Top 10 Most Important CAT Quant Topics 2026 to Revise in last 15 Days

Overview: With only 15 days left for the exam, your focus must shift from learning new topics to revising the most scoring and high-frequency QA (Quantitative Aptitude) chapters. Read on to know top 10 most important CAT Quant topics to practice!

• The CAT 2026 exam is almost here. If you are feeling confused about how to best use these last 15 days for the Quantitative Aptitude (Quant) section, you are not alone.
• Many students wonder which topics to focus on, which to skip, and how to maximize their score in the final stretch.
• Here  we will cover the 10 most important CAT Quant topics you must revise. These topics are often seen in exams like CAT, XAT, NMAT and SNAP. 

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They are chosen based on past exam trends, how hard they are, and how much they can help your score. By focusing on these areas, you can target a significant number of questions. 

The Top 10 Most Important CAT Quant Topics 2026 for Last Phase Revision

Why Focus on These Top 10 CAT Quant Topics? These topics have been carefully selected based on:

• Past 5-6 years of CAT exam trends,
• Their scoring potential,
• Their frequency in different MBA entrance exams,
• Topics known to be 'doable' by a focused revision approach.

By mastering these top 10 most important CAT quant topics, you maximize your chances of a high quant score and overall percentile boost!

S.No	Topic	Expected No. of Questions	Key Points
1	Time and Work	2	Scoring, often 2 questions, practice thoroughly
2	Time, Speed and Distance	2-3	Can expect up to 3 questions, focus on speed and accuracy
3	Average, Mixture, and Allegation	1+	Often 1 question, but related subtopics may increase count
4	Ratio, Proportion and Partnership	1-2	Minimum 1, usually 2 questions, good scoring topic
5	Percentage, Profit & Loss, Discount, Simple & Compound Interest	2-3	Mixed concepts, 2-3 questions, important to master percentage concepts
6	Algebraic Identities	2-3	Frequent in every slot, mix of direct and indirect questions
7	Indices, Surds and Logarithms	1-3	Scoring and doable, 1-3 questions expected
8	Linear Equations	1	Usually at least 1 question, basic but important
9	Quadratic Equations	1	Regular appearance, one solid question expected
10	Modulus-based Equations	1	Often mixed with linear and quadratic equations

The Top 10 Most Important CAT Quant Topics 2026 to Revise

These topics consistently appear in competitive exams. They offer a strong chance to score well if you prepare them thoroughly.

1️⃣Time and Work

Time and Work is a very important topic. Looking at the last five to six years of CAT papers, you will find at least two questions from this area in almost every exam. 

These questions are usually solvable and can boost your score. If you put in the effort, you can aim for full marks on these questions.

Focus on different types of problems, including those with efficiency, individual work rates, and group efforts.

2️⃣Time, Speed, and Distance

This topic is another essential part of Quant. You can expect to see two or three questions, often closer to three from time, speed and distance.

While some questions might be a bit challenging, thorough practice can help you score well. Make sure you understand all basic concepts. 

Practice problems involving trains, boats and streams, and races. Also, review average speed calculations and different scenarios of travel.

3️⃣Averages, Mixtures, and Allegations

Averages, Mixtures, and Allegations are closely related topics. You can usually find at least one question from each of these three areas. 

Sometimes, there can be three or even four questions in total. These topics are very doable and offer good scoring potential. 

They often involve weighted averages and combining different solutions or quantities. Practicing various problem types will make you confident.

CAT Quantitative Ability Individual Topics Formula Sheets

Number System Formula PDF	Download Now
Arithmetic Formula PDF	Download Now
Number Theory Formula PDF	Download Now
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Logarithms, Surds & Indices Formula PDF	Download Now
Time, Speed & Distance Formula PDF	Download Now
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Simple Interest - Compound Interest Formula PDF	Download Now
Profit & Loss Formula PDF	Download Now

4️⃣Ratio, Proportion, and Partnership

Ratio, Proportion, and Partnership is a fundamental topic. You can definitely expect one or two questions from this section in the exam. 

These questions are often straightforward. If you practice them well, you will be able to solve them accurately. 

Understand the basics of ratios, proportions, and how profits are shared in partnerships. This foundation is key to solving many other Quant problems as well.

5️⃣Percentages, Profit, Loss, Discount, Simple and Compound Interest

This group of topics is built on the concept of percentages. Profit, Loss, Discount, Simple Interest, and Compound Interest all use percentage ideas.

