CAT Subjects 2026 PDF Download Section Wise Important Topics [Official]

Overview: Knowing the CAT subjects thoroughly is one of the key factors that can help you score well in the CAT exam. Read on to get the complete details about the CAT exam subjects here!

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2026 by Supergrads

What you will get in this blog: Complete list of CAT MBA subjects + Subject-wise important topics to work on and more!

What are the CAT Subjects for 2026?

The Common Admission Test is the most well-known and popular MBA entrance exam among aspirants. 

The following is the list of CAT exam subjects (sections) from which the questions are asked in the CAT exam: 

CAT Subject	Section Name	Skills Tested
VARC	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension	Reading, comprehension, grammar, verbal reasoning
DILR	Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning	Logical thinking, data analysis, problem-solving
QA	Quantitative Ability	Mathematical and numerical ability

 Note: Each subject is equally important and contributes significantly to your overall percentile.

Also Read: Check all about the CAT exam syllabus 2026

Download Complete CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF by Supergrads

CAT Subjects for MBA 2026 - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

The VARC section is the first section of the CAT exam, which evaluates a student's reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and grammar skills.

The topics you need to study and practice for the CAT subjects 2026, specifically for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, are: 

Important VARC Topics for CAT Subjects

English Usage or Grammar	Vocabulary-Based (Synonyms/ Antonyms)	Fill in the blanks
Sentence Correction	Cloze Passage	Jumbled Paragraph
Meaning-Usage Match	Analogies or Reverse Analogies	Summary Questions
Verbal Reasoning	Facts-Inferences-Judgments	Reading Comprehension

Check Now: VARC Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

CAT Subjects for MBA 2026 -  Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning 

DILR is the second section of the CAT exam's which tests your analytical skills by presenting puzzles, graphs, images, and charts.

This section is divided into two parts: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.

Here are the major DILR CAT subjects that you should focus on while preparing for the exam day:

Data Interpretation Topics for CAT 2026

Tables	Data Caselets – Reasoning-Based DI	Column Graphs
Bar Graphs	Venn Diagrams	Line Charts
Pie Charts	Scatter Plot	Radar Chart
Routes and Network	Bubble Chart

Check Now: DILR Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

Logical Reasoning Topics for CAT Exam 2026

Seating Arrangement	Blood Relations	Direction Sense
Puzzles	Games and Tournaments	Scheduling and Arrangement
Venn Diagrams	Binary Logic	Logical Matching
Ranking and Ordering	Matrix Arrangements	Grouping and Selection
Conditional Reasoning	Caselet-Based Logical Reasoning	Input–Output Based Logic

Learn More | How to Prepare Data Interpretation For CAT 2026 Exam?

CAT Subjects 2026 - Quantitative Aptitude

The third section of the CAT exam is Quantitative Aptitude, which covers topics such as Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Number System and Modern Math.

Here is the list of topics that you must cover in the CAT subjects in Quantitative Aptitude:

Number System Topics in CAT Exam Subjects

The Number System is one of the fundamental areas in the CAT exam, forming the basis for many quantitative aptitude questions.

It tests your understanding of integers, divisibility, remainders, and numerical properties frequently asked in the CAT.

S. No.	Number System Topics	Number System Sub-Topics
1	Basics of Numbers	Natural numbers, Whole numbers, Integers, Rational and Irrational numbers
2	Divisibility Rules	Divisibility tests, Factors and multiples
3	Prime Numbers	Prime factorisation, Properties of primes
4	LCM and HCF	Finding LCM and HCF: Applications
5	Remainders	Remainder theorem, Modular arithmetic basics
6	Units Digit and Last Digit	Finding units digit, Cyclicity concepts
7	Indices and Surds	Laws of indices, Simplification of surds
8	Base System	Base conversion, Binary and other base systems
9	Factorials	Factorial properties, Trailing zeros

Also Read: Complete CAT QA Syllabus for 2026

Practice Now: Previous Year Papers for CAT

Arithmetic Topics in CAT Exam Subjects

Arithmetic is the most important and highest-weightage area among CAT exam subjects, with questions appearing every year.

It focuses on real-life mathematical applications such as percentages, profit and loss, time and work, and interest.

S. No.	Arithmetic Topics	Arithmetic Sub-Topics
1	Percentages	Percentage calculation, Applications
2	Profit and Loss	Cost price, Selling price, Profit, Loss
3	Simple and Compound Interest	Interest calculation, Growth and depreciation
4	Ratio and Proportion	Ratios, Proportion, Variation
5	Averages	Mean, Weighted average
6	Mixtures and Allegations	Replacement concepts, Mixing ratios
7	Time and Work	Work efficiency, Combined work
8	Pipes and Cisterns	Filling and emptying problems
9	Time, Speed and Distance	Relative speed, Average speed
10	Boats and Streams	Upstream and downstream problems
11	Partnership	Investment and profit sharing

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Algebra Topics in CAT Exam Subjects

Algebra is a core component of CAT exam subjects and evaluates your ability to solve equations, inequalities, and functions.

It plays a crucial role in developing problem-solving and analytical skills required for CAT.

S. No.	Algebra Topics	Algebra Sub-Topics
1	Linear Equations	Solving single and multiple equations
2	Quadratic Equations	Roots, Nature of roots
3	Inequalities	Linear inequalities, Solution sets
4	Logarithms	Log rules, Simplification
5	Functions	Types of functions, Graphs
6	Polynomials	Polynomial equations, Roots
7	Algebraic Identities	Standard identities, Applications
8	Modulus	Absolute value equations
9	Maxima and Minima	Optimization basics
10	Graphs	Linear and quadratic graphs

Geometry Topics in CAT Exam Subjects

Geometry is an important section of CAT exam subjects that tests your knowledge of shapes, angles, circles, and mensuration.

Questions from geometry require strong conceptual clarity and visualisation skills.

S. No.	Geometry Topics	Geometry Sub-Topics
1	Lines and Angles	Angle properties, Parallel lines
2	Triangles	Types, Congruency, Similarity
3	Quadrilaterals	Properties of quadrilaterals
4	Polygons	Regular and irregular polygons
5	Circles	Tangents, Chords, Arcs
6	Coordinate Geometry	Distance formula, Midpoint
7	Mensuration 2D	Area, Perimeter
8	Mensuration 3D	Volume, Surface area
9	Trigonometry Basics	Trigonometric ratios
10	Geometry Applications	Mixed geometry problems

Modern Mathematics Topics in CAT Exam Subjects

Modern Mathematics is a scoring area in CAT exam subjects that includes probability, permutations and combinations, and set theory.

These topics test logical reasoning and analytical thinking, which are essential for CAT success.

S. No.	Modern Math Topics	Modern Math Sub-Topics
1	Probability	Basic probability concepts
2	Permutations and Combinations	Arrangement and selection
3	Set Theory	Sets, Subsets, Operations
4	Venn Diagrams	Set relationships
5	Arithmetic Progression (AP)	AP formulas, Problems
6	Geometric Progression (GP)	GP formulas, Problems
7	Harmonic Progression (HP)	HP basics
8	Binomial Theorem	Expansion and coefficients
9	Sequence and Series	Series concepts

Refer to | CAT Preparation Books 2026

Conclusion

Understanding the important CAT 2026 subjects and reviewing previous-year CAT questions is a great way to prepare for the exam.

The list thoroughly covers the topics tested and offers valuable advice on how to approach them. With the right preparation and dedication, anyone can ace the CAT exam.