Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The CAT syllabus 2026 VARC section is the first part of the paper. It primarily focuses on comprehension skills and the logical arrangement of ideas.
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | |
| Section | Topics (Indicative) |
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | 4 Passages (around 500-600 words each) covering Science, Business, Philosophy, Literature, and Social Issues. |
| Verbal Ability (VA) | Para-jumbles (TITA), Para-summary, Odd Sentence Out, and Para-completion. |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
This is often considered the most unpredictable section, testing the candidate’s ability to analyze complex data sets and solve intricate puzzles.
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | |
| Section | Topics (Indicative) |
| Data Interpretation (DI) | Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Tables, Caselets, and Combined Charts. |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | Seating Arrangements, Venn Diagrams, Syllogisms, Blood Relations, Games & Tournaments, and Binary Logic. |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The CAT syllabus 2026 quantitative aptitude is dominated by high-school level mathematics, with a heavy emphasis on Arithmetic and Algebra.
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | |
| Section | Topics (Indicative) |
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple/Compound Interest, Averages, Ratio & Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, and Time & Work. |
| Algebra | Linear/Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Logarithms, Functions, Sequences, and Series. |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, and 3D Mensuration. |
| Number System | HCF & LCM, Divisibility Rules, Remainders, Factors, and Base Systems. |
| Modern Math | Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, and Binomial Theorem. |
| CAT 2026 Exam Pattern Details (Expected) | |||||
| Course Section | No. of Questions | MCQs | TITA Questions | Marks | Duration |
| VARC | 24 | 21-22 | 2-3 | 72 | 40 Mins |
| DILR | 22 | 14-16 | 6-8 | 66 | 40 Mins |
| QA | 22 | 14-15 | 7-8 | 66 | 40 Mins |
| Total | 68 | 49-53 | 15-19 | 204 | 120 Mins |