CAT Exam Syllabus 2025/26: All Subjects & Topics (With PDF) 

If you’re planning to appear for CAT 2025 or 2026, understanding the CAT exam syllabus is your first step toward effective preparation. The CAT, conducted by the IIMs, is the gateway to India’s top management institutes. 

At LPT, we’ll help you clearly understand what’s covered in the CAT examination syllabus for MBA – section-wise topics, question distribution, and weightage based on the latest CAT Exam pattern. 

We’ll also look at how each section, from Quantitative Aptitude to VARC, tests different skill sets. With the right understanding of the syllabus of CAT exam, you can plan smarter and focus on high-scoring areas early in your preparation.

CAT Exam Subjects and Weightage

There are three sections or subjects of CAT exam, including VARC, LIDR, and Quantitative Aptitude. Let’s break these down with the number of questions and weightage in the Common Admission Test.

Section	Average No. of Questions	Weightage (%)	Time Allotted in Exam
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	35%	40 minutes
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	22	32%	40 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	33%	40 minutes
Total	68 (Approx.)	100%	120 minutes

Key Highlights:

• CAT 2025 and CAT 2026 syllabus will have three sections and a total duration of 120 minutes (2 hours).
• Each section will have a 40-minute fixed time limit and no switching allowed between sections.
• The CAT exam syllabus remains conceptually consistent every year, but question framing and difficulty vary across slots.
• Regular practice in all sections is key to balancing accuracy, speed, and achieving a 99+ percentile score.

CAT Exam Syllabus 2025-2026

Find the full syllabus of CAT exam in 2025 and 2026 for all three sections:

Section	Major Topics Covered	No. of Questions (Approx.)
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	• Reading Comprehension (4 passages, 600–700 words each) • Paragraph Summary • Sentence Elimination (Odd One Out) • Sentence Placement • Paragraph Jumbles • Paragraph Completion and Correction (Occasional)	24
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	• Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables • Venn Diagrams and Data Sets • Grids and Arrangements • Games and Tournaments • Scheduling and Sequencing • Routes and Networks • Logical Puzzles, Math Puzzles, and Optimization Problems	22
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	• Arithmetic: Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Mixtures, SICI, Pipes & Cisterns • Algebra: Linear/Quadratic Equations, Functions, Inequalities, Progressions, Logarithms, Polynomials • Geometry & Mensuration: Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry • Number System & Modern Math: Divisibility, Factors, Remainders, Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory	22
Total	—	68 Questions (Approx.)

Download Detailed CAT Syllabus PDF

Click on the button below to download the CAT 2025 syllabus PDF to keep it handy during your preparation:

CAT Exam Syllabus for VARC

The VARC section of the CAT exam syllabus, short for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, evaluates your command over the English language, comprehension ability, and logical interpretation of written text. Understanding the CAT VARC syllabus thoroughly helps you focus on important topics and prepare more effectively.

Topic	Description	Types of Questions	No. of Questions (Approx.)
Reading Comprehension (RC)	Four passages (600–700 words each) based on diverse areas such as literature, economics, psychology, or current affairs.	4 MCQs per passage	16
Paragraph Summary	Identify the most appropriate summary for a given paragraph, focusing on main ideas and tone.	MCQs	3
Sentence Elimination (Odd One Out)	Choose the sentence that doesn’t fit logically with the others in a given set.	Non-MCQs (TITA)	2
Sentence Placement	Place a sentence in the correct position within a paragraph to ensure logical flow.	MCQs	3
Paragraph Jumbles	Rearrange jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.	Non-MCQs (TITA)	2 (may vary)
Others (Less Common)	Questions on paragraph completion, sentence correction, critical reasoning, or fact-inference-judgement (appear occasionally).	MCQs	0–1
Total	—	—	24 Questions (Approx.)

It is the first section in the exam and carries significant weightage in the overall percentile. The main focus of this section is to assess how well you can understand, interpret, and analyze complex passages, along with your ability to identify logical connections between ideas. 

It tests reading speed, vocabulary usage, and reasoning through written language. To score well, you must develop strong reading habits and consistent practice in identifying key ideas, tone, and summaries.

Number of Questions in CAT VARC Section Over The Years

Below is a comparison of the number of questions in the CAT VARC syllabus over the past few years, based on actual exam trends. 

