CAT (Common Admission Test)

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Sunday, November 29, 2026
Content Writer Papri Dutta
Updated On Date: Jun 30, 2026

CAT 2026 Syllabus

CAT 2026 Syllabus

The CAT 2026 syllabus in general, covers three main sections. Following is the list of the main topics which are usually covered by the exam authorities when conducting CAT exam.

  1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

This section assesses your reading speed, analytical skills, and command of the English language. It is heavily dominated by Reading Comprehension.

  • Reading Comprehension (RC): Typically accounts for ~65–70% of the section. Passages cover diverse genres such as Philosophy, Science & Technology, Social Sciences, Economics, and Arts. You are tested on main ideas, inferences, tone, and vocabulary in context.
  • Verbal Ability (VA):
    • Para Jumbles: Arranging 4–5 sentences in a logical sequence.
    • Para Summary: Selecting the most accurate summary of a given paragraph.
    • Odd Sentence Out: Identifying the sentence that does not belong in a logical paragraph.
  1. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

DILR is considered the "game-changer" section. It is typically organized into sets of 4–6 questions, requiring multi-step reasoning.

  • Data Interpretation:
    • Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, and Caselets (word problems with data).
  • Logical Reasoning:
    • Arrangements: Linear, circular, and grid-based seating arrangements.
    • Puzzles: Games and tournaments, scheduling, and distribution-based problems.
    • Core Concepts: Venn Diagrams, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Binary Logic, and Coding-Decoding.
  1. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

This section tests mathematical proficiency, largely at the Class 9–10 level, though with complex application-based framing.

  • Arithmetic (averages, ratio, percentages, profit & loss, time & work, time & distance)
  • algebra (linear/quadratic equations, inequalities, polynomials, binomial theorem)
  • number systems (divisibility, LCM/HCF, remainders, factorials, base systems, surds and indices, logarithms)
  • geometry (2D & 3D, coordinate geometry, mensuration)
  • modern math (permutations & combinations, probability, set theory, progressions)
Detailed information on CAT 2026 Admit Card
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