CAT Preparation – Cover Detailed Strategy for CAT 2026 Exam, CAT Syllabus & Weightage

CAT 2026: Preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT Preparation) comes with detailed understanding of syllabus including important topics to be asked in exam along with their weightage. The whole examination is classified in 3 sections i.e, VARC, DILR & QA. These sections are aligned in the order where VARC comes first, followed by DILR & QA. The time duration for the CAT exam is 120 minutes or 2 hours. Every year, approximate 2-3 lakh candidates appeared in the exam while carrying their dream to pursuing management from top business schools like IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management). This blog is a comprehensive guide about 1 year detailed strategy for CAT preparation, important CAT syllabus across VARC, DILR & QA and how iQuanta’s unique modules – “Engineer’s VARC”, “Non-Engineer’s QA” and “LRDI Essentials” help in preparing smartly for CAT 2026.

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Step-by-Step Process for CAT Preparation

This section covers the comprehensive steps about the complete CAT exam preparation. Candidates will get a clear pictures by understanding these steps in a detailed manner.

1. Students should begin their CAT preparation journey by understanding detailed CAT syllabus across Verbal Ability & reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability.
2. Next, solve questions across CAT exam sections and analyze where you are making wrong and correct later during CAT preparation.
3. Solving PYQs and Mock Test Papers will help you in reflecting the CAT exam pattern.

Why CAT Syllabus Covers 50% Strategy to Compete?

CAT Syllabus is an integral part of the exam preparation journey which is considered as one of the important parts to cover early. Just configuring entire CAT exam syllabus will not create a major impact because this exam is the combination of candidate’s problem solving and aptitude skills. There are three major sections who covers entire curriculum that later leads to a strategy to start mock test series and PYQs. Let’s discuss more about the CAT syllabus in below sections.

CAT Preparation – Detailed Syllabus To Start with CAT 2026

The first step to start the CAT preparation is the understanding of CAT syllabus which is revolving around three major parts – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability. Covering important topics across these sections with weightage is the major goal for the students in building accuracy and speed towards targeting 99+ percentile in the CAT exam. Let’s discuss the CAT syllabus across VARC, DILR & QA in a detailed manner.

Completing CAT syllabus early will be an advantageous for the candidates to understand concepts in-depth and will get extra space or time for solving maximum question without any hassle at last moment. Solving maximum question will give you a clear picture about your weakened concepts and later you will manage to complete it.

CAT Exam Preparation – Important Topics & Weightage of VARC

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension will be one of the important sections to prepare for CAT 2026 because it is not asked in the exam but also covers important weightage during interview process of IIMs. If candidates possess low scores in the particular section, then chances of getting calls from the top business schools would be less. Talking about the CAT preparation strategy of VARC, then building reading habits is the key to secure good scores in it. Candidates should try for Aeon essays, the Guardian, editorials and novels of their interest which leads to a success in CAT 2026. The detailed syllabus for the CAT VARC covers RC passages across various genres like Science and Technology, History, Arts and Literature, Economy and Business, Philosophy, Culture and Politics and Abstract Topics. There is an another important section which will be a part of VARC is Verbal Ability which include components such as Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Vocabulary and Odd One Out. The important topics asked in the CAT 2026 exam along with its important weightage is mentioned in the table given below.

VARC Topics	Key Topics Covered
RC Passages	Science and Technology History, Arts and Literature  Economy and Business Philosophy  Culture and Politics  Abstract Topics
Para Jumble	Arrange the sentences in a logical manner
Para Summary	Choose the correct summary that matches the exact idea of the paragraph
Vocabulary	This topic will involve questions related to assumptions, contextual meaning, conclusions and spot the error
Odd One Out	Determine irrelevant sentences that logically look different from the available options

CAT VARC Syllabus 2026: Topic-Wise Weightage

This section covers the respective weightage of important topics which are widely asked in the CAT exam.

