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What are the main sections included in the CAT syllabus for MBA?
The CAT syllabus is divided into three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
How many questions are there in the CAT exam, and how much time is given?
There are 66 questions in total, with 24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, and 22 in QA. Candidates get 40 minutes per section (53 minutes 20 seconds for PwD candidates).
Is there an official CAT syllabus provided by IIMs?
No, IIMs do not release an official syllabus. However, candidates can refer to mock tests and past papers for an idea of the important topics.
What are the high-weightage topics in the CAT syllabus?
Some high-yield topics include Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation (DILR), and Arithmetic and Algebra (QA).
Are there any recommended books for CAT preparation?
Yes, popular books include Arun Sharma’s series for all sections, Wren & Martin for grammar, and Nishit Sinha’s books for Quant and DILR.
CAT Syllabus for MBA 2025: Section-wise Topics and Weightage
CAT syllabus for MBA covers a broad range of topics. Candidates can check here for latest details on CAT Exam syllabus 2025, comprising crucial topics of VARC, DILR, and QA sections to enhance CAT preparation.
Anil Solonki31 Jul, 2025
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CAT syllabus for MBA is broadly categorized into three core areas: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Although the IIMs, which administer the CAT exam, do not publish an official CAT Exam syllabus, they release mock tests and recent question papers that offer insights into the topics to be covered.
The CAT Exam syllabus for MBA includes crucial topics from which questions are framed for the CAT exam. These topics are primarily categorised into three subjects:
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
CAT Syllabus for MBA Overview
A comprehensive understanding of the CAT syllabus is crucial for effective exam preparation. The official CAT notification provides insights into the paper pattern and the test format, along with the CAT exam date. Candidates intending to appear for the CAT exam 2025 should understand the essential details of the CAT syllabus for MBA. Here are the important highlights of the CAT Exam syllabus for MBA:
CAT Syllabus for MBA 2025 Overview
CAT Exam syllabus sections
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Number of questions from each section of CAT Exam syllabus
40 minutes per section, 53 minutes 20 secs for PwD candidates
Total marks
198
CAT Exam Syllabus For MBA Download PDF
Aspirants aiming to take the CAT 2025 exam should be well-acquainted with the key topics that are likely to be covered. To support their preparation journey, we’ve shared a downloadable PDF of the CAT syllabus below. This resource will help candidates plan their study effectively and boost their chances of success in the exam.
Section-wise Topics of CAT Exam Syllabus For MBA
Understanding the section-wise breakdown of the CAT syllabus is essential for effective preparation. Knowing what to study and how to prioritize topics can significantly enhance your performance in the exam. To help you with this, the table below presents a comprehensive list of topics included in each section of the CAT Exam syllabus:
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section appears as the first part of the CAT exam. It is divided into two parts: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, with the latter generally carrying more weight in terms of marks. This section includes a total of 24 questions to be attempted within 40 minutes. Below is a table outlining the key topics covered under the VARC section of the CAT Exam syllabus.
CAT VARC Syllabus Topics
Idioms
Jumbled paragraphs
Fill in the blanks
Antonyms
Para jumbles
Sentence completion
Errors in tenses
Verbal logic
Parts of speech
Analogies
Preposition
Articles usage
Types of clauses
Different usage of one word
Phrases modifiers
Sentence correction
Subject-verb agreement
Para completion and inference
Syllogisms
Foreign language words used in English
One word substitution
Verbal reasoning
CAT Syllabus For MBA: VARC Preparation Tips
VARC is the most challenging section of the CAT exam paper. This segment thoroughly evaluates the candidate’s grasp of the English language. To improve VARC preparation for CAT exam, candidates must adhere to the following strategies:
Candidates should seek expert guidance during CAT preparation to understand each VARC topic with clarity.
For challenging topics, it is recommended that they pay extra attention and solve multiple questions to gain a solid command.
Candidates should divide the VARC section into two distinct parts: one dedicated to Reading Comprehension and the other for the remaining topics.
They must avoid guessing or answering grammar-related questions randomly.
