Exam Syllabus: Exam Pattern and Trends 2024

Q: What is the CAT exam for?

CAT is India's premier MBA entrance exam Conducted by IIMs, it tests aptitude in Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability A high score opens doors to top management institutes across the country

Q: Is CAT done after 12th?

No, you cannot appear for the CAT exam after the 12th To be eligible for CAT, you must have completed your graduation or be in the final year of your undergraduate degree

Q: Is CAT tougher than jee mains?

CAT is generally considered tougher than JEE Mains While JEE Mains tests in-depth subject knowledge, CAT focuses on aptitude, reasoning, and data interpretation CAT's emphasis on problem-solving and time management under pressure makes it challenging for many

Q: What job after CAT exam?

A high CAT score opens doors to top MBA programs After completing an MBA, you can explore various roles like Management Consultant, Investment Banker, Marketing Manager, HR Specialist, or Financial Analyst You can also venture into entrepreneurship or pursue higher studies

The CAT Exam Syllabus has three major parts: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Though a syllabus has no defined perimeters, it generally tests candidates on the very core competencies regarding reading comprehension, logical reasoning puzzles, data analysis, and some basic mathematical concepts in algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.

CAT stands for Common Admission Test. It's a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs (PGP). It's considered one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India for MBA aspirants.

Key features of CAT:

Conducted by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis.
Computer-based test.
Covers sections like Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.

CAT Exam Syllabus Overview

Section	Topics	Subtopics
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	Reading Comprehension	- Types of Passages (Literary, Scientific, Economic, Sociological)- Types of Questions (Inference-based, Fact-based, Main Idea, Tone of the Passage)
	Verbal Ability	- Paragraph Summary- Para-jumbles- Sentence Completion
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	Data Interpretation (DI)	- Tables- Graphs (Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts)- Charts (Venn Diagrams, Flowcharts)
	Logical Reasoning (LR)	- Arrangements (Linear and Circular Arrangements)- Puzzles- Syllogisms- Blood Relations- Seating Arrangements- Logical Sequences
Quantitative Ability (QA)	Arithmetic	- Percentage- Profit and Loss- Simple and Compound Interest- Ratio and Proportion- Time, Speed, and Distance- Time and Work- Averages- Mixtures and Allegations
	Algebra	- Linear Equations- Quadratic Equations- Inequalities- Functions- Progressions (Arithmetic Progression, Geometric Progression)
	Geometry and Mensuration	- Lines and Angles- Triangles (Properties, Theorems)- Circles (Properties, Theorems)- Polygons- Coordinate Geometry- Mensuration (Areas, Volumes of 2D and 3D shapes)
	Modern Math	- Probability- Permutation and Combination- Set Theory- Number Systems (Divisibility, Remainders, HCF, LCM)

CAT Exam Topics

The CAT exam is divided into three sections:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Reading Comprehension Passages
Para Jumbles
Critical Reasoning
Verbal Ability (Synonyms, Antonyms, etc.)

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
Logical Reasoning (Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, etc.)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Arithmetic
Algebra
Geometry
Number System
Trigonometry
Modern Math

Note: The specific topics and weightage of each section might vary slightly each year.

CAT Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Ability

The CAT exam focuses on conceptual understanding and application rather than rote memorization, a strong foundation in these topics is essential.

Arithmetic

Topic	Subtopics
Number System	Divisibility, HCF, LCM, Number Properties, Remainders, Base Systems, Surds and Indices
Percentages	Calculation of percentages, Successive percentages, Percentage change
Profit and Loss	Cost Price, Selling Price, Discount, Markup, Profit/Loss Percentage
Ratio and Proportion	Properties of ratios, Proportions, Variations
Averages	Mean, Median, Mode, Weighted Average
Mixtures and Allegations	Mixing quantities in different ratios, Finding average cost price/selling price
Time, Speed, and Distance	Basic formulas, Relative speed, Problems involving trains, boats, and streams
Time and Work	Work done by individuals and groups, Efficiency, Pipe and cistern problems
Simple Interest and Compound Interest	Formulas, Applications

Algebra

Topic	Subtopics
Linear Equations	Solving linear equations with one or more variables
Quadratic Equations	Nature of roots, Sum and product of roots, Solving quadratic equations
Inequalities	Linear and quadratic inequalities, Solving inequalities
Functions	Concept of functions, Domain, Range, Types of functions
Progressions	Arithmetic, Geometric, and Harmonic Progressions

