CAT 2025 Exam is expected to be conducted on November 30, 2025. All the aspiring candidates who are planning to secure a seat in leading IIMs should consider giving this exam. The updated CAT syllabus 2025 includes three main sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
To cover all the topics of the CAT Quants Syllabus, students need to study regularly. They also need to spend their time well to prepare for Arithmetic as it is considered as a high weightage topic in the CAT 2025 syllabus. The questions asked in the CAT Exam are quite tricky, which makes it challenging for students to attempt the Exam. Therefore a thorough study plan will help candidates to score well in the CAT 2025. Focusing on the topics of the CAT Exam Syllabus will be a great strategy!
In this article, CAT aspirants will get to know about the detailed Syllabus of CAT & topic-wise weightage of the syllabus. Candidates can download the CAT Exam Syllabus PDF for reference from here!
CAT 2025 Syllabus
- The CAT Exam syllabus has been changed twice in recent years, with the latest changes including a decrease in the number of questions from 100 to 66, and the introduction of both MCQ and non-MCQ questions.
- The Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT syllabus covers Maths topics from Class 9 and 10 like Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry, and Mensuration. However, the questions are of a higher level.
- Candidates should focus well on Arithmetic, as most questions come from this area. Geometry and Algebra are also important and should not be skipped, as they carry good weightage in the exam.
- The time duration for each section will be 40 minutes. Plus, 1 mark is deducted for wrong answers.
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includedCAT Syllabus 2025 - Section Wise
The syllabus of the CAT Exam is divided into three sections โ Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (DILR). Candidates must manage their time well to attempt all questions of every section. The table below provides the number of questions and time allotted to each section.
|
CAT 2025 Section |
Questions |
Time (in minutes) |
|
Quantitative Ability (QA) |
22 |
40 |
|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
24 |
40 |
|
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
20 |
40 |
|
Total |
66 |
120 |
CAT VARC Syllabus 2025
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section in CAT 2025 has 24 questions in total. It includes passages from different genres and verbal ability questions that test a candidateโs reading skills, grammar, and logical arrangement of ideas. The Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension sections are divided into two parts.
- The Total number of questions asked in this section are 24.
- The Verbal Ability questions are of Non-MCQ type, all the RC Passage-based questions are of MCQ type with a penalty of 1/3rd negative marking.
|
Subjects |
Syllabus Topics |
|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension |
|
|
Odd- Sentences |
|
|
Facts- Inferences- Judgements |
|
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CAT VARC Syllabus - Topic Wise Weightage
The VARC section in CAT includes questions that check how well you can understand what you read and how good you are with arranging and understanding sentences. It has four main types of questions. Every year, the number of questions from each topic stays almost the same. Below is the number of questions along with the difficulty-level of the questions in the last CAT exam:
|
VARC Topics for CAT |
No. of Questions in CAT Exam |
Level of Difficulty |
|
Reading Comprehension |
16 |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
VA - Parajumbles |
3 |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
VA - Odd Sentence |
2 |
Easy to Moderate |
|
VA - Summary |
3 |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Overall |
24 |
Moderate to Difficult |
CAT VARC Sample Questions
To do well in the CAT VARC section, itโs important to understand the types of questions that are asked. Here are some sample question from each part of the VARC section to help you get familiar with what to expect:
|
Topic |
Sample Questions |
|
Utility & Human Economics (CAT 2024) |
The passage discusses how the definition of "utility" differs in classical and modern economic theories. Which of the following best summarizes the shift in how utility is perceived? |
|
Entertainment/Netflix (CAT 2024) |
Based on the passage, how has streaming content like Netflix reshaped cultural consumption patterns globally? |
|
Craftsmanship (CAT 2024) |
What argument does the author present about the decline of traditional craftsmanship in the modern world? |
|
Spice Trade (CAT 2024) |
According to the author, what role did the spice trade play in shaping early global economics? |
|
Wolf โ Environmentalists vs. Farmers (CAT 2023) |
Which side does the author appear to sympathize with in the wolf conservation debate โ the environmentalists or the farmers? Support your answer. |
|
Change in Work Culture (CAT 2023) |
The author discusses a philosophical shift in modern work culture. What is the main argument about how work has changed over time? |
|
Fashion Industry & Pollution (CAT 2023) |
According to the passage, how has fast fashion contributed to global environmental challenges? |
|
Nutmeg Curse โ Environmental Degradation (CAT 2023) |
How does the story of nutmeg illustrate the broader consequences of environmental exploitation? |
CAT DILR Syllabus 2025
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) portion of the CAT exam tests an individual's skills in analyzing, interpreting, and working with data along with their logical reasoning abilities. The DILR syllabus includes many topics, covering tables, and graphs, along with caselets based on conditions.
