A CAT Syllabus is a way to know how to prepare for the CAT strategically. A staggering 2.5 lakh+ students from all over the country register each year for the Common Aptitude Test (CAT), eyeing a few thousand spots in one of the top MBA colleges in the country through this highly credible assessment conducted by the IIMs themselves. The year 2023 recorded the highest number of applicants, soaring up to 3.3 lakhs. One might expect an exam like this to have a particularly challenging and hard-to-cover syllabus. However, one would be pleasantly surprised to learn that the key to cracking this exam lies more in understanding the approach to exam-taking and the pattern rather than the difficulty level of the syllabus itself. We will, in this article, discuss the CAT syllabus.
What is the CAT Syllabus?
The CAT exam syllabus and pattern are very interlinked and complementary. The syllabus is vast and all-encompassing, which is streamlined to have a structure by a defined exam pattern. To crack the exam, one has to be well-versed in the pattern so that one can fairly and optimally attempt the paper. There are three broad sections: Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Reading Comprehension. While the CAT syllabus hasn’t changed in the past 2 years, the pattern has undergone considerable change. The number of questions has been reduced from 100 to 66 questions, and the timing from 3 to 2 hours. The sectional cut-off has also been very recently introduced in the exam. Hence, it can be said very fairly that understanding the pattern of the question paper is of paramount importance in taking the CAT, and without it, success cannot be assured. Understanding it and studying for it methodically is an essential prerequisite to taking the paper; otherwise, one could get overwhelmed and confused by the vast syllabus.
What is the CAT Exam and it’s importance
The Common Admission Test (CAT), conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), is of undeniable importance due to the role it has in landing aspirants into India’s most revered management institutions. CAT is highly sought after because it serves as the primary admission criterion for various management programs offered by IIMs. The Indian Institute Of Management is known worldwide for its industry relevance and academic rigour. Moreover, CAT scores are accepted by over 1000 colleges and institutions across India, This widespread acceptance increases the scope of opportunities for aspirants by many folds. The expansive acceptance also establishes its importance as a standardized measure of aptitude and academic potential. Moreover, CAT’s rigorous testing format evaluates candidates on 3 different parameters such as quantitative ability, verbal ability, data interpretation, and logical reasoning, this makes sure that the selection of candidates with comprehensive skill sets is essential for success in management roles. Overall, CAT exam serves an important purpose in shaping the academic and professional trajectories of countless individuals, making it a vital milestone in the pursuit of management education and career advancement.
CAT Syllabus highlights
| TYPE OF QUESTION | MCQs and TITAs |
| NUMBER OF SECTIONS | 3 (DILR, VARC, QA) |
| NUMBER OF QUESTIONS | 66 |
| TIME FOR EACH SECTION | 40 MINUTES |
| TOTAL TIME | 120 MINUTES |
| MARKING SCHEME | +3 for the correct answer -1 for wrong MCQ answer (not TITA) 0 for unattempted |
| TOTAL MARKS | 198 |
CAT Syllabus
The CAT has three sections- Verbal Ability and reading comprehension(VARC), Quantitative Aptitude(QA), Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation(LRDI).
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension(VARC)
This section is also considered the trickiest due to the weightage of Reading Comprehension questions; Building a habit of reading is the closest to what one might call a Syllabus. 14-16 questions from Reading Comprehension and 8-10 can be expected in CAT 2024.
| PARAJUMBLES |
| PARASUMMARY |
| PARA JUMBLES |
| READING COMPREHENSION |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation
The Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) section constitutes one-third of the overall weightage in CAT. Yet, the absence of a structured syllabus often has us rely heavily on past-year papers. This is the reason for which, we find ourselves missing out on coverage of several crucial topics necessary for an optimum performance in this section.
Approaching LRDI demands a careful strategy, particularly concerning time management. As we delve into this section, we must navigate with precision, optimizing the delicate balance between accuracy and time. Spending an excessive amount of time on a single question can prove to be severely penalized in the long run.
Therefore, it’s important to tread with caution, utilizing the available time fairly while making sure a high level of accuracy. By doing so, we can enhance our chances of success in this critical section of the exam. Here are the topics that are to be covered.
| .DATA INTERPRETATION AND LOGICAL REASONING | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma 100 LDRI challenge series |
QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE | Quantitative aptitude by Arun Sharma NCERTs Arihant past year papers. Topic tests and videos on percentilers app |
| VARC | Word power made easy 1000RCs pdf Wren and Martin Reading List- Guardian, Economic times, Philosophy Now, History18, Wall street journal |
Quantitative Aptitude
The quantitative aptitude section can be split into five categories: Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, Geometry, and Modern Math. This portion exhibits a significant overlap with the school math curriculum up to the 10th grade. The basic concepts, albeit presented with a twist, form the crux of this section.
