CAT 2026: Complete Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Preparation Guide
📋 Exam Overview
CAT (Common Admission Test) 2026 is India’s premier MBA entrance examination conducted for admission to Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-schools. Expected to be held on the last Sunday of November 2026.
Key Details:
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Language: English
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Total Questions: 68
- Total Marks: 204
- Sections: 3 (with sectional time limits)
- Exam Slots: 3 (Morning, Afternoon, Evening)
📊 Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Time | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 min | 72 | 36% |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 min | 66 | 32% |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 min | 66 | 32% |
| Total | 68 | 120 min | 204 | 100% |
Question Types:
- MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions): +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect
- TITA (Type In The Answer): +3 for correct, no negative marking
📚 Section-Wise Detailed Syllabus
1. VERBAL ABILITY & READING COMPREHENSION (VARC)
Verbal Ability (VA):
- Para Jumble: Rearranging sentences in logical order
- Para Completion & Inference: Completing paragraphs logically
- Sentence Completion: Fill appropriate words/phrases
- Fill in the Blanks: Context-based vocabulary
- Verbal Reasoning: Logic-based verbal questions
- Critical Reasoning: Argument analysis and evaluation
Reading Comprehension (RC):
- Passage Types: Literature, Science, Economics, Philosophy, Social Sciences
- Question Types:
- Fact-based questions
- Inference questions
- Judgment questions
- Main idea and tone
- Vocabulary in context
2. DATA INTERPRETATION & LOGICAL REASONING (DILR)
Data Interpretation (DI):
- Charts & Graphs: Bar, Line, Pie charts
- Tables: Data tables and missing information
- Caselets: Business scenario-based problems
- Combination Charts: Multiple data representations
- Special Charts: Radar, bubble charts
- Data Trends: Analysis over time periods
Logical Reasoning (LR):
- Seating Arrangements: Linear, circular, complex
- Puzzles: Grid-based, constraint puzzles
- Games & Tournaments: Sports, competitions
- Selection Problems: Conditional selection
- Scheduling: Time-based arrangements
- Venn Diagrams: Set theory applications
- Truth & Lies: Logic-based deductions
- Matching Problems: Pairing exercises
3. QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE (QA)
Arithmetic:
- Ratio & Proportion: Simple, compound, continued ratios
- Percentage: Applications, profit & loss, discounts
- Average: Simple, weighted, combined averages
- Time & Work: Work efficiency, pipes & cisterns
- Time, Speed & Distance: Relative speed, trains, boats
- Interest: Simple & compound interest, installments
- Mixtures & Allegations: 2 and 3 solution problems
Algebra:
- Linear Equations: Single and multi-variable
- Quadratic Equations: Roots, discriminant, formation
- Polynomials: Remainder & factor theorems
- Inequalities: Linear, quadratic, modulus
- Functions: Domain, range, composition, inverse
- Logarithms: Properties and applications
Geometry:
- Basic Geometry: Lines, angles, triangles
- Quadrilaterals: Properties and applications
- Circles: Tangents, chords, angles
- Coordinate Geometry: Distance, area, locus
- Mensuration: Areas and volumes (2D & 3D)
- Polygons: Properties and calculations
Modern Mathematics:
- Number System: Remainders, factorials, divisibility
- LCM & HCF: Prime factorization, applications
- Sequences & Series: AP, GP, HP progressions
- Permutation & Combination: Arrangements and selections
- Probability: Basic concepts, conditional probability
🎯 Preparation Strategy & Tips
Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1-2)
- Study Basics: Master fundamental concepts in all sections
- Build Vocabulary: Read newspapers, magazines, novels
- Mathematics Foundation: Strengthen basic mathematical concepts
- Create Study Schedule: Dedicate specific hours to each section daily
Phase 2: Skill Development (Months 3-4)
- Sectional Practice: Attempt section-wise tests regularly
- Reading Habit: Read 2-3 articles daily for RC improvement
- Logical Reasoning: Practice puzzles and brain teasers daily
- Speed & Accuracy: Focus on solving problems quickly and correctly
Phase 3: Test Practice (Months 5-6)
- Mock Tests: Take 3-4 full-length mocks weekly
- Performance Analysis: Detailed review of each mock test
- Weak Area Focus: Extra practice on identified weak topics
- Time Management: Perfect your section-wise time allocation
Phase 4: Final Preparation (Last Month)
- Revision: Review all important formulas and concepts
- Strategy Refinement: Finalize your exam-day strategy
- Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques
- Mock Tests: Continue with 2-3 mocks weekly
💡 Preparation Tips by Section
VARC Tips:
- Reading Speed: Practice reading 300+ words per minute
- Diverse Reading: Read editorials, opinion pieces, literary excerpts
- Vocabulary: Learn 10-15 new words daily with usage
- RC Strategy: Read passage first, then questions
- VA Practice: Daily practice of para jumbles and completion
DILR Tips:
- Set Selection: Choose 3-4 manageable sets in exam
- Data Analysis: Practice interpreting complex data quickly
- Logical Approach: Develop systematic solving methods
- Time Management: Allocate 8-10 minutes per set
- Previous Papers: Solve last 10 years’ DILR sets
QA Tips:
- Formula Sheet: Maintain a comprehensive formula list
- Concept Clarity: Focus on understanding, not memorization
- Mental Math: Develop quick calculation skills
- Topic Prioritization: Focus on high-weightage topics first
- Alternative Methods: Learn multiple solving approaches
📅 Important Preparation Timeline
| Timeline | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| 12 months before | Complete syllabus understanding, basic concept building |
| 9 months before | Intensive topic-wise practice, skill development |
| 6 months before | Mock test phase begins, performance analysis |
| 3 months before | Strategy refinement, weak area improvement |
| 1 month before | Final revision, confidence building, stress management |
🏆 Success Mantras
- Consistency: Study regularly without long breaks
- Quality over Quantity: Focus on understanding, not just solving
- Mock Analysis: Spend equal time analyzing as taking mocks
- Balanced Preparation: Don’t neglect any section completely
- Time Management: Practice strict time limits from day one
- Health: Maintain physical and mental well-being
- Confidence: Believe in your preparation and stay positive
🔗 Official Resources
- Official Website: iimcat.ac.in
- Notification Updates: Check regularly for any pattern changes
- Previous Papers: Download from official sources
- Registration: Opens typically in August
Remember: CAT rewards smart work over hard work. Focus on accuracy first, then speed. Stay consistent, analyze your performance regularly, and maintain a positive mindset throughout your preparation journey.
Best of luck for CAT 2026! 🚀