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EXAM SYLLABUS

The CAT 2026 syllabus is expected to follow the same pattern as previous years, covering three main sections designed to test aptitude, reasoning, and quantitative skills. Details are given bellow. Details are given bellow.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):

1. Reading comprehension passages

2. Verbal reasoning

3. Vocabulary

4. Grammar and usage

5. Para jumbles

6. Sentence completion and correction

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):

1. Data interpretation (tables, charts, graphs)

2. Logical puzzles

3. Seating arrangements

4. Blood relations

5. Syllogisms

6. Logical sequences and arrangements

Quantitative Ability (QA):

1. Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages, profit and loss, time-speed-distance)

2. Algebra

3. Geometry and mensuration

4. Number systems

5. Modern math (sets, probability, permutations and combinations)

6. Trigonometry

The exam tests problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, and time management skills across these topics. There are no fixed textbooks; questions are designed to assess aptitude and reasoning skills.

EXAM SYLLABUS

The CAT 2026 syllabus is expected to follow the same pattern as previous years, covering three main sections designed to test aptitude, reasoning, and quantitative skills. Details are given bellow. Details are given bellow.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):

1. Reading comprehension passages

2. Verbal reasoning

3. Vocabulary

4. Grammar and usage

5. Para jumbles

6. Sentence completion and correction

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):

1. Data interpretation (tables, charts, graphs)

2. Logical puzzles

3. Seating arrangements

4. Blood relations

5. Syllogisms

6. Logical sequences and arrangements

Quantitative Ability (QA):

1. Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages, profit and loss, time-speed-distance)

2. Algebra

3. Geometry and mensuration

4. Number systems

5. Modern math (sets, probability, permutations and combinations)

6. Trigonometry

The exam tests problem-solving ability, analytical thinking, and time management skills across these topics. There are no fixed textbooks; questions are designed to assess aptitude and reasoning skills.

EXAM PATTERN

The paper pattern for the CAT exam has changed several times in the past. The CAT Examination shall consist both MCQ's & Non-MCQ based Questions.

The section-wise distribution of Questions and Marks is given below :

Mode Of Examination:

CAT Examination shall be held as a Computer Based Test. Questions will be both MCQ and Non-MCQ's type.

Medium Of Examination:

Questions in CAT Examination shall be available only as in English Language.

Marking Scheme:

Sections of the Test:

1- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

2- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

3- Quantitative Ability (QA)

Question from the above-mentioned sections shall be asked in CAT Examination where, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension shall comprise 26 Questions of 3 Marks each, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning shall comprise 24 Questions of 3 Marks each and Quantitative Ability (QA) comprise 26 Questions of 3 Marks, thus summing up to 228 Marks.

Marking Scheme Highlights:

1- 3 marks shall be awarded for every correct response.

2- Negative marking of 1/3rd (-1 mark) for every wrong MCQ response shall prevail.

3- No negative marking shall be there for wrong non-MCQ response.

Percentile Score Calculation:

The Percentile score calculation for each section shall be based on following formula:

Note :-

Percentile score = P

Total number of candidates = N

Rank of Candidate = r

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be eligible, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD), and final-year students can also apply. CAT scores are valid for one year and play a critical role in securing admission to leading management institutes across India. Details are given Bellow according to previous year.

Nationality

A candidate must be either:

1 - A Citizen of India or

2 - A subject of Nepal or

3 - A subject of Bhutan or

4 - A Tibetan Refugee who came over to India before 1st January 1962 to permanently settle in India or

A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania (formerly Tanganyika and Zanzibar), Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia, and Vietnam to permanently settle in India.

Age Limit

The minimum age limit to be eligible for CAT Examination is 20 years. There is No Restriction on Maximum Age Limit.

Educational Qualification:

1. The candidate must hold a Bachelor’s Degree, with at least 50% marks or equivalent CGPA [45% in the case of candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Persons with Disability (PwD) categories], awarded by any University or educational institution or possess an equivalent qualification recognised by the Ministry of HRD, Government of India.

2. Candidates appearing for the final year of Bachelor’s degree/equivalent Qualification Examination and those who have Completed Degree Requirements and are awaiting Results can also apply.

