CAT Quant Preparation 2026: Topic-wise Strategy for 99+ Percentile

CAT Quant Preparation 2026: Topic-wise Strategy for 99+ Percentile

Hitesh SahuUpdated on 05 Feb 2026, 03:07 PM IST

This is the right time to think about preparing for CAT – 2026 if you are a final year grad student or if, unfortunately, you couldn’t make it in CAT – 2025. If you have appeared in previous years CAT exam then you must have an idea of Common Aptitude Test (CAT) patterns and this year you should not repeat the mistakes which were previously done or if you are thinking to appear in CAT-2026 for the first time then this article is completely for you to get an idea about the syllabus, CAT Quant preparation 2026, pattern of the exam and how to crack the CAT - 2026 with a 99+ percentile.

This Story also Contains

  1. Understand the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Structure
  2. Topic-wise Preparation Strategy
  3. CAT Quant preparation plan 2026 (Phased Preparation Approach)
  4. Smart Practice Techniques for CAT Quant Preparation: Improve Speed, Accuracy & Score
  5. Weekly Study Plan (Sample)
  6. Final Exam Day Tips for CAT Quant 2026: Smart Strategy to Maximize Score & Accuracy
  7. Preparation Tips to Boost CAT Quant Score & Accuracy
  8. Best books and online resources for CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Preparation
  9. CAT 2026 Preparation eBooks and Resources by Careers360
CAT Quant Preparation 2026: Topic-wise Strategy for 99+ Percentile
CAT Quant Preparation 2026: Topic-wise Strategy for 99+ Percentile

It demands not just hard work, but smart, structured preparation — especially in Quantitative Ability (QA). This section is going to test logic, number sense, fundamentals, and speed. In this article, you will find a comprehensive, topic-wise CAT 2026 quant strategy that will help you excel in Quant and maximize your score. The official syllabus for CAT 2026 and notification are expected to be announced in the month of July 2026.

Understand the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Structure

The CAT 2026 Quant Syllabus is vast and typically divided into 5 sections or modules. In the CAT quant section, 22 questions are expected to be solved in 40 minutes. Based on the previous five years’ analysis, we can summarize all five modules in terms of their weightage and difficulty level as follows:

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Module

Weightage

Difficulty level

Arithmetic

35% to 40%

Easy to moderately difficult

Algebra

30% to 35%

Moderately difficult

Geometry and mensuration

10% to 15%

Easy to moderately difficult

Number System

15% to 20%

Easy to Moderate

Modern Maths

10% to 15%

Easy to Moderate

Previous years’ analysis suggests that the difficulty ranges from easy to high-difficulty, with logical reasoning and multi-concept questions becoming increasingly common. What you require to achieve 99+ in CAT quant is accuracy above 90%, a CAT QA strategy for CAT 2026, and strong time management.

Topic-wise Preparation Strategy

This section provides a clear topic-wise CAT Quant preparation strategy, helping you break the syllabus into manageable parts like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Maths.

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Module

Topics

Strategy

Practice Goal

Arithmetic (High-yield and Scoring)

Percentages

Profit & Loss

Ratio & Proportion

Time, Speed & Distance

Time & Work

Simple Interest & Compound Interest

Averages

Mixtures & Alligations


✔ Master formulas with conceptual clarity
✔ Solve several basic questions before attempting mixed sets
✔ Develop logical approach and shortcuts

✔ Practice previous year CAT questions

1) 60–80 questions from varied difficulty levels for each topic

2) Accuracy above 90%

Algebra (Moderate to High Difficulty)

Linear & Quadratic Equations

Inequalities

Functions

Logarithms

Sequences & Series (especially AP/GP)

Polynomials


✔ Build strong fundamentals

✔ For equations and inequalities, practice sign charts and elimination
✔ Learn pattern recognition (e.g., when to apply AM-GM)

1) 40–50 mixed difficulty questions from each topic
2) Moderate time allocation in mocks


Number System (Strong but tricky)


