CAT Quant Syllabus 2026: Important Topics, Weightage & Difficulty Level

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

December 11, 2025

Overview: Covering the CAT quant syllabus can help you ace the CAT exam with a good percentile. Read on to know the detailed CAT 2026 Quant Syllabus here!

The Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT entrance exam consists of 22 questions from algebra, arithmetic, geometry, number system and miscellaneous topics.
It is the final section of the CAT exam that needs to be completed in 40 minutes.

The QA section of the CAT exam plays a major role in improving the candidate's overall ranking and percentile.

Thus, scroll down to learn the Quantitative Aptitude for CAT syllabus 2026 in detail!

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What is CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026?

The CAT Quant syllabus includes Arithmetic (percentages, time & work, etc.), Algebra (equations, progressions), Geometry (shapes, angles), Number System (LCM, HCF), and Modern Math (probability, permutations). These topics cover fundamental mathematical concepts tested in the exam.

Latest Changes in CAT Quant Syllabus 2026

The CAT Quant syllabus 2026 itself has not changed much in recent years – you are still tested on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems and Modern Maths. However, the exam pattern and number of questions have gone through important changes since 2019. Here is a quick comparison:

Parameter	CAT 2019 Pattern	CAT 2020 Pattern	CAT 2021–2024 Pattern
Total Number of Questions	100	76	66
Maximum Raw Score	300	228	198
Total QA Questions	34	26	22

As you can see, the weight of the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section has reduced in terms of the number of questions, but its importance for your overall percentile remains very high. You must still cover the full CAT QA syllabus 2026 systematically to score well.

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Important Topics Covered in CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026

The CAT Quant syllabus 2026 is broadly divided into Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System & Modern Maths, and Geometry. The table below gives you a clear view of the most important CAT quant topics in each area.

Broad Area of CAT Quant Syllabus 2026	Key Topics You Must Prepare
Arithmetic	Time, Speed and Distance Ratio, Proportion and Variation Time and Work Pipes and Cisterns Simple and Compound Interest Percentage Profit and Loss Averages Mixtures and Alligation
Algebra	Linear and Quadratic Equations Special Equations & Identities Inequalities and Modulus Surds and Indices Logarithms Functions and Graphs Polynomials Arithmetic, Geometric and Harmonic Progressions (AP, GP, HP)
Number System & Modern Maths	Permutation and Combination Probability Set Theory Factorials Remainders and Base System Factor Theory LCM & HCF Divisibility Rules Units Digit & Last Two Digits Basic Statistics (mean, median, mode, variance)
Geometry & Mensuration	Lines and Angles Triangles (similarity, congruence, area, properties) Quadrilaterals and Polygons Circles (chords, tangents, arcs) Mensuration of 2D & 3D Figures Trigonometry (basic identities and heights & distances) Coordinate Geometry (straight lines, distance, section formula, basic curves)

If you systematically cover these topics from the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2026, you will be prepared for almost every type of QA question that appears in the exam.

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026: Difficulty Level

The CAT Quant syllabus 2026 covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Maths. Test-takers typically find the difficulty level of questions in this section to be moderate to high.

Arithmetic and algebra are the most important topics in the CAT Quant syllabus and carry the maximum weightage.
In the CAT Exam Pattern, 22 questions worth 66 marks are allocated to the Quantitative Aptitude section.

According to the marking scheme, 3 marks are awarded for each correct answer, while 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.

In the CAT question paper, the QA section had 14 multiple-choice questions and 8 TITA-type questions, and it was considered good to attempt 16-17 questions.
The CAT Quantitative Aptitude section is crucial in determining the CAT Cut-off, which typically ranges from 70–85th percentile in this section. A thorough understanding of the CAT QA Syllabus, including topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and modern mathematics, is essential for securing a competitive score.

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CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Weightage 2026

The CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2026 typically contributes around 22 questions in the exam. While the exact distribution changes every year, the table below shows the expected topic-wise weightage based on recent CAT papers.

Topic Area	Expected No. of Questions	Overall Difficulty
Number System & Basic Arithmetic	5–10	Moderate
Geometry & Mensuration	7–8	Moderately Difficult
Algebra	6–7	Moderate
Permutation & Combination	1–2	Easy
Probability	1–2	Moderate
Time, Speed & Distance	1–2	Moderately Difficult
Trigonometry, Logarithms & Sets	1–3	Easy
Profit, Loss & Discounts	1–2	Moderately Easy
Simple & Compound Interest	1–2	Moderately Difficult
Time & Work

Use this CAT Quant syllabus 2026 topic-wise weightage as a guideline to prioritise your preparation, but make sure you are conceptually prepared across all areas, since CAT often shifts focus from one year to another.

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Tips to Ace CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Section 2026

Here are some key tips to ace the Quantitative Ability section of the CAT Exam 2026 and effectively cover the CAT QA Syllabus, which includes essential topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and modern mathematics.

Geometry Section

Focus on understanding fundamental geometric concepts such as lines, angles, triangles, circles, and polygons.
Develop the ability to visualise geometric figures and their properties.
Practice applying different geometric theorems and formulas to solve problems efficiently.
Analyse any mistakes and learn from them to improve your approach to similar problems in the future.
While geometry may seem less predictable, it remains an integral part of the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus and often features 3 to 4 questions in the paper.