IMPORTANT DATES

The CAT (Common Admission Test) 2026 important dates are expected to follow the usual annual timeline conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The official notification for CAT 2026 is likely to be released in the last week of July 2026, with the online registration process starting from 1 August 2026 and continuing until mid-September 2026. Details are given bellow.

EXAM ANALYSIS

Exam Dates (Recent Years)

CAT 2024: Conducted on 24 November 2024 with 3 slots across the day.

CAT 2025: Held on 30 November 2025 in three sessions (morning, afternoon, evening).

These dates show a consistent late November schedule, which likely continues for CAT 2026.

Overall Difficulty Trend

CAT 2024

The overall difficulty was easier than CAT 2023, with slight pattern changes.

The exam had 68 questions, spread across VARC, DILR, and QA.

Data suggests DILR and Quant were comparatively more approachable than in previous years.

CAT 2025

Slightly tougher than CAT 2024 overall, with DILR and QA seen as more demanding.

Students generally found the DILR section the most challenging across slots, with tight sets and time pressure.

VARC remained manageable to moderate, similar to CAT 2024.

Trend Insight:

Difficulty shifted slightly upward in CAT 2025, especially in DILR and QA compared to 2024. This suggests that CAT 2026 could also test strong analytical ability and time management rather than just basic concepts.

Section?Wise Analysis

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

CAT 2024:

VARC was moderate, with passages and verbal questions that candidates could handle well.

Good performance here was key for high percentiles.

CAT 2025:

VARC stayed similar to 2024, mostly moderate.

It included RC passages and some para jumbles.

Good attempts around 10–12 with accuracy helped in percentile gains.

Takeaway: VARC is usually predictable and scoring if the reading strategy is solid.

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

CAT 2024:

DILR was moderately easy to moderate, with many doable sets.

CAT 2025:

DILR became noticeably tougher than the previous year, with complex sets and thicker reasoning.

Students found only 8–15 questions doable with high accuracy.

Takeaway: DILR is now the differentiator section, and mastering mixed sets, quick graphs, and logical puzzles is essential.

Quantitative Ability (QA)

CAT 2024:

QA had a balanced difficulty with arithmetic, number systems and algebra.

CAT 2025:

QA was slightly more challenging than 2024, with number?based questions needing deeper thinking.

Takeaway: Strong fundamentals and smart selection of questions matter most. QA is usually a score separator at high percentiles.

Pattern Consistency

Across both years:

CAT maintained 3 sections (VARC, DILR, QA) with 68 questions.

Each section had 40 minutes.

MCQs + TITA (non?MCQ) format continued.

Pattern stability indicates that CAT 2026 prep should solidify basics, analytical speed, and section strategies.

Difficulty & Good Attempts (General Observations)

CAT 2024:

Easier relative to preceding years

Good accuracy and speed led to higher percentiles due to easier overall paper.

CAT 2025:

Overall exam reviewed as moderate to slightly difficult than 2024.

Good attempt for high percentile dropped slightly due to tougher DILR and QA.

Strategy Tip:

Aim for balanced high attempts with accuracy across all sections; relying on one strong section is less effective as competition grows.

Percentile & Competitive Trends

CAT 2025 saw more than 2.5 lakh candidates appearing and intense competition for top B?schools.

Multiple candidates scored 100 percentile in 2025, including many from non?engineering backgrounds — showing diversified success trends.

This implies that high percentiles are achievable with strategy, not just background strength.

Insights for CAT 2026 Preparation

VCARC: Expect moderate difficulty with RC focus.

DILR: Likely to remain challenging — practice diverse sets.

QA: Maintain strong fundamentals and quick evaluation skills.

Overall: Keep accuracy high; time management is crucial.

Preparation Focus

Practice mock tests and analyze thoroughly

Strengthen DILR and QA logic

Build vocabulary and reading endurance for VARC

Keep track of percentile trends to set realistic target scores

Bottom Line:

CAT 2024 was relatively easier, but CAT 2025 was tougher, especially in reasoning and quant. CAT 2026 is expected to follow this trend of balanced yet challenging questions, testing depth, strategy, and speed.

