CAT Syllabus 2024: To strategically prepare for CAT 2024, candidates need a thorough understanding of the syllabus. While the IIMs do not release an official syllabus, experts have crafted one by analyzing past years’ question papers.
The CAT 2024 syllabus introduces candidates to commonly tested topics, including Reading Comprehension, Algebra,
Arithmetic, Geometry, Graphs, and Percentages. These subjects form the core of the CAT exam and are known for being high-yielding
areas.
The CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA is not explicitly defined by the conducting body, IIMs. However, based on previous years' trends, we can outline the topics that are commonly covered in the exam:
Sections | Topics |
---|---|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | - RC from Arts, Science, History, Humanities, Philosophy, and Psychology, etc. - Inference-based questions, Fact-based questions, Main-idea based questions,Tone of the author questions, Purpose of the author questions. - ParaSummary, Odd-one Out, Para Jumbles, and Para Completions are asked. |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | - Bar graphs, Pie charts, Histographs, Successive percentage changes, Profit changes across years, and Growth over Years. - Arrangement puzzles, Einstein puzzles, Venn diagrams, Tables with Missing Values, Miscellaneous puzzles. |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | - Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Maths, Number Systems, Logarithms,Mensuration, and Probability. |
For aspirants looking for a detailed breakdown, You can easily find CAT syllabus 2024 PDF download links online, which provide a comprehensive list of topics covered in each section. These PDFs are crucial for organized and efficient preparation. Moreover, you can download CAT 2024 syllabus PDF free download options to get started without any cost.
Sections | No. of Questions | Time Limit | Marks |
---|---|---|---|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 Minutes | 72 |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 Minutes | 60 |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 Minutes | 66 |
Total | 66 | 120 Minutes | 198 |
This table provides a clear breakdown of the sections, number of questions, time limits, and marks.
The CAT VARC Syllabus includes a variety of topics that test the candidate's English language skills. Here’s a detailed list of the topics:
Preparing for VARC requires consistent reading and practice to enhance comprehension and vocabulary.
Here's a
look at the topics for the VARC Section in the table given below:
VARC Sub Section | Description | Question Type | No. of Questions |
Reading Comprehension | 4 RCs with 4 Questions each | MCQs | 16 |
Verbal Ability | Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out, Sentence Completion | MCQs & TITAs | 8 |
Reading Comprehension is the dominant in the VARC section. As per the last few years' trends, you get to see 4 RCs in various genres. Generally, RCs are of 450-550 words with 4-6 paragraphs. There are no specific grammar-based questions. But you should have good knowledge of grammar to comprehend better.
Popular Genre of CAT RCs | |||
Technology | Science | Nature | Animal |
Evolution | Astrology | Politics | Crime |
Discovery | Law | Philosophy | Environment |
Psychology | Literature | Sociology | Fiction |
CAT VARC Question Types | |||
Inference Types | Main Idea Based | Fact-Based | |
Tone-Based | Title Based | Structure-Based | |
Vocabulary/Phrase Based | Critical Reasoning Based | Central Theme Based |
Verbal Ability comprises 4 major sets i.e. Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out and Sentence Completion/Placement. These sets usually test the coherent usage of the English language and its correct & appropriate usage. Here, it requires your grammatical, sentence structure, and paraphrasing skills.
Topic | Description | Question Type | No. of Questions |
Para Jumbles | 4 jumbled sentences - Arrange the sequence | TITA | 2 |
Para Summary | Choose the correct summary of the given paragraph | MCQ | 2 |
Odd One Out | Select the sentence that is not coherent with the paragraph formation | TITA | 2 |
Sentence Completion | Place the sentence at the right gap to make a coherent paragraph | TITA/MCQ | 2 |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Preparation Tips
The CAT DILR Syllabus is designed to test the logical reasoning and data interpretation skills of candidates. Topics in this section include:
Practicing a variety of problems will help in mastering this section, as it requires quick thinking and accuracy.
