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CAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Topics (VARC, DILR, QA) + PDF

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

December 23, 2025

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Overview: Understanding the CAT 2026 Syllabus is the first step in making the study plan for the final day. Here, let’s scroll down and learn the section-wise CAT syllabus PDF and weightage for the CAT exam!

  • The CAT 2025 exam (for the 2026–28 MBA intake) was conducted on November 30, 2025, across 170 cities in the country.

According to the exam pattern, the CAT exam syllabus 2026 will be divided into three main sections:

  • Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
    Section 2: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
    Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

  • Official CAT website: For notification/admit card/response sheet/answer key updates, refer to the official portal: iimcat.ac.in. (IIMs do not publish an official topic-wise syllabus PDF.).

Read the CAT exam pattern and syllabus here and download the CAT syllabus for MBA 2026 PDF below!

Read More | CAT Admission Process 2026 

CAT Syllabus 2026: Section-wise Snapshot

Section What it tests (quick idea) Top focus areas
VARC Reading + verbal reasoning RC, parajumbles, summary, inference, VA
DILR Data sets + logical reasoning Tables/charts, puzzles, arrangements, games & tournaments
QA Math fundamentals + application Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, numbers, modern maths

What is CAT Syllabus 2026 for MBA Entrance Exam?

The MBA CAT 2026 syllabus covers quantitative ability, data interpretation and logical reasoning, verbal ability and reading comprehension. It assesses mathematics, logical thinking, reading, and language abilities. The test consists of 68 questions in 120 minutes.

To do well on this competitive admission exam, you must be well-prepared and manage your time. You can download the CAT Syllabus 2026 PDF and prepare for the important topics for CAT 2026.

Learn More: Logical Reasoning Questions and Answers for CAT

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The CAT exam pattern 2026 includes three sections (VARC, DILR, QA) with a sectional time limit. The total exam duration is 120 minutes (40 minutes per section). CAT questions are a mix of MCQs and TITA (non-MCQ). The marking scheme is typically +3 for every correct answer and -1 for every incorrect MCQ (no negative marking for TITA).

  • Total sections: 3 (VARC, DILR, QA)
  • Total duration: 120 minutes
  • Sectional time limit: 40 minutes per section
  • Question types: MCQ + TITA (Non-MCQ)
  • Marking scheme: +3 for correct; -1 for incorrect MCQ; 0 for incorrect TITA

Key highlights of CAT 2026 exam pattern:

  • Exam name: Common Admission Test (CAT)
  • Conducting body: IIMs (CAT is conducted by one of the IIMs every year)
  • Sections: VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude
  • Total questions: 68 (MCQs + TITA may vary slightly year to year)
  • Total duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
  • Marking scheme: +3 for every correct answer; -1 for incorrect MCQs; no negative marking for TITA
Section Time Limit What you’ll see
VARC 40 minutes Reading Comprehension + Verbal Ability (MCQ + TITA)
DILR 40 minutes Data Interpretation sets + Logical Reasoning sets (MCQ + TITA)
Quantitative Aptitude 40 minutes Math-based questions across arithmetic/algebra/geometry etc. (MCQ + TITA)

Note: Each correct answer carries 3 marks. Incorrect MCQs carry a penalty of –1 mark, while TITA (non-MCQ) questions do not have negative marking.

Download: CAT Syllabus 2026 PDF (Section-wise)

Note: IIMs do not publish a fixed topic-wise CAT syllabus; this PDF is based on previous year CAT papers and the latest pattern.

CAT Syllabus 2026: Overview

The CAT 2026 exam assesses candidates on their quantitative, verbal, and reasoning abilities through three main sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. It is designed to evaluate a candidate’s problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and proficiency in basic mathematics and language.

