ShortcutExam Preparation
CAT 2026 Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Complete section-wise syllabus for CAT 2026 covering VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude. Know exactly what to study for your IIM dream.
Exam Overview
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
Exam Date
Expected in November 2026. Registration opens in August 2026. Conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis.
Mode of Exam
Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted across 150+ test centres in India. 40 minutes per section with sectional timer.
Total Questions
66 questions total: VARC (24), DILR (20), QA (22). Each correct answer carries 3 marks. Negative marking: -1 for MCQs.
Total Marks
198 marks. Scaled score converted to percentile. 99+ percentile required for IIM A, B, C calls.
Duration
120 minutes (2 hours). 40 minutes fixed for each section. No switching between sections allowed.
Question Types
MCQ and TITA (Type In The Answer). TITA questions have no negative marking. Approximately 25-30% are TITA.
CAT 2026 Section-wise Syllabus
CAT 2026 tests three core areas that determine your suitability for management education. At Shortcut Maths in Jadavpur, Kolkata, we cover every topic mentioned below with shortcut techniques and comprehensive practice.
Section 1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 24 Questions
- Reading Comprehension: 4-5 passages (300-600 words each) covering diverse topics - science, history, philosophy, business, literature. Questions on main idea, inference, tone, and specific details.
- Para Jumbles: Rearranging 4-5 sentences to form a coherent paragraph. Both MCQ and TITA formats.
- Para Summary: Identifying the best summary of a given paragraph in 3-4 sentences.
- Odd Sentence Out: Finding the sentence that does not fit in the given paragraph.
- Sentence Completion: Filling in blanks with appropriate words or phrases.
- Vocabulary-Based Questions: Synonyms, antonyms, and contextual word usage (limited in recent years).
Section 2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 Questions
- Data Interpretation: Tables, bar graphs, line charts, pie charts, scatter plots, radar charts, caselets with multiple graphs.
- Logical Reasoning: Arrangements (linear, circular, rectangular), blood relations, coding-decoding, directions, clocks and calendars.
- Puzzles: Scheduling puzzles, distribution puzzles, tournament-based puzzles, floor-based puzzles, attribute-based puzzles.
- Venn Diagrams: Set theory-based questions with 2-3 variables.
- Network Diagrams: Route-based and network flow questions.
- Games and Tournaments: Sports-based logical reasoning with points tables and match outcomes.
Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude (QA) - 22 Questions
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixtures & Alligations, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns.
- Algebra: Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithms, Surds & Indices, Progressions (AP, GP, HP).
- Number System: Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Factors & Multiples, HCF & LCM, Remainders, Factorials, Digits, Base Systems.
- Geometry & Mensuration: Lines & Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, 3D Geometry (Cubes, Cuboids, Cylinders, Cones, Spheres).
- Modern Math: Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams.
- Data Sufficiency: Determining whether given statements are sufficient to answer a question.
CAT 2026 Topic-wise Weightage Analysis
Based on analysis of CAT 2020-2025 papers, here is the approximate weightage of topics:
| Quantitative Aptitude Topic | Expected Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8-10 | Easy to Moderate |
| Algebra | 4-5 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3-4 | Moderate |
| Number System | 2-3 | Easy to Moderate |
| Modern Math (P&C, Probability) | 2-3 | Difficult |
| DILR Topic | Expected Sets | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation (Tables/Charts) | 2-3 sets | Moderate |
| Logical Reasoning Puzzles | 2-3 sets | Moderate to Difficult |
| Mixed DI-LR Sets | 1-2 sets | Difficult |
CAT 2026 Preparation Strategy by Shortcut Maths
Month 1-3: Foundation Building
Cover all basic concepts in QA, learn DI calculation shortcuts, and develop reading habits (2-3 articles daily from Aeon, Guardian, or The Hindu). Solve 20 QA questions, 2 RC passages, and 1 LR set daily.
Month 4-6: Skill Development
Focus on weak areas identified in foundation phase. Start sectional mock tests. For VARC, practice para jumbles and summaries. For DILR, solve 2-3 sets daily under timed conditions.
Month 7-8: Intensive Mock Tests
Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly. Analyse each test for 4-5 hours. Identify silly mistakes, time management issues, and topic-wise accuracy. Aim for 99+ percentile in at least 5 mocks before the actual exam.
Need Expert CAT 2026 Coaching?
Join Kolkata's best CAT coaching at Shortcut Maths Jadavpur. Learn from IIM alumni faculty, attempt 40+ mock tests, and get personalised mentorship for 99+ percentile.
Explore CAT Coaching in Jadavpur →Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Has the CAT 2026 syllabus changed from previous years?
The CAT syllabus remains largely consistent year after year. While IIMs do not release an official syllabus, the topics tested have remained stable for over a decade. Minor variations occur in question distribution and difficulty.
Q2. What is the best book for CAT 2026 quantitative aptitude?
We recommend Arun Sharma's "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" for basics, and Shortcut Maths exclusive material for advanced shortcuts. For DI-LR, use Arun Sharma's DI-LR book. For VARC, read newspapers daily and use our RC practice material.
Q3. How many months are needed to prepare for CAT 2026?
Ideally, 8-12 months of dedicated preparation is sufficient for 99+ percentile. Working professionals should start 12 months in advance. Students in final year can manage with 6-8 months of focused study.
Q4. Is calculator allowed in CAT 2026?
No physical calculator is allowed. However, an on-screen calculator is provided for basic arithmetic. We still recommend mastering mental calculation shortcuts as calculator usage wastes precious seconds.
Q5. What percentile is needed for IIM calls?
IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta generally require 99+ percentile. Other IIMs accept 95-98 percentile. Non-IIM top colleges like FMS Delhi, XLRI, and SPJIMR require 96-99 percentile.
Last updated: June 1, 2026. For CAT 2026 coaching and doubt clearing, contact Shortcut Maths, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032. Call +91-9804490328.