VARC Topics	Number of Questions	Approximate Weightage (%)
RC Passages	16 Questions – 4RCs – Each RC will have 4 different types of questions.	55-60%
Correct the Sentences	2	10-15%
Critical Reasoning	2	5-10%
Vocabulary	2	5-10%
Para Jumbles	2	15-20%

CAT 2026 Exam – Topics to Be Covered in LRDI

LRDI stands for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation. The important topics under the LRDI CAT syllabus covers Tables and Charts, Games and Tournaments, Scheduling and Blood Relations, Venn Diagram & Hybrid Sets, Puzzles and Seating Arrangements. Many students think that LRDI is one of the complex sections in CAT exam due to sets of different patterns covered across. The CAT preparation for the particular section requires good problem-solving skills to articulate caselets in CAT 2026 with accuracy. Candidates should found the detailed syllabus for LRDI along with the weightage of important topics below.

DI & LR Topics	Key Topics Covered
Tables and Charts	Tabular Data Mixed Sets  Bar Charts  Line Charts  Pie Charts
Games and Tournaments	Scoring-System Round-Robin Knockout
Scheduling and Blood Relations	Direct Reasoning Task Allocation  Family Trees
Venn Diagrams & Hybrid Sets	Logical Deduction Set Theory
Puzzle and Seating Arrangements	Linear Arrangements Circular Arrangements Grid-Based Arrangements  Complex Arrangements

Topic-Wise Weightage For DILR Syllabus 

Good knowledge about the weightage for DILR topics is really indispensable during CAT preparation for the students who are highly indulge in understanding CAT syllabus in their early preparation. Candidates should have a look on the topic-wise weightage for DILR syllabus below.

DI & LR Topics	No. of Questions	Approximate Weightage (%)
Tables and Charts	4-6	40–50%
Games and Tournaments	4-5	10-20%
Scheduling and Blood Relations	3-4	5-10%
Venn Diagrams & Hybrid Sets	2-3	5-10%
Puzzle and Seating Arrangements	3-4	50-60%

CAT Preparation – Important Topics in QA To Target CAT 2026

Quantitative Ability overall asks the problem-solving ability with accuracy from candidates and also include important topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Mensuration, Number System, and Modern Maths. Among all these major topics, candidates should cover both Arithmetic and Algebra which is widely covering major portion of Quants in the CAT exam. Please find the attached CAT QA syllabus along with detailed weightage.

Most Important QA Topics	Quantitative Aptitude Sub-Topics
Arithmetic	Percentages  Profit and Loss Simple Interest and Compound Interest Ratio and Proportion  Averages  Mixture and Alligations Time and Work Pipes and Cisterns Time, Speed and Distance Races  Trains and Boats
Algebra	Linear Equations Quadratic Equations Polynomials Indices and Surds Logarithms Inequalities Modulus  Sequence & Series  Functions  Graphs
Geometry and Mensuration	Triangles Quadrilaterals Polygons Circles Mensuration – 3D Co-ordinate Geometry
Number System	Properties of Integers  Divisibility  Remainder Theorem  Factors  LCM & HCF Factorial  Trailing Zeroes  Last Digits
Modern Maths	Set Theory  Probability  Permutation and Combination

Section-Wise Weightage for QA Topics

Most Important QA Topics	Approx Number of Questions	Approximate Weightage (%)
Arithmetic	7-9	35–50%.
Algebra	5-8	25-35%
Geometry and Mensuration	2-3	10-15%
Number System	1-2	5-10%
Modern Maths	1-2	5-10%

CAT 2026 Exam Pattern

The complete details about the CAT exam pattern along with time duration is specified in the table mentioned below.

Sections in CAT 2026	Number of Questions Asked in the CAT Exam	Time Allotted Across Sections in CAT Exam
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension	24	40
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning	22	40
Quantitative Ability	22	40

CAT Preparation: 1 Year Detailed Step-by-Step Study Plan 

This section covers the detailed study plan for 12 months to target CAT preparation where the first month completely dedicated to analyze the syllabus properly across VARC, DILR & QA. The second month for the CAT 2026 preparation completely relies on mastering important topics for Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning along with forming a daily reading habits and solving beginner level LRDI sets. The third month for CAT 2026 preparation completely based on grasping the conceptual knowledge about Arithmetic and Algebra which is considered as the high-weightage topics in Quantitative Ability. The rest detailed study plan is specified in the table given below so candidates will streamlined their preparation early for CAT 2026.

