CAT QA Syllabus: Topics List, Chapter-Wise Weightage, High-Weightage Topics
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Content Writer | Updated On - Aug 25, 2026
CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude has a weightage of 66 marks. The section has 22 questions, with 3 marks for each correct answer and -1 for each incorrect MCQ.
- CAT QA syllabus includes chapters such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Mathematics.
- In CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude, arithmetic carries about 36% weightage, with 8-10 questions, including topics such as profit & loss, time & work, ratio, and more.
- Algebra carries about 5-6 questions in CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude, with a weightage of up to 23%, covering equations, logarithms, and more.
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Key Summary
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CAT 2026 QA Syllabus- Overview
CAT topic-wise weightage is not released officially by IIM Indore. However, as per the previous years’ trends, topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry & Mensuration, Number System, and Modern Mathematics are asked frequently with high weightage. Arithmetic will have 8-10 questions followed by Algebra with 5-6 questions.
| Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | IIM Indore (expected) |
| Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (expected) |
| Official Syllabus | Not released by the IIMs |
| QA Questions | 22 |
| QA Marks | 66 |
| QA Duration | 40 minutes |
| Question Types | MCQ and TITA |
| Highest Weightage Topic | Arithmetic- 8 to 10 questions, followed by Algebra- 5 to 6 questions |
| Section Switching | Not allowed |
CAT 2026 QA Syllabus- Topic-Wise List
You should focus most on arithmetic and algebra, as they contribute to the maximum number of questions in the CAT 2026 QA section.
- Percentages, Profit & Loss, Discount, and ratio will have the maximum number of questions in the QA section for CAT 2026.
- Equations and Functions & Graphs remain of medium-high importance in QA, followed by a few questions in geometry.
| Main Topic | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
|
| Algebra |
|
| Geometry & Mensuration |
|
| Number System |
|
| Modern Mathematics |
|
CAT 2026 QA Syllabus-Topic Wise Distribution
Having a strong base in arithmetic and algebra will get you a 90+ percentile in CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude.
- In CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude, maximum weight is given to algebra and arithmetic, with a total of 12-13 questions together.
- Other topics like Geometry & Mensuration, Number System, and Modern Mathematics Will have 8-10 questions together.
| Topic | Expected Questions | Expected Marks | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8 | 24 | 36% |
| Algebra | 5 | 15 | 23% |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 3 | 9 | 14% |
| Number System | 3 | 9 | 14% |
| Modern Maths | 3 | 9 | 14% |
| Total | 22 | 66 | 100% |
Source: YouTube
CAT 2026 QA Syllabus- Best Books
If you are a beginner, start with RS. Agarwal and NCERT; this will help build your foundation for the QA section.
- “How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT” by Arun Sharma is the best for overall preparation and practice.
- “Quantum CAT” by Sarvesh K. Verma has comprehensive coverage and is ideal for 99+ percentile aspirants.
| Book Title | Author | Best For | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma | Overall Preparation & Practice | Level-wise questions (LOD 1-3), 4500+ practice questions, excellent for concept building to advanced level |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Conceptual Clarity | Clear explanations, good variety of questions, strong focus on Algebra & Arithmetic |
| Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K. Verma | Advanced Practice & Shortcuts | Comprehensive coverage, excellent problem set, ideal for 99+ percentile aspirants |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal | Building Fundamentals | Best for beginners, strong basics, large number of fully solved examples |
| Courseware on Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill) | Updated Pattern & PYQs | Specifically tailored for CAT with recent solved papers and updated examination pattern |
Source: YouTube
CAT 2026 QA Syllabus- Reddit
Reddit user r/CATpreparation says, “ I prepared for quants extensively this time around but got only 12 marks in slot 3”. He adds that he has no idea how to score better and asks the users to suggest some sources to score better.
Designer_Bullfrog974 replies to this that he was in the same spot and advises that doing more questions in QA is not wise. You have to choose the right ones. He adds, “Redo easy and medium level arithmetic and algebra questions until the approach feels automatic.”
Source: Reddit
CAT 2026 QA Syllabus FAQs
Ques. What is the maximum marks in CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude?
Ans. The maximum marks in CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude are 66, with 22 questions, 3 marks for each correct answer, and -1 for each wrong answer. The time is 40 minutes, and it is the last section, requiring good focus and accuracy.
Ques. What is the maximum marks in CAT 2026?
Ans. The maximum marks in CAT 2026 are 204, with 68 questions, 3 marks for each correct answer, and -1 for each wrong answer. VARC has 72 marks, and DILR has 66 marks, with CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude also having 66 marks. You need to have a structured study plan to get good marks in all sections.
Ques. What are the most important chapters in CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude?
Ans. There are 5 important chapters in CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude. The highest is Arithmetic with 36% weightage, followed by Algebra with 23% weightage, Geometry & Mensuration, Modern Maths, and Number System having 14% weightage each. Only Arithmetic and Algebra will score 90+ if done with focus and accuracy.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
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