How to Prepare for CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude: Strategy, Topics, Questions & Expert Tips

How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability?

For many IIM CAT 2026 candidates, there are a lot of resources for CAT quantitative aptitude preparation online. However, one of the most challenging or difficult tasks is preparing for the CAT quantitative ability section. Most of the CAT toppers consider the QA section to be one of the most unpredictable and time-consuming as well. How to prepare for CAT quantitative ability is like a hard nut to crack for non-engineering candidates with an educational background.

However, it is necessary to know the tips that can flip the page and bring new differences to the overall preparation. With effective CAT quantitative aptitude tips, preparing for the CAT 2026 can be a lot easier. Careers360 brings to you what QA is all about, major topics covered in the QA section, resources for CAT 2026 quantitative aptitude preparation online, topper tips on how to prepare for CAT quantitative ability, and much more.

Here are some preparation strategy for clearing the CAT quantitative aptitude section:

• Focus on understanding the core concepts before attempting high-level problems.

• Make sure you allocate have a dedicated times lot for solving quant questions every day.

• Regularly take sectional and full-length mocks to identify your weak areas.

• You can also learn Vedic maths techniques and approximation methods to improve your speed.

• Lastly, review incorrect attempts to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

CAT Last Year Quantitative Aptitude Analysis

Having a good idea of the previous year’s CAT quantitative aptitude questions trends can be very beneficial for the candidates. This would help them understand the most important CAT quantitative aptitude topics and structure their CAT 2026 quantitative aptitude preparation effectively. Reviewing the CAT quantitative aptitude syllabus is also essential to ensure all topics are covered. Given below is the CAT analysis 2024 for quantitative aptitude, which can help students prepare better for the upcoming exam.

• The Number System had the highest weightage with 4 questions (18.18%).

• Quadratic Equations and Ratio & Proportion had 2 questions each, contributing 9.09% each.

• Topics like Time, Speed, and Distance, Geometry, Percentage, AP & GP, Simple Interest, Logarithm, Profit and Loss, Exponents, Mensuration, Inequality, Average, and Time and Work had 1 question each (4.55% weightage).

• The section covered a mix of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, making a balanced paper.

• Candidates needed strong conceptual clarity, especially in the Number System and Algebra, to perform well.

Important Quantitative Aptitude Topics for CAT 2026

While analysing the CAT 2024 question paper, a few subtopics of the CAT quantitative aptitude can be shortlisted, which must be prioritised during the candidate's CAT 2026 quantitative aptitude preparation. Applying the CAT Quantitative Ability preparation tips in these topics can help candidates to stay ahead of the competition. The most important topics of the CAT quantitative aptitude section are:

CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude Questions

A few CAT exam quantitative Aptitude questions are given below for the candidate's CAT quantitative aptitude preparation 2026. Going through these questions would help the candidates to have an idea on what to expect for the CAT 2026 exam.

Question 1:
Two places A and B are 45 kms apart and connected by a straight road. Anil goes from A to B while Sunil goes from B to A. Starting at the same time, they cross each other in exactly 1 hour 30 minutes. If Anil reaches B exactly 1 hour 15 minutes after Sunil reaches A, the speed of Anil, in km per hour, is

1. 12

2. 16

3. 18

4. 14

Question 2:
Consider two sets A = {2,3,5,7,11,13} and B = {1,8,27}. Let f be a function from A to B such that for every element b in B, there is at least one element a in A such that f(a) = b. Then, the total number of such functions f is

1. 537

2. 540

3. 665

4. 667

Question 3:
In September, the incomes of Kamal, Amal, and Vimal are in the ratio 8:6:5. They rent a house together, and Kamal pays 15%, Amal pays 12%, and Vimal pays 18% of their respective incomes to cover the total house rent in that month. In October, the house rent remains unchanged while their incomes increase by 10%, 12%, and 15%, respectively. In October, the percentage of their total income that will be paid as house rent is nearest to

1. 15.18

2. 14.84

3. 13.26

4. 12.75

Question 4:
An amount of Rs 10000 is deposited in bank A for a certain number of years at a simple interest of 5% per annum. On maturity, the total amount received is deposited in bank B for another 5 years at a simple interest of 6% per annum. If the interests received from bank A and bank B are in the ratio 10:13, then the investment period, in years, in bank A is

1. 5

2. 6

3. 4

4. 3

Question 5:
The sum of all four-digit numbers that can be formed with the distinct non-zero digits a, b, c, and d, with each digit appearing exactly once in every number, is 153310 + n, where n is a single-digit natural number. Then, the value of (a + b + c + d + n) is.