Month	Core Objective
Month 1	Analyse the syllabus properly from VARC, DILR and QA.  Take one full-length mock test to bridge the gap between the strong and weak topics.
Month 2	Master important topics from QA, VARC and DILR. Form regular reading habits and beginner-level LRDI sets.
Month 3	Complete basic conceptual knowledge about Arithmetic and Algebra.  Boost your reading speed. Start your sectional test practice under a timed limit.
Month 4	Advanced-level preparation for Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry.  Switch your practice to intermediate-level LRDI sets and RC passages.
Month 5	Finalize your fundamentals for the VA & RC. Search and learn new words with meaning and examples.  Start daily formula revision. For QA and DILR, choose medium-level questions.
Month 6	By April, your CAT QA syllabus must be completed.  This month should also be all about building speed and accuracy.
Month 7	Prioritise solving topic-wise sets for every section.  Commence your revision for each section separately in a fixed time slot.  Revise weak concepts. Attempt 1-2 sectional tests in a week.
Month 8	Start your full-length mock test practice journey. Track your errors with a comprehensive mock analysis. Watch the right techniques to solve every incorrect question.
Month 9 -12	Complete Revision and Practice

Important Points to Keep in Mind During CAT Preparation

Candidates should cover these important points to align the focused CAT preparation.

1. It is important for aspirants to understand the CAT syllabus in a detailed manner across VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) and QA (Quantitative Ability).
2. Solving sufficient amount of questions along with covering live lectures across sections is really crucial for candidates during CAT preparation.
3. Concentration and consistency both are an important factors if candidates are planning to appear for CAT 2026 exam because it is a sectional test and each section covers specified time limit to solve questions and this is the biggest reason for practicing maximum patterns before appearing for the actual exam.
4. Mock Test Series, Sectional Mock Tests and Previous Year Questions (PYQs) all are an integral components of CAT preparation that helps you to actually understand the CAT exam pattern.
5. While solving CAT full length mock test series (iCAT), candidates should analyze their performance and cover the weak concepts before appearing for CAT 2026.

CAT 2026 Preparation with Unique Modules of iQuanta

There are several months left for the CAT 2026 and preparing early for the CAT exam is a key factor for students to compete. People with diverse background sit for the Common Admission Test and preparing effectively for the sections whether it is VARC, DILR & QA, candidates should look at the unique modules prepared by iQuanta to streamlined the focused approach. The unique modules cover Non-Engineer’s Quant, Engineer’s VARC and LRDI Essentials.

CAT Preparation: Non-Engineers’ Quant

Candidates who are coming from the non-engineering background may not get in-touch with mathematics in their graduation and might forgotten fundamental concepts. To help them gain confidence and accuracy while solving Quant questions, iQuanta has designed a unique module that directly impacts their sectional scores in the Quantitative Ability. Non-Engineers’ Quant module for CAT 2026 aspirants covers –

1. 70+ videos of basic Math
2. 300+ important questions covering the most essential concepts
3. 6th-10th NCERT concepts for CAT

CAT Preparation: CAT 2026 Engineer’s VARC

Candidates who are coming from engineering background are initially struggled with the VARC section and this factor is widely considered as the biggest fear for them. To improve accuracy while solving RCs of various genres, candidates should cover the CAT 2026 Engineers’ VARC module. The features for the respective module are mentioned below.

1. 60+ videos / 30 hours of CAT focused VARC content
2. 12 VA videos with 10 questions solved per video.
3. 7 strategy video covering all key topics
4. 40 in-depth RC videos across all genres.