Sections CAT 2026 Syllabus Key Topics CAT Syllabus 2026 PDF Links
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Reading Comprehension (RC)
  • Para Jumbles - Para Summary
  • Sentence Completion/Improvement
  • Vocabulary-based Questions (Synonyms, Antonyms, Word meanings)

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Ability (QA)
  • Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratios, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Profit and Loss)
  • Algebra (Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions)
  • Geometry (Coordinate geometry, Lines, Circles, Mensuration, Polygons)
  • Number Systems (Divisibility, Remainders, Factors, Prime Numbers)
  • Modern Mathematics (Probability, Permutations and Combinations, Set Theory)

CAT 2026 Topic Priority: What to Study First (Based on Recent Trends)

Quick note: CAT doesn’t have an official topic-wise syllabus PDF. The priority below is compiled from recent CAT patterns and topic-weightage trends so you can focus on the most recurring + high-return areas first.

1) VARC Priority (24 Questions): RC is the game

Topic Bucket Typical Weightage What to Practise
Reading Comprehension (RC) ~60–70% Inference, tone, central idea, paragraph function, vocabulary-in-context
Para Summary ~10–15% Main idea + elimination-based options
Para Completion / Odd Sentence Out ~5–10% Logical flow + theme detection

2) DILR Priority (22 Questions): Sets decide your percentile

Topic Bucket Typical Weightage What to Practise
Puzzles & Arrangements ~50–60% Linear/circular/grid sets, distribution, ranking, hybrid logic
Tables & Charts DI ~40–50% Tabular DI, bar/line/pie, mixed chart sets, caselets
Games & Tournaments ~10–20% Round-robin/knockout, points table logic

3) QA Priority (22 Questions): Arithmetic + Algebra first

Topic Bucket Typical Weightage What to Practise
Arithmetic ~35–50% Percentages, ratios, TSD, time & work, averages, P&L, SI/CI, mixtures
Algebra ~25–35% Equations, inequalities, functions, sequences & series, logs
Geometry & Mensuration ~10–15% Triangles, circles, 2D/3D mensuration, coordinate basics
Number System + Modern Maths ~5–10% each Divisibility/remainders + P&C/probability/sets basics

How to use this priority (simple rule)

  • First 60% of prep time → RC + DILR sets + Arithmetic/Algebra (highest repeat zones).
  • Next 30% → Geometry + DI chart variety + VA (summary/completion/odd one).
  • Last 10% → low-frequency topics (but keep them warm with weekly mixed practice).

Why this matters: CAT moved back to 68 questions in recent years with DILR at 22 questions, so set-selection and high-yield topic mastery have become even more important.

CAT Syllabus 2026 [Section-Wise]

The CAT Syllabus 2026 covers three main sections: Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Questions will be based on concepts from class 8 and above, designed to test a candidate’s analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

CAT 2026 Syllabus for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

The CAT VARC syllabus 2026 mainly tests Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability. Most aspirants score higher here by strengthening RC speed + accuracy and practising para-based VA questions regularly.

  • Reading Comprehension (RC): fact/inference-based questions, tone & idea, paragraph purpose, vocabulary-in-context
  • Verbal Ability (VA): parajumbles, paragraph summary, odd sentence out, sentence completion
  • Grammar & usage (as applied): error spotting (limited), phrase usage (mostly inside RC/VA)

Also Read: CAT QA Question with Answers

 CAT Online Coaching

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CAT 2026 Syllabus: VARC Topics & Weightage

The CAT VARC section comprises four key areas: Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Verbal Ability, and Sentence Completion. 

The format and composition of the VARC section typically remain consistent each year. Based on last year's CAT paper, the weightage and difficulty levels of these areas can be summarised as follows:

VARC Topics for CAT

Number of Questions in the CAT Exam

Level of Difficulty

Reading Comprehension

16

Moderate to Difficult

VA-Para jumbles

3

Moderate to Difficult

VA-Odd Sentence

2

Easy to Moderate

VA-Summary

3

Easy to Moderate

Overall

24

Moderate to Difficult

Know More| CAT Exam Fees for Different Categories

CAT DILR Syllabus 2026

The CAT DILR syllabus 2026 focuses on solving caselet-style sets using logic, data reading, and smart selection. Accuracy matters more than attempting everything—choose sets strategically..