STUDY TIPS

Consistent practice through mock tests and previous years’ papers helps develop accuracy, speed, and effective time management, as each section has a strict 40-minute limit. After every test, analyzing mistakes and identifying weak areas allows targeted improvement. Maintaining accuracy is crucial since wrong MCQs carry negative marks. Candidates should create a balanced daily study schedule, setting sectional goals, practicing time-bound sets, and monitoring performance trends. Additionally, staying healthy, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep are vital, as mental clarity significantly impacts performance. 

TIPS & TRICKS

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension:

1- Read lots of books to improve reading and understanding skills.

2- Focus on vocabulary. The very basic pillar of the VA section is vocabulary and owing to the difficulty level of the exam.

3- Read newspapers and magazines to improve your reading habits. Learn at least 10 new English words and meanings daily.

4- Don’t forget grammar. Grammar mostly becomes the cause of your success.

5- Whether it be the unseen paragraphs, editing sentences, jumbled up sentences fill in the blanks or omitted sentences, practice will help you gain power over every aspect.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning:

1- DI is the heart and soul of this section. Familiarise yourself with caselets and other types of Di's. Look into the mock tests and understand the concepts of Di's.

2- DI questions are usually calculation-intensive and what decides if you are in the game or not is the speed of these calculations. It is important that you time yourself to evaluate the performance.

3- Apart from excelling in the previous year’s papers and mock papers, try solving riddles and puzzles to sharpen your logical reasoning skills. Also play mental games and games like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, blood relations and family tree riddles etc. This will help make learning a fun process.

Quantitative Ability:

1- Start from the basics of each topic first.

2- Basic mathematical operations like Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Squares & Square Roots, Cubes & Cube Roots, Tables etc. should be on finger tips.

3- Practice the harder sections again and again.

4- Practice shortcuts & tricks.

5- Always start by solving examples.

6- Never try to memorise the solution instead go through the logic.

7- Try to apply certain topics to real life world to get better understanding.

STUDY PLANS

CAT exam is a highly competitive exam so it is crucial for the aspiring candidates to be well prepared for the exam to get into their preferred B-school. The only deciding factor for the selection or rejection of a candidate is the Strategy & Planning which is used by them for their preparation for the CAT Examination. A good and result-oriented Strategy & Planning for the examination will definitely allow the candidates to make their way through CAT Examination.

Important Topics are given below:

(Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA)):

STUDY PLANS

One Month Study Plan:

A one-month study plan for CAT 2026 focuses on intensive revision, sectional practice, and mock test analysis.

First week, candidates should strengthen fundamentals by revising arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems for QA, practicing reading comprehension, grammar, and para jumbles for VARC, and solving puzzles, charts, and seating

STUDY TIPS

Consistent practice through mock tests and previous years’ papers helps develop accuracy, speed, and effective time management, as each section has a strict 40-minute limit. After every test, analyzing mistakes and identifying weak areas allows targeted improvement. Maintaining accuracy is crucial since wrong MCQs carry negative marks. Candidates should create a balanced daily study schedule, setting sectional goals, practicing time-bound sets, and monitoring performance trends. Additionally, staying healthy, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep are vital, as mental clarity significantly impacts performance. 

TIPS & TRICKS

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension:

1- Read lots of books to improve reading and understanding skills.

2- Focus on vocabulary. The very basic pillar of the VA section is vocabulary and owing to the difficulty level of the exam.

3- Read newspapers and magazines to improve your reading habits. Learn at least 10 new English words and meanings daily.

4- Don’t forget grammar. Grammar mostly becomes the cause of your success.

5- Whether it be the unseen paragraphs, editing sentences, jumbled up sentences fill in the blanks or omitted sentences, practice will help you gain power over every aspect.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning:

1- DI is the heart and soul of this section. Familiarise yourself with caselets and other types of Di's. Look into the mock tests and understand the concepts of Di's.

2- DI questions are usually calculation-intensive and what decides if you are in the game or not is the speed of these calculations. It is important that you time yourself to evaluate the performance.

3- Apart from excelling in the previous year’s papers and mock papers, try solving riddles and puzzles to sharpen your logical reasoning skills. Also play mental games and games like crossword puzzles, Sudoku, blood relations and family tree riddles etc. This will help make learning a fun process.

Quantitative Ability:

1- Start from the basics of each topic first.

