The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 is a computer-based exam conducted by the IIMs. It consists of three sections – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – with a total of 66 questions to be answered in 120 minutes .  Notably, the IIMs do not publish an official syllabus , so aspirants rely on past patterns. Official CAT notifications only outline the exam structure, not specific topics. In practice, the syllabus covers high-school level English and math concepts in all three sections . Below is a section-wise summary of the CAT 2026 syllabus and typical topics.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

The VARC section evaluates English language skills. It is dominated by Reading Comprehension (RC) questions (about 16 out of 24), where candidates read passages and answer inference and main-idea questions. The remaining Verbal Ability questions test grammar and logical usage . In recent exams this has included tasks like paragraph rearrangement and sentence completion, as well as vocabulary/grammar checks . Typical topics include:

Reading Comprehension: Multiple passages (analytical, argumentative, or narrative) with inference-based questions .

Sentence Rearrangement: Para-jumbles and paragraph completion (ordering sentences to form a coherent text) .

Sentence Correction: Identify the odd sentence out or correct the sentence (grammar, usage, logical flow) .

Summary or Fill-in-the-blank: Write or choose an apt summary sentence for a passage fragment.

Each VARC question tests language understanding, critical reasoning, and clarity of expression . Mastery of reading strategies and basic grammar is crucial.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

The DILR section measures data analysis and reasoning ability. It combines sets of Data Interpretation (DI) questions based on charts, tables, or graphs with Logical Reasoning (LR) puzzles and problems . Important topics include:

Data Interpretation: Reading and analyzing data from pie charts, bar/line graphs, tables, or mixed data sets (caselets). Candidates compute values, ratios, trends, or percentages .

Logical Reasoning: Structured puzzles such as seating arrangements, blood relations, directions, syllogisms, coding-decoding, arrangements, or games/tournaments. For example, arranging people or objects under conditions, solving pattern-based questions, or deducing relationships .

DILR typically has 20–22 questions. Success requires practice with diverse graph types and logic puzzles. Familiarity with chart-reading and critical thinking is key.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

The QA section tests high-school mathematics (arithmetic and algebra). It includes 22 questions covering various topics . Core topics are:

Arithmetic (about 8–10 questions): Percentages, ratios and proportions, averages, profit & loss, simple and compound interest, time-speed-distance, time-work, mixtures, etc. .

Algebra (about 5–7 questions): Linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, sequences and series (AP/GP/HP), logarithms, and polynomials .

Geometry & Mensuration (1–5 questions): Lines and angles, triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, coordinate geometry, and 2D/3D mensuration .

Number System & Modern Math: Fundamentals of integers, rational/real numbers, divisibility, permutations & combinations, probability, set theory, binomial theorem, etc. .

Overall, roughly 40% of QA questions come from arithmetic, 30% from algebra, with the rest from geometry, number theory and modern math . Quick calculation skills and strong conceptual clarity in these areas are essential.

Preparation Strategy

Since no official CAT syllabus is released , candidates should study based on past trends and the pattern above. A solid CAT preparation strategy involves covering all listed topics, using quality study materials, and regular practice.  Experts recommend solving previous year papers and mocks to identify weak areas .  Focus on strengthening fundamentals in English and Math, and practice time management for each section. Consistent revision of formulas and logical techniques is key . In summary, understanding the section-wise syllabus (VARC, DILR, QA) and tailoring one’s study plan accordingly can help aspirants excel in the CAT 2026 exam.

Sources: Official CAT announcements and expert analyses from CAT preparation resources.