To get a good score in the DILR section, take a look at the important topics for CAT 2026: <ul>

  • Data Interpretation (DI): tables, bar/line charts, pie charts, mixed graphs, calculation-based sets
  • Logical Reasoning (LR): arrangements, grouping & distribution, selections, routes & networks, puzzles
  • Games & sets: tournaments, scheduling, ranking, constraints-based sets
  • Venn/sets & reasoning: set-based questions, condition-based reasoning

DILR priority: Arrangements/Grouping > DI Tables/Charts > Games & Tournaments.

Check: CAT Previous Year Cut-off Marks

CAT DILR Syllabus 2026: Important Topics & Weightage

Data Interpretation (DI) questions focus on tables and graphs, while Logical Reasoning (LR) encompasses a variety of topics, including verbal, non-verbal, and abstract reasoning.

Below is the basic structure of the DILR section of CAT, along with the difficulty levels from previous papers, aligned with the CAT syllabus 2026 PDF

Section

No. of Questions

Level of Difficulty

Data Interpretation

4

Easy

Data Interpretation

6

Moderate

Logical Reasoning

6

Moderate to Difficult

Logical Reasoning

6

Easy to Moderate

Overall

22

Moderate to Difficult

Check: CAT Exam is for What Purpose

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CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026

The CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2026 is built around ArithmeticAlgebraGeometryNumber System, and Modern Maths. Most toppers prioritise arithmetic first, then build speed in algebra and geometry. 

Here are some of the major topics of the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026

  • Arithmetic: percentages, profit & loss, ratios, averages, mixture/alligation, time-speed-distance, time & work, SI/CI
  • Algebra: linear & quadratic equations, inequalities, logarithms (basic), sequences & series, functions (basic)
  • Geometry & Mensuration: triangles, circles, polygons, coordinate geometry basics, areas & volumes
  • Number System: divisibility, remainders, factors, LCM/HCF, primes, cyclicity
  • Modern Maths: permutation & combination, probability, set theory basics

QA priority: Arithmetic > Algebra > Geometry > Numbers > Modern Maths.

Also check: How to download the CAT Admit Card

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CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026: Topic-Wise Weightage

CAT topic-wise weightage is always indicative because IIMs do not publish a fixed topic-wise syllabus or official weightage. Still, CAT follows strong trends based on previous year papers. Use the weightage tables below to prioritise preparation, not to predict exact questions.

How to use CAT weightage smartly:

  • Master high-frequency topics first (your safest ROI).
  • Practise mixed sets for DILR and RC-heavy drills for VARC.
  • Use weightage to decide sequence of topics, not to skip topics.
Section High-priority topics What to prioritise first
VARC Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Summary, Odd sentence RC accuracy + para-based VA practice
DILR Arrangements, Grouping, DI Tables/Charts, Games & Tournaments Set selection + 4–6 core set types
QA Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Maths Arithmetic first, then Algebra + Geometry

Key takeaway: If you’re short on time, prioritise RC (VARC), Arrangements/Grouping sets (DILR), and Arithmetic (QA) before moving to the next layers.

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CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2026: Section wise Breakdown 

CAT 2026 Syllabus for Arithmetic 

The Arithmetic section of the CAT syllabus 2026 pdf free download encompasses fundamental mathematical operations and their applications.

Key topics include

1) Percentages: (profit/loss, discounts, simple/compound interest),

2) Ratios and proportions: (mixtures and allocations, partnerships),

3) Averages

4) Time and work, time, speed, and distance: (including trains, boats, and streams), and

5) Basic number properties relevant to arithmetic calculations. 

A strong foundation in these areas, coupled with efficient calculation techniques and problem-solving strategies, is crucial for success in this component of the Quantitative Aptitude section. Emphasis is placed on applying these concepts to real-world scenarios and solving word problems.

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CAT 2026 Syllabus for Algebra

The Algebra syllabus for CAT covers a range of topics from basic linear equations and inequalities to more advanced concepts.

Key areas include:

  • Linear Equations and Inequalities
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Polynomials
  • Logarithms
  • Functions and Graphs
  • Sequences and Series
  • Basic Concepts of Set Theory

Understanding algebraic identities, solving systems of equations, and manipulating algebraic expressions are essential skills. 

The focus is on applying these concepts to solve abstract problems and understanding the underlying principles. Familiarity with different types of functions and their properties is also important.

