CAT Syllabus 2025 PDF (Updated) - Download Section Wise Syllabus For VARC, DILR & QA With Weightage

What Is CAT Syllabus 2025?

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:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - To evaluate the reading and comprehension skills of an MBA aspirant.
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - To evaluate the reasoning and data interpretation skills of an MBA aspirant.
• Quantitative Aptitude (QA) - To evaluate the familiarity of numbers and usage in different forms of an MBA aspirant.

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.

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CAT Exam Syllabus 2025 PDF Free Download

We always try to ease down the burden of our students, which is why we have curated a CAT syllabus PDF based on the past year's trends of the CAT exam that provides a detailed description of these topics along with their sub-topics.

This CAT syllabus PDF consists of the CAT quant syllabus, CAT VARC syllabus, and CAT DILR syllabus, as well as further topics covered under these sections. 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 toward acing any entrance exam.

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CAT Syllabus 2025 - Key Highlights

Significant changes were observed in the CAT paper pattern in the 2024 attempt, as 2 additional questions were present in the DILR section, and there were no questions on para jumbles. Below are the brief highlights of the CAT 2025 exam describing the entire paper pattern and expected CAT syllabus, as follows:

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:

• Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Topics: The entire CAT QA syllabus is divided into five main spheres, namely Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Modern Math, and Number Systems, with the inside topics as follows:
  1. Arithmetic - Percentages, Ratio, Averages, Time and Work, Time, Speed & Distance, Profit and Loss and more.
  2. Algebra - Linear Equation, Quadratic Equation, Modulus, Logarithm, and more.
  3. Geometry - Geometry - 2D & 3D Figures, Mensuration, Polygons, Circles and more.
  4. Modern Math - Permutation and Combinations, Probability, and more.
  5. Number System - Divisibility, Factors, HCF and LCM, and more.
• Data Interpretation Syllabus Topics: Tables, Pie Charts, Graphs and their sub-topics.
• Logical Reasoning Syllabus Topics: Arrangements, Games and Tournaments, Set Theory, Networks, Puzzles and problems based on them.
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Syllabus Topics: Reading Comprehension, Para Completion, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd One Out, containing passages of different genres.

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CAT Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise Analysis

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.

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.

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CAT 2025 Section-Wise Syllabus: Important Topics & Weightage

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:

CAT VARC Syllabus 2025

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:

CAT VARC Syllabus 2025 Important Topics & Weightage

In CAT 2024, the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section has remained relatively consistent in difficulty across CAT, with the nature of passages differing in each. There were no questions present on para jumbles in the CAT 2024 VARC section.

Here is a breakup of the number of questions covered in each topic in the CAT 2024 VARC section:

CAT DILR Syllabus 2025

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:

• Data Interpretation: Data will be presented in the form of a graph, chart, or another form of visualization, and you will be required to answer the questions based on the information given.
• Logical Reasoning: Here, you may be given information in a non-structured manner, and you may be required to structure it and derive the outcome to solve the questions given.

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.

CAT 2025 DILR Syllabus Important Topics & Weightage

The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning section was surprisingly easier than last year and was much more doable this time. Major changes have been observed in the CAT 2024 DILR section, with 2 additional questions. There were 5 sets instead of 4 in CAT 2024 paper.

Here is a breakup of the number of questions covered in each topic in the CAT 2024 DILR section:

CAT 2025 QA Syllabus

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.

CAT QA Syllabus 2025 Topic-Wise Weightage

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.

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CAT Exam Pattern 2025

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.

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Best Books for CAT 2025 Preparation

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:

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CAT Preparation Tips 2025

Learning should be divided into phases, starting with essential knowledge and moving on to advanced tricks. It's essential to adopt distinct approaches for each section for CAT exam preparation, considering their respective weightage. Here are some tips for section-specific CAT preparation:

Preparation Tips For CAT VARC

• Get into the habit of reading to improve your speed and expand your vocabulary.
• Make it a daily practice to learn new words and revise Grammar rules.
• Practise with mocks to test your time management and work on your weaknesses.
• Work on your test-taking strategy and improve it based on your attempts in mocks.

Preparation Tips For CAT DILR

• Set aside half an hour to an hour daily to practice DILR sets.
• After practicing a set, review the answer and reattempt sets you are unable to answer.
• Set a time limit when attempting sets. It will help you improve your speed and accuracy.
• Attempting to review past years' papers will help you familiarize yourself with the topics covered in CAT.

Prepare For CAT QA

• Past year's papers provide great insight into the structure & key topics of the section.
• Do not try preparing the entire syllabus; only practice the frequently asked topics.
• In MCQs, shortcuts are used to estimate answers instead of calculating the exact ones.
• Attempt mocks to reinforce concepts and formulae while improving speed and accuracy.

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CAT 2025 Preparation Tips For Beginners

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 2025 for aspirants:

• Ample Time: Give time to your CAT 2025 preparation in order to have a strong grasp of the fundamentals. This will provide you more time to strengthen your areas of improvement, enabling you to outsmart your competition.
• Understand the CAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Before starting your CAT 2025 preparation, it is very important to familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern to identify the best study strategies that can be your best choice.
• Familiarize yourself with Equations and Maths Calculations: Aspirants must be quick and accurate at mental calculations for the mathematical portion of the exam. Memorizing formulae and practicing equations will help with speed and accuracy.
• Acquire the Habit of Reading: The reading comprehension section focuses on reading as one of the most essential skills. Candidates can improve their speed, grammar, and vocabulary by regularly reading books, newspapers, etc.
• Practice Mocks and Previous Year Papers: Aspirants should regularly practice mocks and previous year papers to analyze their performance and familiarise themselves with the CAT paper.
• Question Selection: Picking up the right questions and ensuring that the attempt accuracy is high will ensure that the candidate scores well in the CAT Exam. Along with question selection, time management is very important when we talk about any competitive exams.

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.

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CAT Syllabus 2025: Latest Changes

The exam syllabus has observed no changes over the past few years. However, the CAT exam pattern has gone through a few changes, including changes in the number of questions and the time limit of the exam. So, before you start your CAT journey, it is ideal that you are well-versed in the latest CAT exam syllabus and pattern.