12 High Weightage CAT Quant Topics: Expected Subject-Wise Weightage

Overview: Learn about the 12 must-know high-weightage CAT Quant Topics that you must be prepared well in advance to score high. Read on to know them!

Getting prepared with the high-scoring QA topics can help you achieve 99%ile percentile in the CAT 2026 exam. 

This is because VARC has no fixed syllabus, and DILR often includes varied puzzle types. But Quant is different. 

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Focusing on some quant topics can really help you gain good marks. So, to help you out, we have provided 12 high-weightage topics for the CAT 2026 Quantitative section.

These topics can help you solve 80% of the questions in the CAT exam. Focus on these to use your remaining time wisely and get top scores.

The 12 Must-Do High Weightage CAT Quant Topics You Can’t Skip

Here are the top 12 CAT QA High Weightage Topics:

#1. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Percentages and Ratios

These are the building blocks of Arithmetic. They show up directly and inside other topics like Profit and Loss, Mixtures, and Time and Work.

What to know:

• Successive percentage change and back-calculation.
• Fraction to percentage and percentage to fraction conversions.
• Quick mental values help, for example: 1/6 ≈ 0.16, 1/7 ≈ 0.14, 1/9 ≈ 0.11.

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Tips:

• Memorise common fraction equivalents so you can move fast.
• Practice mixing percentages with ratios in word problems.

#2. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Averages

Averages seem simple, and they are, but CAT twists them with groups, replacements, and weighted means. Expect 1 to 2 questions.

Example approach:

• If a new value joins a group, recalculate the total sum rather than juggling means. It keeps errors low.

#3. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Profit and Loss

This ties heavily to percentages, so prepare them together. Expect 1 to 2 questions. Marked price, discount, and successive change are frequent. Treat it as a scoring topic once your basics are in place.

#4. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Alligation and Mixture

This is one of the easiest high-return topics. The standard alligation rule can solve many problems in seconds. You often get 1 to 2 questions.

Why it’s straightforward:

• One visual ratio rule solves most mixtures, whether it’s price, concentration, or quantity.
• Fewer formulas, more logic.

Quantitative Ability Individual Topics Formula Sheets

Number System Formula PDF	Download Now
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Quadratic Equation Formula PDF	Download Now
Inequalities Formula PDF	Download Now
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Time, Speed & Distance Formula PDF	Download Now
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Ratio, Proportion & Variations Formula PDF	Download Now
Simple Interest - Compound Interest Formula PDF	Download Now
Profit & Loss Formula PDF	Download Now

#5. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Time and Work

The next important topic for CAT QA 2026 is Time and Work. You can expect 2-3 questions based on different problems, including Pipes and cisterns, men and women, combined work, and efficiency.

Focus points:

• Convert to total work units and use LCM for speed.
• Use ratios to calculate combined work rates and time splits.

#6. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Time, Speed and Distance (TSD)

In Arithmetic, Time, Speed and Distance are arguably the most important. You can even see two questions in the same slot. Variations include:

1. Boats and streams
2. Circular tracks
3. Relative speed and chasing
4. Average speed traps

Expect guaranteed questions. Build speed with ratio methods, relative speed frames, and distance-time tables.

#7. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Linear and Quadratic Equations

In Algebra, this pair is a mainstay. For quadratics, you must be quick with:

• Nature of roots using the discriminant
• Sum and product of roots
• Forming equations from roots

Inequalities often pair with quadratics, so practice them together. CAT likes to mix them.

Read more: CAT Geometry Formulas with Explanation

#8. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Modulus

Modulus is essential, but many students find it tough on the first attempt. Usually, 1 question appears. If you’re short on time and hitting a wall, it’s a smart strategy to move that time to topics that pay off faster. If you’re comfortable, keep it in and practice sign-case splits cleanly.

#9. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Logarithms

Logarithm questions or Logs are easy marks once you know the core identities. You’ll often see 1 question per slot.

Why it’s a must-do:

• A fixed set of 10 to 12 formulas handles most problems.
• Questions look heavy but compress nicely once you simplify.
• Often combines with exponents and indices.

#10. CAT Quant Topics 2026: AP/GP and Progressions

Know sums of n terms, the sum to infinity for GP, and the basic term formulas. CAT also uses simple series logic and sometimes folds this into Algebraic identities. This is steady scoring with low formula load.

#11. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Triangles

If you are taking geometry, start here. Focus on:

• Basic properties, similarity, and area relations
• Midpoint theorem and BPT
• Apollonius' theorem and median properties

Triangles appear often, and problems can be solved with a neat set of rules.

#12. CAT Quant Topics 2026: Circles

Circle questions test chords, tangents, segments, and angle properties. Pair this with Triangles for a compact Geometry package. If time is tight, skip Mensuration and Coordinate Geometry and focus on Triangles and Circles first.

