CAT Quantitative Aptitude has the potential of getting 100 percentile. If not 100, then 95+ percentile is very much possible. You should know how much and what to prepare. Here’s a plan for scoring 25+ marks in CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude and get 95+ percentile.
How to score 95+ percentile in CAT Quant section
Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is often calculation intensive. It appears at the end of the paper, which makes it more taxing. Despite being on the tougher side, CAT Quants questions have the potential of 100 percent accuracy, more than VARC or DILR. If you can crack the basics of CAT Quantitative Aptitude, it can yield best results. What it requires is smart planning and consistent practice.
There are 22 questions in Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT and an attempt of 10-12 questions can easily get you 95+ percentile. Maximum questions are asked from Arithmetic. In fact, it has been seen in the past few years, that 7-8 questions are asked from Arithmetic. So, if you are planning to appear for CAT 2026 exam on November 29, you should know what to do. Here’s CAT 2026 quant strategy to score 25+ marks and get 95+ percentile.
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude: Important Topic
- CAT 2026 Quant Strategy to Score 25+ Marks
- CAT 2026 Quant Strategy to Get 95+ Percentile
CAT Quantitative Aptitude: Important Topic
CAT 2026 syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude mainly has four main topics – Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Number System and Modern Maths. Keep your focus on Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry.
| CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topics |
|
|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
Averages, Mean Median Mode, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance |
| Algebra |
Basics Algebraic Formulae, Linear Equations, Problems on ages, Number of integer solutions, Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots, Maxima and Minima, Higher Degree Equations, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The Smallest Value in a Maximum Function |
| Number System |
Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple, Finding Out the Last Digit, Finding Out Last Two Digits, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Fermat’s Theorem, Euler’s Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson’s Theorem, Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition / Subtraction / Multiplication in different bases |
| Geometry |
Lines and Angles, Triangles – Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles, Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration – 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry |
| Modern Maths |
Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability |
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CAT 2026 Quant Strategy to Score 25+ Marks
In the last few years, questions have been asked from Factors, Log, Linear Equations, Functions, Inequality, Time Speed Distance, T&W, Simple Interest Compound Interest, Percentage, Ratio, PLD, Mixture, Maxima/Minima, P&C, Circle, Polygon and Coordinate Geometry. To score 25+ marks in Quantitative Aptitude, you should choose questions from your strength areas.
- We have already indicated that during CAT 2026 exam preparation, your focus should be on Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry. To strengthen these, work on conceptual clarity.
- Algebra and Geometry are all about theorems so memorise them by heart. Understand the basic formulas of Arithmetic clearly for quick calculation.
- Practice a good number of sectional CAT mock tests, to be able to optimally utilize 40 minutes in exam for Quants. Analyse each mock test and work on problem areas.
- You must also solve equal number of overall CAT mock tests, so that you are used to solving Quants questions towards the end (with a partially exhausted mind).
- Check CAT question papers of last 5-10 years and solve questions from them to have complete control on Quants. It is rarely that the test deviates from previous trends.
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CAT 2026 Quant Strategy to Get 95+ Percentile
- In the CAT 2026 exam, you should be very clear about which questions you will be attempting. Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT, tends to have 1-2 tricky or lengthy questions, which can break your rhythm.
- There is negative marking of -1 so don’t even think about doing guess work. CAT Quantitative Aptitude has Type In The Answer (TITA) questions too, and they don’t have negative marking. Take a risk on those. If you don’t get it correctly, you will not lose anything.
- Apply Mental Maths to save time and effort both so that you can focus on alternative questions. At the same time, have a pre decided exam strategy with a clear understanding of how many questions to attempt in each section of CAT.
- Since your target is 95+ percentile, you should aim to attempt between 10-12 questions out of 22, with 100 percent accuracy. If the time permits, go for more questions. But, again, don’t risk negative marking. Solve only what you know.
Commonly asked questions
CAT is a speed-based test of analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or Commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advanced-level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Hope it was helpful!!!
India's premiere b-schools accept CAT for MBA admissions. More than 2.5 lakh candidates fighting for limited seats at these institutes make the exam tough to crack.
Yes, it is possible to score 99.99 percentile in CAT in first attempt. Many toppers of previous years' are such candidates. One must study in a focussed manner and do a lot of mock test practice. Exam day strategy is also crucial for better performance.
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Commonly asked questions
The CAT cut offs for IIM Bangalore hovers between 97-100 percentile. The qualifying CAT cut off required for being eligible for IIM Bangalore's Written Ability test (What) and Personal Interview PI is 85 percentile for General category students, whereas for SC candidates, it is 70 percentile. For ST candidates, it is 65 percentile and for PwD candidates it is 60 percentile. Given below are the sectional and overall qualifying CAT cut offs for IIM Bangalore.
- General category: 80 VARC 75 DILR 75 Quantitative Aptitude 85 (Overall)
- NC-OBC category: 75 VARC 65 DILR 65 Quantitative Aptitude 75 (Overall)
- EWS category: 70 VARC 65 DILR 65 Quantitative Aptitude 75 (Overall)
- SC category: 65 VARC 60 DILR 60 Quantitative Aptitude 70 (Overall)
- ST category: 55 VARC 55 DILR 55 Quantitative Aptitude 65 (Overall)
- PwD category: 50 VARC 50 DILR 50 Quantitative Aptitude 60 (Overall)
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