Published – September 22, 2026
The CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026, with 68 questions carrying a total of 204 marks. Candidates get 40 minutes to complete each section.
Before starting your preparation, candidates can also check the Common Admission Test (CAT) Eligibility and application process to understand the eligibility requirements and registration procedure.
CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 at a Glance
| Section | Topics | Questions | Marks |
| VARC | Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability | 24 | 72 |
| DILR | Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning | 22 | 66 |
| QA | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System | 22 | 66 |
| Total | 3 Sections | 68 | 204 |
IIMs do not normally issue a detailed chapter-wise syllabus for CAT. Therefore, the topics below should be viewed as a practical preparation list drawn from areas that have appeared in CAT papers, rather than as an officially prescribed list.
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026
VARC checks how well candidates can understand written material, identify the author’s reasoning and interpret information from passages.
Reading Comprehension:
- Main idea and central theme
- Author’s viewpoint and tone
- Inferences
- Supporting arguments
- Passage interpretation
- Strength or weakness of an argument
Verbal Ability:
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Odd Sentence Out
Reading different types of passages and working through previous CAT questions can help candidates become comfortable with the style of questions asked in this section.
CAT DILR Syllabus 2026
DILR requires candidates to extract information from a set, organise it and reach the correct conclusion. The section combines two areas:
| Main Topic | Sub Topics |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, Data Comparison, Data-Based Calculations |
| Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangements, Distribution, Grouping and Selection, Scheduling, Ranking, Venn Diagrams, Games and Tournaments, Logical Puzzles |
Because DILR questions are generally set-based, candidates should practise complete sets rather than depend only on individual topic-based exercises.
CAT QA Syllabus 2026
QA tests the application of basic mathematical concepts to problems involving numbers, quantities and relationships.
| Topic Area | Important Topics |
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Time, Speed and Distance, Time and Work, Mixtures and Alligation, Simple and Compound Interest |
| Algebra | Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Progressions, Functions, Algebraic Expressions |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Lines and Angles, Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Mensuration |
| Number System & Other Topics | Factors and Multiples, HCF and LCM, Divisibility, Remainders, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Set Theory |
CAT Exam Pattern 2026: Sections, Time Limit, Questions & Marks
CAT 2026 has three separately timed sections. Candidates receive 40 minutes for each section, giving a total test time of 120 minutes.
A correct response earns 3 marks. An incorrect MCQ carries a 1-mark penalty, while incorrect non-MCQ responses do not attract negative marks.
How to Prepare Using the CAT Syllabus?
Begin by checking your current level in all three sections and note the topics where you need more practice. Strengthen the basics first, then solve CAT questions topic by topic. After that, move to timed sectional tests and full-length mocks. Reviewing incorrect answers is equally important because it helps identify recurring mistakes and gaps in understanding.
Use the syllabus as a study checklist, not as a guarantee of the questions that will appear in CAT 2026.
CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 FAQs
1. Does IIM officially release a detailed CAT syllabus?
No, detailed chapter-wise syllabus is normally prescribed. The topic lists used for preparation are based mainly on previous CAT question patterns.
2. What are the three sections in CAT 2026?
The CAT exam consist of three sections, they are VARC, DILR and QA.
3. How Many Questions Are There in CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 has 68 questions in total. Candidates will answer 24 questions in VARC, 22 in DILR and 22 in QA.
4. What Is the Duration of CAT 2026?
CAT 2026 has a total test duration of 120 minutes. Each section is allotted a separate 40-minute time slot.