The trick lies in tackling these questions with both efficiency and accuracy, a feat that can only be achieved through practice. Consistency, particularly in this section, is non-negotiable. This aspect is the key to cracking it, despite having a syllabus with which one is rather familiar.
| Arithmetic | Reasoning Based DI, Matrix and Grid, Matrix Arrangement, Venn Diagram, Scheduling and Matrix, Unconventional and Hybrid Games and Tournament, Mathematical AR, Order and ranking, Missing Data, Arithmetic Caselet, Logic Based on Table, Routes and Networks, Gantt Chart. Maxima-Minima Concept, Algebra Caselet, Arithmetic Based DIMisc |
| Geometry | Triangles, circles, quadrilaterals, mensuration, coordinate geometry, trigonometry. |
| Algebra | Linear and quadratic equations, functions, polynomials, inequalities, AP and GP |
Modern Math | HCF, LCM, Factors and Multiples Factorials, Remainders, Set Theory, Permutation Combination, Probability, Logarithms |
Also Read:
CAT Exam Books: Preparation Guide for CAT Exam
How to Prepare for CAT Exam: Section-wise CAT preparation
Things to Carry for the CAT Exam | Complete Checklist
Changes over the years in CAT Syllabus
The CAT syllabus is known for its extensive nature, encompassing three main categories: VARC, QA, and LRDI. Although no “official” syllabus is released by CAT, the syllabus is inferred from paper patterns and covered across several recommended books. Over the past decade, the exam has changed pattern, reducing the number of questions from 100 to 66 in the past two years, while the syllabus has remained unchanged.
What is the 99 percentile in CAT and How to Prepare?
The CAT percentile is the main criterion based on which you receive calls from IIMs for the rest of the admission process, and a score equating to the 99th percentile is not only considered safe but a sure shot concerning getting into IIMs. A score of roughly 92 out of 198 can assure that you stand on the 99th percentile mark.
Here is a general pattern of how scores relate to percentile( slot 1 of CAT 2023 has been used as a reference)
| TOTAL CAT SCORE | VARC SCORE | QA SCORE | DILR SCORE | PERCENTILE |
| 100-102 | 42-44 | 30-32 | 29-30 | 100 |
| 80 | 40 | 25-28 | 25-27 | 99 |
| 55 | 28-30 | 20-22 | 18-20 | 95 |
| 45-48 | 22-24 | 15-17 | 15-17 | 90 |
The CAT exam employs a percentile-based marking system rather than a conventional minimum passing marks criteria. Your percentile is determined by comparing your marks with those of all other candidates in the competition. Unlike other exams where your score directly translates into a pass or fail outcome, in CAT, your percentile reflects your performance relative to others, emphasizing competitiveness and relative achievement.
Preparation Strategies for CAT Syllabus 2024
Reasonability is essential for CAT preparation:
- Set realistic and achievable goals to maintain motivation and consistency.
- Gradual progress is key to success.
- Being reasonable with yourself is the first step to effective time management.
Scheduling is crucial for covering all CAT sections:
- Maintain consistency through a well-planned schedule.
- Allocate sufficient time to each section for comprehensive preparation.
- Maximize success by adhering to the schedule.
Develop a reading habit for VARC:
- Reading skills and vocabulary are crucial for this section.
- Regular reading enhances vocabulary and comprehension.
- Better understanding of content-related questions through a reading habit.
Enhance calculation skills for LRDI and QA:
- Quick calculations save time during the exam.
- Practice and refine calculation techniques for efficiency.
- Improved performance overall through proficient calculation skills.
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FAQs On CAT Syllabus
The CAT exam has 66 questions divided into 3 sections: QA, VARC, and DILR. These questions are of two types: MCQs and TITAs. Each question holds 3 marks, and each wrong answer has a negative marking of -1. TITAs have no negative markings.
66 questions from the year 2020, before 2020 there used to be 100 questions, these 66 questions are to be attempted in 2 hours and each section has a time limit of 40 minutes. There are 3 sections.
120 minutes.
+3 for the correct answer
-1 for wrong answer(no -ve mark for TITAs)
0 for unattempted
Not really, all sections ask advanced questions based on basic concepts.
Not necessarily, the last change in the pattern was in 2020 due to COVID-19, so CAT 2024 should have the same pattern as last year.
The IIMs, which administer the CAT exam, do not release an official syllabus for the test. Instead, it is inferred from the analysis of previous years’ CAT exams. By observing patterns, conclusions have been drawn regarding the exam’s structure and syllabus.
The CAT syllabus has remained unchanged for the past 10 years, it is a very vast and all-encompassing syllabus within which several topics have to be studied. The pattern of the exam however has seen significant change in the last 2 years.
With the right guidance, approach to the syllabus, and paper-taking strategy, coupled with the correct resources and consistent effort, clearing the CAT exam within a year is certainly achievable through rigorous preparation.
The CAT exam stands out from other management entrance tests in India due to its lack of a fixed syllabus and pattern. Its expansive and continually evolving syllabus poses a significant challenge for candidates, as it seems almost limitless in scope. This inherent ambiguity contributes to the difficulty of the CAT exam, making it arguably the toughest among management entrance tests in the country. CAT is renowned for the complexity and toughness of its questions compared to other exams in the field. The dynamic nature of the CAT syllabus demands candidates to possess a deep understanding of various subjects, along with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Consequently, preparing for the uncertainties of the CAT exam requires candidates to undergo rigorous preparation and remain adaptable, making it a stern assessment of managerial aptitude and preparedness.
The IIT JEE and CAT exams serve distinct purposes, each tailored to evaluate different skill sets for specific academic paths. IIT JEE, designed for undergraduate engineering admissions, rigorously tests candidates’ subject expertise in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. In contrast, CAT is a general aptitude test for admission to postgraduate management programs (MBA), assessing candidates’ abilities in areas such as Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. Both exams are renowned for their difficulty and fierce competition, yet comparing them directly is challenging and perhaps unfair. Each represents a significant milestone within its respective field, demanding dedicated preparation and showcasing different facets of academic aptitude.