CAT Syllabus for Geometry

The Geometry section in the CAT 2026 syllabus  tests spatial reasoning and knowledge of geometric figures and their properties. Important topics include:

  1. Lines and Angles
  2. Triangles
    • Properties
    • Congruency
    • Similarity
  3. Quadrilaterals
    • Parallelograms
    • Rectangles
    • Squares
    • Rhombuses
    • Trapeziums
  4. Circles
    • Chords
    • Tangents
    • Arcs
    • Sectors
  5. Coordinate Geometry
    • Distance Formula
    • Section Formula
    • Equations of Lines
  6. Mensuration (2D and 3D Geometry)
    • Area and Perimeter of 2D Shapes
    • Surface Area and Volume of 3D Shapes
    • Cubes
    • Cuboids
    • Cones
    • Cylinders
    • Spheres

 Mensuration, dealing with areas and volumes of 2D and 3D shapes (cubes, cuboids, cones, cylinders, spheres), is also a significant part. 

A strong grasp of theorems and the ability to visualise and apply geometric principles are crucial for solving problems in this area.

CAT + OMETs Mock Test to Boost Your Prep

Free CAT Mock Test -01 
Free CAT Mock Test- 02
Free CAT Mock Test- 03

CAT Syllabus for Number System

The Number System syllabus for CAT focuses on the properties and relationships of different types of numbers. 

Key topics include:

  • Divisibility Rules
  • Factors and Multiples
  • Prime and Composite Numbers
  • Highest Common Factor (HCF)
  • Lowest Common Multiple (LCM)
  • Remainders and Modular Arithmetic
  • Properties of Integers
  • Number Base Systems

CAT Syllabus for Modern Maths

The Modern Maths section of the CAT syllabus 2026 pdf free download typically includes topics that are relatively newer additions to the standard curriculum. 

Key Areas in Permutations, Combinations & Probability for CAT:

  1. Permutations and Combinations
    • Fundamental Counting Principles
    • Arrangements (Permutations)
    • Selections (Combinations)
  2. Probability
    • Basic Probability Concepts
    • Conditional Probability
  3. Set Theory (occasionally tested here)
    • Basic concepts (also covered under Algebra)
    • Useful for solving problems involving overlapping sets or events

Explore: CAT Exam Centres

How to Prepare for CAT DILR 2026?

Having the tips and strategy to prepare for the CAT DILR section can help you score high in the main examination. This section includes solving questions based on tables, graphs, charts and series

To help you out, we have mentioned some of the key tips that are easy to follow:

1. Memorise Tables up to 25

Learning and memorising tables up to 25 will help you solve square, cube, square roots and other mathematical values to speed up your calculations.

2. Strengthen your Calculation Part

Data interpretation largely depends on your mathematical ability. You should be proficient in mathematical calculations.

3. Keep Practising Mocks

Solving mocks is one of the best practices to improve your marks and CAT percentile. Download the previous year's papers for the CAT exam or solve full-length mock tests to boost your prep.

How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude 2026?

The CAT 2026 syllabus PDF quantitative aptitude (QA) section is one of the scoring sections. Good preparation can help you get good marks. Here are the key preparation tips for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section:

1. Practice Formulas and Theorems

Be smart if you want to get good marks on the CAT exam. Try to memorise all the formulae and theorems of algebra, geometry, arithmetic and trigonometry.

2. Start practising the Mock Test

The CAT exam is all about speed and accuracy, so invest your time in solving full-length mock tests in real exam conditions.

3. Solve Previous Year's Papers 

A good and effective way to improve your speed and accuracy is to solve the CAT previous year papers. This will give you an idea of the exam pattern and the difficulty level of the questions asked.

4. Divide Practice Session

Practice by dividing your session into easy, moderate, and high levels. Start solving easy CAT questions first, then move to moderately high and tough questions.

5. Solve as much as you can

The more you solve, the more you get clarity about the question. Try to solve the question at least three times. It will improve your speed and accuracy.