2- Basic mathematical operations like Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division, Squares & Square Roots, Cubes & Cube Roots, Tables etc. should be on finger tips.

3- Practice the harder sections again and again.

4- Practice shortcuts & tricks.

5- Always start by solving examples.

6- Never try to memorise the solution instead go through the logic.

7- Try to apply certain topics to real life world to get better understanding.

STUDY PLANS

CAT exam is a highly competitive exam so it is crucial for the aspiring candidates to be well prepared for the exam to get into their preferred B-school. The only deciding factor for the selection or rejection of a candidate is the Strategy & Planning which is used by them for their preparation for the CAT Examination. A good and result-oriented Strategy & Planning for the examination will definitely allow the candidates to make their way through CAT Examination.

Important Topics are given below:

(Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Ability (QA)):

STUDY PLANS

One Month Study Plan:

A one-month study plan for CAT 2026 focuses on intensive revision, sectional practice, and mock test analysis.

First week, candidates should strengthen fundamentals by revising arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems for QA, practicing reading comprehension, grammar, and para jumbles for VARC, and solving puzzles, charts, and seating arrangements for DILR, while identifying weak areas through short daily drills.

Second week should emphasize sectional practice and time management, with timed exercises in all three sections and one full-length mock test to highlight speed and accuracy issues.

Third week, candidates should take 3–4 full-length mocks under strict exam conditions, analyze performance in detail, and focus on weak areas, refining strategies such as which questions to attempt first in each section.

Fourth week should concentrate on revision, formula and shortcut review, quick practice sets, and 2–3 final mocks to boost confidence and simulate exam conditions, while also working on stress management and sectional timing. Consistent daily practice, disciplined mock analysis, and a clear strategy are key to maximizing percentile in CAT 2026.

3-Month Study Plan:

Note:- It is advisable to attempt a mini Mock Test on a daily basis to be thorough with the topic.

6-Month Study Plan:

A six-month study plan for CAT 2026 is designed to build strong fundamentals, gradually improve speed and accuracy, and systematically master all three sections—VARC, DILR, and QA.

First two months, candidates should focus on understanding the syllabus, revising basic concepts in mathematics, grammar, and logical reasoning, and practicing simple reading comprehension passages and easy DILR sets to strengthen foundational skills.

 Third and fourth months should emphasize intensive practice, with daily sectional exercises, solving moderate to difficult questions, and taking 1–2 full-length mock tests every two weeks to develop time management and exam strategy.

 Fifth month, the focus should shift to advanced problem-solving, tackling challenging DILR puzzles, long RC passages, and tricky QA questions, while analyzing mock tests thoroughly to identify and work on weak areas.

 Sixth month should be dedicated to revision, quick formula and shortcut review, regular full-length mocks under timed conditions, and fine-tuning exam strategy, including deciding question selection order, pacing, and stress management. Following this structured approach over six months ensures conceptual clarity, consistent practice, and readiness to maximize percentile in CAT 2026.

OVERVIEW

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted in India for admission to MBA and other postgraduate management programs, primarily at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and over 1,200 other top business schools. Held annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis, the CAT exam assesses candidates' aptitude in Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. It is a computer-based test with a duration of two hours, conducted in three shifts on a single day. To be eligible, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD), and final-year students can also apply. CAT scores are valid for one year and play a critical role in securing admission to leading management institutes across India.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process for admission through the CAT exam typically involves these steps:

CAT Exam: Candidates appear for the CAT computer-based test, which assesses their skills in VARC, DILR, and QA sections.

Shortlisting: Based on CAT scores, participating institutes shortlist candidates for the next rounds. Each institute sets its own cutoff and criteria.

Written Ability Test (WAT) / Essay Writing: Some institutes require candidates to write an essay or WAT to evaluate communication skills.

Group Discussion (GD): Shortlisted candidates may participate in group discussions to assess teamwork, communication, and leadership qualities.

Personal Interview (PI): Candidates attend personal interviews to evaluate their personality, motivation, and suitability for management programs.

Final Selection: Institutes prepare a final merit list based on CAT scores, WAT/GD, PI performance, academic records, work experience, and diversity factors.

The exact process and weightage of components vary across IIMs and other B-schools.