Official topic-wise syllabus and examination pattern for CAT (Common Admission Test - IIMs & Top B-Schools) Syllabus & Pattern 2026 conducted by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Complete stage breakdown, subject weightage, duration, and marking scheme.
Official syllabus curriculum and subject topics prescribed by Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs)
Reading Comprehension (16 Questions, 4 Passages): Passages derived from Philosophy, Economics, Sociology, Science, History, Literature, and Psychology. Questions test main idea identification, tone analysis, logical inference, contextual meaning, application of arguments, author agreement/disagreement.
Verbal Ability (8 Questions - Para Summary, Para Jumbles, Odd Sentence Out, Para Completion): Summary of short paragraphs, jumbled paragraph re-sequencing (TITA without options), identifying contextually dissonant sentences, completing paragraphs with logical closing thoughts.
Data Interpretation (2 to 3 Sets of 4-6 Questions each): Caselets, Radar Charts, Scatter Plots, Multi-layered Tables, Bubble Graphs, Bar-Line-Pie combinations, Missing Data Tables, Data Sufficiency.
Logical Reasoning (2 to 3 Sets of 4-6 Questions each): Arrangement games (Linear, Circular, Matrix), Scheduling, Tournament structures (Round-robin, Knockout, Seeding), Network & Routes, Binary Logic, Truth & Lie concepts, Venn Diagrams (3 and 4 sets maxima-minima), Games & Puzzles, Quantitative Reasoning.
Arithmetic (High Weightage 8-9 Questions): Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio, Proportion and Variation, Averages, Mixtures and Alligations, Time, Speed and Distance (Races, Relative Speed, Escalators, Boats & Streams), Time and Work (Pipes & Cisterns, Work & Wages).
Algebra (High Weightage 6-7 Questions): Linear and Quadratic Equations, Polynomials, Inequalities and Modulus, Functions and Graphs, Logarithms, Surds and Indices, Sequence and Series (AP, GP, HP, Special series), Maxima and Minima.
Geometry & Mensuration (3-4 Questions): Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Heights & Distances, Surface Area and Volumes of 2D/3D solids.
Number System & Modern Maths (2-4 Questions): Divisibility, Remainders (Euler, Wilson, Chinese Remainder Theorems), Unit Digit, Base System, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Set Theory.
Candidates are advised to prepare systematically covering all prescribed topics, solve previous years' question papers, and practice mock tests under timed conditions.
Note: This syllabus and exam pattern is published purely for general informational purposes. Candidates are strongly advised to visit the official website and refer to the official syllabus circular to verify any recent changes, scheme updates, or revisions. We are not responsible for any inadvertent error, omission, or subsequent modifications made by the conducting authority.