Use SuperGrads Free Resources 2026 Strategically

CAT VARC Mock Test 2026
CAT DILR Mock test 2026
CAT QA Mock Test 2026
CAT VARC Prep Videos 2026
CAT DILR Prep Videos 2026
CAT QA Prep Videos 2026
CAT Syllabus 2026 PDF
CAT PYQs
CAT VARC Questions

Free Resources For CAT 2026 Preparation

To excel in your CAT exam 2026 with good marks and a high percentile, it is essential to have a well-prepared strategy and effective study materials.

Here are some good free resources that you can choose from to boost your preparation:

  • Exclusive video lectures from our best CAT mentors
  • High-quality study materials and formula booklets
  • Full-length mock tests and previous year exam papers
  • Basic and advanced tests for each topic in all three sections
  • Expert-led knowledge and mentorship sessions

Check | CAT 2026 Maths Syllabus

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Books and Study Materials as Per CAT 2026 Syllabus

Here is the list of books for the CAT 2026 Syllabus:

CAT VARC Prep Books 2026

For Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), focus on building strong reading habits and improving comprehension skills. Some recommended books include:

  • How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
  • High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin

Supplement these with regular reading of newspapers (editorials), magazines, and online articles on diverse topics to enhance reading speed and comprehension.

CAT DILR Prep Books 2026

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) requires a mix of analytical thinking and practice with different types of question sets. Consider these books:

  • How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
  • How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma

Practice with previous years' CAT question papers is highly recommended to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.

CAT QA Prep Books 2026

Quantitative Aptitude (QA) preparation involves mastering mathematical concepts and practising problem-solving. Some useful CAT preparation books are:

  • How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
  • Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma
  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal

NCERT Mathematics books (especially Classes 9 and 10) can be beneficial for understanding basic concepts. Consistent practice is key to excelling in this section.

CAT 2026 Syllabus Coverage Timeline (Month-Wise Plan)

Here is the month-wise plan that you can follow to cover CAT 2026 syllabus

Week(s)

Overall Goal

VARC Weekly Goals

DILR Weekly Goals

QA Weekly Goals

Week 1-2

Build a strong base in core concepts

Improve reading speed & comprehension, Main idea & arguments

Basic DI (tables, bar, pie); Simple LR (arrangements, blood relations)

Number Systems, Basic Algebra, Ratio & Proportion, Percentages; Understand 'why'

Week 3-4

Reading comprehension practice: Identifying the main idea & supporting details

Basic DI practice; Simple LR puzzle-solving

Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Averages, Time & Work; Basic problem-solving

Fundamentals

Week 5-6

Develop proficiency in core topics

Reading Comprehension practice (varied topics); Identifying inferences

Advanced DI (case lets, multiple graphs) introduction; Moderate LR (seating, selections)

Geometry (lines, angles, triangles), Mensuration; Formula application

Week 7-8

Reading Comprehension practice (analysing tone & purpose); Vocabulary building

Advanced DI practice; Moderate LR puzzle solving

Time, Speed & Distance, Permutations & Combinations, Probability (basic)

Practice & Application

Week 9-10

Cover complex topics & apply concepts

Critical Reasoning (arguments, assumptions); Identifying logical fallacies

Complex LR (network diagrams, Venn diagrams) introduction; Time-bound sets

Coordinate Geometry, Functions & Graphs, Inequalities; Application-based problems

