Updated on 27th September 2024 | 4:46 PM | #CATSyllabus2025
CAT is a highly competitive exam that more than 3 lakh candidates take. Out of these, only a few candidates will eventually secure positions at the top B-schools in India. So to excel in CAT, candidates must thoroughly understand the CAT syllabus and then acquaint themselves with all the three sections of CAT 2025 outlined in the CAT syllabus 2025.
The authorities conducting CAT have not defined any specific syllabus for CAT 2025. However, based on past trends and papers, generalized topics can be derived that are included in the CAT 2025 syllabus as follows:
Having an in-depth knowledge of the CAT syllabus prior to the exam should be the first step towards preparing for it. This approach helps in effective preparation, along with a better understanding of the questions and their respective topics.
There is no specific syllabus released by any supreme authority for CAT 2025. However, we can say that the CAT exam syllabus for MBA includes some of the important topics based on past trends, from which questions are asked in the CAT exam. These topics cover the three main sections of CAT 2025, as follows:
Above all, this exam is all about evaluating a candidate's ability to handle the pressure under given circumstances; along with that, it also demonstrates their time management skills. Each candidate is given only 40 minutes to solve a particular section, with a timer constantly ticking above their head all the time.
The CAT 2025 exam will be a Computer Based Test (CBT). The exam pattern for CAT has changed in the previous years owing to the pandemic. So, here is a breakup of the CAT syllabus 2025 according to the previous exam pattern:
Components |
Details |
Mode of CAT exam |
Computer-based test |
Sections in CAT 2025 |
|
Section-wise duration of CAT exam |
40 minutes per section (Total 120 minutes) |
Total number of questions in CAT 2025 |
66 (Expected) |
No. of Questions Section-wise |
|
Medium of CAT exam |
English |
Type of questions |
MCQs and Non-MCQ |
Marking Scheme for CAT 2025 |
|
All the CAT aspirants are expected to have a proper run down of the CAT syllabus; they are also advised to have the CAT syllabus 2025 PDF downloaded and keep tracking their progress as per the CAT 2025 syllabus.
CAT 2025 will be conducted and executed by one of the top IIMs, as seen in previous years, which will be responsible for organizing and executing the CAT exam for the year 2025. They usually do not release any detailed CAT syllabus 2025 PDF, which could give candidates an idea of the topics they may encounter in the examination. The conducting body only offers insights on the main subjects from which the questions could be asked. Nevertheless, candidates can prepare for the exam by studying questions from previous years.
The main topics from which questions have been asked in previous attempts of the CAT exam and could be considered to be covered under the CAT syllabus 2025 are as follows:
We always try to ease your burden, which is why we have curated a CAT syllabus PDF based on the past year's trends of CAT exam that provides a detailed description of these topics along with their sub-topics. It can be very useful for your CAT 2025 preparation. Download the CAT syllabus PDF below for fast-paced preparation, as it is the first step towards acing any entrance exam.
For CAT 2025 aspirants, understanding the CAT syllabus thoroughly should be the first step towards effective CAT 2025 preparation. This approach will definitely lead to better preparation, and candidates will be more familiar with the subjects and topics essential for the exam
Below is a list of the topics a candidate should cover in each exam section, along with their weightage.
CAT Syllabus |
CAT Exam Topics |
Weightage |
Verbal Ability |
Para jumbles, Para summary, Odd sentence out, and Inferences |
12% |
Reading Comprehension |
RC passages |
24% |
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation |
Blood Relations, Syllogism, Directions, Clocks and calendars, Tables, Graphs, Charts, and other forms of visualization |
30% |
Quantitative Aptitude |
Geometry, Trigonometry, Averages, Percentages, Number Systems, Arithmetic, Mensuration |
34% |
A generalised syllabus can be derived by analyzing past trends and papers, consisting of key areas such as Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Having a solid understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025 will allow candidates to have a competitive edge over their peers and boost their confidence and readiness to tackle CAT exam with proficiency.
