CAT Syllabus 2026 covers three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). IIM Indore conducts CAT 2026 on November 29, 2026, at iimcat.ac.in. Unlike most entrance exams, the IIMs do not release an official chapter-wise syllabus. You need to study based on topic patterns from previous years’ papers.
- CAT 2026 has three sections: VARC (24 questions), DILR (20 questions), and QA (22 questions) — 66 questions total.
- The exam is computer-based, lasting 120 minutes with a strict 40-minute limit per section.
- There is no official CAT 2026 syllabus PDF — the IIMs do not prescribe a chapter-wise topic list.
- VARC focuses on Reading Comprehension: expect 4 passages generating 16 questions, plus 8 verbal ability questions (para-jumbles, odd-sentence-out, para-summary).
- QA is dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra, which together account for over 55% of the section based on past-year trends.
- DILR sets are unpredictable in format — practicing 250+ sets from CAT 2015–2025 papers is the most reliable preparation strategy.
- The official CAT 2026 notification and Information Bulletin are available at iimcat.ac.in.
Download the CAT 2026 Information Bulletin from iimcat.ac.in to get the latest exam structure, marking scheme, and section details.
CAT Syllabus 2026: Overview
CAT 2026 is India’s primary MBA entrance exam. It opens admission access to 21 IIMs and over 1,200 B-schools. IIM Indore is the convening institute for CAT 2026. The exam is scheduled for November 29, 2026.
The IIMs do not publish a chapter-wise syllabus for CAT. Unlike NEET or JEE, there is no official topic list. You need to use topic-pattern analysis from the last five years’ papers to build your study plan.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore (on behalf of all IIMs) |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 66 (VARC: 24, DILR: 20, QA: 22) |
| Total Marks | 198 (3 marks per question) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 correct MCQ, −1 wrong MCQ, 0 wrong TITA |
| Official Syllabus PDF | Not released by IIMs — topic-pattern analysis applies |
| Application Fee | ₹2,700 (General/EWS/OBC); ₹1,350 (SC/ST/PwBD) |
CAT 2026 Important Dates
CAT 2026 is scheduled for November 29, 2026. The table below lists upcoming events first, followed by completed events in chronological order.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Admit Card Release | November 4, 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| CAT 2026 Exam | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) | Upcoming |
| Answer Key Release | December 5–10, 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| Result Declaration | December 20–24, 2026 (Expected) | Upcoming |
| CAT 2026 Notification | July 27, 2026 | Over |
| Registration Window Opens | August 3, 2026 | Over |
| Registration Window Closes | September 15, 2026 | Over |
Source: iimcat.ac.in — CAT 2026 Official Notification
CAT 2026 Syllabus for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section has 24 questions to be answered in 40 minutes. Reading Comprehension (RC) dominates with 4 passages and about 16 questions. The remaining 8 questions cover Verbal Ability — para-jumbles, para-summary, and odd-sentence-out. TITA questions in VARC carry no negative marking — always attempt every TITA question, even when unsure.
| Sub-Section | Topic | Question Type | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | RC Passage Types — Click Here Passages come from: Business and Economics, Social Science and Anthropology, Humanities and Literature, Philosophy and Ethics, Science and Technology. Each passage is typically 400–600 words. Questions test: Main Idea, Inference, Author’s Tone and Attitude, Vocabulary in Context, Paragraph Purpose, Logical Conclusion. | MCQ | 16 |
| Para-Jumbles | Re-arrange 4–5 sentences in the correct logical order | TITA | 2–3 |
| Para-Summary | Choose the option that best summarises the given paragraph | MCQ | 2–3 |
| Odd Sentence Out | Identify the sentence that does not belong in the paragraph | TITA | 2–3 |
CAT VARC Topic-Wise Weightage (Past 5 Years: 2021–2025)
| Topic | Approx. Questions per Paper | Weightage in VARC (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | 67% |
| Para-Jumbles | 3 | 12% |
| Para-Summary | 3 | 12% |
| Odd Sentence Out | 2 | 8% |
CAT 2026 Syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The DILR section has 20 questions in 40 minutes. Questions come in sets of 4–6 per shared scenario or dataset. Commit to a set before starting it — a half-solved set scores zero and you cannot recover that time in a 40-minute section.
