CAT

To start CAT 2026 preparation as a beginner, follow these five steps: (1) Understand the exam pattern — 68 questions, 120 minutes, 3 sections (VARC, DILR, QA); (2) Take a diagnostic mock test to identify weak areas; (3) Choose foundation books like Arun Sharma's QA, VARC, DI, and LR series; (4) Build a daily 3–4 hour study schedule; (5) Focus on Arithmetic and Algebra first, as they account for over 70% of the QA section.

CAT 2026 preparation typically requires 6 to 9 months of structured study. Most serious aspirants begin in May–June 2026 for the November 29, 2026 exam, spending approximately 3–4 hours daily. The phased plan covers concept building (Months 1–2), strength building with timed practice (Months 3–4), intensive mocks (Month 5), and final revision (Month 6). Total study time: 600–900 hours.

CAT 2026 syllabus is expected to be largely the same as CAT 2025 — three sections (VARC, DILR, QA) with 68 questions in 120 minutes. The sectional structure, question types, and topic mix have stabilised since CAT 2024. Minor slot-wise variations in question distribution and difficulty are normal, but no major syllabus changes are expected for CAT 2026.

No, IIMs do not publish a fixed CAT 2026 syllabus. The CAT exam syllabus is derived from analysis of question papers from the last 10 years. While the broad section structure (VARC, DILR, QA) is consistent, the specific topic mix and difficulty level can vary slot-to-slot and year-to-year. Aspirants should rely on previous year papers for syllabus reference.

CAT Reading Comprehension passages are sourced from diverse areas like Science & Technology, Environment & Life Sciences, Social Sciences & History, Art & Abstract topics, Economics & Management, and Literature. Based on CAT 2021–2025 analysis, Science & Technology is the most frequently appearing RC theme (14 questions), followed by Environment & Life Sciences (10 questions).

The most important topics in CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude are Arithmetic and Algebra, which together accounted for 234 of 324 QA questions (~72%) across CAT 2021–2025. Within Arithmetic, focus on Ratio & Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, Profit & Loss, and Percentages. Within Algebra, prioritise Equations, Progressions, and Logarithms.

CAT 2026 section-wise weightage is approximately 35% for VARC (24 questions), 32% for DILR (22 questions), and 32% for QA (22 questions). Within VARC, Reading Comprehension carries 67% weightage. Within QA, Arithmetic dominates at ~38% followed by Algebra (~34%), Geometry (~15%), Number Systems (~8%), and Modern Math (~5%).

CAT 2026 syllabus is not officially defined by IIMs. It is derived from topics covered in CAT papers from the last 10 years. CAT 2026 syllabus covers three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section has 22–24 questions to be solved in 40 minutes.

CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude section covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Mathematics. Based on CAT 2025 paper analysis, Arithmetic dominates with 8 questions per slot, followed by Algebra (6 questions), Geometry & Mensuration (3–4 questions), Number Systems (3 questions), and Modern Math (1 question). Arithmetic accounts for approximately 35–40% of the QA section.

No, candidates cannot switch between sections during the CAT 2026. Each section has a strict 40-minute time limit, and candidates must complete questions in the order: VARC to DILR to QA. Once a section's 40 minutes are over, candidates cannot return to it. This sectional time-lock has been a fixed feature of CAT pattern since 2020.