Important Topics for CAT Quantitative Ability

Given below are the most important topics for CAT preparation based on the CAT previous year’s papers and recent trends.

Number systems

The Number Systems topic in the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam often covers a variety of concepts. This section tests your understanding of numerical properties, divisibility rules, factors, multiples, and various number theories. Here are important CAT number systems questions.

1. How many three-digit numbers are greater than 100 and increase by 198, when the three digits are arranged in the reverse order?

1. 70

2. 65

3. 72

4. 75

Solution:

Let the numbers be of the form 100a + 10b + c, where a, b, and c represent single digits.
According to the question,
(100c + 10b + a) – (100a + 10b + c) = 198
⇒ 99c – 99a = 198
⇒ c – a = 2
So, the difference between the hundreds place digit and the units place digit is 2.
Now, a can take the values 1–7.
a cannot be zero as the initial number has 3 digits and cannot be 8 or 9 as then, c would not be a single-digit number.
Thus, there can be 7 cases.
We have 10 numbers for each combination.
b can take the value of any digit from 0–9, as it does not affect the answer.
Therefore Total cases will be 7 × 10 = 70

Hence, the correct answer is 70.

2. A basket of 2 apples, 4 oranges, and 6 mangoes costs the same as a basket of 1 apple, 4 oranges, and 8 mangoes, or a basket of 8 oranges and 7 mangoes. Then the number of mangoes in a basket of mangoes that has the same cost as the other baskets is:

1. 11

2. 13

3. 10

4. 12

Solution:

Let the cost of an apple, an orange, and a mango be a, o, and m, respectively.
Then it is given that:
2a + 4o + 6m = a + 4o + 8m
⇒ a = 2m
Also, a + 4o + 8m = 8o + 7m
⇒ 10m – 7m = 4o
⇒ 3m = 4o
We can now express the cost of a basket in terms of mangoes only:
2a + 4o + 6m = 4m + 3m + 6m = 13m

Hence, the correct answer is 13.

Algebra

Algebra is a significant component of the Quantitative Ability section in the CAT exam. It involves solving equations, understanding functions, and manipulating algebraic expressions. Here are a few examples of algebra questions you should focus on:

1. The largest real value of a for which the equation |x + a|+|x – 1| = 2 has an infinite number of solutions for x is:

1. –1

2. 0

3. 1

4. 2

Solution:

In the question, it is given that the equation |x+a|+|x-1|=2 has an infinite number of solutions for any value of x. This is possible when x in |x + a| and x in |x - 1| cancel out.

Case 1:

x + a < 0, x ≥ 0

- a - x + x - 1 = 2

a = -3

Case 2:

x + a ≥ 0 and x - 1 < 0

x + a - x + 1 = 2

a = 1

The largest value of a is 1.

Hence, the correct answer is 1.

2. The quadratic polynomial whose zeros are 1 and –3 is:

1. x² + 2x - 3
2. x² - 3x + 2
3. x² + x + 3
4. x² + 3x - 2

Solution:

Let α = 1 and β = -3

Sum of zeros = (α + β) = 1 + (-3) = -2

Product of zeros = αβ = 1 × (-3) = -3

So, the required polynomial is:

x² - (α + β)x + αβ = x² - (-2)x + (-3) = x² + 2x - 3

Hence, the correct answer is x² + 2x - 3.

Geometry & Mensuration

Geometry and Mensuration are essential topics in the Quantitative Ability section of the CAT exam. These topics test your understanding of shapes, sizes, properties of figures, and their spatial relationships.