Week 11-12

Critical Reasoning practice: Drawing inferences & conclusions

Complex LR puzzle solving; Strategy development for LR sets

Logarithms, Sequences & Series; Problem-solving shortcuts

Speed & Accuracy

Week 13-14

Assess preparation, identify weaknesses, and develop a strategy

First 1-2 full-length mock tests; Analyse VARC performance

First 1-2 full-length mock tests; Analyse DILR performance

First 1-2 full-length mock tests; Analyse QA performance

Week 15-16

Review VARC concepts & practice weak areas

Review DILR concepts & practice weak areas

Review QA concepts & practice weak areas

Weak Area Improvement

Week 17-18

Consolidate learning, revise important concepts

Section-wise revision of VARC topics; Practice a variety of questions

Section-wise revision of DILR topics; Practice a variety of sets

Section-wise revision of QA topics; Practice a variety of problems

Week 19-20

2-3 mock tests; Focus on VARC speed & accuracy; Analyze performance

2-3 mock tests; Focus on DILR speed & accuracy; Analyze performance

2-3 mock tests; Focus on QA speed & accuracy; Analyze performance

Skill Refinement

Week 21-22

Simulate exam environment, refine strategy

Regular mock tests (simulate exam); Review key VARC concepts

Regular mock tests (simulate exam); Review key DILR strategies

Regular mock tests (simulate exam); Review key QA formulas

Week 23-24

Focus on strengths; Minimise silly mistakes; Light VARC revision

Focus on strengths; Minimise silly mistakes; Light DILR revision

Focus on strengths; Minimise silly mistakes; Light QA revision

Final Preparation

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How to Revise the CAT 2026 Syllabus in the final 30 Days?

1. Focus on Your Strengths

Don't try to master everything new in the last month. Concentrate on the topics you are already good at. This will boost your confidence and help you score better in those areas.

2. Prioritise Important Topics

Identify the high-weightage topics from each section (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension - VARC, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning - DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude - QA). Focus your revision on these areas as they contribute more to your overall score. You can usually find this information from previous years' CAT analyses.

3. Mock Tests are Key

Take at least 2-3 full-length mock tests every week. This will simulate the actual exam environment, help you manage your time effectively, and identify your weak areas.

4. Analyse Your Mock Tests

Simply taking mocks isn't enough. Spend significant time analysing your performance. Identify the questions you got wrong, understand the concepts behind them, and figure out why you made those mistakes.

5. Sectional Tests are a Useful Tool

Along with full-length mocks, take sectional tests to focus on specific areas where you feel less confident. This will help you improve your speed and accuracy in those sections.

6. Review Important Formulas and Concepts

Go through all the important formulas, theorems, and concepts, especially in QA and DILR. Make short notes or flashcards for quick revision.

7. Practice Different Question Types

Ensure you are comfortable with various types of questions within each section. For VARC, practice different reading comprehension passages and question formats. For DILR, practice different types of sets (tables, graphs, puzzles). For QA, practice a variety of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry problems.

8. Time Management is Crucial

Practice time management during your mock tests and sectional tests. Learn to allocate time effectively to each section and each question. Don't get stuck on a single question for too long.

9. Stay Calm and Positive

It's natural to feel stressed during this time, but try to stay calm and positive. Believe in your preparation. Avoid comparing your progress with others.

Read More: CAT Slot Timings

Mistakes to Avoid While Covering the CAT 2026 Syllabus

Several pitfalls can hinder the effective preparation of a CAT syllabus 2026 PDF. 

  • Ignoring weak topics is a significant error. Focusing on strengths might boost confidence initially, but neglecting weak areas can lead to lower overall scores. 
  • Allocate sufficient time to understand and practice challenging topics, as the CAT tests a broad range of skills.
  • Another crucial mistake is a lack of alignment between mock tests and syllabus coverage
  • Taking mocks without adequate preparation on core concepts provides little diagnostic value. 
  • Mocks should be strategically taken after covering a significant portion of the CAT syllabus 2026 pdf free download to assess understanding and identify areas needing further attention.
  • Poor time allocation per section during preparation is also detrimental. 
  • Spending disproportionately more time on one section while neglecting others can lead to an imbalanced performance. 
  • Understand the weightage and your relative strengths and weaknesses to allocate study time effectively across VARC, DILR, and QA. 
  • A balanced approach ensures comprehensive preparation and maximises your potential score.

You may refer to the official link for the Official CAT syllabus Link

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Conclusion

Finally, knowing the CAT syllabus 2026 PDF and sectional topics will help you prepare accordingly. The CAT 2026 syllabus for all three sections is vast and needs a proper study plan to prepare for the main exam day.

We have listed the significant topics of the CAT 2026 syllabus PDF for MBA and their weightage. You can make a good study plan based on it. Good luck with your exam!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Lalita Vishwakarma is a professional content writer with 3 years of experience, distinguished by her ability to transform raw ideas into polished, high-impact content. She masterfully combines creative storytelling with strategic execution, ensuring that her work not only captures attention but also drives desired outcomes.... more

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