Divisibility

Remainders

Factors and Multiples

LCM & HCF

Primes, Co-primes

Digit-based questions


✔ Understand core properties (e.g., remainder theorems)
✔ Memorize patterns for last digits, digit sums, etc.
✔ Practice smart questions rather than rote drills

1) 30–40 questions from each topic
2) Quick, accurate solving

Geometry & Mensuration (Visual and analytical)

Lines & Angles

Triangles

Circles

Polygons

3D geometry (rare but high yield)

Area and Perimeter

Volume & Surface Area


✔ Learn theorems (e.g., Pythagoras, circle properties) properly
✔ Draw diagrams each time
✔ Focus on speed rather than depth initially

50–70 questions with diagrams

Modern Math (Can be high scoring)

Permutations & Combinations

Probability

Sets & Venn Diagrams

Coordinate Geometry

Basic Trigonometry


✔ P&C and Probability need focused practice
✔ Venn Diagrams are high scoring but require precision

40–60 questions with a conceptual mix

CAT Quant preparation plan 2026 (Phased Preparation Approach)

We would suggest dividing the preparation into three phases: foundation building, Practice, and mock tests.

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Phase 1: Foundation Building – Learn Concepts Thoroughly

This is where everything starts. If your basics are weak, even 100 mock tests won’t help. So slow down here and focus on understanding, not speed.

What to do in this phase:

  • Cover the complete Quant syllabus topic-by-topic (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Maths)

  • Learn formulas, concepts, and standard methods

  • Solve basic to moderate-level questions first

  • Maintain a formula notebook for quick revision

  • Watch concept videos or read theory before jumping into problems

  • Study 2–3 hours daily with consistency

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Goal of this phase:

  • Clear fundamentals

  • Concept clarity

  • Comfort with basic questions

  • Time suggestion: 2–3 months

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Phase 2: Practice Phase – Strengthen Speed & Accuracy

Now that you understand concepts, it’s time to apply them. This phase is all about question-solving and time management.

Here you move from “I know the concept” → “I can solve quickly”.

What to do in this phase:

  • Solve topic-wise and mixed practice sets daily

  • Attempt sectional tests every week

  • Practice under time limits

  • Focus on shortcuts and faster calculation techniques

  • Identify weak topics and revise them regularly

  • Increase question volume (40–60 questions per day)

  • Start solving the previous year's CAT questions

Goal of this phase:

  • Improve speed

  • Increase accuracy

  • Build exam confidence

  • Time suggestion: 2–3 months

Phase 3: Mock Tests Phase – Simulate the Real Exam

This is the most important stage. Mocks are where your real preparation happens. They train your brain for pressure, timing, and smart question selection.

Treat every mock like the actual CAT exam.

What to do in this phase:

  • Attempt 2–3 full-length mock tests per week

  • Take tests in a distraction-free environment

  • Analyze every mock carefully (this is more important than giving the test)

  • Track weak areas and work on them

  • Practice question selection strategy (easy first, tough later)

  • Revise formulas and notes regularly

  • Avoid learning completely new topics

Goal of this phase:

  • Exam temperament

  • Better time management

  • Maximum score optimization

  • Time suggestion: Last 1–2 months before the exam

To summarize, you should plan:

  • Phase 1 -> Learn concepts

  • Phase 2 -> Practice questions

  • Phase 3 -> Test yourself with mocks

Simple rule: Learn → Practice → Test → Improve → Repeat

Smart Practice Techniques for CAT Quant Preparation: Improve Speed, Accuracy & Score

This section covers practical and proven CAT Quant practice techniques to help you solve questions faster, reduce mistakes, and maximize your score. You’ll learn how to structure daily practice, use sectional tests and mock papers effectively, track performance, and apply smart strategies that improve both speed and accuracy. If you are worried about “How to score 99 percentile in CAT Quant”, here are a few smart practice techniques that can boost your preparation:

1. Focus on Concepts Over Tricks

Shortcuts or tricks without conceptual knowledge may hurt you. In CAT quant, questions are more logical, which require a deep understanding of concepts to avoid silly errors.

Yes, you should learn short tricks, but with conceptual clarity.

