Overview of  CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 

There are a total of three sections in the CAT Exam syllabus, which carry different weight in the CAT question paper. Although the syllabus is divided into 3 sections, the effective number of sections is five, as the VARC and DILR sections are further subdivided into 2 subsections. Read details below.

• Sectional Focus: The Quantitative Aptitude section continues to be dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra (approx. 70% weightage), while the VARC section focuses heavily on Reading Comprehension (approx. 67% weightage).

• Question Distribution: Based on the latest trends, the total number of questions is expected to be 68, with an increase in TITA (Type In The Answer) questions which carry no negative marking.

• Time Management: With a strict 40-minute limit per section, developing the ability to quickly identify “easy” versus “time-trap” sets is crucial for a high percentile.

The CAT 2026 Exam Syllabus is revised according to the latest updates in the CAT pattern and structure. Given the reputation of IIMs for introducing strategic shifts in the CAT exam annually, key refinements have been implemented for the CAT 2026 syllabus. The exam maintains the streamlined format with a total of 68 questions, ensuring a high-intensity assessment of candidate aptitude.

The CAT 2026 syllabus has been updated to reflect the current testing standards. The important changes in the CAT syllabus are:

• i) CAT will have 3 sections with a total of 68 questions: The exam continues with the 120-minute format, requiring candidates to manage time efficiently across a more condensed question set compared to decade-old patterns.

• ii) The sectional weightage in CAT syllabus is as follows:

  • Section 1: VARC – 35.3% weightage

  • Section 2: DILR – 32.35% weightage

  • Section 3: Quant – 32.35% weightage

• iii) Focus on core Verbal Ability: Questions on topics like Error Correction in sentences, Fill in the Blanks, and Sentence Completion are no longer a primary focus in the CAT exam, with the syllabus shifting toward Reading Comprehension, Para-jumbles, and Summary-based questions.

• iv) DILR as a critical differentiator: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) remains a single combined section. It carries significant weightage in the IIM shortlisting process, and candidates must secure a high sectional percentile here to be eligible for the next rounds.

• v) Increase in Non-MCQ (TITA) questions: CAT 2026 features approximately 25% to 30% questions without negative marking (Type In The Answer). These questions require you to type the answer directly. Since they carry no penalty for incorrect responses, they are vital for maximizing your score in your CAT Exam Preparation 2026.

The broad break-up of topics as given above for the syllabus is as under. You may find most of the questions in CAT exam based on following topics:

the CAT exam syllabus in the best way.

CAT Syllabus for the key sections, their subdivisions, and the number of questions on important topics is shared below

Quantitative Ability (QA) is a key mathematics component of CAT exam. The Quant syllabus is extensive, but the main topics are generally based on the academic standard of grades 10 and 12. In the CAT format of 68 questions, the QA section contains 22 questions, of which approximately 8 are of the non-MCQ (TITA) type, with no penalty for wrong answers.

To promote academic diversity, IIMs have given greater priority to arithmetic in the entrance exam syllabus. While arithmetic remains a core subject, other important areas such as algebra, geometry, and modern mathematics typically have 3 to 7 questions each. The breakdown below shows the expected topic-wise distribution for CAT 2026.

• The Quantitative Ability (QA) questions in CAT are divided into 70-75% MCQs with negative marking and 25-30% Non-MCQs without negative marking.
• A three dimensional approach is recommended on CAT Preparation for Quant section.
• To cover CAT Quant syllabus you need to strengthen your basics and formulae in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math and allied topics
• Practise on variety of questions of different difficulty level as per CAT QA Syllabus topics
• Solve previous CAT papers and Mocks for each topic. The more you do it, the more expertise in Quant section for CAT, you will get.
• Quantitative Aptitude questions for CAT 2021 have more questions based on Arithmetic topics as compared to other topics.
• In 2015, IIM Ahmedabad revamped CAT exam pattern and increased the number of questions in CAT exam to 100. Besides, Data Interpretation sub-section was separated from Quantitative Ability Section. In 2020, due to Covid pandemic IIM Indore reduced the exam time to 2 hours and reduced total questions to 76. Again in 2021, IIM Ahmedabad changed the CAT exam structure and reduced the number of questions from 76 to 66 while keeping the CAT time duration of 2 hours.
• Now, Quant is a separate section with only Quant questions in it and without any DI question clubbed to it
• The CAT exam now has also changed the order of sections. The CAT Quantitative Aptitude is now the last section instead of first section and is placed after DILR

Following are the best books which cover the complete QA syllabus in CAT

• How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
• Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K. Verma
• Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Please note that QA syllabus for CAT goes on changing year after year. Accordingly, you need the best books with the latest edition to cover CAT Quant Section syllabus. It should have the latest features as per the current CAT exam pattern with Quantitative Aptitude Questions and Answers.

The syllabus for the ‘Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning’ section is based on two areas: ‘Data Interpretation’ and ‘Logical Reasoning’. These areas carry approximately equal weightage in terms of the number of questions. Typically, according to the CAT 2026 exam syllabus, this section comprises approximately 32.4% of the total 22 questions. Similarly, the ‘Data Interpretation’ section contains a total of 11 questions, the same number as the ‘Logical Reasoning’ section. Approximately 6 to 8 questions from this section will be non-MCQ questions or TITA in nature.

Typically, these questions fall into clusters of 4 to 5 questions, each related to a specific caselet/logical puzzle. In this format, the 22 questions typically fall into five larger clusters—one set of 5 questions, another set of 5 questions, and three clusters of 4 questions. This is to test candidates’ ability to maintain logic through multi-layered questions. The next block provides the expected category-wise syllabus for CAT 2026. It also outlines the topics from which questions will be asked.

7.2.1 Key Points on DI Syllabus

Data Interpretation for CAT 2026 is an important part of overall CAT exam. It commands 16% weightage in overall CAT exam and 50% weightage in DILR section. Scoring high in Data Interpretation can take you through the IIMs admission process.

• DI 2026 in CAT is as important as the other 2 sections as sectional cut offs announced by IIMs for DILR section are the same as applicable for Quant and VARC sections.
• Total weightage in CAT exam is 16%
• Now forms a separate section in CAT
• Has 50% share in DILR Section (2^ndsection in CAT exam)
• Consists of MCQs with negative Marking and Non-MCQs without Negative Marking
• No answer option may be found for NON MCQ type of DI questions. You need to type in the answers on computer screen in the given space
• DI questions have become more time consuming

7.2.2 Type of DI Questions in CAT