CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2026: Complete Breakdown

[In Summary: The CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2026 explains section-wise topics, exam pattern, key dates, eligibility and preparation strategies to help MBA aspirants study smart, plan effectively and improve their overall percentile.]

CAT, commonly known as the “Common Aptitude Test,” is recognised as the most popular and preferred exam in India for MBA admissions. This entrance exam is the gateway to prestigious and top B-schools that offer significant growth and opportunities.

The CAT exam syllabus for MBA 2026 provides a starting point and helps to know what to study, what not to overthink and how to allocate the time. Using this guide, you will have access to a wide range of topics related to your journey in preparing for the CAT exam, including the format of the exam, a concise overview of the CAT syllabus and the ultimate way to effectively prepare for the CAT exam.

CAT Exam 2026- Key Highlights

CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2026- Overview and Pattern

Exam Details

1. Mode- Computer-based
2. Total Duration- 120 minutes (2 hours)
3. Sections-

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Section-Wise Structure and Timing

The CAT curriculum includes 3 core sections presented below-

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension- This VARC section includes 24 questions, of which 12-14 are based on reading comprehension. Also, it will confine itself to Verbal Reasoning & Reading Comprehension. It's better to study English grammar and vocabulary in order to answer RC questions successfully.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning- In total, this section has 22 questions, aimed at assessing candidates' logical reasoning and data interpretation capacities. The CAT DILR syllabus will encompass relevant topics on analytical data interpretation of the presented data. Data will be presented through Puzzles, Family Trees, Blood Relations, Series, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Tables, Syllogisms, etc.

Quantitative Aptitude- The quant (QA) section has 22 questions from Arithmetic and Algebra for evaluating participants' mathematical aptitude. The CAT Quant syllabus will comprise Mathematics topics from Class 9 to 10.

Quick Snapshot of Section-Wise Structure and Timing

Marking Scheme

• +3 for each correct MCQ
• –1 for every incorrect MCQ
• No negative marking for TITA (type-in-the-answer) questions

This pattern encourages accuracy as well as calculated risk-taking.

CAT Exam for MBA Admission 2026- Important Dates

Knowing significant dates for the MBA programme admission is very beneficial for students. Let’s have a look at important dates for the CAT exam-

Eligibility Criteria for CAT Exam 2026

Below are the mandatory eligibility requirements for the CAT exam for MBA programme-

• Bachelor’s degree from UGC recognised university with a minimum of at least 50% marks and 45% for SC/ST/PwD
• Final year students are also eligible to apply for CAT
• Age Limit- No upper or lower age limit for exam
• Number of Attempts- No limit on exam attempts

Section-Wise CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2026 Breakdown

Understanding the CAT exam syllabus will give you an advantage in preparing for this exam in a structured manner. Below is the detailed breakdown of the section-wise CAT curriculum-

CAT VARC Syllabus- Weightage and Pattern

This section is divided into two parts and each part tests a different skill set.

Verbal Ability Section

VA checks your logical understanding of language. It usually includes:

Reading Comprehension Section

This section usually stretches around 600 words, which cover core themes like social issues, economics, science or literature. You will find the questions related to-

VARC Syllabus Topic-Wise Weightage

Preparation Tips for the VARC Syllabus

• Read widely- newspapers, opinion pieces, long-form articles.
• Build consistency instead of cramming vocabulary lists.
• Practise para-jumbles and odd-one-out daily- they need pattern recognition more than memorisation.
• Time yourself during RC practice to build stamina.

Topics Covered in Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

This DILP section allows students to think logically under pressure. Also, it combines analytical reasoning with data-heavy problem sets.

Let’s have a look at core topics-

• Percentages and Ratios
• Seating Arrangements
• Averages and Weighted Averages
• Blood Relations
• Profit and Loss
• Direction Sense
• Growth Rates
• Syllogisms
• Data Comparison
• Clocks and Calendars
• Venn Diagrams
• Coding-Decoding
• Tables-Based DI
• Number Series
• Routes and Networks
• Logical Sequences
• Mathematical Puzzles
• Puzzles
• Graphs
• Games and Tournaments

Pattern of DILR Section

Preparation Strategy for DILP Section

• Solve the number of sets to improve adaptability
• Work on time-bounded practice since the section tends to feel tight
• Attempt easier sets first during mocks to enhance accuracy
• Revise common graph formats- pie charts, line graphs, bar graphs, etc.

Quantitative Aptitude Section of CAT Exam

This final section tests your numerical reasoning as well as problem-solving speed.

Note- You need quick calculations, strong fundamentals and the ability to avoid any errors.

Preparation Tips for QA Section

• Strengthen Class 9-10 basics- CAT builds on them
• Solve mixed-topic sets to improve switching speed during the exam
• Maintain formula sheets to revise regularly
• Utilise short, daily practice cycles to maintain consistency

Latest Changes in the CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA Pattern 2026

Let's take a look at the latest changes that have occurred for the 2026 CAT exam.

• The overall number of questions increased from 66 to 68.
• The number of questions in the DILR section went from 20 to 22.
• Based on the expert mentors’ analysis of the CAT 2024 exam, the overall difficulty level of the CAT 2024 exam was lower than CAT 2023 exam, especially in the DILR and Quant sections.
• Difficulty levels varied across the three slots- slot 1 being the easiest and slot 3 being the hardest.
• The difficulty level of VARC was practically the same as it was the previous year, while DILR and Quant sections were on the easier side.
• Overall cutoffs for the best colleges are expected to go up; the CAT score vs. percentile report will also likely change, with the 90% and 95% marks going up to around 47-51 marks and 58-61 marks, respectively.

Preparation Strategy & Timeline for CATE Exam Syllabus for MBA 2026

So, when it comes to the preparation for the CAT exam for your 2026 admission, you have to make sure the journey is clear. Let’s break it into milestones-

12-Month Plan

• Focus on concept building across VARC, DILR and QA
• Solve beginner to intermediate-level questions
• Build reading habits and basic calculation skills

6-Month Plan

• Start taking sectional tests weekly
• Increase difficulty levels and tackle more complex DILR sets
• Maintain an error log to track weak areas

3-Month Plan

• Shift focus to mocks and analysis
• Revise formulas, passage approaches, and puzzle-solving methods
• Strengthen exam temperament and stamina

Crack CAT, Step Into a Career-Defining MBA at BML Munjal University

If you are gearing up for your CAT exam, remember one thing- the universities you target matter as much as your preparation. It simply means you have to find the right college that makes a significant difference, and BML Munjal University is a perfect example. The university reflects what a leading institution looks like.

The MBA programme is designed in a way that encourages students to build managerial skills via hands-on exposure, industry interaction as well as continuous mentorship. Let’s have a look at why BML Munjal University stands out from others-

• Industry-integrated curriculum
• Experiential learning model
• Strong and diverse specialisation options
• Global exposure for international immersion and global faculty sessions
• Innovation & entrepreneurship support
• Modern and advanced infrastructure
• Placement training, industry workshops and personalised guidance

BMU allows candidates to submit CAT scores for acceptance consideration. If you're looking for an MBA experience that combines academic rigor and readiness for the real world, BMU is an appealing factor to keep on your radar as you think about your next steps.

Conclusion

The CAT exam syllabus for MBA 2026 offers a clear way for individuals whose goal is to prepare strategically, rather than randomly. Once you understand what each section will require, you can easily make a study plan that builds your confidence rather than your anxiety. With disciplined practice, constant review as well as a good mock strategy, you will start a steady incline towards your ideal percentile.

If you are serious about your MBA, now is the right time to commence your preparation.