1. The lengths of all four sides of a quadrilateral are integer-valued. If three of its sides are of length 1 cm, 2 cm and 4 cm, then the total number of possible lengths of the fourth side is:

1. 3

2. 4

3. 6

4. 5

Solution:

Sum of the three sides of a quadrilateral is greater than the fourth side.
Therefore, let the fourth side be
1 + 2 + 4 > d or d < 7
1 + 2 + d > 4 or d > 1

Possible values of d are 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Hence, the correct answer is 5.

2. Suppose the medians BD and CE of a triangle ABC intersect at a point O. If area of triangle ABC is 108 sq. cm., then, the area of the triangle EOD, in sq. cm., is

1. 9

2. 7

3. 4

4. 5

Solution:

Area of ABD : Area of BDC =1: 1
Therefore, area of A B D=54
Area of A D E : Area of E D B=1: 1
Therefore, area of A D E=27
O is the centroid and it divides the medians in the ratio of 2:1
Area of BEO : Area of EOD =2: 1
Area of EOD =9

Most Important MCQs for Quant Section of CAT 2026

Preparing for the Quant section of CAT 2026 can be challenging, but practising the most important MCQs can make a big difference. These questions help you understand key concepts, improve speed, and boost accuracy. Get the links of different MCQ practice questions below:

CAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Different Sections

Arithmetic

Arithmetic forms the backbone of the CAT QA section and directly influences your speed and accuracy. Below are five technically sound and exam-oriented preparation tips to help you solve Arithmetic questions more efficiently and consistently.

1. Build Formula Understanding, Not Formula Memory

Instead of memorising formulas, derive them at least once to understand where they come from and how they behave under different values.

Why this matters:

• CAT often tweaks conditions (changing base, time units, or ratios).

• Conceptual clarity helps you modify formulas on the fly.

Example:
In Time & Work, understand why

Work = Rate × Time

and how efficiencies add, instead of memorising shortcuts like “LCM method” blindly. This helps especially in questions involving changing work rates or partial completion.

2. Master Ratio Conversion Across Topics

Arithmetic topics are interconnected through ratios. Convert everything into ratios wherever possible.

• Percentages → ratios

• Averages → total = average × count

• Speed → distance : time

• Mixtures → quantity ratios

Once a question is in ratio form, calculation load reduces drastically, and estimation becomes easier—critical under CAT time pressure.

3. Strengthen Unit Consistency and Variable Mapping

Many CAT Arithmetic errors occur due to unit mismatch rather than conceptual gaps.

• Write units explicitly in rough work (km/hr, m/sec, rupees/day).

• Convert all quantities to one base unit before solving.

• Clearly define variables before forming equations.

Questions on Speed–Time–Distance, Pipes & Cisterns, and Ages often hide traps through unit shifts or incomplete information.

4. Learn to Identify the Core Model of Each Question

Every Arithmetic question belongs to a limited set of models. Your goal is to quickly identify the model and apply the correct framework.

Common Models:

• Percentage change → successive change model

• Profit & Loss → CP–SP–Margin model

• Time & Work → efficiency model

• Averages → deviation model

While practising, tag each question with its underlying model. Over time, model recognition becomes instinctive, cutting down interpretation time.

5. Optimise Equation Formation—Avoid Over-Engineering

Many students lose time by forming complex or unnecessary equations.

CAT-smart approach:

• Use options for back-solving when variables are too many.

• Apply value assignment (assume simple values like 100, 60, or LCMs).

• Prefer one-equation logic over simultaneous equations when possible.

Number System

The Number System section in CAT tests your logical clarity, divisibility sense, and comfort with integers rather than heavy calculations. Below are five technical and exam-oriented preparation tips to strengthen this area.

Strengthen Fundamental Properties of Integers

Go beyond definitions and focus on how integers behave under operations.

