CAT Subject-wise Syllabus along with Weightage
The CAT Exam curriculum is categorized into three core sections: verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), and quantitative ability (QA). Refer to this article for comprehensive understanding.
Anil Solonki21 Mar, 2024
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The CAT exam syllabus encompasses three key sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). This syllabus is determined by the Indian Institute of Management and is renowned for being one of the most challenging among all MBA entrance exams in India.
When navigating the CAT syllabus, it's essential to focus on core topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Percentage, Graphs, Coding-Decoding, and Series Completion. These areas are likely to have the highest question frequency. In the VARC section, Reading Comprehension holds significant importance, so candidates should prioritize mastering it. The CAT notification has been issued, and there have been no reported changes in the CAT syllabus. To gain a comprehensive understanding of CAT syllabus , explore the details below.CAT Subject Overview
The CAT question paper will revolve around the subjects of VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude. Delve into the comprehensive CAT syllabus for 2023 and discover recommended CAT preparation books below:- The VARC section of the CAT exam's MBA syllabus encompasses a range of English Grammar aspects, Verbal Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.
- The Quantitative Aptitude segment of the CAT syllabus incorporates a spectrum of Mathematical topics spanning from Class 9 to 10, including Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry, and Mensuration.
- Within the DILR syllabus of the CAT exam, you will encounter topics that necessitate analytical interpretation of data presented in various formats such as Puzzles, Pie Charts, Tables, and Bar Graphs.
CAT Syllabus PDF Download
While the CAT syllabus PDF for 2023 hasn't been officially released by the organizing IIM, you can find it on various coaching institutes and preparation platforms. These downloadable PDFs provide an outline of important topics for CAT preparation. For instance, the CAT syllabus PDF typically includes:- Quantitative Aptitude topics encompassing Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Modern Math, and their corresponding subtopics.
- Data Interpretation subjects such as Data Structure, Data Sufficiency, Tables, Pie Charts, Graphs, and related subtopics.
- Logical Reasoning areas including series, coding-decoding, family tree, blood relation, seating arrangement, assumptions, and their corresponding subtopics.
- VARC topics involve reading comprehension, filling in the blanks, para jumble, para completion, vocabulary, grammar, and related subtopics.
CAT VARC Syllabus
The initial section in the CAT question paper is the VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section, which has a time limit of 40 minutes. This section is further divided into two parts: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Notably, Reading Comprehension questions typically hold a prominent presence within this section. Below, you can find a list of significant VARC topics that are crucial for the CAT exam syllabus.| CAT-VARC Syllabus | ||
| Fill in the blanks. | Para completion and inference | Verbal logic |
| Verbal reasoning | Subject-verb agreement | Articles usage |
| Types of clauses | Phrases modifiers | Errors in tenses |
| Preposition | Parts of speech | One word substitution |
| Sentence correction | Jumbled paragraphs | Antonyms |
| Idioms | Syllogisms | Analogies |
| Reading comprehension | Grammar | Different usages of the same word |
| Foreign language words used in English | Parajumbles | Sentence completion |
Important Topics & Weightage for CAT VARC
The CAT syllabus covers the VARC section, which, as previously noted, consists of four primary subtopics: Reading Comprehension (RC), Parajumbles, Verbal Ability, and Sentences. The structure of the VARC section remains consistent, typically comprising these elements.| VARC Topics for CAT | No. of Questions in CAT Exam | Level of Difficulty |
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | Moderate to Difficult |
| VA-Parajumbles | 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
| VA-Odd Sentence | 2 | Easy to Moderate |
| VA-Summary | 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | 24 | Moderate to Difficult |
CAT DILR Syllabus
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) constitutes the second part of the CAT question paper and follows the VARC section. Within this section, you encounter two sub-sections: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Explore essential subjects and significant logical reasoning and data interpretation topics that form an integral part of the CAT syllabus.| CAT DILR syllabus | ||
| Blood Relations | Clocks and Calendars | Syllogism |
| Bars & Line Graphs | Sets & Caselets | Puzzles |
| Proposition | Data Structures | Data Arrangement |
| Series | Statements | Venn Diagram |
| Tables | Family Tree | Direction Sense |
| Assumptions | Seating Arrangement | Data Sufficiency |
| Coding-Decoding | Binary Logic | Pie Charts |
Important Topics & Weightage for CAT DILR
As previously indicated, the DILR section encompasses two kinds of questions: those related to Data Interpretation and those involving Logical Reasoning. Below is the fundamental format of the DILR section within the CAT exam.| DILR Topics for CAT | No. of Questions in CAT Exam | Level of Difficulty |
| Data Interpretation | 4 | Easy |
| Data Interpretation | 4 | Moderate |
| Logical Reasoning | 6 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Logical Reasoning | 6 | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | 20 | Moderate to Difficult |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024
The Quantitative Aptitude segment concludes the CAT question paper and should be addressed in the final 40 minutes of the exam. Explore crucial subjects and noteworthy aspects within the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus.| CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus | ||
| Geometry | Ratios and proportions | Inequalities |
| Trigonometry | In-equations Quadratic and linear equations | Work and Time |
| Algebra | Surds and Indices | Percentages |
| Mensuration | Time-Speed-Distance | Logarithms |
| Partnership (Accounts) | Number System | Square Root and Cube Root |
| Profit & Loss | Geometric Progression | Probability |
| Mean, mode, and median | Binomial theorem | Simple interest and compound interest |
Topic wise weightage in CAT Quantitative Aptitude
As previously mentioned, the CAT Quantitative section comprises questions related to Modern Mathematics, Numbers, Algebra, Arithmetic, and Geometry. Below is the structure of the Quantitative Aptitude segment:| CAT Maths Syllabus | No. of Questions | Level of Difficulty |
| Data Interpretation | 10 | Moderate |
| Data Interpretation | 5 | Moderate |
| Logical Reasoning | 3 | Moderate |
| Logical Reasoning | 4 | Moderate |
| Overall | 22 | Moderate |
How to prepare for CAT 2024?
