CAT Syllabus 2024-25 PDF (Available): Download Subject-wise CAT Exam Syllabus with Weightage

CAT Syllabus 2024-25

The CAT 2024-25 syllabus encompasses Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), set by the Indian Institute of Management. Widely regarded as one of India's toughest MBA entrance exams, it covers essential topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Percentage, Graphs, Coding-Decoding, and Series Completion. Reading Comprehension holds significant weight in the VARC section, emphasizing the need for strong English proficiency. Preparation for CAT 2024-25 requires a thorough understanding and extensive study of its comprehensive syllabus over an extended period.

• The CAT syllabus for 2024-25 has yet to be officially released as a PDF, but candidates can prepare based on questions from previous years.

• Quantitative Aptitude covers topics like Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Modern Math, and related sub-topics.

• Data Interpretation includes topics such as Data Structure, Data Sufficiency, Tables, Pie Charts, Graphs, and their subtopics.

• Logical Reasoning comprises Series, Coding-Decoding, Family Tree, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Assumptions, and their subtopics.

• VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) involves topics like Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Para Jumble, Para Completion, Vocabulary, Grammar, and their subtopics.

CAT VARC Syllabus 2024-25

The VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) section is the initial part of the CAT question paper, allotted 40 minutes for completion. It comprises two sub-parts: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. This section is predominantly focused on Reading Comprehension questions, while the Verbal Ability segment includes questions on parajumbles, para completion, odd sentences, and similar formats. Key VARC topics in the CAT exam syllabus include these areas.

CAT DILR Syllabus 2024-25

The DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) section is the second part of the CAT question paper, scheduled immediately after the VARC section. Candidates are allotted 40 minutes to tackle 20 questions in this section, divided into two subsections: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, each comprising 10 questions. Typically, questions are presented in sets of 3-4 within Data Interpretation, while Logical Reasoning includes mostly set-based questions, with a few standalone ones. Key topics covered in the CAT 2024-25 syllabus for DILR encompass Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation.

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024-25

The Quantitative Aptitude section is the final part of the CAT question paper and must be completed in the last 40 minutes of the exam. This section typically emphasizes Arithmetic and Algebra, with occasional questions from Geometry. Mastering this section requires a firm grasp of fundamental Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Mensuration concepts. Here are the crucial topics included in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus and critical points to focus on:

• Arithmetic and Algebra are prominent topics.

• Geometry is also covered, though to a lesser extent.

• Candidates should focus on understanding the basics thoroughly.

• Practice is essential to excel in this section.

• The section demands quick problem-solving skills and accuracy.

Key Topics for the CAT VARC Syllabus

1. Reading Comprehension (RC): As CAT passages can cover various fields like literature, science, and business, students should focus on:

• Grasping the central theme and main idea.
• Identifying details, facts, and supporting arguments.
• Analyzing tone, style, and purpose.
• Inferring implied meanings and drawing conclusions.
• Answering questions based on the passage's content.

2. Vocabulary: A strong vocabulary is essential for CAT. Focus areas include:

• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Contextual Word Usage
• Analogies
• Idioms and Phrases

3. Grammar and Usage: Candidates should have a solid grasp of grammar to tackle questions on:

• Sentence Correction
• Error Detection
• Sentence Completion
• Grammar-based questions (Parts of Speech, Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement)

4. Para Jumbles: This involves rearranging sentences to form coherent paragraphs, and testing the candidate’s logical sequencing skills.

5. Critical Reasoning: Focus here includes:

• Strengthening and Weakening Arguments
• Making Assumptions, Inferences, and Conclusions
• Logical Deductions
• Cause and Effect Reasoning

6. Paragraph Completion: Candidates need to identify the most suitable sentence to complete a paragraph logically and cohesively.

7. Summary: These questions involve condensing the main ideas of a passage into a summary while retaining the passage’s essential information.

8. Reading and Comprehending Different Text Forms: Essays, articles, editorials, etc., require familiarity with different styles and structures.

