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- April 9, 2026
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📋 Table of Contents
If you are preparing for CAT 2026, the single smartest thing you can do right now is study the Quant weightage data from the last 5 years — and use it to allocate your prep time. Arithmetic and Algebra have dominated every single slot from 2021 to 2025, together accounting for 60–70% of all Quant questions. Geometry remains a consistent 2–3 question presence. This blog breaks down the exact topic-wise data slot by slot, identifies what changed in CAT 2025, and tells you exactly where to focus for CAT 2026.
ℹ️ Related Reading
Not sure how to approach the Quant section on exam day?
CAT Question Selection Strategy to Score 99 Percentile →What is the CAT Quant Section?
📖 Definition: CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The Quantitative Aptitude section tests mathematical reasoning across Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Math. It has 22 questions in 40 minutes, with a mix of MCQs (negative marking) and TITA questions (no negative marking).
The section broadly covers five clusters: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Math (PnC, Probability, Venn Diagrams). Understanding which topics dominate which slots — across five years — gives you a massive strategic edge heading into CAT 2026. Check the official IIM CAT website for the latest syllabus notification.
CAT 2025 Quant Topic Weightage (All 3 Slots)
CAT 2025 saw Inequalities dominate Algebra with 4 questions each in Slots 1 and 2. TSD surged in Slot 3 with 4 questions — the highest single-topic count that year. Geometry held firm at 3 questions every slot.
💡 CAT 2025 Key Takeaway
Inequalities hit 4 questions in both Slot 1 and Slot 2 — the highest in recent history. If you haven’t mastered linear inequalities and boundary conditions, you are leaving guaranteed marks on the table.
CAT 2024 Quant Topic Weightage (All 3 Slots)
CAT 2024 was Arithmetic-heavy. Averages, Ratios & Proportion alone hit 5 questions in Slot 1. Logarithms made a surprise appearance with 3 questions in Slot 3. Number Systems also stayed strong at 2–3 per slot.
CAT 2023 Quant Topic Weightage (All 3 Slots)
CAT 2023 reinforced Arithmetic dominance — TSD surged to 4 questions in Slot 1. Linear Equations had a strong showing across all slots. Geometry: consistent 2–3 per slot as always.
CAT 2022 & 2021 Quant Weightage
CAT 2022
Averages & Ratios dominated Slots 1 and 2 with 5 questions each. Geometry: 3 per slot consistently. Functions appeared 3 times in Slot 1.
CAT 2021
Arithmetic dominated all slots — Averages, Ratios & Mixtures contributed 4–5 questions each. TSD appeared 3 times in every slot. Geometry: 3–4 per slot.
Struggling with CAT Quant? Get Expert Guidance.
At Quantifiers, we break every topic into structured learning paths — from basics to exam level. Small batches of 25. Live doubt clearing at any hour.
Book a Free Demo →5-Year Analysis: What Repeats Every Year
📖 📊 5-Year Consolidated Summary (CAT 2021–2025)
Average questions per slot across all 5 years and all 3 slots. Use this to prioritise your CAT 2026 preparation.
⚠️ Common Mistake to Avoid
Many aspirants spend 30–40% of Quant prep on PnC, Probability, and Number Theory because they “feel important.” The data says otherwise. Arithmetic + Algebra = 60–70% of your score. Master those first.
🎬 Watch: CAT Quant PYQs — Full Video Solutions
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Solve every CAT Quant previous year question with step-by-step explanations. Free on YouTube by Quantifiers faculty.
CAT 2026 Quant Weightage: Predictions & Strategy
Based on five years of data, here is what you can reasonably expect in CAT 2026 Quant — and how to prepare.
How to Allocate Your Quant Prep Time
- Arithmetic (50%) — Ratios, Percentages, TSD, Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Mixtures. These are your 7–10 guaranteed questions every slot.
- Algebra (30%) — Inequalities first, then Linear and Quadratic Equations. Inequalities surged to 4 questions/slot in CAT 2025.
- Geometry (15%) — Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration. 2–3 questions guaranteed, every year.
- Number Systems + Others (5%) — Cover the basics. Don’t over-invest here unless targeting 99.5%ile+.
💡 Pro Strategy: Attempt Order in Quant
Most toppers recommend: Arithmetic → Algebra → Geometry → Number Systems → Others. A 95% accuracy on 15–16 questions beats 70% accuracy across all 22. Read the full CAT question selection strategy here →
🆓 Free Resources from Quantifiers
📎 Also Read from Quantifiers
Want to Build Your Personal Quant Strategy?
At Quantifiers, every student gets a personalised Quant prep plan through live mock analysis, topic-wise gap diagnosis, and 1-on-1 strategy sessions. Small batches of 25. 99.98%ile track record.
Book a Free Demo →
FAQs
How many questions are there in CAT Quant?
CAT Quant has 22 questions in 40 minutes. This has been stable across CAT 2021–2025.
Which is the most important topic in CAT 2026 Quant?
Arithmetic (Averages, Ratios, TSD, Profit & Loss) and Algebra (Inequalities, Quadratic, Linear) together account for 60–70% of questions every year across all slots.
Is Geometry important for CAT 2026?
Yes. Geometry has appeared with 2–3 questions per slot every year from 2021 to 2025. It is non-negotiable for 99%ile in Quant.
Can I skip Number Systems for CAT 2026?
No. It appears every year and went up to 3 questions in CAT 2025 Slot 3. Skipping it is a risk you should not take.
Is PnC and Probability important for CAT 2026?
Low priority. It is irregular and often absent from one or more slots. Only attempt if strong — prioritise Arithmetic and Algebra first.
How should I allocate Quant prep time for CAT 2026?
50% Arithmetic, 30% Algebra, 15% Geometry, 5% Number Systems and others. This mirrors the actual exam distribution from 2021–2025.