Topic	2017–2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024
Reading Comprehension	24	18	16	16	16	16
Paragraph Summary	4	3	3	3	2	3
Paragraph Jumbles	3	3	3	3	2	0
Sentence Elimination (Odd One Out)	3	2	2	2	0	2
Sentence Placement	0	0	0	2	2	3
Total	34	26	24	24	24	24

The pattern shows that Reading Comprehension has remained the most dominant part of the VARC section with 16 questions consistently since 2021. Verbal Ability topics like Para Summary and Sentence Placement vary slightly but together form about one-third of the section.

Importance of VARC Syllabus for CAT

• Sets the tone for the exam: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension is the first section in CAT, and performing well here helps build confidence for the remaining sections.
• High weightage in percentile: A strong score in VARC can significantly boost your overall CAT percentile and improve your chances of clearing sectional cut-offs.
• Tests real-world skills: It measures essential skills like reading comprehension, interpretation, and verbal reasoning – vital for success in management studies.
• Crucial for IIM shortlisting: Top IIMs may give considerable weight to VARC scores during the admission process.
• Helps in GD-PI-WAT rounds: Strong verbal and comprehension skills developed through VARC preparation directly enhance your performance in group discussions, interviews, and written assessments.
• Improves communication ability: Regular reading and practice improve vocabulary, sentence structure, and clarity of thought – valuable beyond the CAT exam.

Must Check: CAT Online Coaching

CAT Syllabus for DILR

The DILR section of the CAT exam syllabus, short for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, is designed to test your analytical thinking, reasoning skills, and ability to work with data. It requires you to analyze given information, interpret patterns, and make logical conclusions. 

Topic	Description	Types of Questions	No. of Questions (Approx.)
Bar Graphs	Questions based on bar charts comparing data across categories or years.	MCQs & TITA	4
Line Graphs	Data interpretation based on trends and changes over time.	MCQs & TITA	4–5
Pie Charts	Problems involving percentage distribution or ratio-based analysis.	MCQs	4
Tables	Data presented in tabular format requiring calculations and comparison.	MCQs & TITA	4–8
Venn Diagrams	Set-based questions requiring intersection or union analysis of data.	MCQs & TITA	4
Grids and Arrangements	Complex arrangement puzzles involving multiple variables or conditions.	MCQs & TITA	5–8
Games and Tournaments	Logic-based questions on ranking, points, or outcomes of matches.	MCQs & TITA	4–5
Scheduling and Sequencing	Questions involving order, time slots, and logical arrangements.	MCQs & TITA	4–5
Routes and Networks	Path-based or directional reasoning problems.	MCQs & TITA	4–5
Math & Logical Puzzles	Visual or number-based puzzles requiring critical reasoning.	MCQs & TITA	5–6
Total	—	—	22 Questions (Approx.)

This section includes puzzles, data sets, charts, and real-life scenarios where quick thinking and structured problem-solving are essential. 

Unlike rote learning, DILR challenges your decision-making under time pressure. Since the section combines reasoning and calculation-based questions, mastering it helps you score well even if it’s considered one of the toughest parts of the CAT exam.

Number of DILR Questions in CAT 2024

Topics	Slot 1	Slot 2	Slot 3
Bar Graphs	4	4	4
Venn Diagrams	4	4	–
Games and Tournaments	5	–	–
Candle Stick Chart	4	–	–
Math Puzzles	5	5	–
Grids	8	–	–
Scheduling	–	5	–
Table	–	8	–
Routes and Networks	–	5	–
Line Chart	–	5	–
Total Questions	22	22	22

Number of Questions in CAT DILR Section Over The Years

Below is a comparison of the number of questions in the CAT DILR syllabus over the past few years, based on actual exam trends. 