CAT Preparation: LRDI Essentials for CAT 2026 Aspirants

LRDI (Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation) is one of the important sections for CAT preparation and targeting CAT 2026 exam. This section include complex sets or caselets to solve. To get the accuracy and speed both for covering questions in Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation, candidates should follow LRDI Essentials module. The features of LRDI essentials for CAT 2026 aspirants is mentioned below.

1. 35+ videos / 15 hours of LRDI basics
2. Cover concepts, cases and practice sets.

CAT 2026 Exam Preparation with iQuanta’s Full Course

The CAT 2026 preparation will become easy for the candidates with expert mentorship and live classes where they will cover concepts in-depth along with 24*7 doubt solving support. The complete flow diagram of a CAT 2026 course is mentioned in the graphic given below.

CAT 2026 – Meet Top CAT Faculty for Expert Mentorship

Just solving good amount of questions across sections is not enough to crack CAT exam. The detailed CAT preparation strategy comes with the expert guidance. Common Admission Test is a competitive examination where accuracy and time both matters to compete among pool of aspirants and the best way to make it possible is by following smart tricks that will mentor by expert CAT faculty who are having great accomplishment in the same industry. The complete information about top mentors is tabulated below.

CAT Expert Faculty	Achievements
Indrajeet Singh	Founder & CEO, Wizard of Quant
Amit Panchmatia	CAT QA 100%iler, LRDI 99.8%iler
Shabana Shahab	CAT VARC 99.56%iler
Raj Kumar Jha	6 Times CAT QA 100%iler
Kamal Lohia	CAT 99.99%iler, QA & LRDI Expert
Nikhil Goyal	CAT & XAT 99.9%iler
Sajjan Baranwal	CAT 99.8%iler, QA & LRDI Expert

CAT Result – Maximum 99+ Percentilers from iQuanta

This year again iQuanta served an amazing result and have maximum 99+ percentilers. What iQuanta team has delivered is nothing short of commendable. 20-25 students scored 99.90+ percentiles from iQuanta, including 99.99, 99.98, 99.97, and 99.96 with three achievers in each bracket. Out of the mentioned numbers 2500 across India, 600+ 99%ilers belongs to iQuanta itself. The perfect combination of leadership, guidance and expert mentorship from Indrajeet sir and other expert CAT faculty resulted an impressive result of students in CAT 2025. There are some students who have shared their success stories and still continuing……………………….

1. Vinayak Agarwal (99.99%ile)
2. Parav Goyal (99.98%ile)
3. Soumyadip Mukherjee (99.97%ile)
4. Swastik Mukherjee (99.96%ile)
5. Anmol Gupta (99.96%ile)
6. Chirag Surana (99.96%ile)
7. Harsh Khudania (99.93%ile)
8. Aditya Shah (99.92%ile)
9. Rajan Nathani (99.90%ile)
10. Arkadipta Chatterjee (99.78%ile)
11. Yash Trivedi (99.72%ile)
12. Sankalp Raj (99.68%ile)
13. Vivek Upadhyay (99.76%ile)
14. Anuj Kumar Upadhyay (99.68%ile)
15. Kashvi Bhatia (99.53%ile)
16. Raman Khudia (99.49%ile)
17. Sahil Kumar Pandey (99.48%ile)
18. Neha Alatagi (99.48%ile)
19. Sri Tej Aduru (99.43%ile)
20. Ehsaas Agarwal (99.41%ile)
21. Kushagra Barai (99.33%ile)
22. Rohith Attilli (99.18%ile)
23. Aishiki Sen (99.18%ile)
24. Anushka Srivastava (99.13%ile)

Conclusion: Focused Strategy for CAT 2026 Exam

Common Admission Test 2026 is the next milestone for the candidates who wish to pursue management program from the top IIMs or B-schools in the country. The whole examination covers the detailed strategy across Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability. Candidates should start CAT preparation by understanding the detailed syllabus across sections, covering live classes to refer the applications supporting particular topic or concept. The best way to follow the synopsis behind the word “focused CAT preparation” comes with expert mentorship which is really helpful while solving questions with smart tricks or strategies.

FAQs: CAT 2026 Preparation