|
Subjects |
Syllabus Topics |
|
Logical Reasoning |
Routes and networks |
|
Scheduling and allocation |
|
|
Grids |
|
|
Games and tournaments |
|
|
Data Interpretation |
|
|
Tables |
|
|
Gantt charts |
|
|
Radar charts |
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CAT DILR Syllabus - Topic Wise Weightage
In the CAT exam, Data Interpretation questions come from charts and tables, while questions related to puzzles and arrangements are asked from the logical reasoning section. The difficulty of these questions can vary from easy to tough. Below is a table showing how the DILR section is divided, based on previous year papers:
|
Section |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
|
Data Interpretation |
4 |
Easy |
|
Data Interpretation |
4 |
Moderate |
|
Logical Reasoning |
6 |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
Logical Reasoning |
6 |
Easy to Moderate |
|
Overall |
20 |
Moderate to Difficult |
CAT DILR Sample Questions
Since 2015, the CAT DILR Sample Questions has become much more puzzle-based and less about direct calculations. Earlier, DI and LR had separate setsโDI had charts, graphs, and tables, while LR had seating, arrangements, and puzzles. Now, the line between DI and LR is blurred. Instead of clear sections, you get 8 complex mixed puzzles in one hour. If youโre preparing, then you can solvel CAT puzzles from past years (2017โ2022). It will help you understand the level and pattern well.
Puzzle Scenario:
There are 15 girls and some boys in a graduating class.
They are planning a get-together for either 1 day, 2 days, or 3 days.
- There are 6 singers: 4 of them are boys
- There are 10 dancers: 4 of them are girls
- No dancer is a singer
Based on the info above, try answering these:
|
Question |
Type |
|
Q1. What is the minimum number of boys in the class? |
Logic + Deduction |
|
Q2. What is the maximum number of students who are neither dancers nor singers? |
Venn Diagram Logic |
|
Q3. If the group chooses a 2-day event and decides that all dancers will perform on Day 1 and all singers on Day 2, how many unique performers are there across both days? |
Logical Overlap |
|
Q4. If a 3-day event requires at least 10 unique performers each day, is it possible using only singers and dancers? |
DI + Inference |
|
Q5. How many students in the class can be both boys and neither singer nor dancer? |
Subtraction + Reasoning |
CAT Quants Syllabus 2025
The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the CAT exam is designed to assess a candidate's proficiency in mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The questions and topics asked are based on classes 10 & 12.
- Previously this section had 34 questions but it is expected that the CAT exam 2025 will contain 22 questions.
- Out of which 6-8 questions will be of Non-MCQ type without any negative marking.
- All the questions in Quantitative Aptitude carry 1-2 questions.
Therefore, candidates must practice the Quant section by considering all the topics mentioned in it.