To develop an effective and efficient strategy for acing CAT 2025, dive deep into the section-wise analysis and covered topics to increase your chances of getting admission to your dream B-school. While CAT syllabus 2025 does not have specific topics listed by any supreme authority, we have compiled a list of topics covering each section based on previous year's papers and past analysis to provide you with a brief idea of what may be asked in the exam.
Here is the section-wise breakup of CAT syllabus 2025 for your reference:
The first section of the exam is the VARC section of the CAT syllabus for 2025. The duration is 40 minutes, and it must be completed within the same timeframe. The reading comprehension part of the section dominates with approximately 67% weightage of the total score of this section, while the other 33% is reserved for verbal ability. The following topics fall under the VARC section of the CAT exam:
Important Topics for CAT VARC Syllabus 2025 |
||
Reading Comprehension |
Para-completion |
|
Para Summary |
Odd one out |
The DILR section is the second section that follows the completion of the VARC section. It is the most undefined section compared to the other sections, and candidates often struggle with it. The two subsections of the DILR section in the syllabus are:
Important Topics for CAT DILR Syllabus 2025 |
||
Arrangements |
Games and Tournaments |
Networks |
Set Theory |
Logical Sequence |
Tables |
Bar Graphs |
Line Charts & Pie Chart |
Logical Sequence |
Matching/ Puzzles |
Venn Diagrams |
Combination of two or more types linked to each other |
In recent years, the CAT DILR Section has undergone changes, with questions combining elements of both DI and LR rather than the previous format of distinct DI and LR questions. The DI and LR sections usually have an equal distribution of questions, with 2 sets of DI questions and 2 sets of LR questions. This setup allows students who are more proficient in solving a particular sub-section to meet the cut-off by excelling in their preferred area of expertise.
The QA section of CAT 2025 syllabus carries the maximum weightage as it includes all mathematical concepts studied in school. This section is the most predictable one and requires consistent practice, as consistency and dedication in quant are the only ways to ace this section.
Given below is the table indicating chapter wise important topics that are a part of CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus. Candidates must plan their Quantitative Aptitude preparation on the basis of the following topics.
Arithmetic Topics for CAT |
||
Averages |
Profits and Loss |
Simple & Compound Interest |
Mixtures & Allegations |
Percentages |
Speed, Time & Distance |
Pipers and Cisterns |
Ratio & Proportion |
Simplification |
Algebra Topics for CAT |
||
Graphs |
Linear Equations |
Quadratic Equations |
Higher Order Equation |
Logarithms |
Modulus |
Inequalities |
Maxima and Minima |
Sequence and Series |
Number System Topics for CAT |
||
Base System |
Divisibility |
LCM & HCF |
Complex Numbers |
Factors |
Remainders |
Digits |
Higher Powers |
Surds and Indices |
Geometry Topics for CAT |
||
Circles |
Polygons |
Trigonometry |
Coordinate Geometry |
Quadrilaterals |
Angles |
Mensuration |
Triangles |
Parallel Lines |
Modern Maths Topics for CAT |
||
Permutations & Combinations |
Geometric Arrangements |
Sequences & Series |
Probability |
Progressions |
Roots |
Binomial Theorem |
Set Theory |
CAT QA questions are generally considered to be challenging as they require calculations and the memorization of complex formulas. In a fast-paced test like CAT, which evaluates a candidate's aptitude and time management skills, being good at mental math can help in quickly solving QA questions.
Get a gist of the division of CAT QA syllabus along with its difficulty level and the number of questions asked for your reference, and make your preparation strategy accordingly.
CAT QA Syllabus 2025 |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
Arithmetic |
8-10 |
Moderate to High |
Algebra |
5-7 |
Moderate to High |
Geometry |
1-3 |
Moderate to High |
Modern Maths |
2-4 |
Moderate to High |
Overall |
22 |
Moderate to High |
CAT aspirants should learn how to develop effective approaches and smart tips and tricks to ace CAT 2025 in order to maximize their scores in each section. Understanding the section-wise breakdown of CAT is essential, as this should be the ideal strategy for better CAT preparation. Along with regular practice through mocks, knowing the weight various sections and topics hold can be instrumental.