Across all 12 topics, practice previous year questions. Many CAT questions reuse the same ideas with new numbers.

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Understanding the CAT Quant Syllabus 2026

The CAT Syllabus for Quant covers several main areas. It is helpful to know what each area includes.

1. Arithmetic

Arithmetic is one of the most important areas. It often forms a big part of the exam. Key topics include:

Ratio and Proportion	Averages	Simple Interest (SI) and Compound Interest (CI)
Profit and Loss	Time, Speed, and Distance (TSD)	Time and Work

2. Algebra

Algebra is another major section in Quant in the CAT exam. It holds similar weight to Arithmetic. Key topics include:

Logarithms	Polynomials	Linear Equations	Quadratic Equations
Progressions (Arithmetic Progression - AP, Geometric Progression - GP)	Inequalities	Modulus Functions	Functions

3. Geometry

Geometry also appears in the CAT exam. However, it can take longer to master than other sections. Key topics include:

Triangles	Quadrilaterals	Polygons
Circles	Mensuration	Coordinate Geometry

Check: Venn Diagram Practice Questions for CAT 2026

4. Number System

The Number System section typically has fewer questions. It covers basic number properties and operations. Key topics include:

Factors	Remainder Theorem	LCM  HCF
Factorials	Trailing Zeros

5. Modern Math

Modern Math also makes up a small part of the Quant section. Key topics include:

Set Theory

Permutations and Combinations (PNC)

Probability

Overall, Number System and Modern Math usually contribute only one to two questions to the exam.

CAT QA High-Weightage Topics and Their Exam Presence

Looking at past CAT exams (2022, 2023, 2024) helps us find topics that appear often. Focusing on these gives you a better chance to score high.

#1. CAT QA High Weightage Topics: Arithmetic 

Topic Group	Subtopics	Importance Level	CAT 2022 Questions	CAT 2023 Questions	CAT 2024 Questions
Averages, Ratio, Mixture & Allegation	Averages Ratio-Proportion Mixtures, Allegations	Very High	3 – 5	4 – 6	3 – 5
Profit & Loss, SI-CI, Percentages	Profit & Loss Simple & Compound Interest Percentages	High	2 – 3	2 – 3	2 – 3
Time, Speed, Distance (TSD) & Time and Work	Speed, Distance Time, Boats & Streams  Circular Tracks Time & Work  Pipes & Cisterns Work Efficiency Problems	Very High	2 – 3	2 – 3	2 – 3

#2. CAT QA High Weightage Topics: Algebra

Topic	Subtopics	Importance Level	Expected Questions per Year
Quadratic Equations & Linear Equations	Quadratic Equations Nature of Roots Discriminant Linear Equations Inequalities	Very High	2 – 3
Logarithms	Laws of Logarithms Common Formulas (10–12) Solving Log-based Questions	High	1
Modulus	Modulus Functions Graphs Equation Solving	Medium	1
AP/GP and Progressions	Arithmetic Progression Geometric Progression Sum of n Terms Sum of Infinite Terms Sequences and Series	High	1 – 2

#3. CAT QA High Weightage Topics: Geometry's 

Topic	Subtopics	Importance Level	Expected Questions per Year
Triangles	Apollonius' Theorem Midpoint Theorem Basic Proportionality Theorem (BPT) Similarity and Congruence Concepts	Very High	1 – 2
Circles	Properties of Chords Tangents, Segments Angles in a Circle and Related Formulas	High	1 – 2
Overall Geometry Weightage	Combination of Triangle and Circle-based Problems	High	2 – 3

Boosting Your CAT QA Preparation for 2026

Beyond specific topics, certain resources and strategies can significantly help your preparation.

Solve Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Solving PYQs is extremely helpful. In CAT 2024, for example, two questions were identical to those from the previous year, even with the exact numbers.

Students who had practised PYQs knew the answers instantly. This saved them precious time and earned easy marks.

Make sure to solve PYQs at least twice. You can find them at Supergrads CAT Previous Year Papers.

Practising the CAT 2026 Mock Tests

Practising with CAT full-length and sectional mock tests can actually help you understand the weak areas, the question-solving time frame, the exam difficulty level, your solving speed and accuracy.

You can check out the CAT mock test here:

Conclusion

Mattering these 12 high-weightage topics is essential for success in the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT exam. With just 45 days left until CAT 2026, focusing your preparation on these areas can significantly enhance your ability to tackle complex problems efficiently and effectively. 

By delving into each topic, practising past questions, and honing your problem-solving skills, you can build the confidence needed to excel on exam day. 

Remember, consistent practice and a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts will not only help you score well but also ensure that you approach the exam with a strong strategic mindset. Best of luck with your preparation!