If they find a question tricky, it's wise to move on to the next one rather than spending excessive time on a single question.
For the Reading Comprehension section, it is advisable to go through the questions before understanding the passage itself.
The DILR section of the CAT exam includes a total of 20 questions, with candidates given 40 minutes to complete them. This section is divided into two main parts: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Both sub-sections test a candidate’s analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Listed below are the important topics that form the DILR syllabus for CAT 2025.
CAT DILR Syllabus Topics
DI Topics
LR Topics
Bar Graphs
Order and Ranking
Column Graphs
Binary Logic
Venn Diagrams
Arrangements
Data Caselets
Games and Tournaments
Pie Charts
Team Formations
Tables
Line Charts
Scatter Plot
Routes and Network
Bubble Chart
Radar Chart
CAT Exam Syllabus For DILR Preparation Tips
To score well in the DILR section, candidates must grasp the fundamental concepts of each topic and consistently practice with exam-oriented questions. Below are some useful tips to keep in mind while preparing for DILR:
Candidates should focus more on mastering Syllogisms, as this is a scoring area. Using Venn diagrams can simplify solving challenging problems.
Difficult reasoning questions may confuse, so regular revision is essential to maintain clarity and avoid errors.
Practice questions involving inequalities to build accuracy and speed.
While tackling puzzles and arrangement-based problems, start with simpler ones involving fewer variables and gradually move to more complex scenarios.
CAT Exam Syllabus for QA Section
Quantitative Aptitude appears as the final section of the CAT exam and comprises a total of 22 questions. This section assesses a candidate’s mathematical and problem-solving skills. The table below outlines the major topics and important aspects of the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus.
CAT QA Syllabus Topics
Arithmetic
Geometry
Algebra
Number System
Modern Math
Profit & Loss
Angles
Series
Real Numbers
Probability
Time & Work
Circles
Quadratic Equations
LCM
Permutation
Chain Rule
Lines
Functions
Percentage
Polygons
Surds & Indices
Irrational Numbers
Combination
Time, Speed & Distance
Triangles
Inequalities
Unit’s Digit
Set Theory
Averages
Area & Volume
Logarithm
HCF
Binomial Theorem
Ratio & Proportion
Coordinate Geometry
Remainders
Simple & Compound Interest
Complex Numbers
Zeroes
CAT QA Preparation Tips
The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section in the CAT exam covers a wide range of mathematical topics. To perform well, candidates should begin their preparation with the Number System and then move on to Algebra and other areas. To gain a strong command over the QA section, consider the following preparation strategies:
Start by building a strong foundation in basic concepts, as a clear understanding is essential for tackling advanced-level questions.
Memorize multiplication tables up to 40, squares up to 30, cubes up to 20, and fractional percentage equivalents up to 25. This will help speed up calculations during the exam.
Create and maintain a formula notebook to record key formulas. Reviewing this regularly will reinforce your understanding and improve recall during the test.
High-yield topics refer to those areas of the CAT syllabus that frequently feature in the exam and carry significant weightage. Prioritizing these topics allows candidates to cover essential portions efficiently and maximize their scores. This targeted approach is a smart and time-saving strategy for effective CAT preparation 2025. Below are the key syllabus topics that are known to have high importance in the exam:
CAT Syllabus Important Topics
VARC
DILR
QA
Reading comprehension
Data interpretation
Arithmetic
Para jumble
Logical reasoning
Geometry
Para summary
Algebra
Odd sentences
Modern Maths
Most Recommended Books For CAT Preparation 2025
Here are the best CAT Preparation Books for all three sections covered in CAT Syllabus 2025:
For Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR):
CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K Sinha
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
How to Get Prepared for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
For Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):
How to Get Ready for CAT's Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability Tests by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay (Arihant)
30 Days to a Stronger Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis (Simon & Schuster)
How to Prepare for CAT's Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Questions by Sharma and Upadhyay
High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin
For Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
NCERT Mathematics Books of both 9th and 10th class (NCERT)
How to Study for the Quantitative Aptitude Section of CAT by Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha CAT Syllabus 2025
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