The section-wise breakup of CAT exam pattern 2025 will define the number of expected MCQ and non-MCQ questions along with the topics with the most questions based on past patterns.
CAT Sections |
MCQs |
Non-MCQs |
Total Question |
Details |
VARC |
20 |
4 |
24 |
4 passages of RC with 4 questions each. 8 para jumbles, para completions, para summary, and odd sentence out |
DILR |
14 |
6 |
20 |
4 sets of 5 questions, each covering topics of bar graphs, missing data and puzzles |
QA |
15 |
7 |
22 |
Dominated by arithmetic and algebra with 4 questions of geometry |
Total |
49 |
17 |
66 |
There are plenty of study materials available online for your CAT preparation, but the main question is which one to pick. What may seem like the best book for one person may not be the same for another, therefore making it very difficult to choose the best from the lot. The best or ideal preparation material for CAT should be one covering all the important topics of CAT 2025 syllabus from each section, providing more than one solution to each question for better understanding and should contain a good amount of practice questions.
So, here are the best books for CAT that you can refer to to begin your CAT 2025 preparation and brush up on your basics, as follows:
CAT Sections |
Best Books for CAT Preparation |
VARC |
Past Years' CAT Questions (G.K. Publications), Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (Gautam Puri) |
DILR |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (Gautam Puri), How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT (Arun Sharma), A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning (R.S. Aggarwal) |
QA |
NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6-10), CAT Quantitative Aptitude (Gautam Puri), Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations (RS Aggarwal) |
For all the CAT 2025 aspirants, beginning your CAT 2025 preparation early can be highly beneficial. It gives you ample time to attain an in-depth understanding of all topics and dedicate extra time to strengthen weaker areas. There are no hard and fast rules to achieve a 99+%ile in CAT 2025. However, an effective strategy and rigorous mock tests, can help you achieve a good score. Here are a few preparation tips covering the entire CAT syllabus 2024 for aspirants:
Apart from the above-mentioned strategies, dedication and consistency are the keys towards acing your CAT 2025 preparation and to gain a competitive advantage over your peers. Following the above tips can help you stay one step ahead of your competition and help you achieve a good score.
Preparation for the CAT exam is a long-term commitment. A serious CAT aspirant must start preparation 6-9 months in advance to have a strong hold over the basics and stay ahead to get into the league of 99+ %ilers. Give your CAT 2025 preparation a headstart by enrolling in our CAT 2025 Online Classes. Take advantage of these classes to stay ahead of your peers and cover the entire CAT 2025 syllabus with the guidance of our experienced CAT mentors.
Aspirants may study the syllabus for CAT 2025 as much as they want, but if they do not understand what goes in the actual examination; all their efforts will be futile.
So it is imperative that students check out the CAT Previous Year Question Papers to map the important subjects and check what kind of the questions come from those important topics.
Based on our student's feedback and their needs, we have come up with Open CAT, a FREE CAT resource portal for students interested in taking the CAT exam but who prefer to prepare at their own pace and from the comfort of their homes. This platform is the perfect stop for you.
Boost your understanding of the CAT 2025 syllabus and increase your chances of getting into your dream B-school.
If you want to prepare for the CAT exam without spending any money, you're in the right place! Open CAT offers all the necessary study materials for CAT 2025 that you'll need, all conveniently available in one place. Get benefits from our Free CAT resources and start your preparation for CAT 2025.
CAT 2025 paper is most likely to be set by IIM Kozhikode.
If you are planning to take CAT 2025, then it is the ideal time for you to start your preparation in order to stay ahead of the competition. Here are a few preparation tips covering the entire CAT syllabus 2024 for aspirants:
There is no fixed syllabus for CAT 2025; however, there is a generalized syllabus that is followed across India by CAT aspirants, which remains the same throughout.