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The CAT 2026 Maths syllabus will likely include the mathematical topics to be asked for in the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT exam. The CAT maths syllabus covers various topics and concepts that test the candidates' mathematical skills and number-crunching Aptitude. CAT math syllabus covers topics like logarithms, work and time, percentage, probability, profit and loss, ratios and proportions and others. The CAT Maths syllabus discussed here is prepared based on the previous year's CAT question paper pattern. IIMs do not prescribe an official chapter-wise CAT Maths syllabus. The topics listed below are based on previous CAT question papers and trends.The CAT math syllabus is based on general and advanced mathematics concepts. Strong command and rigorous practice of the important concepts are necessary to score well in the Quantitative Aptitude section.
The weightage of maths in CAT through the Quantitative Aptitude section is significant. The Quantitative Aptitude section contains 22 out of the 68 questions holding a total of 66 marks out of 204. The CAT-accepting institutes such as IIMs have specified sectional cutoffs required for eligibility purposes. The detailed weightage of the maths in the CAT syllabus is given in the table below.
CAT 2026 Exam Section | Quantitative Aptitude |
Total Math Questions | 22 |
Total Marks | 66 |
Marking Scheme |
|
The CAT math syllabus is not defined. It has a wide array of topics that a candidate must study to excel in this section of the CAT exam. Concepts from arithmetics, trigonometry, and geometry are a few to state the important ones. The important topics that a candidate should keep on their checklist while preparing for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section are mentioned in the table below.
CAT Exam Section | CAT Math Syllabus Important Topics |
Quantitative Aptitude |
|
The CAT math syllabus can be broadly divided into four areas given below. As per the previous year analysis of the CAT exam arithmetic is the most prominent section of the CAT maths syllabus, followed by algebra.
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All these four areas of mathematics have their weightage in the quant section of the CAT exam. The weightage of these areas according to past CAT papers and candidate feedback has been mentioned in the table below.
Areas of CAT Maths Syllabus | Approximate Weightage |
Arithmetic | 42.1% |
Geometry | 14.5% |
Modern Maths | 2.1% |
Algebra | 31.8% |
| Number System | 9.4% |
| Total | 100% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Overall, CAT maths has a moderate difficult level, but sometimes it turns easy for candidates who start their preparation early and practice all three sections.
Most of the mathematical concepts used to formulate questions in the quant section of the CAT exam are the ones taught in the 10th, 11th, and 12th standard mathematics. The level of the questions however remains a bit inclined towards the advanced level.
Qualifying CAT and sectional cutoffs are required for IIM so it makes maths essential for IIM. Having your way with numbers and mathematical ability surely adds up to the overall profile of a candidate applying for IIM.
The use of a calculator is strictly prohibited in the CAT exam. Candidates found with any restricted electronic item during the CAT exam will get their candidature terminated immediately. They might also be banned from appearing for future CAT exams.
The syllabus of maths in CAT comprises four different parts namely, arithmetic, geometry, modern maths, and algebra. Out of the four, the arithmetic part accounts for most of the questions followed by algebra, modern maths, and geometry.
On Question asked by student community
Hey there,
For NIT Hamirpur MBA, the General-category CAT cutoff is not a fixed official percentile. NIT Hamirpur's 2026–27 admission process gives CAT a 10/10 weightage in the test component, followed by an interview; it accepts CAT, CMAT and MAT.
As a practical target, 80+ percentile is worth considering, while
If by B-category you mean management/private quota MBBS seats, the cutoff is very different from government-quota MBBS.
In Tamil Nadu, management-quota MBBS seats are available in self-financing/private medical colleges through the state counselling process. The closing rank varies significantly between colleges and counselling rounds. The 2025 counselling data shows that
Hello Student,
With a CAT 2025 percentile of 98.25, you have a good chance of receiving calls from several IIMs, particularly newer IIMs. However, IIM Ahmedabad , Bangalore , Calcutta , and Lucknow generally require higher percentiles for General-category candidates. Calls also depend on sectional percentiles, academics, work experience, and
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, you can access CAT preparation resources, including mock tests, practice questions, previous-year papers, and study material. Explore the CAT preparation resources and test series using the link below:
https://www.careers360.com/mba/download/ebooks-and-sample-papers?exam=45
Hope this Helps!
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