2. Mistake Log

It is very important to maintain a mistake log to track your errors during practice and identify patterns in mistakes. It will help you to find out your weak areas at an early stage, and you will get plenty of time to rectify them. To improve

3. Time Management

Taking mocks is the best way to learn time management. You should plan each mock test of 20 to 22 questions in 40 minutes. In mocks:
First 10 mins — easy questions
Next 10 mins — moderate ones

Next 10 mins — great difficulty

Last 10 mins — Review and attempt the questions that were skipped in 1st attempt
Re-arrange the first 30 minutes based on comfort.

4. Accuracy Over Attempts

Aspirants generally try to attempt everything. Trust me, they are making a mistake by doing so in exams like CAT. You don’t need to attempt everything. A high-accuracy attempt is far better than a serious attempt with low accuracy.

Weekly Study Plan (Sample)

This section provides a sample weekly study timetable to help you organize daily practice, cover all topics systematically, and balance revision with mock tests for steady progress. Here is a suggested weekly study plan, but you can change it as per your convenience or betterment.

Day

Focus Area

Number of Hours

Preparation Tips

Day 1

Arithmetic (Choose one topic, e.g, Percentage)

2 to 3 hours

Learn all basic concepts, learn to apply logic rather than formulas

Day 2

Practice on Day 1 topic

2 to 3 hours

Apply the logic and formula (If necessary) to solve the questions. Make an error log.

Day 3

Algebra (Take any one topic of algebra) + Practice set

2 to 3 hours

Focus on basic concepts, develop the approach of solving by graphs

Day 4

Geometry and Mensuration (Take any one topic) + Practice set

2 to 3 hours

Learn all basic formulas, develop a habit of drawing diagrams

Day 5

Number System and Modern Maths (Take any one topic)

2 to 3 hours

Focus on the concepts that are asked during the 5 to 6 years

Day 6

Full Mock test on the topics of the current week

3 to 4 hours

Create exam like environment

Day 7

Review and mistake log clean up

2 hours

Review all mistakes of the current week and rectify them

Final Exam Day Tips for CAT Quant 2026: Smart Strategy to Maximize Score & Accuracy

Your performance on exam day depends not only on preparation but also on smart question selection, time management, and staying calm under pressure. A clear strategy helps you attempt more questions accurately, avoid panic, and reach your target percentile with confidence. Follow these practical exam-day tips to perform at your best in the CAT Quant section.

Step-by-Step Exam Day Strategy

  • Start with easy and familiar Quant questions to build confidence and secure quick marks

  • Avoid spending more than 2–3 minutes on any question in the first attempt

  • Focus on reaching your target score first, rather than solving every question

  • Skip lengthy or difficult problems and return to them only if time permits

  • Stay calm, composed, and trust your preparation throughout the test

Preparation Tips to Boost CAT Quant Score & Accuracy

These preparation habits can significantly improve your speed, accuracy, and overall percentile:

  • Master the arithmetic topics first, as they carry high weightage and are relatively scoring

  • Maintain the right balance between speed and accuracy while solving questions

  • Practice with a timer to simulate real exam conditions

  • Dedicate daily time to quality practice instead of random studying

  • Attempt regular mock tests and analyze your performance carefully

  • Identify repeated mistakes and work actively to eliminate them

  • Revise formulas and shortcuts regularly for faster calculations

Best books and online resources for CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Preparation

Choosing the right study material is just as important as your study plan. Using trusted CAT Quantitative Aptitude books, practice sets, and online mock test platforms helps you build strong concepts, practice a variety of questions, and improve speed and accuracy. Below is a curated list of the best books for CAT and online resources recommended by toppers and experts for effective CAT Quant preparation.

