CAT 2026 Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Section-Wise Distribution Guide

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a premier computer-based management aptitude test administered annually by one of the prestigious IIMs on a rotational basis. Aiming for admission into postgraduate and fellow/doctorate programs, aspirants must thoroughly understand the exam parameters, section-wise distribution, and comprehensive curriculum. For official updates, review the latest details on CAT Exam 2026 and the official CAT Exam Pattern.

CAT Syllabus 2026- Highlights

Aspirants preparing for the examination should take note of the vital structural highlights and logistical details:

• Exam Name: Common Admission Test (CAT 2026)
• Examination Mode: Online Computer-Based Test
• Courses Offered: Post Graduate and Fellow/Doctorate programmes
• Name of the Section: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
• CATE Exam Date 2026: 29th November 2026
• Duration of the CAT Exam: 2 Hours (120 Minutes)
• Section-wise Duration: 40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA). 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section.
• Slot-wise Session: Slot 1: 8:30 am - 10:30 pm, Slot 2: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm, Slot 3: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm
• Number of Questions: 66 Questions
• CAT exam total marks: 198 marks
• Marking Scheme: +3 for every right answer, -1 for every wrong answer in MCQs, No negative marks for Non-MCQs
• Validity of CAT score: 1 year

CAT Exam Pattern 2026

For deeper structural insights, refer to CAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Click to Check. The blueprint of the exam is designed to test candidates under strict time constraints across three core sections.

• Number of sections: 3
• Duration of exam: 40 minutes per section
• Number of questions: 66
• Total marks: 198
• Language of question paper: English
• Number of answer choices: 4

Section-Wise Distribution

CAT VARC Syllabus 2026

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section assesses English comprehension and grammar concepts derived from fundamental learning standards.

• Fill in the blanks
• Para Completion and inference
• Verbal Logic
• Verbal Reasoning
• Subject-verb agreement
• Para jumbles
• Sentence completion
• Foreign language words used in English
• Different usage of the same word
• Grammar
• Reading Comprehension
• Idioms
• Syllogisms
• Analogies
• Antonyms
• Jumbled paragraphs
• Sentence correction
• One word substitution
• Parts of speech
• Preposition
• Types of Clauses
• Phrases Modifiers
• Errors in tenses
• Articles usage

CAT DILR Syllabus 2026

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section tests analytical thinking, puzzle-solving abilities, and chart interpretation.

• Blood Relations
• Clocks and Calendars
• Syllogism
• Series
• Statements
• Venn Diagram
• Proposition
• Data Arrangement
• Data Structures
• Direction Sense
• Family Tree
• Tables
• Coding-Decoding
• Binary Logic
• Pie Charts
• Assumptions
• Seating Arrangement
• Data Sufficiency
• Puzzles
• Sets & Caselets
• Bars & Line Graphs

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026

Quantitative Aptitude questions are typically derived from foundational middle school mathematics concepts spanning arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and modern mathematics.

• Geometry
• Ratios and Proportions
• Inequalities
• Trigonometry
• Inequalities, Quadratic and linear equations
• Work and Time
• Algebra
• Surds and Indices
• Percentages
• Mensuration
• Time-Speed-Distance
• Logarithms
• Partnership (Accounts)
• Number System
• Square Root and Cube Root
• Profit & Loss
• Geometric Progression
• Probability
• Mean, mode, median
• Binomial theorem
• Simple interest and compound interest

Sub-Topics Breakdown

Arithmetic

• Averages
• Mean Median Mode
• Percentages
• Ratio and Proportion
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations
• Time and Work
• Time Speed and Distance

Algebra

• Basics Algebraic Formulae
• Linear Equations
• Problems on ages
• Number of integer solutions
• Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots
• Maxima and Minima, Higher Degree Equations
• Descartes Rule of Signs
• Inequalities, Logarithm
• Functions, Modifications of Graphs
• The Smallest Value in a Maximum Function

Number System

• Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers
• Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors
• Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple
• Finding Out the Last Digit
• Finding Out Last Two Digits
• Number of Trailing Zeroes
• Finding out Remainders based on
• Basic Divisibility Rules
• Binomial Theorem
• Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors)
• Fermat’s Theorem
• Euler’s Theorem
• Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders
• Wilson’s Theorem, Base Systems
• Conversion of Bases
• Addition / Subtraction / Multiplication in different bases

Geometry

• Lines and Angles
• Triangles – Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles
• Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration – 3D Geometry
• Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry

Modern Maths

• Sequence and Series
• Binomial Theorem
• Set Theory
• Permutation and Combination
• Probability

Additionally, ensure you review your foundational requirements by checking CAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Click to Check before finalizing your application strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many sections are there in the CAT exam?

The CAT exam consists of three core sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).

Q2. What is the time provided for each section in the CAT exam?

Candidates are allotted a strict sectional time limit of 40 minutes per section. Once the 40-minute timer expires, candidates automatically transition away from that section.

Q3. How many question are asked in each section of the CAT exam?

The CAT question paper contains a total of 66 questions, distributed across sections as follows: VARC has 24 questions, DILR has 20 questions, and QA has 22 questions.

Q4. What is the marks distribution in the CAT exam?

The maximum possible score for the CAT examination is 198 marks, distributed section-wise as follows: VARC carries 72 marks, DILR carries 60 marks, and QA carries 66 marks.

Q5. When will CAT Exam 2026 is schedule to be held on?

The CAT Exam 2026 is officially scheduled to be conducted on November 29, 2026.

Q6. For how many years the CAT score is valid?

Scorecards generated from the CAT exam remain valid for exactly one year from the date of result announcement.