Topics

2020 (Slot 1)

2020 (Slot 2)

2020 (Slot 3)

2021 (Slot 1)

2021 (Slot 2)

2021 (Slot 3)

2022 (Slot 1)

2022 (Slot 2)

2022 (Slot 3)

2023 (Slot 1)

2023 (Slot 2)

2023 (Slot 3)

Routes and Networks

–

–

–

–

–

5

5

5

–

–

–

5

Tables

–

10

–

–

6

–

–

5

5

–

5

5

Scheduling, Optimization & Allocation

6

6

6

4

–

5

5

–

5

10

–

–

Bar Graphs

–

–

–

4

4

–

–

5

–

–

–

–

Grids

10

8

6

–

6

6

5

–

5

5

5

5

Arrangements

–

–

–

6

6

6

5

–

–

–

–

–

Word Puzzle

–

–

–

–

4

6

–

–

–

–

–

–

Games and Tournaments

–

–

–

–

–

–

5

–

5

–

–

–

Math Puzzles

–

–

–

4

–

4

5

–

5

–

–

5

Venn Diagrams

8

–

–

4

–

–

5

–

–

–

–

–

Pie Charts/Doughnut Charts

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5

–

–

–

–

Scatter Plot

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Coding/Decoding

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Radar Chart

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Gantt Chart

–

–

–

–

–

4

–

–

–

–

5

–

Key Takeaways:

• The DILR section has no fixed pattern, with question distribution changing every year.
• Grids, Tables, and Scheduling problems have consistently appeared and are among the most frequent question types.
• Games & Tournaments and Math Puzzles are recurring in recent years, testing both logic and numerical reasoning.
• Visualization-heavy sets like Venn Diagrams and Bar Graphs appear often but with varying frequency.
• CAT continues to keep this section unpredictable, reinforcing the need for broad-based practice across all puzzle and data types.

Importance of LRDI Syllabus for CAT

• Tests problem-solving under pressure: The section measures how effectively you can handle complex, time-bound logical problems.
• Balances the overall score: Even a few correct DILR sets can boost your percentile significantly.
• Enhances analytical thinking: Regular practice improves decision-making and pattern-recognition skills vital for MBA programs.
• No fixed syllabus advantage: Since question types change each year, mastering fundamentals across different puzzle types gives you an edge.
• Highly valued by IIMs: DILR reflects analytical sharpness – a quality IIMs prioritize during admission and interviews.

Read More About: CAT Eligibility Criteria

CAT Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the CAT examination syllabus measures your mathematical ability, numerical reasoning, and conceptual clarity. It is the third and final section of the paper, coming after VARC and DILR, with around 22 questions to be solved in 40 minutes. 

Topic	Key Concepts	No. of Questions (Approx.)
Arithmetic	Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Ratios, Proportion, Mixtures, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Simple & Compound Interest, Pipes & Cisterns	10–11
Algebra	Linear & Quadratic Equations, Functions, Inequalities, Logarithms, Progressions (AP, GP, HP), Polynomials, Exponents	6–8
Geometry & Mensuration	Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration formulas	5–6
Number System & Modern Math	Divisibility, Factors, HCF-LCM, Remainders, Factorials, Base System, Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory	2–3
Total	—	22 Questions (Approx.)

The CAT Quant syllabus covers topics from basic arithmetic to higher-level algebra and geometry, focusing on logical application rather than rote formulas.

This section tests how well you can apply mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems efficiently. Candidates with strong conceptual understanding and time management skills can easily convert this into a high-scoring section, even if they come from a non-maths background.

Importance of Quants Syllabus for CAT

• High scoring potential: Well-practiced candidates can maximize their percentile as Quant questions have clear, formula-based answers.
• Tests conceptual clarity: Focuses on application of logic, not just memorization.
• Balances overall percentile: Strong performance in Quant can compensate for slightly weaker sections.
• Crucial for IIM admission: Most IIMs give importance to sectional balance – you must clear Quant cut-off to stay eligible.
• Improves logical thinking: Builds structured reasoning and analytical problem-solving skills, vital for MBA programs.

Number of Questions in Quants Section in CAT 2024

Segment	Topic	Slot 1	Slot 2	Slot 3	Total
Arithmetic	Ratios, Mixtures, Averages	3	2	3	8
	Percents, Profit, SICI	3	3	4	10
	Speed, Time, Distance, Races	1	1	1	3
	Pipes, Cisterns, Work, Time	1	1	1	3
Algebra	Linear & Quadratic Equations	4	4	2	10
	Progressions	1	1	1	3
	Inequalities	0	2	2	4
	Functions	3	1	1	5
	Logarithms & Exponents	2	2	2	6
Geometry & Mensuration	Geometry	1	2	3	6
	Coordinate Geometry	0	1	0	1
	Mensuration	1	0	0	1
	Trigonometry	0	0	0	0
Number Theory & Modern Math	Combinatorics	1	1	1	3
	Remainders	1	1	1	3
	Factorials, Digits, Set Theory	–	–	–	–
Total Questions (Approx.)	—	22	22	22	66

