High Weightage Topics in CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section: The Quantitative Aptitude section is the most scoring section of the CAT exam as the syllabus is predefined here. To improve your chances of getting a 99+%ile in the CAT QA section, it is extremely important to cover Arithmetic and Algebra, which constitute almost 60–70% of the total syllabus. Once done with these two, then comes Geometry, Number System, and Modern Math, from which 4–5 questions come every year and are comparatively doable to solve. Let’s dive deep into the important topics, their weightage, must-do topics, and preparation strategies that may assist you in acing the CAT 2025 Quant section.
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Table of Contents
CAT Quant Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025
| CAT QA Sections | Important Topics | Weightage | Total Question | MCQs | Non-MCQs |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Maths and Number System | 34% | 22 | 15 | 7 |
Also Check: High Weightage Topics in CAT VARC Section | High Weightage Topics in CAT DILR Section
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Get Your Predictions →High-Weightage Topics to Get 99%ile in CAT Quant
In comparison to other sections, the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section stands out as a high-scoring area with a clearly defined syllabus. Candidates are well-versed with the types of questions asked, which increases the likelihood of getting a good score. The table below summarises the high-weightage areas of the CAT QA section, derived from an analysis of the past 4-5 years of CAT papers.
| S. No | CAT QA Topics | Number of Sets (2020 – 2024) |
| Arithmetic | ||
| 1. | Time, Speed & Distance | 26 |
| 2. | Time & Work | 19 |
| 3. | Profit & Loss | 16 |
| 4. | Averages | 20 |
| 5. | Mixtures & Allegations | 15 |
| 6. | Ratios | 14 |
| 7. | SI CI | 13 |
| 8. | Percentages | 12 |
| Algebra | ||
| 9. | Quadratic Equation | 24 |
| 10. | Sequence and Series | 22 |
| 11. | Logarithms | 14 |
| 12. | Functions | 16 |
| 13. | Linear Equations | 16 |
| 14. | Inequalities | 6 |
| 15. | Special Equations | 8 |
| 16. | Algebraic Identities & Standard Results | 3 |
| 17. | Higher Order Equations | 6 |
| 18. | Geometry | 49 |
| 19. | Modern Math | 13 |
| 20. | Number System | 30 |
Also Read – IIM Ahmedabad PGP RTI Data 2025
CAT 2025 Quant Topic-Wise Weightage (Expected)
Get a summary of division of the CAT Quant section, along with its difficulty level and the number of questions asked, for your reference, and make your preparation strategy accordingly.
| CAT QA Topics | No. of Questions | Level of Difficulty |
| Arithmetic | 8 | Moderate to High |
| Algebra | 8 | Moderate to High |
| Geometry | 3 | Moderate to High |
| Modern Math | 2 | Easy to Moderate |
| Number System | 1 | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | 22 | Moderate to High |
Also Read –
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CAT 2025 Admit Card Release Date
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topic-Wise Weightage (Previous Year Trends)
| CAT 2024 QA Analysis | |||
| CAT Quant Topics | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
| Arithmetic | TSD-1, T&W-1, SI CI-1, Percentage-1, PLD-1, Mixture-1, Averages – 1, Ratios- 1 | TSD-1, T&W-1, Ratio-1, SI CI-1, PLD-2, Mixture-1, Averages -1 | TSD-1, T&W-1, SI CI-1, Percentage-1, PLD-1, Mixture-1, Averages – 1, Ratios-1 |
| Algebra | Log-1, Equations- 2, Functions-1, Maxima-Minima -1, Sequence & Series-2, Algebraic Expression-1 | Log-1, Sequence & Series-2, Function – 1 , Inequalities-1, Mod/Linear Equations -1, Quadratic Equations -2 | Log-1, Equations- 3, Functions-1, Sequence & Series-1, Integer Solution-1, Maxima Minima-1 |
| Geometry | Circle- 1, Cuboid/Square-1, Coordinate Geo – 1 | Trapezium-1, Circle – 1, Coordinate Geo – 1 | Circle- 1, Polygon-1, Triangle-1 |
| Modern Math | P&C -1 | P&C -1 | P&C -1 |
| Number System | Remainder-1, Indices -1 | Remainder-1, Indices – 1 | Remainder-1, Exponential-1 |
| Total | 22 | 22 | 22 |
Preparation Tips To Solve CAT 2025 QA Section
- Strengthen fundamentals first: Familiarize yourself with the fundamental formulas for all major subjects addressed in the quantitative techniques section, including arithmetic, algebra, and others.
- Daily practice: Attempt 10–15 QA questions from varied topics under timed conditions.
- Prioritize high-weightage areas: Spend 60% of prep time on Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.
- Balance accuracy and speed: Avoid random guesses, use shortcuts and rapid calculating strategies to solve difficulties.
- Revise formula sheets weekly: Retention helps in quick problem-solving.
One thing that you need to realize is that fear of anything is only as big as you make it to be.
Nothing beats hard work and effort. And when it’s about a section that can easily get you a good percentile in CAT, you certainly need to work hard for it.
Also Read: How to prepare for CAT 2025 along with NMAT, SNAP and XAT
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which topic holds the most significance in CAT QA?
A: Arithmetic and Algebra accounts for approximately 60-70% of the QA section, establishing it as the most crucial area to master.
Q2. How many geometry questions come in CAT QA?
A: Usually 2–4 questions from Geometry come every year, including triangles, circles, coordinate geometry and more.
Q3. Can I skip Modern Math while preparing for CAT QA?
A: It’s not advisable to skip Modern Math. Even though it carries lower weightage, the questions are comparatively easier and can help in boosting overall percentile.
Q4. How should I split my preparation time for the QA section?
A: It is advisable to spend the maximum time preparing Arithmetic and Algebra. Afterwards, bifurcate the remaining time between Geometry and the rest on Number Systems and Modern Math.
