CAT WhatsApp Group
CAT Important Topics 2026: Preparing for CAT 2026? Hard work with effective preparation, focusing on the right areas will help you crack the CAT. It is one of the most important MBA entrance exams that can help you secure a seat at one of the top B-schools. As the date gets nearer, you should focus more on CAT important topics 2026 and CAT section-wise weightage to maximize the productive use of your study hours.
In the blog, we examine in detail the central areas in VARC, DILR, and Quant so that you can position your time effectively to increase scores in the exam ahead. By focusing on these high impact topics, aspirants can boost their scores significantly.
CAT Important Topics 2026
The CAT is an MBA entrance examination for pursuing management programs in India. It is held once every year, and this year CAT 2026 is scheduled to be held on November 29th, 2026. One has to perform well in the three sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability (VARC), and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI).
The detail about the 2026 CAT conducting body is yet awaited for an official declaration, but it is expected to be conducted by IIM Indore. Usually, the registrations for the CAT begin during the 1st week of August and close around 3rd week of September. You may register through the official website of CAT.
| Section | Must-prepare Topics | High Priority (%) |
|---|---|---|
| CAT VARC Important Topics | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Summary, Odd One Out | RC (70-80%) |
| CAT DILR Important Topics | Tables, Charts, Arrangements, Puzzles, Caselets | Balanced |
| CAT Quant important Topics | Arithmetic, Algebra, Number Properties, Geometry | Arithmetic (40-50%) |
Also Read, CAT Important Topics 2025, Check VARC, LRDI, Quant Topics
CAT Section-wise Weightage
Before getting into the specifics, get a clear view of the CAT exam pattern. Here’s a breakdown of the three sections and their expected weightage:
| Section | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 35.3% |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 32.3% |
| Quantitative Ability (Quant) | 32.3% |
Note: The exact number of questions and marks may vary. CAT 2024 witnessed 22 questions in DILR section for the first time.
CAT VARC Important Topics 2026
The CAT VARC section tests mostly your skills in reading comprehension, grammar, and logical arrangement. While all topics contribute to your score, here are some most important topics for CAT 2026 VARC:
| Topic | Approximate Importance/Weightage |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 70-80% |
| Para Jumbles | 2-3 Questions (TITA) |
| Para Summary | Medium |
| Odd One Out | 1-2 Questions (TITA) |
| Para Insertion | Low to Medium |
Why Focus Here?
- Reading Comprehension is the major portion of this section; passages/questions may be drawn from science, history, or philosophy.
- Para Jumbles and Odd One Out are mostly TITA, they do not carry negative marks.
- Para Summary tests your inferences and logic.
Also Read, CAT VARC Topic Wise Weightage 2025, Download PDF Now
CAT DILR Important Topics 2026
In the CAT DILR section, logical thinking and data interpretation are tested via puzzles and arrangement questions.
| Sub-section | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets |
| Logical Reasoning | Arrangements (linear, circular), Table with Missing values, Puzzles |
| Misc. | Data Comparison, Matrix-based Reasoning, Venn Diagrams |
Key Insights
- Tables & Charts: Expect questions requiring trend analysis and comparative skills.
- Arrangements and Puzzles: Problems can be based on seating, grouping, and intricate logic setups.
- Caselets: These require interpreting data-rich passages and drawing conclusions.
Also Read, CAT DILR Topic Wise Weightage 2025, Questions with Video Solutions
CAT Quant Important Topics 2026
CAT Quantitative Ability remains a section where clever prioritization pays off. Here's how the major topics break down by expected weightage:
| Topic | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 40-50% |
| Algebra | 30-40% |
| Number Properties | 20-30% |
| Geometry/Mensuration | 10-15% |
Topic Highlights
- Arithmetic: Speed, Time & Distance, Work & Time, Profit & Loss, Ratios, Averages, Percentages, Mixtures.
- Algebra: Linear/Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Logarithms.
- Number Properties: HCF, LCM, Remainder, Factors.
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, and Mensuration formulas.
Refer to the below table to know the important topics in quants. Analyse the table properly and prepare well for the topics that has high weight age in the CAT exam.
| Topic Name | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number System | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Logarithms, Surds and Indices | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Inequalities and Linear Equations | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| PnC and Probability | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Quadratic Equations | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Averages, Ratios and Proportion | 5 | 4 | 3 |
| Time, Work and Distance | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Profit, Loss and Interest | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| Geometry | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Progressions and Series | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Functions and Graphs | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Also Read, CAT Quant Topic wise Weightage 2025, Previous Years Analysis
Smart Preparation Tips for CAT 2026
- CAT Previous Year Papers: It is one of the best resources to know the difficulty level of the CAT exam. Give at least past 5 years of CAT papers in the mock format on cracku's website.
- Strategize: Spend more time on topics that have higher weight in each section.
- Practice TITA: These questions give you scoring opportunities with no risk of negative marking.
- Mock Tests: Keep practising with section-wise and full-length mocks to build stamina and to zero in on your weak points.
- Revise Regularly: Prioritize revisiting formulas, concepts, and logical frameworks.
- Reading: Build a reading habit now, start reading articles from CAT daily articles to build strong skills in VARC.
CAT Important Topics 2026: Conclusion
Topics crucial for the CAT 2026 exam must be grasped with the preparation weighable according to each section. Hence the right practice strategy ranges from making your reading comprehension apt to sharpening your logical-reasoning skills to reinforcing those quant concepts.
Initiate your focused preparation today with Cracku’s resources, mock tests, and study plans for cracking CAT 2026. Sign up today, and make the first step toward your dream IIM!