Check the detailed syllabus below โ
|
Topic |
Chapters |
|
Arithmetic |
|
|
Algebra |
|
|
Binomial Theorem |
|
|
Geometry |
2D |
|
3D |
|
|
Number Theory |
|
|
Base systems |
|
|
Modern Math |
|
|
Surds and Indices |
|
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CAT Quants Syllabus - Topic Wise Weightage
The Quant section in the CAT is considered difficult and requires a quick way of thinking. As most Quant questions require calculations, it would become easier and quicker if you have a good practice in mental maths. To score well, you need to focus on understanding mathematics fundamentals and practicing your problem-solving processes languidly too. Hereโs a breakdown of potential questions and difficulty levels based on previous years.
|
Topic |
No. of Questions |
Difficulty Level |
|
Arithmetic |
8โ10 |
Moderate to Tough |
|
Algebra |
5โ7 |
Moderate to Tough |
|
Geometry |
1โ3 |
Moderate to Tough |
|
Modern Maths |
2โ4 |
Moderate to Tough |
|
Total |
22 |
Moderate to Tough |
CAT Quants Sample Questions
The Quant section in CAT checks how good you are at maths and solving number problems quickly. Most questions are based on school-level maths, but they can be tricky and need smart thinking. You need to be clear with your basics and practice a lot to get better. Below are some sample questions to help you understand the type of maths problems asked in the CAT exam.
|
Topic |
Sample Questions |
|
Arithmetic |
A shopkeeper offers a 20% discount on a product and still makes a profit of 25%. If the marked price is โน240, what is the cost price? |
|
Averages & Mixtures |
The average age of a group of 5 students is 20. If one new student joins, the average increases to 21. What is the age of the new student? |
|
Time & Work |
A can complete a task in 12 days, and B in 18 days. They work together for 4 days. How much of the work is still left? |
|
Algebra |
If 3x + 2y = 18 and 2x โ y = 4, find the value of x and y. |
|
Find the roots of the equation: xยฒ โ 5x + 6 = 0. |
|
|
Solve: 2x โ 3 > 7 and give the range of x. |
|
|
Number System |
What is the remainder when 5โดยฒ is divided by 6? |
|
How many trailing zeroes are there in 100!? |
|
|
Geometry |
The radius of a circle is 7 cm. Find the area and circumference. |
|
Modern Math |
Solve: logโ (25) + logโ (5) = ? |
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
It is necessary to be aware of the new exam pattern before you start preparing for the CAT 2025. The CAT consists of three sections and is conducted in the mode of Computer-Based Test (CBT). Each section is separately timed. Here is a brief overview of the pattern:
|
Section |
No. of Questions |
Time Allotted |
Question Type |
|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
24 |
40 minutes |
MCQ + Non-MCQ |
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
20 |
40 minutes |
MCQ + Non-MCQ |
|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
22 |
40 minutes |
MCQ + Non-MCQ |
|
Total |
66 |
120 minutes |
CAT Exam Preparation Strategy 2025
To prepare for the CAT, first gain a complete understanding of the syllabus. Identify the topics that you are least comfortable with and start working through them. Then, move to the topics you are at least somewhat comfortable with, and finally into the topics you are comfortable with, expanding each time. Allocate more time to your weaker areas but ensure you cover a section you feel comfortable with and each section has some time allotted to it. Here's a few tips for each section:
|
Section |
Preparation Focus |
|
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) |
|
|
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) |
|
|
Quantitative Aptitude |
|
Tips to Crack CAT MBA Exam 2025
If you are preparing for CAT 2025, then you might think that it tough to score well in this exam. However, the right plan and regular practice can definitely help you to improve their performance in the exam. Some of the tips that can help you crack the CAT MBA Exam 2025 are listed down below:
- Know the syllabus thoroughly and focus more on weak areas.
- Create a study plan that covers all three sections and gives time for revision.
- Solve CAT mock tests regularly and analyze performance after every test.
- Use previous year papers to understand question patterns.
- Donโt skip any section. Balanced preparation is key.
- Work on speed and accuracy by solving sample questions with a timer.
- Stay consistent in preparation, even if you start small.
- Stay calm and positive, especially during practice and exam time.