The CAT 2026 syllabus covers three major sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
These sections evaluate a candidate’s verbal skills, quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation proficiency.
Over the past few years, the CAT syllabus and pattern have experienced two notable changes, making it important for aspirants to stay updated. Candidates preparing for CAT 2026 must carefully review the latest syllabus, exam pattern, and previous year’s exam analysis before starting their preparation.
In this blog, we have compiled all essential details, including:
- Section-wise topics
- Types of questions
- Weightage of each section
- CAT 2025 exam analysis
This updated guide will help you plan your preparation strategically and boost your chances of scoring well in CAT 2026.
Highlights :
| Details | Information |
| Exam Conducting Body | Indian Institute of Management (IIM) |
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT 2025) |
| Category | Syllabus |
| Examination Mode | Online Computer-Based Test |
| Eligibility | Graduate |
| Courses Offered | Post Graduate and Fellow/Doctorate Programmes |
| Sections | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | |
| Total Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Section-wise Duration | 40 Minutes per Section (VARC, DILR, QA) |
| PwD Candidates: 53 Minutes 20 Seconds per section | |
| Exam Slots | Slot 1: 8:30 am to 10:30 am (Morning Session) |
| Slot 2: 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm (Afternoon Session) | |
| Slot 3: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm (Evening Session) | |
| Number of Questions | 66 Questions |
| Total Marks | 198 Marks |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for each correct answer |
| -1 for each wrong MCQ | |
| No negative marking for Non-MCQs | |
| Validity of CAT Score | 1 Year |
| Official Website | www.iimcat.ac.in |
CAT Exam Pattern :
| Details | Information |
| Number of Sections | 3 |
| Duration of Exam | 40 Minutes per Section |
| Total Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Number of Questions | 66 |
| Total Marks | 198 |
| Language of Question Paper | English |
| Number of Answer Choices | 4 |
CAT Section Wise Exam Pattern :
| CAT Section | Questions | Maximum Marks |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 22 | 66 |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 60 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 24 | 72 |
| Total | 66 | 198 |
CAT Exam Syllabus :
CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus
| Topics | ||
| Fill in the blanks | Para Completion and Inference | Verbal Logic |
| Verbal Reasoning | Subject-Verb Agreement | Para Jumbles |
| Sentence Completion | Foreign 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 | Prepositions | Types of Clauses |
| Phrase Modifiers | Errors in Tenses | Article Usage |
The topic-wise questions in CAT VACR Section
| Topics | Number of Questions Expected |
| Para-Jumbles | 2–4 |
| Sentence Completion and Correction | 2–3 |
| Odd Sentences | 1–2 |
| Others (Fill in the blanks, Vocabulary Based, etc.) | 1–2 |
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Syllabus
| Topics | ||
| 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 and Caselets | Bar and Line Graphs |
The number of expected questions from the topics in the CAT DILR Section
| Topics | Total Number of Questions |
| Graph, Bar Diagram | 6–8 |
| Tables and Charts | 5–8 |
| Graphs, Charts | 7–10 |
| Tables, Pie Chart | 4–5 |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
| Topics | ||
| Geometry | Ratios and Proportion | Inequalities |
| Trigonometry | In-equations, 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 and Loss | Geometric Progression | Probability |
| Mean, Mode, Median | Binomial Theorem | Simple and Compound Interest |
| Topics | Sub Topics |
| 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 | Basic Algebraic Formulae, Linear Equations, Problems on Ages, Number of Integer Solutions, Quadratic Equations & Finding 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 and Properties, Divisibility Rules, Factors, HCF & LCM, Finding Last Digit, Finding Last Two Digits, Trailing Zeroes, Remainders & Divisibility, Binomial Theorem, Simplifying Dividend (Single and Multiple Divisors), Fermat’s Theorem, Euler’s Theorem, Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson’s Theorem, Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Arithmetic 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 |
The number of topics and expected questions in CAT QA Section
| Topics | Total Number of Questions |
| Arithmetic Questions | 10–12 |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 7–8 |
| Algebra | 6–7 |
| Number System | 4–5 |
| Others | 2–3 |
FAQs :
1. What is the CAT exam used for?
The CAT exam is conducted for admission into MBA, PGDM, and other postgraduate management programs offered by IIMs and top B-schools in India.
2. Who conducts the CAT 2025 exam?
CAT 2025 is conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) on a rotational basis.
3. What is the eligibility for CAT 2025?
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree with at least 50 percent marks (45 percent for SC, ST, PwD).
4. How many sections are there in the CAT exam?
CAT consists of three sections:
• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
5. How many questions are asked in CAT 2025?
CAT 2025 is expected to have 66 questions in total.
6. What is the total time duration of the CAT exam?
The duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes per section.
7. Is there negative marking in CAT?
Yes.
• +3 for every correct answer
• –1 for every wrong MCQ
• No negative marking for TITA (non-MCQ) questions
8. Is a calculator allowed in CAT 2025?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided during the exam.
9. How long is the CAT score valid?
CAT score is valid for 1 year.
10. Can final-year students apply for CAT?
Yes. Final-year undergraduate students are eligible, provided they submit proof of graduation within the timeline set by IIMs.
11. What is the mode of the CAT exam?
CAT is conducted in online computer-based mode across various test centres.
12. When will CAT 2025 be conducted?
CAT is usually held on the last Sunday of November. The exact date will be announced in the official notification.
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