Common Admission Test (CAT) Syllabus 2026
Section-wise Topics & Exam Pattern
Every subject, section, and mark in one place — with free mock tests to practice each part of the Common Admission Test (CAT) paper.
What is the Common Admission Test (CAT) syllabus for 2026?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) syllabus covers 3 subjects: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Ability. The exam has 68 questions across 3 sections in 120 minutes, with negative marking.
Common Admission Test (CAT) Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 40 min | −0.33 per wrong answer |
| DILR | 22 | 40 min | −0.33 per wrong answer |
| QA | 22 | 40 min | −0.33 per wrong answer |
| Total | 68 | 120 min |
Marking scheme: +3 correct · -1 wrong · 0 unanswered. Last updated: 2026-06-01.
Subjects in the Common Admission Test (CAT) Syllabus
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
Drill individual topics with free topic-wise practice tests before attempting full-length papers.
Is there negative marking in Common Admission Test (CAT)?
Yes. Common Admission Test (CAT) deducts marks for wrong answers in every section (0.33 mark per wrong answer). Unanswered questions carry no penalty, so skip questions you cannot eliminate options for.
How should I cover the Common Admission Test (CAT) syllabus?
Work section by section: master one subject at a time with topic-wise practice, then combine sections in full-length mock tests under the real 120-minute timer. Analytics from each mock show which syllabus areas leak marks, so your revision targets weak topics instead of re-reading everything.
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