In total, you can expect two to three questions from these areas. Mastering percentages will make these related topics much easier.

Practice calculating profit and loss, understanding discounts, and working with both simple and compound interest formulas. Pay attention to problems that combine these concepts.

6️⃣Algebraic Identities

Algebraic Identities are very popular in the CAT exam. In nearly every exam slot, you will find two or three questions based directly or indirectly on these identities.

Knowing your algebraic formulas and how to apply them can significantly help your score. Practice using common identities like (a+b)^2, (a-b)^2, a^2-b^2, and (a+b)^3.

These can simplify complex problems quickly.

7️⃣Indices, Surds, and Logarithms

These three topics are also important for the Quant section. You can expect one, two, or even three questions from Indices, Surds, and Logarithms.

The questions from these areas are often solvable and scoring. If you understand the rules for exponents, roots, and logarithms, you can gain good marks.

Practice problems that involve simplifying expressions and solving equations using these rules.

8️⃣Linear Equations

Linear Equations are a basic yet important part of algebra. While often mixed with other concepts, you can expect at least one question purely from linear equations.

Make sure you are comfortable with solving equations with one or more variables. Practice different types of word problems that translate into linear equations.

9️⃣Quadratic Equations

Quadratic Equations follow linear equations in importance. Just like linear equations, you can often find at least one question specifically on quadratic equations.

Understand how to find roots, the relationship between coefficients and roots, and how to solve different forms of quadratic equations. These concepts can be key to solving higher-level problems.

🔟Modulus-Based Equations and Questions

Modulus-based questions often appear in CAT. These questions can be quite tricky if you do not understand the modulus concept well.

You can generally expect at least one question from this area. Linear, quadratic, and modulus-based equations are often linked in competitive exams.

Concepts from one might be used in the others. It is helpful to study them together. Practice questions that involve the absolute value function and how it affects inequalities and equations.

CAT Mock-Test & Revision Hacks for Final Day

• Take sectionals and full-length mocks at your actual CAT slot time (train your mind and body).
• Post-mock routine:
• List every error (categorize as: concept, calculation, time pressure).
• Identify if silly mistakes repeat in specific topics.
• Re-solve those questions WITHOUT a timer for conceptual clarity.
• Before bed: Skim through your formula sheet and mistake log.

Core 15-Day CAT Quant Strategy: The 4-Step Power Plan

• Prioritize and Segment Topics
• Focus 75–80% of your revision on key arithmetic, algebra, and number system areas.
• Only 20–25% of your effort should go to less-frequented subtopics.
• Maintain a Formula and Error Logbook
• Create a formula cheat sheet—review it daily.
• Track silly mistakes/errors and why they occur, especially in mocks and drills.

Practice with Purpose: PYQs, Mocks & Timing

• Do NOT solve random sets. Choose questions from previous CATs, quality mixed sets, and time yourself strictly.
• In the last 15 days, attempt at least 5–7 full-length or sectional QA mocks at the actual exam slot time.
• After each mock, spot your top weaknesses and revise only those before the next test.
• Master Test Day Tactics
• In your mocks (and on CAT day), always attempt familiar/comfortable topics first (usually Arithmetic and Algebra).
• If you cannot crack a question in 2–3 minutes, mark and move on—revisit only if time allows.
• Target 80–85% accuracy in the first 10–12 questions to build confidence.

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How to Maximize Your CAT Score 2026? 

Focusing on these 10 most important CAT Quant topics gives you a strong advantage. By mastering them, you can confidently attempt 12 to 13 questions in the exam.

If you achieve 100% accuracy on these questions, it can lead to a very high percentile.

To prepare effectively in these last 15 days, here’s what you should do:

• Solve Many Questions: Practice a lot of problems from each of these 10 topics.
• Review Formulas and Shortcuts: Make a list of all important formulas and shortcuts. Go over them daily.
• Analyze Previous Year Papers: Look at how questions from these topics have appeared in past CAT exams. This helps you understand question types and difficulty levels.

Conclusion

With only 15 days left for CAT 2026, smart preparation is crucial. Shift your focus to revising high-frequency and most important CAT Quant topics.

This targeted approach will help you maximize your score. The 10 topics we discussed are your best bet for achieving a strong performance in the Quantitative Aptitude section.

Good luck with your studies. Stay focused, practice hard, and believe in your abilities. All the very best for your exam!