CAT QA Topic wise Weightage of 2025-2020: Download CAT Quant Questions PDFs
Common Admission Test 2025 ( CAT )
Admit Card - 5 Nov '25 - 30 Nov '25
CAT Quant section has 22 questions and it is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. While preparing for CAT 2025, you must focus mainly on important Quantitative Aptitude topics. Check here CAT Quant weightage of past few years.
CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage
CAT Quant or Quantitative Aptitude section has a well-defined structure and the questions are calculation intensive. Arithmetic and Algebra dominate the CAT question paper every year. Sometimes, Geometry also makes for a bigger chunk. It has been seen in the last few years, that the CAT QA topic wise weightage hasn't changed much. The topics have remained the same, only the number of questions per topic keep changing slightly.
SNAP 2026 Applications Open - Start your Application Now
The CAT QA section is tough and requires a rigorous preparation. While preparing for the CAT 2025 exam, it will be beneficial for candidates to know the CAT quant weightage topic wise so that they can focus on the high scoring chapters. In this article, have shared the breakdown of CAT Quants syllabus, so that you can assess and analyse your control on the topics for CAT 2025 preparation. We have also listed the CAT Quant topics that appeared in CAT question paper in the last few years and their weightage.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude is made up of Maths topics you have studied in class 9 and 10. But for CAT exam you need to study these topics at advance level. Thus, the rigorous preparation and time bound practice.
- CAT QA Topics
- CAT QA Weightage 2024 (Topic Wise)
- CAT QA Weightage 2023 (Topic wise)
- CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage 2022
- CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage 2021
- CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage 2020
- CAT Quant Questions with Solutions for Practice
CAT QA Topics
CAT QA syllabus is divided into five major topics – Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, Geometry and Modern Maths. These topics are further divided into several Maths chapters. Check the table below for key CAT quant topics.
| CAT Quant Topics |
|
|---|---|
| Arithmetic Topics for CAT |
Profit and Loss, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Averages, Mean Median Mode, Mixtures and Allegations, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance |
| Algebra Topics for CAT |
Basics Algebraic Formulae, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Finding Out Roots, Maxima and Minima, Problems on Ages, Number of Integer Solutions, Higher Degree Equations, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The Smallest Value in a Maximum Function, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm |
| Number System Topics for CAT |
Fermat’s Theorem, Euler’s Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson’s Theorem, Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Finding Out the Last Digit, Finding Out Last Two Digits, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition / Subtraction / Multiplication in different bases |
| Geometry Topics for CAT |
Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Lines and Angles, Triangles – Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles, Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration – 3D |
| Modern Maths Topics for CAT |
Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability |
Also Read:
CAT QA Weightage 2024 (Topic Wise)
Check below the table to know Quant weightage in CAT 2024 exam. The composition of QA section in CAT 2024 question paper was same in all three slots. This will give you an idea as to what to expect in CAT 2025.
| CAT Quant topics 2024 |
Slot 1 (Number of questions) |
Slot 2 (Number of questions) |
Slot 3 (Number of questions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number System (Remainder, Indices) |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Algebra (Log, Equations, Functions, Maxima-Minima, Sequence & Series, Algebraic Expression) |
8 |
8 |
8 |
| Arithmetic (TSD, T&W, SI-CI, Percentage, PLD, Mixture, Averages, Ratios) |
8 |
8 |
8 |
| Modern Math (P&C) |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Geometry (Circle, Cuboid/Square, Coordinate Geometry) |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Explore colleges based on CAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
CAT QA Weightage 2023 (Topic wise)
From previous years’ CAT questions papers, it has been noticed that the quantitative aptitude section of the exam is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. To help you make a focused CAT preparation plan for quantitative aptitude, we have shared the latest CAT QA weightage of CAT 2023.