Key Takeaways:

• Arithmetic dominated the section again, accounting for nearly 50% of the paper.
• Algebra continued to hold strong with 8–10 questions across slots.
• Geometry & Mensuration maintained moderate presence but with tricky questions.
• Number System and Modern Math appeared less frequently but can be decisive for 99+ percentile scorers.
• Consistent practice in Arithmetic + Algebra remains the smartest way to maximize your score in CAT 2026 Quant section.

Number of Questions in CAT Quant Section Over The Years

Segment	Topic	CAT 2020	CAT 2021	CAT 2022	CAT 2023
Arithmetic	Ratios, Mixtures, Averages	9	12	15	9
	Percents, Profits, SICI	9	10	5	8
	Speed, Time, Distance, Races	11	3	5	5
	Pipes, Cisterns, Work, Time	2	6	3	4
Algebra	Linear and Quadratic	8	2	6	7
	Progressions	2	4	3	5
	Polynomials	1	4	0	5
	Inequalities	1	3	0	2
	Functions	3	3	7	7
	Logarithms and Exponents	9	3	3	6
Geometry	Geometry	5	6	6	6
	Coordinate Geometry	3	0	0	2
	Mensuration	3	4	4	1
	Trigonometry	0	0	0	0
Number Theory & Modern Math	Combinatorics	0	1	2	1
	Digits	8	4	4	0
	Factorials	0	0	0	0
	Factors	2	0	0	0
	Remainders	0	0	0	4
	Set Theory	1	1	0	0
Total Questions	—	68	66	66	66

Key Insights:

• Arithmetic remains the most dominant section, contributing 40–50% of total questions every year.
• Algebra has grown in significance, especially with topics like Functions and Logarithms.
• Geometry and Mensuration maintain steady representation with moderate difficulty.
• Number Theory and Modern Math appear less frequently but often include tricky, high-difficulty questions.
• Consistent focus on Arithmetic + Algebra provides the best ROI for CAT aspirants aiming for 95+ percentile in QA.

Explore CAT Study Material for better understanding

Changes in MBA CAT Syllabus Over the Years

Below is how CAT exam syllabus for MBA has evolved:

1. Reduction in Exam Duration:

CAT exam used to be a 3-hour exam (180 minutes) before 2020. Since CAT 2020, it has been a 2-hour paper (120 minutes) with 40 minutes per section.

2. Variation in Total Questions:

The total number of questions has changed over the years — from 100 (pre-2020) to 76 (2020–2021) and now around 66–68 (since 2022).

3. Shift in Sectional Weightage:

The VARC section became slightly dominant after 2021, while DILR maintained around 20–22 questions and Quant was reduced from 26 to 22.

4. Introduction of TITA Questions:

Since 2015, CAT introduced Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions — no options, no negative marking — encouraging conceptual clarity.

5. Increased Focus on Data-Driven Logic:

The DILR section has evolved from standard reasoning sets to hybrid caselets, mixing data interpretation with puzzles and optimization.

6. Reading Comprehension Dominance in VARC:

RC passages now consistently form two-thirds of the VARC section (16 out of 24 questions), emphasizing comprehension and analytical reading.

7. Arithmetic and Algebra in Quant:

Recent papers show higher weightage to Arithmetic and Algebra, while topics like Geometry, Number System, and Trigonometry appear less frequently.

8. Graphical and New Puzzle Types in DILR:

Inclusion of Candlestick charts, network diagrams, grids, and games/tournaments has made the section more diverse.

9. Normalized Scoring Pattern:

With three slots per year, CAT uses a score normalization process to ensure fairness across sessions.