| Sub-Section | Topic Type | Common Formats in CAT Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation (DI) | DI Set Types — Click Here Tables (single and multi-variable), Bar Charts (simple, stacked, and grouped), Line Graphs (single and multiple series), Pie Charts, Caselets (text-based DI with embedded numerical data), Mixed DI (two chart types combined), Network and Flow Diagrams. | MCQ and TITA |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | LR Puzzle Types — Click Here Linear Arrangements (1D and 2D), Circular Arrangements, Complex Seating Arrangements (multi-constraint), Scheduling and Grid Puzzles, Games and Tournaments (league tables, knockout brackets, points systems), Binary Logic (truth-teller and liar problems), Venn Diagrams (2–3 set overlap), Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Syllogisms, Routes and Networks. | MCQ and TITA |
CAT DILR Topic-Wise Weightage (Past 5 Years: 2021–2025)
| Topic Type | Approx. Sets per Paper | Approx. Questions | Weightage in DILR (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure DI Sets | 2 | 8 | 40% |
| Pure LR Puzzles | 2 | 8 | 40% |
| Mixed DI + LR | 1 | 4 | 20% |
CAT 2026 Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The QA section has 22 questions in 40 minutes. Arithmetic and Algebra together account for about 55–60% of QA questions based on past trends. Class 9–10 NCERT provides the conceptual foundation for almost all QA topics — clear those concepts before moving to advanced material.
| Topic Cluster | Sub-Topics | Approx. Weightage in QA |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Arithmetic Sub-Topics — Click Here Percentages, Profit and Loss, Discount, Time Speed and Distance, Trains and Boats and Streams, Time and Work, Pipes and Cisterns, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Mixtures and Alligation, Partnership. | 35–40% |
| Algebra | Algebra Sub-Topics — Click Here Linear Equations (1 and 2 variables), Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions and Graphs, Logarithms, Sequences and Series (AP, GP, HP), Surds and Indices, Modulus Functions. | 20–25% |
| Geometry and Mensuration | Geometry Sub-Topics — Click Here Lines and Angles, Triangles (Congruence, Similarity, Pythagoras Theorem), Circles (Chord, Tangent, Arc), Quadrilaterals and Polygons, Coordinate Geometry (Distance Formula, Section Formula, Slope), 2D Mensuration (Area and Perimeter), 3D Mensuration (Volume and Surface Area of cube, cuboid, cylinder, cone, and sphere). | 20–25% |
| Number System | Number System Sub-Topics — Click Here Factors and Multiples, LCM and HCF, Divisibility Rules, Remainders (Cyclicity and Fermat’s Little Theorem), Base Conversion, Unit Digit Calculation, Factorials (Trailing Zeroes, Highest Power of a Prime), Prime Numbers. | 10–15% |
| Modern Mathematics | Modern Maths Sub-Topics — Click Here Permutation and Combination, Probability, Set Theory (Union, Intersection, Venn Diagrams), Binomial Theorem (basics). | 5–10% |
CAT QA Topic-Wise Weightage (Past 5 Years: 2021–2025)
| Topic | Approx. Questions per Paper | Weightage in QA (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8–9 | 38% |
| Algebra | 5–6 | 24% |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 4–5 | 22% |
| Number System | 2–3 | 12% |
| Modern Mathematics | 1–2 | 7% |
CAT 2026 Topic-Wise Weightage Based on Past 5-Year Trend Analysis
The data below comes from CAT papers of 2021 to 2025. The IIMs do not publish an official weightage breakdown. Use this analysis to prioritise your study plan.
| Section | Questions | Marks | High-Priority Topics | Share of Total Paper (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 72 | Reading Comprehension, Para-Summary, Para-Jumbles | 36% |
| DILR | 20 | 60 | Arrangement Puzzles, Games and Tournaments, Caselets | 30% |
| QA | 22 | 66 | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Mensuration | 33% |
| Total | 66 | 198 | — | 100% |
Each section is separately timed and separately percentiled. A strong VARC score cannot compensate for a weak DILR score. Build a minimum threshold in all three sections rather than maximising just one or two.
Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation
The IIMs don’t prescribe a reading list. The books below match past CAT question patterns and are widely used by 99-percentile scorers.
| Section | Book Name | Author / Publisher | Why This Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay / McGraw Hill | Covers RC strategies and all VA question types with exercises graded by difficulty level |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis / Goyal Publishers | Builds vocabulary through root-word method; reduces time on vocabulary-in-context RC questions |
| VARC | How to Read Better and Faster | Norman Lewis | Improves reading speed and comprehension retention for dense academic passages |
| DILR | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma / McGraw Hill | Extensive DI set practice with calculation-speed shortcuts and progressive difficulty levels |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha / Pearson | Covers modern CAT puzzle formats including Games and Tournaments and Binary Logic |
| QA | Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma / McGraw Hill | LOD (Level of Difficulty) structured questions that closely mirror actual CAT difficulty |
| QA | Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K. Verma / Arihant | 1,000+ topic-wise problems with shortcut tricks; best for Algebra and Number System depth |
CAT 2026 Syllabus Preparation Strategy
CAT 2026 is on November 29, 2026. With about six weeks left, focus on consolidation and full-length mocks. Avoid starting new topics now. Accuracy and speed on familiar concepts matter more at this stage.
VARC Preparation Strategy
- Read one editorial daily from The Hindu, The Economist, or Harvard Business Review. Track unfamiliar words and review them the next day.
- Practice 2 RC passages daily from CAT 2019–2025 papers. Time yourself: 8–10 minutes per passage including all questions.
- For para-jumbles, identify the opening sentence first. It introduces a concept with no pronoun reference to an earlier sentence.
- Para-summary questions test your ability to find the main argument, not a specific detail. Eliminate options that are too narrow or too broad.
- TITA verbal questions carry no negative marking — attempt all TITA questions in VARC, even when you are not confident.
DILR Preparation Strategy
- Solve at least 3 full sets daily from CAT 2015–2025 papers. Target under 12 minutes per 4-question set.
- In the exam, spend the first 3 minutes scanning all sets. Choose sets with structured, countable data over open-ended narrative caselets.
- For LR puzzles, draw grids and timelines before attempting questions. A clean visual representation saves time on constraint-heavy arrangements.
- Practice Games and Tournaments sets separately. They appear in almost every CAT paper and follow predictable internal logic once mastered.
- Do not switch sets mid-way in the exam — a half-solved set scores zero and you cannot recover that time in 40 minutes.
QA Preparation Strategy
- Prioritise Arithmetic and Algebra — they cover 55–65% of QA questions and offer the highest return on revision time.
- Learn two methods per topic: the formula approach for accuracy and a shortcut for speed. Use shortcuts only after you understand the base concept.
- Practice 20–25 QA questions daily, mixing topic clusters. Mixed practice mirrors the actual paper better than single-topic drills.
- If Geometry is weak, focus on Triangles (similarity and Pythagoras), Circles (tangent properties), and Coordinate Geometry. These three cover about 60% of Geometry questions.
- TITA questions in QA carry no negative marking — always attempt them, especially for Arithmetic and Number System problems where you can estimate a range.
How to Download CAT 2026 Information Bulletin (Official PDF)
The IIMs publish the CAT Information Bulletin as the official document covering exam structure, marking scheme, section details, and eligibility. Follow these steps to download it.
- Visit the official CAT website at iimcat.ac.in.
- Look for the "Information Bulletin" or "CAT 2026 Notification" link on the homepage.
- Click on the link — the PDF will open in a new browser tab.
- Press Ctrl + S (Windows) or Cmd + S (Mac) to save the file to your device.
- Alternatively, click the download icon in your PDF viewer to save the file locally.
Note: The IIMs do not release a separate chapter-wise syllabus PDF. The Information Bulletin is the closest official document covering the exam structure. Use this article’s topic-pattern analysis from past five years’ papers to build your preparation plan.
