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

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.

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• 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!

Also Read | CAT 2026 Registration Begins

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

Over the last couple of years, there have been specific changes in the CAT QA syllabus. These changes have been in the CAT exam pattern and syllabus. You will find the latest changes in the table below:

Quant Syllabus for CAT and Exam Pattern	Changes (2019-2020)	Changes (2020-2024)
Total Number of Questions	Reduced to 76 from 100	Reduced to 66 from 76
Raw Score	Reduced to 228 from 300	Reduced to 198 from 228
Total Number of QA Questions	Reduced to 26 from 34	Reduced to 22 from 26

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Important Topics Covered in CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026

Here is the classification of critical CAT Quant topics of the four broader areas in QA:

IIM CAT QA Syllabus - Broad Area	Key Topics
Arithmetic Syllabus for CAT	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 Syllabus for CAT	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 Maths Syllabus for CAT	Permutation and Combination Probability Set Theory Factorials Remainders Base System Factor Theory LCM, HCF Divisibility Units Digit Last 2 digits Statistics
Geometry Syllabus for CAT	Lines and Angles Triangles Quadrilaterals and Polygons Circles Trigonometry Co-ordinate Geometry

Download Free Subject-wise CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF Now

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.

Also Read | CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions

Also Read | CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions

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CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Weightage 2026

Here is a breakdown of the number of questions covered in each topic in the CAT QA Syllabus 2026:

Topic Name	Expected No. of Questions	Difficulty Level
Number System, Basic Arithmetic	5-10 Questions	Moderate
Geometry & Mensuration	7-8 Questions	Moderately Difficult
Algebra	6-7 Questions	Moderate
Permutation & Combination	1-2 Questions	Easy
Probability	1-2 Questions	Moderate
Time, Speed, and Distance	1-2 Questions	Moderately Difficult
Trigonometry, Logarithms, & Sets	1-3 Questions	Easy
Profit, Loss, and Discounts	1-2 Questions	Moderately Easy
Interests (SI, CI)	1-2 Questions	Moderately Difficult
Time and Work	1-2 Questions	Difficult

Also Read | CAT Exam Pattern

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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.

Also Read | Attempt Free CAT Exam Mock Test 

Download CAT QA Section Daily Study Plan

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

Here is a compact 2-month plan to revise the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus effectively:

Day Range	Focus Area
Day 1–15	Revise Arithmetic & Number System concepts + practice daily
Day 16–30	Work on Algebra & Geometry questions + take 2 sectionals
Day 31–45	Focus on Modern Math + full mock + revise weak topics
Day 46–60	Practice mixed questions, quick revision of formulas, 3 mocks per week

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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.

Read More: CAT Exam Short Tricks 2025

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.

Read More: CAT Quant Formulas 2026 PDF Download with Shortcuts

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.

Download CAT Arithmetic Questions PDF 2026

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 journey to conquering the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus section in the CAT 2026 is challenging, yet entirely achievable with the right approach and mindset.

As you go through the CAT quant syllabus, remember that every problem solved is a step closer to your dream IIM.

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