CAT Maths Syllabus 2026 PDF Download Important Topics, Weightage and Prep Tips

Overview: The Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT 2026 Exam is one of the most scoring sections. Having a good handle on speed and accuracy can help you secure a good percentile. Read on to learn about the important topics asked about in the CAT Maths Syllabus here!

• The Common Admission Test 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on 29th November 2026 by one of the IIMs. It is therefore essential to be aware of the CAT mathematics syllabus to score high percentile.
• The QA section of the CAT 2026 exam will consist of 22 questions asked from different topics.

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• The CAT syllabus' Quantitative Aptitude section covers advanced-level math topics from Class 9 and 10, including Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry, and Mensuration.
• While candidates should cover all Arithmetic topics due to the frequency of questions, Algebra and Geometry also carry significant weight and should not be neglected.

Read on to get the complete details about the CAT Maths Syllabus 2026 here!

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CAT Maths Syllabus 2026 - Overview

The Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT exam is the most challenging. It tests your understanding of basic math concepts from up to 10th grade, like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and mensuration.

The questions are calculation-based and difficult, so practising mental math is important. The wide range of topics on the exam, from algebra to geometry, requires that you have a deep understanding of the basics and know how to apply them to solve difficult problems quickly.

Here is the table showing the most important topics of the CAT Maths Syllabus:

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026
Geometry	Ratios and Proportions	Inequalities
Trigonometry	Inequalities Quadratic and linear equations	Work and Time
Algebra	Surds and Indices	Percentages
Mensuration	Time-Speed-Distance	Logarithms
Partnership (Accounts)	Number System	Square Root and Cube Root
Profit & Loss	Geometric Progression	Probability
Mean, mode, median	Binomial theorem	Simple interest and compound interest

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IIM CAT Maths Syllabus 2026 Important Topics

Here is the classification of critical topics of the four broader areas in CAT 2026 Maths syllabus:

CAT Math Syllabus	Key Topics
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
Algebra	Linear and Quadratic Equations Special Equations Inequalities and Modulus Surds and Indices Logarithm, Functions and Graphs Polynomials Arithmetic Progression (AP) Geometric Progression (GP) Harmonic Progression (HP)
Number Theory and Modern CAT syllabus for Maths	Permutation and Combination Probability Set Theory Factorials Remainders Base System Factor Theory LCM HCF Divisibility Units Digit Last 2 digits Statistics
Geometry	Lines and Angles Triangles Quadrilaterals and Polygons Circles Trigonometry Co-ordinate Geometry

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(Download Free) CAT 2026 Ratio and Proportion Questions 

CAT Math Syllabus 2026: Topic-wise Weightage

Knowing the weightage of each topic in the CAT Maths Syllabus helps you in preparing for the main exam day. So, here are the expected number of questions that can be asked from the QA section in the CAT 2026 exam:

CAT Math Syllabus Topics	Expected Number of Questions
Arithmetic	8-10 questions
Algebra	7-8 questions
Geometry	3-4 questions
Mensuration	3-4 questions
Modern Mathematics	1-2 questions

Practice More | CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions 2026: Download PDF

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Tips to Cover the Complete CAT Maths Syllabus 2026

As you noticed above, the CAT 2026 arithmetic syllabus covers concept-based questions in this section.

It would help if you had the finest tips and preparation strategies for each of these topics.

The following are expert tips for each broad topic in the CAT Maths syllabus: Geometry, CAT Arithmetic topics, and Algebra.

Tips to Cover the CAT 2026 QA Geometry Part

✅Get a good hold on the Basic Concepts

Focus on understanding fundamental geometric concepts, including lines, angles, triangles, circles, and polygons. Strengthening your conceptual understanding will make solving complex geometry problems easier.

✅Visualise Geometric Figures

Develop the ability to visualise geometric figures and their properties. Practice sketching diagrams and visualising transformations to gain insight into geometric relationships.

✅Solve a Variety of Problems

Solve a diverse range of CAT Maths questions, including geometry problems. Try to include basic problems and advanced concepts like similarity, congruence, and coordinate geometry. Practice applying different geometric theorems and formulas to solve problems efficiently.

✅Review and Analyse the Solutions

After solving geometry problems, review the solutions carefully to understand the underlying concepts and problem-solving techniques. Analyse any mistakes and learn from them to improve your approach to similar problems in the future.

Tips to Cover the CAT 2026 QA Arithmetic Part 

✅Build the Fundamentals

Make sure to have a very good command of topics like Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, and Time and Distance. Be completely clear on fundamental concepts. 

✅Memorise Important Formulas

Memorise key arithmetic formulas for percentages, ratios, proportions, and averages. Familiarise yourself with common arithmetic shortcuts and tricks to solve problems efficiently.

✅Practice Word Problems

Arithmetic problems in CAT exam preparation often involve real-life scenarios presented as word problems. Practice translating word problems into mathematical equations and solving them systematically.

✅ Work on Speed and Accuracy

Improve your Quantitative Ability by focusing on your speed and accuracy in solving arithmetic problems. Practice solving timed arithmetic drills and track your progress over time. Develop strategies to quickly identify relevant information and eliminate unnecessary steps.

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Tips to Cover the CAT 2026 QA Algebra Topic

✅Master Algebraic Concepts

Develop a strong understanding of algebraic concepts, including equations, inequalities, functions, and sequences. Practice simplifying algebraic expressions and solving equations using different methods.

✅Practice Equation Solving

Solve a variety of algebraic equations, including linear equations, quadratic equations, and simultaneous equations. Practice QA questions by applying algebraic techniques such as factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula.

✅Solve Application Problems

Algebra topics in CAT exam preparation often involve real-world applications such as time-speed-distance, Time & Work, and mixtures. Practice solving application problems by setting up equations based on given information and solving them systematically.

✅Review Algebraic Identities and Formulas

Familiarise yourself with common algebraic identities, formulas, and properties. 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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Key Areas in CAT Maths Syllabus 2026

• The CAT 2026 Maths syllabus has the largest portion among the three CAT subjects, as it covers everything related to the CAT mathematics syllabus studied in school.
• Arithmetic is at the Class X level; the only trick is solving them as quickly as possible.
• Algebra may be used with other topics or tested in CAT 2026
• Sequences and series are topics that are occasionally tested in CAT.
• Geometry rules will allow the aspirant to solve these problems quickly.
• The modern CAT mathematics syllabus is easy to prepare since the number of questions is limited.

Conclusion

The journey to mastering the CAT Maths syllabus is challenging yet entirely achievable with the right approach, consistent practice, and regular practice with CAT previous-year papers.

Keep pushing your boundaries, stay curious, and embrace the process. Your dedication and hard work will undoubtedly pave the way for success.