If you are preparing for CAT 2026, understanding the CAT Exam Syllabus is the single most important step before opening a book or taking a mock test. Unlike many exams, CAT does not publish a fixed syllabus—which creates confusion among aspirants.
What to study (and what to ignore)
Section-wise topic weightage
Marking scheme, cutoffs, and exam structure
Frequently Asked Questions
The CAT exam syllabus is not officially fixed or published by the IIMs. Instead, it is defined through exam trends and past question papers. CAT evaluates candidates across three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section focuses on skill-based aptitude rather than rote learning.
Several reputed CAT coaching institutes provide structured syllabus-based study materials aligned with previous year CAT papers. Check coachify they include topic-wise notes, practice questions, mock tests, and sectional tests designed according to the current CAT exam pattern.
The IIM CAT official website is the only authentic source for CAT-related announcements and exam information. However, it does not publish a detailed syllabus document. Aspirants must rely on exam pattern descriptions and previous year papers released on the official platform.
Yes, CAT syllabus PDFs are available on reputed MBA preparation platforms and coaching websites. These PDFs .
The Quantitative Aptitude section covers core mathematical concepts, with a strong emphasis on application. Key topics include:
Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, time & work, averages)
Algebra
Geometry and mensuration
Number systems
Modern mathematics
Arithmetic carries the highest weightage in this section.
CAT differs from other MBA entrance exams due to its higher difficulty level and score normalization process. Unlike exams such as CMAT or SNAP, CAT does not include General Awareness and focuses more on analytical thinking, reading comprehension, and problem-solving accuracy.
The VARC section is divided into:
Reading Comprehension (65–70%), which includes long and short passages
Verbal Ability (30–35%), covering para-jumbles, para-summary, odd sentence out, and sentence correction
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Several established CAT preparation apps provide updated syllabus coverage, topic-wise practice questions, and mock tests. These apps more
To stay updated on CAT syllabus-related changes and exam notifications, candidates should:
Regularly check the official IIM CAT website
Follow updates released during the CAT notification cycle
Track announcements related to exam pattern, application dates, and instructions
Official updates are always published first on the IIM CAT platform.