CAT Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Ques. Is there an official CAT 2026 syllabus PDF?
Ans. No. The IIMs do not release a chapter-wise syllabus PDF for CAT. You can download the CAT 2026 Information Bulletin from iimcat.ac.in. It covers the exam structure and marking scheme. For topic preparation, use the previous year pattern analysis covered in this article.
Ques. Has the CAT 2026 syllabus changed compared to last year?
Ans. No significant structural change has been announced for CAT 2026. The three-section format (VARC, DILR, QA) with 66 questions in 120 minutes continues from CAT 2025. The IIM Indore notification does not indicate any new question type or section. Topic patterns remain consistent with CAT 2021–2025.
Ques. Which section has the highest weightage in CAT 2026?
Ans. VARC carries the most questions at 24 out of 66, making up about 36% of the paper. However, each section is separately timed and separately percentiled. A weak score in one section cannot be offset by a strong score in another. Balance all three sections in your preparation.
Ques. What are the most important topics in CAT 2026 QA?
Ans. Arithmetic accounts for 35–40% of QA questions. Focus on Percentages, Time Speed Distance, Profit and Loss, and Time and Work first. Algebra (Quadratic Equations, Functions, Inequalities) is the second most tested cluster. Together they cover about 60% of QA, making them the highest-return topics to master.
Ques. How many RC passages appear in CAT 2026 VARC?
Ans. Based on the past 5-year trend, CAT VARC has 4 Reading Comprehension passages generating about 16 questions out of the 24-question section. Passages are typically 400–600 words and cover Business, Humanities, Social Science, and Science themes. The remaining 8 questions cover Verbal Ability (para-jumbles, para-summary, odd-sentence-out).
Ques. What is TITA in CAT 2026, and how many TITA questions are there?
Ans. TITA stands for Type In The Answer. These questions have no options — you type the answer directly. TITA questions carry no negative marking. In VARC, para-jumbles and odd-sentence-out are typically TITA. In DILR and QA, about 25–30% of questions are TITA. Always attempt every TITA question, as a wrong answer costs you nothing.
Ques. Which are the best books for CAT 2026 DILR preparation?
Ans. The top books for DILR are: (1) How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill) for DI sets, and (2) Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha (Pearson) for LR puzzles. Beyond books, solving actual CAT 2015–2025 papers is the most effective DILR practice available.
Ques. How many months are needed to prepare for CAT 2026?
Ans. A focused 4–6 month preparation is sufficient for students from a quantitative or engineering background. For students from a non-STEM background, 6–8 months is a safer target with extra time for QA. With CAT 2026 on November 29, 2026, students starting now should focus on consolidation, full-length mocks, and targeted weak-area revision.
Ques. What is the CAT 2026 marking scheme?
Ans. CAT 2026 awards +3 marks for each correct answer. A wrong MCQ answer attracts a −1 penalty. TITA questions carry no negative marking — a wrong TITA answer scores 0. The maximum possible score is 198 (66 questions × 3 marks).
Ques. Which IIM is conducting CAT 2026?
Ans. IIM Indore is the convening institute for CAT 2026. The responsibility rotates among the IIMs each year. The official CAT 2026 notification was released in July 2026, with Professor Aditya Billore named as exam convener. All official communication is at iimcat.ac.in.
Ques. What is the CAT 2026 exam date?
Ans. CAT 2026 is on November 29, 2026 (Sunday). The exam runs in three sessions — morning, afternoon, and evening. Your admit card specifies your session and test centre. The CAT 2026 admit card is expected on iimcat.ac.in from approximately November 4, 2026.
Ques. Is NCERT enough for CAT 2026 QA preparation?
Ans. NCERT Class 9 and 10 textbooks cover foundational QA concepts — especially Geometry, Number System, and Basic Algebra. However, NCERT alone is not sufficient. CAT questions demand speed and application in unfamiliar contexts. After clearing NCERT concepts, use Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude for CAT or Sarvesh Verma’s Quantum CAT to build the required depth.
Source: iimcat.ac.in — CAT 2026 Official Notification and Information Bulletin
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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