Key properties to master:

• Even ± Even = Even, Odd ± Odd = Even, Even ± Odd = Odd

• Odd × Odd = Odd, but any number × Even = Even

• Sign changes in multiplication and division

CAT frequently checks reasoning through options, especially in questions on remainders, parity, and divisibility, where elimination works faster than direct computation.

Master Divisibility Rules and Factor Logic

Divisibility is the backbone of Number System questions.

• Prime factorisation

• Highest power of a prime dividing a number

• Trailing zeros in factorials

• HCF–LCM relationships

Instead of calculating large numbers, express values as products of primes. This makes problems involving factorials, powers, and divisors significantly easier and faster.

Develop Strong Remainder Concepts (Modular Arithmetic)

Remainders are often asked in tricky formats.

Key skills required:

• Understanding cyclicity of remainders

• Breaking numbers into manageable parts

• Applying modulo properties correctly

Example idea:
If a number is expressed as a power or a large expression, reduce each part modulo the divisor instead of evaluating the whole number.

Learn Standard Models for Special Question Types

Most Number System questions fall into fixed models.

Common CAT models include:

• Remainder when a number is divided by n

• Finding last digit or last two digits

• Counting number of factors

• Numbers expressed in factorial or exponential form

Practice strategy:
After solving a question, identify which model it belongs to. Over time, this builds pattern recognition and drastically reduces solving time.

Use Smart Substitution and Case Analysis

Some Number System questions cannot be solved by direct algebra.

Effective techniques:

• Assume simple values that satisfy given conditions

• Check edge cases (smallest or largest possible values)

• Eliminate options using contradictions

Questions involving constraints, digit properties, or conditional statements are best tackled with structured case analysis rather than long calculations.

Geometry

Geometry in CAT tests conceptual clarity, visualisation, and logical deduction, rather than advanced theorems. With the right technical approach, it becomes a high-accuracy scoring area. Below are five important and exam-oriented preparation tips for Geometry.

Master Basic Properties and Theorems—Avoid Advanced Shortcuts

CAT questions rely heavily on fundamental geometric properties, not complex formulas.

• Angle sum and exterior angle properties

• Triangle inequality and side–angle relationships

• Parallel lines and transversal properties

• Basic circle theorems (angles in a semicircle, chord properties)

CAT tests whether you can apply basic rules in unfamiliar configurations, not whether you remember obscure theorems.

Learn Diagram Translation and Redrawing Techniques

Most Geometry questions become easier when the diagram is redrawn or simplified.

• Redraw figures to scale whenever possible

• Extend lines or complete shapes to expose hidden angles

• Mark all given and derived angles immediately

Many solutions become visually obvious once the figure is reconstructed correctly, reducing the need for algebraic manipulation.

Identify the Underlying Geometry Model Quickly

Every Geometry question follows a specific structural pattern.

Common CAT geometry models:

• Similar triangles

• Right-angled triangle with ratios

• Circle with tangent and chord relations

• Quadrilateral angle and diagonal properties

While practising, label each question by model. This trains your mind to instantly recall the right set of properties during the exam.

Prefer Ratios Over Absolute Measurements

CAT Geometry rarely requires exact values. Ratios are more powerful and flexible.

Where ratios help:

• Similar triangles

• Area comparisons

• Height–base relationships

• Combination of geometry with algebra

Assuming convenient values (like side = 1 or height = 2) simplifies calculations without affecting correctness when ratios alone determine the answer.

Combine Geometry with Logical Elimination

Sometimes direct solving is unnecessary.

Smart techniques:

• Check feasibility using triangle inequality

• Eliminate impossible angle combinations

• Use approximate drawing to reject wrong options

Options are often designed so that only one is geometrically possible, making intelligent elimination a faster route than full calculation.

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2026

CAT Topper Kumar Sai Vishnu, on how to prepare for CAT quantitative aptitude, says that her approach was to practice a lot of basic arithmetic questions like percentage, profit, and loss. Along with that, geometry and number systems have been the key areas of focus for the CAT exam. Given below are some of the tips suggested by experts and toppers for preparing for CAT 2026. The following will help ace the CAT 2026 and score better.