CAT Quant Preparation Books & Online Resources

Resource Type

Book

Author

Best For

Why It’s Helpful

Book

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Arun Sharma

Concept building + practice

Covers basics to advanced level with solved examples and LOD questions

Book

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Sarvesh Kumar Verma

Practice & difficulty progression

Great for medium to high-level questions with detailed solutions

Book

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT

Sarvesh Kumar Verma

Advanced practice

Ideal for 99+ percentile aspirants and challenging problems

Book

Fast Track Objective Arithmetic

Rajesh Verma

Arithmetic mastery

Excellent for strengthening high-weightage arithmetic topics

Book

CAT Quant by Nishit Sinha

Nishit Sinha

CAT-specific strategies & practice

Focused strategy insights with balanced question sets

CAT 2026 Preparation eBooks and Resources by Careers360

Explore CAT 2026 ebooks, including expert study guides, mock tests, and practice materials, which are designed to help you strengthen concepts, track progress, and boost your overall percentile. The candidates can download the various CAT preparation resources designed by Careers360 using the links given below.

eBook Title

Download Links

CAT 2026 Arithmetic Important Concepts and Practice Questions

Download Now

CAT 2026 Algebra Important Concepts and Practice Questions

Download Now

CAT 2026 Number System - Important Concepts & Practice Questions

Download Now

CAT 2026 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics

Download Now

CAT Mock Test Series - 20 Sets, Questions with Solutions By Experts

Download Now

Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages

Download Now

CAT 2026 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant

Download Now

CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers

Download Now

CAT 2026 Important Formulas

Download Now

Past 10 years CAT Question Papers with Answers

Download Now

CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Study Material PDF - Geometry and Mensuration

Download Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many questions do I need to attempt correctly for a 99+ percentile in Quant?
A:

If you are confident with accuracy, 12- 14 questions are enough for a 99+ percentile. Do not attempt a question in which you have doubt.

Q: Which topics should I focus on initially in Quant preparation?
A:

Previous years' analysis suggests that Arithmetic is high yielding section. In this section, you can start with Percentages, ratios, Averages, Time & Work, and TSD.

Next is Algebra (Linear & Quadratic Equations, Function, Maxima and Minima)

Number System (Basics + LCM/HCF, Remainders)

Q: Should I aim to master all Quant topics?
A:

No. CAT is not about completeness—it’s about selective mastery. For 99+, it’s enough to be strong in 70–75% of the syllabus and avoid weak areas intelligently during the exam.

Q: How much time should I spend daily on Quant in the initial stage of preparation?
A:

Initial phase: 1.5–2 hours/day

Practice phase: 2–3 hours/day

Mock phase: 3–4 hours once a week

Q: Which is more important: Speed or Accuracy?
A:

Accuracy comes first. Speed develops naturally with practice.
A candidate with a 99+ score usually attempts fewer questions with high accuracy, avoiding negative marks.

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Questions related to CAT

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Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello,

Here are some top colleges accepting XAT and CAT exams :

Top colleges accepting CAT:

  • IIMs (All Indian Institutes of Management)

  • FMS Delhi

  • SPJIMR Mumbai

  • MDI Gurgaon

  • IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)

  • IIT Delhi (DMS)

  • IIFT

  • IMT Ghaziabad

  • JBIMS Mumbai

Top colleges accepting XAT:

  • XLRI Jamshedpur

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  • Great

Hi there,

A female candidate with a CAT percentile of 67.97 and low sectional scores should target private and tier-2/3 B-schools that accept overall CAT scores in the 60–70 percentile range and have flexible sectional criteria.

Some suitable options include AIMS Institute Bangalore, Doon Business School Dehradun, Christ Institute of

Hi there,

Yes, you are eligible for XISS Ranchi with a CAT percentile of 67.60.

According to recent admission trends, the CAT cutoff for the PGDM in Human Resource Management for the general category has been around 60 percentile. For other programs such as Marketing, Finance, and Rural Management, the

Hi there,

Careers360 offers a wide range of eBooks and study materials to assist with CAT preparation. You can access past CAT question papers with solutions to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level. Additionally, there are quantitative aptitude handbooks, cheat sheets, and section-specific practice sets for arithmetic, algebra, and

Hi there,

The minimum eligibility criteria for a general candidate to receive a call from IIM Sambalpur are as follows:
VARC: 65%ile
QUANTS: 65%ile
LRDI: 65%ile
Overall: 90%tile
Keep practising and aim to improve your score. You can also focus on other management exams where you may secure a strong