CAT Exam Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern & Preparation Strategy
starting your MBA preparation journey is a marathon, not a sprint. If your dream is to secure admission into the IIMs or other top business schools, understanding the CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 is the very first and most important step. A clear grasp of the syllabus and exam pattern helps aspirants prepare smartly and move closer to the 99+ percentile target.
In this article, we explain the CAT 2026 syllabus, exam pattern, and a section-wise preparation strategy in simple language, especially for beginners.
CAT Exam Syllabus 2026: Overview
The CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 is expected to remain largely the same as previous years. The exam evaluates candidates across three core skill areas, designed to test aptitude required for management education.
CAT Exam Sections
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Together, these sections assess language skills, logical thinking, data handling, and mathematical ability.
CAT Exam 2026: Exam Pattern
The CAT exam is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted once a year for admission to MBA and PGDM programs in India.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Sections | 3 |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Total Marks | 204 |
| Question Type | MCQs & Non-MCQs (TITA) |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct, –1 for wrong MCQ |
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes per section |
Each section is time-bound, and candidates cannot switch between sections.
MBA CAT Subject-Wise Exam Syllabus 2026
Understanding the section-wise syllabus helps aspirants focus on relevant topics and avoid unnecessary preparation. Below is a detailed breakdown of each section.
1. VARC Syllabus for CAT Exam 2026
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is the first part of the CAT paper. It contains 24 questions and focuses mainly on reading comprehension skills.
Important Topics in VARC
- Reading Comprehension passages
- Parajumbles and jumbled paragraphs
- Odd sentence out
- Summary writing
- Sentence completion
- Fill in the blanks
- One-word substitution
- Sentence correction
- Subject-verb agreement
- Prepositions and articles
- Idioms and phrases
- Vocabulary usage
- Verbal reasoning and logic
- Analogies and antonyms
- Syllogisms
- Clauses and modifiers
This section is lengthy and reading-intensive, so strong reading habits are essential for scoring well.
2. DILR MBA CAT Exam Syllabus 2026
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section tests analytical and problem-solving skills. It usually includes 22 questions, divided equally between DI and LR.
Important Topics in DILR
- Bar graphs and line graphs
- Tables and pie charts
- Caselets and data sets
- Binary logic
- Syllogisms
- Blood relations
- Seating arrangements
- Venn diagrams
- Direction sense
- Puzzles
- Data sufficiency
- Coding-decoding
- Clocks and calendars
- Statements and assumptions
- Series and propositions
- Family tree problems
- Data arrangement
Most questions appear in sets, making selection of the right set crucial for maximizing marks.
3. CAT Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The Quantitative Aptitude section checks numerical ability and mathematical understanding. It is often considered the toughest section of CAT.
Important Topics in Quantitative Aptitude
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number system
- Percentages
- Profit and loss
- Time, speed, and distance
- Work and time
- Ratio and proportion
- Simple and compound interest
- Mensuration
- Quadratic and linear equations
- Inequalities
- Logarithms
- Probability
- Mean, median, and mode
- Progressions
- Binomial theorem
Strong basics and regular practice are the keys to mastering this section.
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy (Section-Wise)
A well-planned strategy helps aspirants stay consistent and confident throughout preparation.
1. VARC Preparation Strategy
- Read daily: newspapers, editorials, blogs, or novels
- Practice 1–2 RC passages every day
- Focus on understanding tone, argument, and main idea
- Build vocabulary gradually (5–10 words daily)
- Practice parajumbles and summary questions
- Solve previous year CAT questions and mock tests
2. Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Strategy
- Strengthen basics of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry
- Maintain a formula notebook and revise regularly
- Start with easy questions, then move to advanced ones
- Practice in three stages: understanding, accuracy, speed
- Analyze mock test mistakes carefully
- Improve mental calculation skills
3. DILR Preparation Strategy
- Memorize tables, squares, and cubes for faster calculation
- Practice different types of DI sets regularly
- Solve puzzles and reasoning problems daily
- Focus on accuracy first, then speed
- Attempt at least one DI set and one LR set every day
Consistency matters more than quantity in this section.
The CAT Exam Syllabus 2026 is designed to test aptitude, not rote learning. It focuses on verbal ability, logical thinking, data interpretation, and mathematical reasoning. With a clear understanding of the syllabus, disciplined preparation, and regular mock test practice, aspirants can significantly improve their chances of securing admission into top MBA colleges.
Stay consistent, analyze your performance, and trust the process.
Best wishes to all CAT 2026 aspirants! 🚀