Planning to take the CAT exam in 2026? The primary step to be taken before giving the CAT exam is gaining knowledge about the CAT exam syllabus. Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most valued entrance exam among the MBA aspirants in India. Lakhs of students face this exam annually in hope of getting selection to the best business schools like the IIMs and other great management schools.
When you clearly know the CAT exam syllabus of MBA then you will be in a wrong track to study what is unimportant and plan your study to give your time in the proper manner and not wasting time on a junk. This guide refers to what the CAT exam subjects list is, the CAT exam pattern and syllabus, and preparation.
What is the CAT Exam Syllabus 2026?
CAT exam syllabus is not actually defined by the exam authority but has remained stable over the few years. The syllabus is based on the past CAT papers and the skills that MBA programmes demand. It evaluates a candidate on his/her skills on three fundamental levels:
- Quantitative Ability(QA)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- VERBAL ABILITY and READING COMPREHENSION (VARC)
These parts constitute the entry syllabus of CAT exam and will guarantee that candidates have the numerical, analytical and verbal ability in business management courses studies.
Most students mix up the syllabus and the exam format. The CAT exam syllabus will tell you as to what should be learnt but combined CAT exam pattern and syllabus will explain not only the topics but also the structure of the exam which will cover the number of questions, time to be given and the marking pattern.
This is the roadmap one needs to follow in case he/she is planning to appear in an MBA.
Also Read:- CAT Exam Eligibility 2026
CAT Exam Subjects 2026
One of the most common queries students have is:
- What are the subjects in CAT exam?
- How many subjects in CAT exam should I prepare for?
The CAT exam consists of three primary subjects:
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
All these three all fall under the so called CAT exam subjects list. Individual areas of importance in the subject area stay significant in the testing of courses. As an example, Quantitative Ability tests your numerical and mathematical and analytical thinking capacities, and DILR examines your analytical abilities. As opposed to VARC, it tests your communication and understanding ability which is of crucial importance to MBA students.
By asking questions about MBA CAT exam subjects, the students actually refer to the three mentioned sections. There are no other subjects in the syllabus, however, the level of difficulty changes every year.
Detailed CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2026
Now that you know the subjects in CAT exam for MBA, let’s break down each subject into topics you need to study for the CAT entrance exam syllabus:
1. Quantitative Ability (QA)
The Quantitative Ability section tests numerical and mathematical skills. Key topics include:
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Time, Speed, and Distance.
- Algebra: Linear and Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions.
- Geometry and Mensuration: Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Areas, and Volumes.
- Number System: Divisibility Rules, Factors, Multiples, LCM & HCF, Base Systems.
- Modern Math: Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory.
These topics form the foundation of the CAT exam syllabus for MBA and require strong conceptual clarity and regular practice.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The DILR section is designed to test your analytical and logical reasoning skills. Topics include:
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, Data Sufficiency.
- Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Logical Connectives, Venn Diagrams.
The CAT exam subjects list under DILR is highly practical. It demands problem-solving speed and accuracy. Many MBA aspirants find this section challenging because it combines logic with data analysis.
3. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section assesses your English language skills and ability to comprehend and analyze text. Topics include:
- Reading Comprehension: Passages based on business, economics, and general topics.
- Verbal Ability: Para Jumbles, Odd Sentence Out, Sentence Completion.
- Grammar and Vocabulary: Usage, Synonyms, Antonyms.
- Critical Reasoning: Identifying arguments, assumptions, and conclusions.
- Summary Writing: Condensing long paragraphs into meaningful summaries.
For MBA aspirants, this section is crucial because it reflects how well you can interpret information and communicate effectively – skills required in management roles.
CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026
Understanding the CAT exam pattern and syllabus together helps you create a structured study plan. The expected pattern for CAT 2026 is:
| Section | No. of Questions | Time Limit |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 min |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 min |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 min |
- Total Questions: 66
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers.
This exam pattern complements the subjects in CAT exam for MBA, giving equal weightage to all three sections.
Preparation Tips Based on CAT Exam Syllabus
When you take a systematic approach to preparation you will find it much easier to prepare the CAT exam syllabus 2026. These are the tips which can enable you to cover all subjects in the CAT exam:
1. Evaluate Your Strongs and Weaks
- You should start by finding out the subjects in the CAT exam that you are good in and the subjects you should improve on.
- If possible use a diagnostic test or past year papers to see how you perform.
2. Formulate an Appropriate Study Schedule
- Use time to build your skills in Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA).
- When making revision points, spend more time on topics of lower scores, and when revising higher points, do so on a regular basis.
3. Give importance to Topic-Wise Learning
- Divide the syllabus of CAT MBA exam into small topics.
- Relate to each individual topic before proceeding to the next one or to achieve clarity in the concept.
4. Practice Mock Tests
- Attend weekly mock tests practice in order to understand the CAT exam pattern and syllabus.
- Examine your errors and train to be both faster and accurate.
5. Enhance Time Management
- Get trained to tackle the questions in the available time.
- Sectional tests are timed to perfect efficiency.
6. Revise Frequently
- Refine formula, grammar convention and mental shortcuts in logic.
- Maintain a different notebook on giving noteworthy points on the subjects list of CAT.
7. Maintain Accuracy
- It is better to take care of answering questions correctly than to answer as many questions as possible.
- Reduce negative marking through the attempt to guess.
Working in this order with these steps will enable you to cover all the subjects in CAT exam and get an MBA in a systematic manner and also improve your chances of getting a high score.
FAQs
1. Is the CAT exam syllabus for MBA the same every year?
Yes. The CAT exam syllabus remains consistent, but the difficulty level of questions may vary slightly each year.
2. How many subjects in CAT exam are there?
There are three main subjects: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.
3. What are the MBA CAT exam subjects I should focus on first?
Prioritize your weaker areas first while maintaining regular practice in all three subjects.
4. Does the CAT exam syllabus include General Knowledge?
No. The CAT exam syllabus for MBA does not include GK or current affairs.
5. What is the best way to complete the CAT exam subjects list quickly?
Follow a structured timetable, practice daily, and take weekly mock tests to measure progress.
Conclusion
The CAT exam syllabus 2026 is structured around three key areas: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. Understanding these CAT exam subjects and their topics is essential to scoring well.
By focusing on the CAT exam pattern and syllabus, you can build a solid preparation plan. Start early, use the right resources, and practice consistently. With the right strategy, you can master the CAT entrance exam syllabus and achieve admission into your dream MBA program.