Common Admission Test Syllabus
Common Admission Test Syllabus
The Common Admission Test (CAT) syllabus is not officially defined by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). However, based on previous years’ exam patterns, the syllabus is divided into three core sections that test Class 8–10 level concepts at an advanced analytical level.
CAT focuses on conceptual clarity, logical thinking, and problem-solving ability. Candidates must prepare thoroughly for all three sections to score well in the examination.
Table of Contents
CAT Syllabus 2026 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Total Sections | 3 Sections |
| Total Questions | 66–68 Questions (Approx.) |
| Exam Duration | 120 Minutes (40 Minutes per section) |
| Syllabus Level | Class 8–10 Concepts with Advanced Application |
| Official Syllabus | Not officially released by IIMs |
CAT Sectional Overview
| Section | Questions | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | ~24 | Reading comprehension, grammar, and verbal logic |
| DILR | ~22 | Data sets, puzzles, and logical reasoning |
| QA | ~22 | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section consists of approximately 70% reading comprehension and 30% verbal ability questions. It evaluates reading speed, understanding, and logical interpretation skills.
- Reading Comprehension passages from Science, Business, Philosophy, and History.
- Para-jumbles and sentence sequencing.
- Para-summary and central idea identification.
- Odd sentence out questions.
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR questions are usually presented in sets that require analytical thinking and logical deduction. Candidates must solve complex data and reasoning-based problems.
- Bar graphs, pie charts, tables, and caselets.
- Seating arrangements and puzzles.
- Venn diagrams and blood relations.
- Games, tournaments, and binary logic.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The QA section focuses on basic mathematical concepts applied at an advanced level. Most questions are based on arithmetic and algebra with additional topics.
- Arithmetic: Percentages, profit & loss, time & work, averages.
- Algebra: Equations, inequalities, and functions.
- Geometry and mensuration.
- Number systems and modern mathematics.
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The CAT exam follows a specific marking scheme for all sections. Each correct answer carries positive marks while some questions have negative marking.
- +3 marks for each correct answer.
- -1 mark for incorrect MCQ answers.
- No negative marking for TITA questions.
- On-screen calculator available for QA and DILR.
- Total duration: 120 minutes with sectional timing.
FAQs on CAT Syllabus
Q1: Is there any officially defined syllabus released by IIMs for the Common Admission Test exam every year?
No, the Indian Institutes of Management do not release an official CAT syllabus. The syllabus is based on previous exam patterns and question trends. It mainly includes VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude sections. Questions are based on basic concepts from school-level mathematics and reasoning. Candidates must prepare according to past year topics and patterns.
Q2: What are the main sections included in the CAT exam syllabus and how many questions are asked from each section?
The CAT exam includes three main sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude. VARC usually contains around 24 questions focusing on reading comprehension. DILR includes around 22 questions based on data and logical reasoning. Quantitative Aptitude also contains around 22 questions from maths topics. The total exam duration is 120 minutes with sectional timing.
Q3: Which topics are most important to prepare under the Quantitative Aptitude section for CAT exam preparation?
Arithmetic and algebra are the most important topics in Quantitative Aptitude. Questions are frequently asked from percentages, time and work, and profit and loss. Algebra topics like equations and inequalities are also common. Geometry, number systems, and mensuration are included regularly. Strong conceptual understanding is essential for solving problems quickly.
Q4: What type of questions are asked in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of CAT exam?
The DILR section includes data interpretation and logical reasoning sets. Questions are based on charts, graphs, tables, and caselets. Logical puzzles like seating arrangement and blood relations are common. Candidates must analyze data and solve multi-step reasoning problems. Practice and speed are important to perform well in this section.
Q5: How does the marking scheme work in the CAT exam and is there negative marking for incorrect answers?
Each correct answer in CAT carries three marks. Incorrect multiple-choice questions result in a deduction of one mark. TITA questions do not have negative marking. Candidates should attempt questions carefully to avoid score reduction. An on-screen calculator is available for selected sections.
Q6: What is the difficulty level of the CAT syllabus and from which academic level are most questions asked?
The CAT syllabus is based on Class 8 to 10 level concepts. However, questions are asked at a higher analytical difficulty level. Candidates must apply concepts logically and quickly. Regular practice and mock tests help improve performance. Strong fundamentals are essential for scoring well in CAT.