Check | Tips for CAT Exam Preparation 2026

Arithmetic Section

You should have a very good command of topics like Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, and Time and Distance.
Memorise key arithmetic formulas for percentages, ratios, proportions, and averages.
Practice translating word problems into mathematical equations and solving them systematically.
Focus on improving your speed and accuracy in solving arithmetic problems.

Algebra Section

Develop a strong understanding of algebraic concepts such as equations, inequalities, functions, and sequences.
Solve a variety of algebraic equations, including linear equations, quadratic equations, and simultaneous equations.
Algebra problems in CAT often involve real-world applications such as time-speed-distance, Time & Work, and mixtures.
Memorise important identities such as the quadratic formula, binomial theorem, and properties of exponents to simplify algebraic expressions and solve problems efficiently.

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Final 60-Day Preparation Plan for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026

Once you have covered most of the CAT Quant syllabus 2026, use the last 60 days to revise smartly and focus on exam-style practice. Here is a compact 2-month study plan you can follow:

Day Range	Main Focus Area	Key Actions
Day 1–15	Arithmetic & Number System Revision	Revise all core concepts of Arithmetic and Number System. Solve 20–30 questions daily from mixed Arithmetic topics. Maintain an error log of questions you get wrong.
Day 16–30	Algebra & Geometry Practice	Revise key Algebra and Geometry formulas and theorems. Attempt 2 QA sectional tests focused on these areas. Analyse each test to identify weak subtopics.
Day 31–45	Modern Maths + Full Mocks	Cover Modern Maths topics like P&C, Probability, Set Theory. Take at least 1 full-length CAT mock every week. Revisit weak topics from Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry.
Day 46–60	Mixed Practice & Exam Simulation	Practice mixed QA sets under timed conditions. Revise all important formulas and shortcuts daily. Take 2–3 full mocks per week and focus on accuracy.

Treat this plan as a flexible template. Adjust the number of mocks and practice questions based on your comfort level with the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2026.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid to Ace the CAT Quantitative Section

Preparing for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2026 can be challenging, but avoiding common pitfalls can significantly improve your performance. Here are key mistakes to steer clear of when tackling CAT QA questions:

1. Don't Get Stuck on One Question

In the CAT QA section, you have about 40 minutes for 22 questions.
That's roughly 90 seconds per question. If you find yourself spending more than a minute and a half on any single problem, it's time to move on. Save valuable time for other questions where you might score easily.
This is crucial for optimising your CAT 2025 Quant syllabus preparation.

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2. Do not Hurry to Solve Questions

In the rush to solve more questions from the quantitative aptitude syllabus PDF, candidates often make small, careless calculation mistakes.
Remember, accuracy is just as important as the number of questions you attempt.
It's far better to solve 85-90% of the questions correctly than to attempt 100% with numerous errors. Focus on precision to maximise your score on the CAT quant syllabus 2026.

3. Do not mug up Every Formula/ Shortcut

When studying the quantitative aptitude syllabus, it's tempting to learn every shortcut out there. However, memorising too many formulas and short tricks can lead to confusion during the exam.
Instead, focus on truly understanding and mastering 1-2 effective strategies for each topic.
This streamlined approach will help you recall techniques faster and apply them accurately on the CAT 2026 quantitative aptitude syllabus.

4. Do Not Ignore the Elimination Trick

Many questions, especially those involving numbers and algebra within the quants syllabus for CAT, can be solved efficiently by looking at the answer choices.
It is best to check if you can eliminate incorrect options. This "option elimination strategy" can save you significant time and effort, making your approach to the CAT quant syllabus more strategic.

Best Preparation Books for CAT Quant Syllabus 2026

The market and internet are flooded with CAT study material, but choosing the right CAT Preparation books is a significant task. You can refer to the below-mentioned important CAT exam maths Quant preparation books that align with the CAT quant syllabus, along with their detailed descriptions in the following table:

Best preparation books you can refer to for the CAT QA Syllabus 2026 preparations:

CAT Exam Quantitative Ability Syllabus 2026 Preparation Books	Author
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT	Nishit K Sinha/Pearson
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT	Arihant
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Arun Sharma/ Tata McGraw-Hill
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	RS Agarwal/ S Chand
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Dinesh k Sinha
Quantum CAT	Sarvesh Verma

Also Read | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude

Conclusion

The CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2026 may look extensive, but it is entirely manageable when you break it into clear topic buckets – Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems and Modern Maths – and follow a structured study plan.

Focus first on building strong fundamentals in the high-weightage areas of the CAT Quant syllabus 2026, then move to timed practice, sectional tests and full-length mocks. Every carefully analysed question improves your accuracy, speed and exam temperament.

Use our CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions with solutions to practise exam-level problems.
Follow the daily QA study plan to stay consistent with your preparation.
Take regular CAT mock tests by Supergrads to track your QA percentile and fix weak areas.

If you want structured guidance, doubt-solving and mentorship for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2026, use the form below to join Supergrads free demo classes and experience our teaching style before you commit.

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