Geometry

Topic	Subtopics
Lines, Angles, and Triangles	Properties of lines, angles, triangles, congruence, similarity
Circles	Properties of circles, chords, tangents, arcs, angles in a circle
Polygons	Properties of quadrilaterals, other polygons
Mensuration	Area and perimeter of plane figures, Volume and surface area of solids
Coordinate Geometry	Distance formula, Section formula, Slope, Equation of line, Circle equation

Modern Math

Topic	Subtopics
Probability	Basic concepts, Conditional probability, Independent events
Permutations and Combinations	Fundamental principle of counting, Factorials, Permutations, Combinations
Set Theory	Sets, Operations on sets, Venn diagrams

CAT VARC Syllabus

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT exam tests a candidate's ability to understand and analyze written material, as well as their command of the English language.

CAT Verbal Ability Syllabus

The Verbal Ability section of the CAT exam tests a candidate's proficiency in the English language and their ability to:

Skill	Description
Para jumbles	Arrange jumbled paragraphs in the correct order to form a coherent passage.
Odd sentence	Identify the sentence that doesn't fit in the given paragraph due to reasons like style, tone, or content.
Critical reasoning	Analyze arguments presented in a passage, identify assumptions and inferences, and draw conclusions based on evidence.
Summary	Grasp the main idea of a passage and express it concisely in your own words.
Sentence correction	Identify and correct grammatical errors in sentences.

CAT Reading Comprehension Syllabus

The Reading Comprehension (RC) section of the CAT exam primarily assesses a candidate's ability to:

Understand complex ideas: Grasp the main arguments, underlying assumptions, and supporting evidence presented in a passage.
Make inferences: Deduce information that is implied but not explicitly stated in the passage.
Analyze and evaluate arguments: Identify strengths, weaknesses, and underlying assumptions of arguments presented in the passage.
Summarize: Condense the main points of the passage into a concise summary.
Comprehend tone and style: Understand the author's attitude, purpose, and the overall style of the passage.

Note: The passages in the CAT exam typically cover a wide range of topics, such as science, humanities, social sciences, and business.

CAT DILR Syllabus

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section of the CAT exam tests a candidate's ability to:

Data Interpretation (DI)

Analyze and interpret data presented in various formats:

Tables
Graphs (bar, line, pie charts)
Diagrams (Venn diagrams, scatter plots)

Calculate and compare data points
Identify trends and patterns
Solve problems based on the given data

Logical Reasoning (LR)

Solve puzzles and logical reasoning problems
Analyze information and draw logical conclusions
Apply logical principles to solve problems
Understand relationships between different elements (e.g., blood relations, seating arrangements)
Process information systematically

Common Topics in DILR

Tables, graphs, charts
Venn diagrams
Blood relations
Seating arrangements
Directions
Order and ranking
Coding-decoding
Inequalities
Syllogisms

Note: The DILR section often involves a combination of data interpretation and logical reasoning skills.

CAT Data Interpretation Syllabus

The Data Interpretation (DI) section of the CAT exam tests a candidate's ability to analyze and interpret data presented in various formats:

Format	Description
Tables	Data presented in rows and columns
Graphs (bar, line, pie charts)	Visual representation of data using bars, lines, or pie slices
Diagrams (Venn diagrams, scatter plots)	Diagrams are used to represent relationships between sets or to show the correlation between two variables

The DI section also tests a candidate's ability to:

Calculate and compare data points
Identify trends and patterns
Solve problems based on the given data

Note: The DI section often involves interpreting data from various sources and using it to solve problems.

CAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus

The Logical Reasoning (LR) section of the CAT exam tests a candidate's ability to analyze information and draw logical conclusions. While there's no definitive list of topics, here are some common areas tested:

Topic	Description
Seating Arrangements	Determining the positions of people or objects based on given conditions
Blood Relations	Understanding relationships between family members
Puzzles	Solving complex puzzles involving logic and reasoning
Order and Ranking	Arranging people or objects in a specific order based on given information
Directions	Determining directions and distances based on given information
Coding-Decoding	Deciphering codes and patterns
Inequalities	Determining relationships between variables
Syllogisms	Analyzing logical arguments and drawing conclusions
Input-Output	Analyzing data processing and output
Data Sufficiency	Determining if given data is sufficient to answer a question

Note: The CAT exam often combines multiple of these topics in a single question, making it essential to develop a strong foundation in logical reasoning.

