The CAT QA section tests Class 10-12 mathematics, with an emphasis on problem-solving. About 30-40% of the questions are TITA, so you must be able to reach an exact answer without options.
Topics in the CAT QA syllabus
Priority order for preparation
Biggest share and the easiest to score. Master this first.
Frequent and formula-driven. Practise equations and functions.
Needs a good set of properties and diagrams.
Fewer questions but quick to solve once the concepts are clear.
Fewest questions, but easy marks if P&C and probability are strong.
How to prepare
- 1Revise Class 9-10 NCERT basics for every topic.
- 2Learn formulae and standard shortcuts, then solve topic-wise sets.
- 3Practise 10-15 TITA questions per day without looking at options.
- 4Take sectional tests every week and note which topics cost you time.
CAT 2026 QA Syllabus FAQs
Is Class 12 maths needed for CAT?+
Mostly Class 9-10 level concepts are used. Some topics from Class 11-12, like functions and probability, appear occasionally.
Is calculus part of CAT?+
No. Calculus has not been part of recent CAT papers.
More on CAT 2026
Source & Disclaimer
Official source: iimcat.ac.in
Information on this page is compiled from the official CAT notification at iimcat.ac.in and trends from earlier cycles. Dates marked Expected are estimates, not official announcements. Please confirm all details on the official website.