CAT Syllabus Overview 2025

Common Admission Test (CAT)

For CAT 2025, while the exact weightage of sections and question types may not be officially published yet, the general structure and approximate weightage of each section in past CAT exams provide a useful guide. Here’s a detailed overview of the syllabus with approximate weightage for each section:

Quantitative Ability (QA)

Approximate Weightage: 34%

Topics Covered:

• Arithmetic (30-35%):
• Number Systems: Properties of numbers, divisibility, remainders.
• Percentages: Profit & Loss, Discounts, and percentage change.
• Ratios and Proportions: Mixtures and alligation, ratios.
• Averages: Mean, median, mode, and weighted averages.
• Interest: Simple and compound interest problems.
• Time and Work: Work efficiency, time taken to complete work.
• Algebra (25-30%):
• Linear Equations: Solutions for linear systems.
• Quadratic Equations: Nature and solutions of quadratic equations.
• Inequalities: Solving and graphing linear and quadratic inequalities.
• Functions: Understanding and solving functional equations.
• Geometry (20-25%):
• Lines and Angles: Basic properties and theorems.
• Triangles: Properties, theorems, and types of triangles.
• Circles: Chords, tangents, sectors, and segments.
• Mensuration: Calculation of areas and volumes of geometric shapes.
• Coordinate Geometry: Distance formula, section formula, equations of lines and curves.
• Modern Mathematics (15-20%):
• Permutations and Combinations: Counting principles and arrangements.
• Probability: Basic probability concepts, conditional probability.
• Set Theory: Operations on sets, Venn diagrams.
• Data Interpretation (10-15%):
• Tables, Graphs, and Charts: Analyzing and interpreting various data presentations.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Approximate Weightage: 32%

Topics Covered:

• Data Interpretation (60-70% of DILR):
• Tables: Data analysis from tables, comparisons, and calculations.
• Graphs and Charts: Interpreting and analyzing bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and mixed graphs.
• Data Sufficiency: Determining if given data is sufficient to answer questions.
• Logical Reasoning (30-40% of DILR):
• Puzzles: Logical puzzles involving seating arrangements, sequencing.
• Seating Arrangements: Arranging elements based on given conditions.
• Blood Relations: Problems involving family relations.
• Series and Sequences: Identifying patterns in numerical and alphabetical series.
• Logical Connectives: Analyzing statements using logical connectives and propositions.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Approximate Weightage: 34%

Topics Covered:

• Reading Comprehension (60-70% of VARC):
• Passage Analysis: Comprehension of passages from diverse genres.
• Critical Reasoning: Evaluating arguments, assumptions, and conclusions in passages.
• Verbal Ability (30-40% of VARC):
• Grammar: Knowledge of English grammar, including syntax and sentence structure.
• Vocabulary: Use of words in context, synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions.
• Sentence Correction: Identifying and correcting grammatical errors.
• Para Jumbles: Arranging jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph.
• Para Completion: Completing paragraphs with contextually appropriate sentences.

Overall Exam Structure

• Total Questions: Approximately 66-70 questions.
• Distribution of Questions:
• Quantitative Ability (QA): 22-24 questions.
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): 22-24 questions.
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): 22-24 questions.
• Duration: Typically 180 minutes (3 hours), with each section having a time limit of 60 minutes.
• Question Types:
• Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Each question has four options, with only one correct answer.
• Non-Multiple-Choice Questions (Type-in-the-Answer): Candidates type their answer directly.

Preparation Tips Based on Weightage

1. Quantitative Ability (QA): Focus on core mathematical concepts and practice problems extensively. Prioritize areas like arithmetic and algebra, which have significant weightage.
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR): Develop skills in analyzing data from various formats and practice logical reasoning puzzles regularly. Allocate time for both data interpretation and logical reasoning sections based on the weightage.
3. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC): Enhance reading skills and comprehension. Practice grammar, vocabulary, and sentence correction. Regular reading of diverse materials can help improve comprehension skills.