CAT 2026 Syllabus: PDF Download, Section Wise VARC, DILR, QA
The CAT 2026 syllabus will be released by the conducting Indian Institute of Management IIM Indore on its official website iimcat.ac.in in July 2026. Candidates can view and download the official CAT syllabus PDF for the 2026 examination. The CAT syllabus covers major topics across three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) .
CAT 2026 Syllabus Overview
| CAT Syllabus 2026 | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 |
| Exam Conducting Body | IIM Indore |
| Syllabus Release Date | July 2026 (Expected) |
| Syllabus Key Topics | VARC, DILR, Quantitative Aptitude |
| Total Sections | 3 |
| Official Website | iimcat.ac.in |
CAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The CAT 2026 examination will be conducted in computer-based mode. The exam consists of three sections with a separate time limit for each :
| Section | Total Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 120 minutes |
- +3 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each incorrect MCQ answer
- No negative marking for TITA (Type In The Answer) questions
CAT 2026 Section-Wise Syllabus
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026
The VARC section focuses on comprehension skills and logical arrangement of ideas. Major topics include :
| Category | Topics |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Philosophy, Psychology, Arts and Museum, History, Society, Culture, Biology, Science and Technology, Economy, AI & Robotics |
| Verbal Ability | Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Para Completion, Odd One Out (Out of Context), Sentence Correction, Grammar, Fill in the Blanks, Verbal Reasoning, Syllogisms, Analogies |
CAT DILR Syllabus 2026
The DILR section tests analytical interpretation of data and complex puzzles. Key topics include :
| Category | Topics |
|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning | Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Selection, Games & Tournaments, Conditional LRs, Binary Logic, Truth and Lie, Direction Sense, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Clocks and Calendars |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, Venn Diagrams, Maxima-Minima, Networks and Diagrams, Data Sufficiency |
CAT Quant Syllabus 2026
The QA section covers high-school level mathematics with advanced application. Topics include :
| Category | Topics |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Ratios & Proportions, Percentages, Averages, Mixtures & Alligations, Profit & Loss, Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work, SI and CI |
| Algebra | Inequalities, Linear & Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Functions & Graphs, Surds & Indices, Polynomials |
| Geometry | Lines & Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration (2D & 3D) |
| Number System | Properties of Numbers, Divisibility, Factors, Remainders, HCF & LCM, Base System Conversions |
| Modern Maths | Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, Sequences & Series |
How to Download CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF
To download the CAT 2026 exam syllabus, follow the steps given below:
- Visit the official CAT 2026 website iimcat.ac.in.
- On the homepage, click on the “Syllabus” or “Information Bulletin” link.
- Click on the “Download PDF” link to get the syllabus .
CAT 2026 Syllabus PDF Download: Direct Link
You can download the complete CAT 2026 syllabus PDF from the official portal iimcat.ac.in.
CAT 2026 Syllabus Important Instructions
- The IIMs do not release an official detailed topic list; they only outline the primary sections .
- Candidates should refer to past years’ question papers and expert-curated resources for detailed topic coverage.
- Focus on building conceptual clarity and solving variety of questions across all sections.
- Regularly check the official website for updates on syllabus, exam pattern, and important dates.
Conclusion
The CAT 2026 syllabus covers three key sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude, with an expected total of 68 questions to be completed in 120 minutes . Candidates should understand the syllabus thoroughly and plan their preparation strategy accordingly.
Applicants should regularly visit the official website iimcat.ac.in for the latest updates regarding syllabus, exam pattern, admit card, and other important announcements.