reality
- Only 2 correct sets can give you a 90+ percentile
- Solving all sets is not required
👉 Key Strategy (Rarely Explained):
The first 5 minutes of DILR should be spent only on set selection, not solving.
How to Prepare DILR Using the Syllabus
- Stop solving random puzzles
- Practice CAT-level mixed sets
- Analyse why you chose the wrong set
(Internal reference: DILR Practice Sets page)
Section 3: QA Syllabus (Quantitative Ability)
QA is the most syllabus-defined section of CAT.
Arithmetic (Highest Weightage)
Weightage: 35–40%
Arithmetic Topics
- Percentages
- Profit & Loss
- Ratio & Proportion
- Averages
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Time & Work
- Mixtures & Allegations
- Simple & Compound Interest
📌 Arithmetic is non-negotiable for CAT 2026.
Algebra
Algebra Topics
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Inequalities
- Functions
- Logarithms
- Progressions
Geometry & Mensuration
Geometry Topics
- Triangles
- Circles
- Quadrilaterals
- Polygons
- Coordinate Geometry
Mensuration
- Area & Volume
- Surface Area
📌 Geometry questions are concept-based, not formula-heavy.
Number System
- Factors
- Multiples
- Remainders
- HCF & LCM
- Base systems
Modern Math
- Permutation & Combination
- Probability
- Set Theory
📌 Low weightage but high ROI if mastered.
How to Prepare QA Using the Syllabus
- Master Arithmetic first
- Practice mixed-topic tests
- Focus on question selection, not solving speed
(Internal reference: CAT QA Strategy page)
How CAT Exam Syllabus Connects With CAT Mock Tests
This is where most blogs fail.
Key Insight:
Syllabus coverage ≠ CAT readiness
Only CAT mock tests teach you:
- Which syllabus topics to prioritise
- How topics appear in mixed form
- When to skip questions
How to Use Syllabus + Mocks Together
| Stage | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Basics | Cover syllabus topic-wise |
| Mid Prep | Sectional mocks |
| Advanced | Full-length CAT mock tests |
| Final Phase | Mock analysis + revision |
(Internal reference: CAT Mock Test Series)
Common Syllabus Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Studying all topics equally
❌ Ignoring RC practice
❌ Solving puzzles without analysis
❌ Memorising formulas without application
❌ Avoiding mocks till the end
CAT 2026 Syllabus-Based 6-Month Study Plan
Months 1–2
- QA Arithmetic + RC habit
- Basic LR sets
Month 3–4
- Complete QA syllabus
- Start sectional tests
- DILR mixed practice
Months 5–6
- Full-length CAT mock tests
- Syllabus revision
- Weak-area focus
FAQs
Is there an official CAT exam syllabus?
No. CAT syllabus is based on previous year trends.
Is the CAT 2026 syllabus different from CAT 2025?
Core syllabus remains the same, but question patterns change.
Which section has the highest weightage in CAT?
All sections carry equal weightage, but VARC has more questions.
Can CAT be cracked by covering syllabus only?
No. Syllabus must be combined with CAT mock tests.
Final Takeaway
The CAT exam syllabus 2026 is broad, but CAT rewards smart selection, not full coverage.
If you:
- Understand the syllabus deeply
- Align it with the CAT exam pattern
- Practice through CAT mock tests
- Analyse every mistake
You will outperform most aspirants who only “complete topics”.