CAT Exam Pattern 2024

The CAT exam is a computer-based test (CBT) divided into three sections:

Section	Number of Questions	Total Marks	Time Allotted
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	72	40 minutes
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20	60	40 minutes
Quantitative Ability (QA)	22	66	40 minutes

Total Exam Details

Total Number of Questions: 66
Total Marks: 198
Exam Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)

Important Points

The question types include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
There is a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect MCQ answer.
No negative marking for TITA questions.

CAT Exam Preparation Guide

Key Areas to Focus On:

Section	Focus Areas
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)	Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, para jumbles, critical reasoning
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)	Data interpretation skills, logical reasoning puzzles, analysis, speed and accuracy
Quantitative Ability (QA)	Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, percentages, profit and loss, time and work, speed, distance, time

Preparation Tips

Understand the Syllabus: Clearly define what topics to cover in each section.
Basic Concepts: Build a strong foundation in fundamental concepts.
Practice Regularly: Solve numerous questions to improve speed and accuracy.
Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions through regular mock tests.
Time Management: Practice time allocation for each section.
Analysis: Identify strengths and weaknesses after each mock test.
Shortcuts and Formulas: Learn time-saving techniques.
Reading Habit: Develop a habit of reading newspapers, magazines, and books.

Additional Tips

Consistency: Dedicate regular study time.
Positive Mindset: Believe in your abilities.
Stay Healthy: Physical and mental well-being is crucial.

Remember, consistent effort and strategic preparation are key to cracking the CAT exam.

CAT Exam syllabus PDF download

Unfortunately, there isn't a single, official PDF that contains the entire CAT syllabus. The syllabus is typically outlined in the official CAT information brochure, which is released by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) that is conducting the exam, but this article may provide a brief knowledge of the CAT syllabus 2025 which will be helpful for the preparation of the CAT exam.

However, you can find the syllabus broken down into different sections in various online resources, study materials, and coaching institute websites. These resources often provide a detailed overview of the topics covered in each section of the CAT.

Here are some reliable sources where you can find the CAT syllabus:

Official CAT Website: The official CAT website (usually released closer to the exam date) will have information about the syllabus.
Coaching Institute Websites: Reputable coaching institutes like T.I.M.E., Career Launcher, CATKing, and EduTimes often provide comprehensive breakdowns of the CAT syllabus on their websites.
Online Study Platforms: Websites like EduRev, Testbook, and Oliveboard offer free study materials and practice tests, which often include a detailed syllabus.

Remember to check the most recent information as the syllabus might have minor changes from year to year.

Conclusion

The CAT exam is a rigorous test of a candidate's quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal ability. It requires a strong foundation in mathematics, analytical thinking, and English language skills. While the specific topics and difficulty level can vary slightly each year, a comprehensive understanding of the syllabus outlined above is essential for success.

Consistent practice, time management, and a strategic approach are key to cracking the CAT exam. Candidates should focus on building conceptual clarity, improving problem-solving skills, and enhancing their reading comprehension abilities.

To access detailed syllabi and practice materials, refer to resources provided by leading coaching institutes and online platforms. Analyzing previous year's question papers can also provide valuable insights into exam patterns and important topics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the CAT exam for?

Ans: CAT is India's premier MBA entrance exam. Conducted by IIMs, it tests aptitude in Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. A high score opens doors to top management institutes across the country.

Q2: Is CAT done after 12th?

Ans: No, you cannot appear for the CAT exam after the 12th. To be eligible for CAT, you must have completed your graduation or be in the final year of your undergraduate degree.

Q3: Is CAT tougher than jee mains?

Ans: CAT is generally considered tougher than JEE Mains. While JEE Mains tests in-depth subject knowledge, CAT focuses on aptitude, reasoning, and data interpretation. CAT's emphasis on problem-solving and time management under pressure makes it challenging for many.

Q4: What job after CAT exam?

Ans: A high CAT score opens doors to top MBA programs. After completing an MBA, you can explore various roles like Management Consultant, Investment Banker, Marketing Manager, HR Specialist, or Financial Analyst. You can also venture into entrepreneurship or pursue higher studies.