9. Contextual Understanding: This involves understanding the use and meaning of words or phrases in a passage’s context.

Exam Pattern for VARC Section (Expected Topics and Questions):

CAT 2024-25 Syllabus: VARC Topics & Weightage

The CAT VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section comprises four main types of questions: Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Verbal Ability, and Sentence-based questions. Typically, CAT does not include grammar-based questions. The structure and composition of the VARC section are generally consistent each year. Below is the weightage and difficulty level of topics in the VARC section based on the previous year's exam:

CAT Reading Comprehension Passages from Past Years

In the CAT exam, Reading Comprehension (RC) questions make up about two-thirds of the first section. Typically, each paper contains four to five RC passages, totaling 12-14 questions. These passages cover a broad range of topics and are often complex and dense. Here is a list of Reading Comprehension topics from the CAT exams held between 2018 and 2023.

Key Topics for CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Syllabus

The DILR section tests the candidate's ability to interpret data and apply logical reasoning. Key areas of focus:

1. Bar Graphs: Drawing conclusions from bar graph data.
2. Line Graphs: Analyzing trends and patterns shown in line graphs.
3. Pie Charts: Interpreting proportions and percentages in pie charts.
4. Tables: Extracting and utilizing data from tables.
5. Caselets: Solving problems based on short passages with data.
6. Logical Reasoning Puzzles: Puzzles on topics like seating arrangements, blood relations, etc.
7. Binary Logic: Analyzing statements for logical validity.
8. Logical Deductions: Drawing conclusions from premises.
9. Venn Diagrams: Interpreting relationships between data sets.
10. Data Sufficiency: Determining if data is sufficient to solve a problem.
11. Quantitative Comparison: Comparing two quantities.
12. Cubes and Dice: Identifying patterns and solving related problems.
13. Logical Connectives: Using logical operators like "and," "or," and "not" to draw conclusions.
14. Number Series: Recognizing patterns in numerical sequences.

Tips for DILR Preparation: Practice solving DILR problems to build analytical and logical skills. Consistent practice will enhance both accuracy and speed.

CAT 2024-25 Syllabus: Important Topics & Weightage for DILR

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section includes data-based questions, typically using tables, graphs, and other visual aids, while Logical Reasoning questions can vary, covering both verbal and abstract reasoning. Below is the typical breakdown of topics within the DILR section and their respective levels of difficulty based on the last CAT exam:

Key Topics for CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Syllabus

To prepare for the Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2024-25, candidates should focus on the following critical areas:

Arithmetic: Key concepts include Averages, Mean, Median, Mode, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, Mixtures and Allegations, Time and Work, and Time, Speed, and Distance.

Algebra: Essential topics cover Basic Algebraic Formulas, Linear Equations, Problems on Ages, Integer Solutions, Quadratic Equations, Roots, Maxima and Minima, Higher Degree Equations, Descartes' Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithms, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, and Finding the Smallest Value in Maximum Functions.

Number System: Topics to study are Number Basics, Number Properties, Divisibility Rules, Factors, HCF and LCM, Last Digit and Last Two Digits Calculations, Trailing Zeroes, Remainder Theorems (including Fermat’s and Euler’s Theorems), Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson’s Theorem, Base Systems and their Conversions, and Arithmetic in Different Bases.

Geometry: Focus areas include Lines and Angles, Triangles (Concepts, Area, Angles, Similarity), Polygons, Circles, 3D Geometry (Mensuration), Coordinate Geometry, and Trigonometry.

Modern Mathematics: Topics include Sequences and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutations and Combinations, and Probability.

Candidates should base their preparation around these key topics to effectively cover the Quantitative Aptitude syllabus for CAT 2024-25.

CAT 2024-25 Quant Syllabus: Topic-wise Weightage

The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section in CAT is known to be challenging and calculation-intensive. Given the time constraints, proficiency in mental math can greatly aid in efficiently solving the Quant section questions. Below is an outline of the Quantitative Aptitude section topics and their weightage:

This breakdown provides a comprehensive look at the structure, topics, and levels of difficulty across all three sections of the CAT exam, helping candidates focus their preparation on areas with higher weightage and difficulty.

Changes in the CAT Syllabus for MBA

The CAT exam syllabus has undergone various changes in recent years. Here’s an overview:

CAT 2024-25 Study Material