Here's a look at the topics for the DILR Section in the table given below:
Data Interpretation sets test how good you are with numbers and data. This section has numerical sets and requires strong calculation. You can check the major topics of this section below:
CATÂ Data Interpretation Topics | ||
Tables | Pie Chart | Pie Chart |
Line Graph | Venn Diagram | Radar Chart |
Histograph | Caselets | Networks and Diagrams |
Reasoning based DI | Data Arrangement | Mathematical Puzzles |
Logical Reasoning tests the ability to solve a problem and having the clarity to approach any problem strategically. It tests the logical aptitude of the candidate. You can check the major logical reasoning topics below:
CAT Logical Reasoning Topics | ||
Linear Arrangement | Circular Arrangement | Selection |
Sequencing | Binary Logic | Cubes |
Routes | Games & Tournaments | 2D/3D Space LRs |
Coin Picking | Conditional LRs | Case-based LRs |
The CAT Quant Syllabus focuses on mathematics topics typically covered until the 10th standard, but with a higher difficulty level. The main topics include:
A strong foundation in basic math concepts is essential to excel in this section.
Here's a look at the topics for the DILR Section in the table given below:
Arithmetic | ||
Averages | Profit & Loss | SI & CI |
Percentages | Mixture & Allegations | Ratio & Proportion |
Time & Work | Time, Speed & Distance | - |
Algebra | ||
Linear Equation | Quadratic Equation | Graphs |
Inequalities | Logarithms | Maxima & Minima |
Modulus | Roots | - |
Geometry | ||
Circles | Triangles | Mensuration |
Quadrilaterals | Co-ordinate Geometry | Trigonometry |
3D Geometry | - | - |
Number System &Â Modern Maths | ||
Factors | HCF & LCM | Divisibility |
Factorial | Remainder | Properties of Numbers |
Combination | Permutation | Sequencing & Series |
Euler Number | Probability |
Combinatorics |
Understanding the CAT Syllabus and Pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The CAT exam
typically consists of 66 questions, divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. The time allotted for each
section is 40 minutes, making time management a critical skill for success.
Most of the questions are Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), while the remaining questions require typing in the answer (TITA). Negative marks are given for incorrect answers in MCQs, but there are no negative marks for TITA questions.
SECTION | NUMBER OF QUESTIONS | TIME | MARKS | NEGATIVE MARKING |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 24 | 40 Min | 3 per Ques | -1 per Ques |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 20 | 40 Min | 3 per Ques | -1 per Ques |
Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 40 Min | 3 per Ques | -1 per Ques |
Important Things to Consider:
Over the past two years (due to covid pandemic), the CAT 2023, 2022, 2021 exam pattern has been changed. Earlier CAT was conducted in a 3-hour pattern with 1 hour for each section.
But, since 2020, the exam moved to a 2-hour format. Check out the CAT exam pattern changes mentioned below in CAT
2022, CAT 2021, CAT 2020, and CAT 2019.
Also, check out the score required for CAT 100%iler, CAT 99%ile & Above.
Exam Year | CAT Syllabus 2023 | CAT Syllabus 2022 | CAT Syllabus 2021 | CAT Syllabus 2020 | CAT Syllabus 2019 |
No. of Questions | 66 | 66 | 66 | 76 | 100 |
Marks Per Question | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Total Score | 198 | 198 | 198 | 228 | 300 |
Exam Duration |
120 Min | 120Â Min | 120 Min | 120 Min | 180 Min |
Score to get 100%ile | 161.00 |
||||
Score to get 99%ile | 79 | 84 | 98 | 101 | 156 |
Number of Questions in VARC | 24 | 24 | 24 |
26 | 34 |
Number of Questions in DILR |
20 | 20 | 20 | 24 | 32 |
Number of Questions in QA | 22 | 22 | 22 | 26 | 34 |
Having the right CAT Study Material 2024 is key to a structured preparation
strategy. Some of the best study resources include:
Here are some tips to effectively prepare for exam with the help of CAT Exam Syllabus
2024:
The complete CAT syllabus 2024 is divided into three sections. You can find the detailed syllabus section-wise above and also here.
April is the perfect month to start your preparation for CAT 2024.
No. The CAT syllabus have been the same since 2017. Although CAT is known for surprises, the syllabus is usually the same.
 There are three sections in the CAT 2024 exam. They are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) & Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
 CAT is considered a tough exam for MBA aspirants but if you have chosen the right resources and the right coaching institute, you can easily crack it.
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