Effective CAT exam performance relies solely on thorough preparation aligned with the official syllabus. Aspiring CAT candidates should devise a study strategy grounded in their comprehension of the subjects outlined in the CAT syllabus. Numerous Quantitative Aptitude topics parallel school curriculum, just as English Grammar does. To initiate CAT preparation, it's advisable to categorize topics based on familiarity – familiar, somewhat familiar, and unfamiliar. Subsequently, commence learning unfamiliar subjects, followed by somewhat familiar topics, culminating in those that are already familiar. Refer below for section-specific CAT preparation tips:How to Prepare for CAT VARC?
- Initiate your CAT preparation by focusing on VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) early on, emphasizing Reading Comprehension practice.
- Familiarize yourself with the VARC syllabus outlined for the CAT exam and revisit grammar rules and definitions.
- Enhance your vocabulary by employing dictionaries and word meaning resources to grasp new words and expressions.
- Given that Reading Comprehension (RC) plays a prominent role in the VARC section, cultivating speed-reading skills is crucial.
- Cultivate this skill by delving into books, novels, magazines, and data-intensive reports. An optimal approach to mastering Verbal Ability involves engaging with a diverse range of sample questions.
- Dedicate time to solving a multitude of Verbal Ability questions to refine your proficiency in this domain.
Also Read: VARC questions with answers for CAT
How to Prepare for CAT DILR?
- The DILR segment in the CAT exam centers on interpreting Tables, Graphs, Charts, and Series. Proficiency in this section demands adept calculation skills alongside a keen attention to detail.
- With a total of 20 questions in this section, evenly distributed between Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR), it's essential to focus on both aspects.
- To enhance your efficiency, commit key mathematical values like Tables up to 20, Square, Square Roots, Cube, Cube Roots, and similar figures to memory for quick referencing and calculation.
- For DILR preparation, it's valuable to engage in extensive practice through sample questions and sectional mock tests, as the section doesn't rely on memorizing formulas.
- Experience in rapidly comprehending charts and tables can significantly augment your performance in the DILR section, contributing to higher scores.
Also Read: CAT 2024 Exam Stress Management
How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude?
- In the CAT exam, the Quantitative Aptitude section underscores the significance of grasping concepts and persistent practice.
- Begin by meticulously understanding each topic encompassed within the CAT syllabus, aiming for conceptual clarity. Validate your comprehension by attempting a subset of questions to gauge your accuracy in applying these concepts.
- Once the syllabus is comprehensively covered, transition to engaging in full-length and sectional mock tests. Tailor your practice sessions to encompass varying difficulty levels—easy, moderate, and high. Initiate your practice journey with simpler questions, subsequently progressing to moderately challenging queries, and eventually tackling tougher ones.
- During practice, closely monitor time management by imposing time limits on solving questions. Revisit each question no less than thrice: initially to comprehend its essence, secondly to solve it with impeccable accuracy, and finally to solve it swiftly yet accurately. Cultivate mental calculation proficiency to expedite calculations during the actual CAT exam, thereby optimizing time usage.
Also Read : Time Management Strategies for CAT Exam
CAT Subject 2024 <span style=
What does CAT stand for?
CAT stands for Common Admission Test.
What are the main sections of the CAT exam syllabus?
The main sections of the CAT exam syllabus are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
How should I prepare for the VARC section?
To prepare for the VARC section, focus on Reading Comprehension practice, revise grammar rules, expand vocabulary, and practice speed-reading techniques.
What topics are covered in the DILR section?
The DILR section includes questions related to data interpretation, tables, graphs, charts, and logical reasoning, such as series and coding-decoding.
How can I excel in the Quantitative Aptitude section?
To excel in the Quantitative Aptitude section, develop conceptual clarity, practice a variety of difficulty levels, and enhance mental calculation skills for efficient time management.
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