More important resources for CAT Exam:

CAT Admit Card	CAT Answer Key
CAT DILR Syllabus	CAT Percentile vs Score
CAT Practice Questions	CAT Quant Questions

Best Books for CAT Syllabus for MBA

The following are the best CAT preparation books to cover the new syllabus:

Section	Book Title	Author(s)
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Arun Sharma
	Quantum CAT	Sarvesh Kumar
	Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Nishit Sinha
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning	R.S. Agarwal
	How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma
	Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT	Nishit Sinha
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (9th Edition)	Meenakshi Upadhyay & Arun Sharma
	The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT	Nishit Sinha
	Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis
Additional Resources	NCERT Mathematics (Class 10)	NCERT
	Quantitative Aptitude	Abhijit Guha
	High School English Grammar & Composition	Wren & Martin

How to Prepare for Syllabus of CAT Examination?

Use this expert-curated CAT preparation strategy:

1. Understand CAT Exam Syllabus Before You Begin

Before jumping into preparation, make sure you understand the CAT exam syllabus thoroughly. Many aspirants start solving questions without knowing which topics are actually part of the exam. 

Go through each section-VARC, DILR, and Quant-carefully. As a mentor, I always tell my students that clarity on what to study and what to skip saves months of wasted effort.

2. Start Early and Build Strong Conceptual Foundations

The CAT syllabus 2026 may look vast, but it’s built on concepts you’ve already studied in school. 

Don’t rush through topics. Start your preparation early and give enough time to strengthen fundamentals in arithmetic, algebra, and grammar. Conceptual clarity is the foundation for scoring high and handling tricky questions confidently during the actual exam.

3. Practice Smartly – Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity

When tackling the syllabus of CAT examination, remember that random question solving won’t help. Instead, practice smartly by dividing your preparation into learning, application, and testing phases. 

Attempt questions topic-wise, analyze errors, and repeat weak areas until your accuracy stabilizes. High-quality practice builds precision, which is far more valuable than sheer speed.

4. Use Mocks and Sectional Tests to Track Progress

As you advance through the syllabus, integrate sectional tests and full-length CAT mock into your weekly routine. These tests help you identify real-time strengths and weaknesses while simulating exam pressure. 

We advise my students to take at least one mock per week and spend twice as much time analyzing it as taking it. That’s where true improvement happens.

Attempt a free CAT mock test now!

5. Build Reading Habits for VARC Success

Reading is the backbone of the VARC section, and understanding complex passages takes time. Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily to reading editorials, essays, and reports from diverse fields. 

This practice not only strengthens comprehension but also improves your thinking clarity—both of which are essential for mastering the CAT’s verbal component effectively.

Attempt a free CAT VARC Mock Test.

6. Master Time Management Through Strategy, Not Speed

Time management is crucial for CAT, especially because each section is timed. Don’t focus solely on solving faster—learn to pick the right questions. 

Experienced test-takers know that skipping difficult sets early on saves valuable time. A balanced attempt strategy often yields better results than trying to solve every question.

7. Revise Regularly and Track Your Growth

Revising periodically is vital to retaining concepts from across the cat exam syllabus. Maintain concise notes for formulas, shortcuts, grammar rules, and logic frameworks. 

Review them weekly to keep your memory sharp. Remember, CAT preparation is not just about studying hard; it’s about studying smart and consistently improving your problem-solving instincts.

8. Maintain Balance Across All Sections

One of the biggest mistakes aspirants make is focusing too much on their favorite section. To crack the CAT, you must clear cut-offs in all areas. Balance your schedule—allocate equal time to VARC, DILR, and Quant. 

We’ve seen many students with excellent Quant skills miss out on IIM calls because of weak VARC performance.

9. Analyze, Reflect, and Adapt

No two students prepare alike, and no two mocks are the same. Keep analyzing your preparation and be willing to adapt. Track your accuracy rate, identify recurring mistakes, and adjust strategies. 

The students who succeed are those who constantly evolve their approach as per their performance and feedback.

10. Stay Consistent and Believe in the Process

Finally, consistency beats intensity. Many aspirants start strong but lose momentum midway. The key to mastering the CAT examination syllabus is steady progress, day after day. 

Even one focused hour daily is more productive than long, unfocused study sessions. Believe in your plan, stay disciplined, and you’ll be ready to conquer CAT 2025 or CAT 2026 with confidence.

Practice with CAT PYQs:

CAT Previous Year Papers	CAT 2025 Question Paper
CAT 2024 Question Paper	CAT 2023 Question Paper
CAT 2022 Question Paper	CAT 2021 Question Paper
CAT 2020 Question Paper	CAT 2019 Question Paper

FAQs About CAT Syllabus

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