Draw a Preparation Schedule

A solid preparation starts with a clear-cut timetable. So draw a timetable for CAT preparation and strictly follow it. When it comes to QA, try to devote at least three hours to this section. According to the previous toppers, it is good to start with the basics. Check out the previous year's question papers of CAT to know which topics are covered under the quantitative ability section. Do not make a monthly planner, as it will be difficult to follow in the beginning. So you better start with a weekly planner on how to prepare for quantitative ability, accompanied by CAT quantitative aptitude preparation online materials, and break it into a daily strategy.

Start With The Basics

Abraham Lincoln said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.”. This better applies here to CAT 2026 preparation. Candidates preparing for CAT 2026 should start with the basics instead of wasting time on complex topics. Once the conceptual clarity of each topic is there, candidates must start practicing and solving more and more questions. Solving simple examples at first and then gradually moving towards the difficult questions would be helpful.

The key to success in the QA section is getting your concepts right. Candidates who are preparing for CAT without coaching can consider CAT quantitative aptitude preparation online and make online study groups with like-minded people and put up their queries to find basic concepts clearly. The Quantitative Ability section is about how much time and practice candidates can put in. The more they practice, the better their chances of success. CAT quantitative aptitude preparation online gives them the freedom to access the group anytime from anywhere and get their doubts cleared.

Best Books on How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability Section:

Work on Shortcut Techniques

On how to prepare for the CAT quantitative ability, the very first thing that comes to mind is how to solve the questions accurately within the given time. To better and more effective time management for CAT, candidates should focus on learning speed tricks. The online group for CAT quantitative aptitude preparation can be tremendously helpful in this regard. You will learn the formula to solve QA questions quickly and accurately. While preparing and solving questions in the QA section, it is not advisable to attempt too many questions based on guesswork due to negative marking.

Focus on Weak Areas

The thumb rule for CAT 2026 in the initial months of practice is to focus on the areas of improvement and overcome the mistakes with more practice. At the time of preparing the QA section, weaker sections must be given due weightage. However, if candidates start their preparation for CAT 2026 in 3 months, it is better to focus on the main areas rather than spending time on weaknesses. As per the toppers of CAT, a fairly good score can be obtained by answering even half a number of questions (correctly) in QA.

Practice with Sectional Time

As mentioned above, CAT 2026 will have a sectional time of 40 minutes to answer one section. As a solution to "How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability (QA)," candidates should try to solve the entire section by keeping an eye on the time. It is better to move ahead of time, as having a buffer time of a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes will leave room for revision on exam day. CAT toppers suggest that candidates should mark important questions and concepts in order to have a quick revision during the final leg.

Note: For questions in the QA section, candidates should follow and stick to the two-minute rule, i.e., if a question cannot be solved within two minutes of its duration, it is better to move on to the next one. Solving and practising a good number of questions will give results in the quantitative ability section.

Solve Mock Tests and Previous Year's Papers

One of the strategies on how to prepare for the quantitative aptitude CAT is to solve more and more CAT mock tests and CAT quantitative aptitude preparation online practice tests. To test where they stand initially, candidates can go for pre-mocks and get a sense of what to study. Once they are done with the practice and revision, they can go to the post-mocks of CAT. To get a command over the QA section, it is better to practice it on a regular basis.

Take at least one mock exam a day as CAT 2026 gets near. Through CAT mock tests, candidates will encounter variations in questions, and this will help them improve themselves. Solving CAT 2026 mock tests and online practice tests for CAT quantitative aptitude preparation will also acquaint candidates with the simulated exam day ambience. IIMs also provide the facility for official mock tests. The previous year's CAT exam papers are very useful for analysing the paper pattern and difficulty level of questions.

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Ebooks by Careers360

CAT Quantitative Aptitude eBooks by Careers360 are a great resource for exam preparation. They cover important topics with clear explanations, tips, and practice questions. These eBooks help you understand concepts easily and improve your problem-solving skills. They’re perfect for daily practice and building confidence for the CAT exam.