| CAT quant topic wise weightage |
CAT 2023, Slot 1 |
CAT 2023, Slot 2 |
CAT 2023, Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number System (Surds, Factors, Indices, Integral Values) |
1 |
3 |
4 |
| Algebra (Log, Equations, Surds, Sequence & Series) |
8 |
7 |
7 |
| Arithmetic TSD, T&W, Ratio, SI & CI, PLD, Mixture, Clock |
9 |
9 |
8 |
| Modern Math (P&C) |
1 |
- |
- |
| Geometry & Mensuration (Triangle, Quadrilateral, Coordinate Geo Circle) |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Total |
22 |
22 |
22 |
CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage 2022
Given below is the topic wise Quantitative weightage in CAT 2022. If you notice, there is not much difference between topic-wise composition of the Quant section of the three sessions.
| CAT quant topic wise weightage |
CAT 2022, slot 1 |
CAT 2022, slot 2 |
CAT 2022, slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERPV |
2 |
- |
- |
| Percentages, Profit & Loss |
2 |
1 |
-1 |
| Simple Interest & Compound Interest |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Time & Distance |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Time & Work |
- |
1 |
2 |
| Numbers |
3 |
1 |
1 |
| Geometry |
2 |
2 |
4 |
| Progressions/Series |
2 |
2 |
1 |
| ILS |
- |
2 |
- |
| Sets |
1 |
- |
- |
| Quadratic Equations |
1 |
2 |
4 |
| Inequalities & Modulus |
2 |
- |
- |
| Averages Mixtures & Allegations |
3 |
4 |
3 |
| Coordinate Geometry |
1 |
- |
4 |
| Permutations & Combinations |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Trigonometry |
- |
1 |
1 |
CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage 2021
Given below is the topic wise Quant weightage in CAT 2021. Most of the questions belong to Arithmetic.
| CAT quant topic wise weightage |
CAT 2021, slot 1 |
CAT 2021, slot 2 |
CAT 2021, slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geometry |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Quadrilateral, Polynomial Equations |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Progression & Series |
1 |
3 |
1 |
| Linear Equation & Inequalities |
2 |
2 |
3 |
| Average, Ration & Proportion |
5 |
5 |
5 |
| Profit, Loss & Interest |
3 |
1 |
1 |
| Time, Work & Distance |
1 |
2 |
5 |
| Logarithm, Surds & Indices |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| Probability |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Number System |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Venn Diagram |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Functions & Graphs |
3 |
2 |
1 |
Till 2014, there were only two sections in CAT. Quantitative Aptitude was clubbed with Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning was clubbed with Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. In 2015, the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning were clubbed together and Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension made two individual sections. Since 2015, the sectional segregation has remained the same but the number of questions have come down from 100 to 66. The exam duration has also been reduced. Until 2019, the CAT exam was of 180 minutes and the total number of questions were 100. However, in 2020, the question paper structure was revised due to COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the total number of questions came down to 76. In 2021 and 2022, the number of questions were further lowered to 66. For the last two years, CAT is conducted for 2 hours, and the number of questions is 66. In CAT 2024 however, the number of questions were increased to 68.
The latest CAT question paper structure is: Total questions: 68 Number of sections: 3 Order of sections - 1. VARC 2. DILR 3. Quantitative Aptitude Sectional time limit: 40 minutes VARC questions: 24 DILR questions: 22 Quantitative Aptitude questions: 22.
The CAT VARC section is dominated by RC questions. Out of 24 questions about 14-16 are based on Reading Comprehension passages and the rest of them are based on parajumbles, para completion, etc.
CAT has about 12-16 RC question. Since, it is not mandatory to solve all the questions, candidates can maximize their scores by leaving out the questions related to the passage they find the toughest. There is negative marking in CAT so candidates must ensure that they mark only the correct options or do not mark any option at all.
CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage 2020
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2020 question paper included the following topics. In that year too, most of the questions were asked from Arithmetic.
| CAT quant topic wise weightage |
CAT 2020, slot 1 |
CAT 2020, slot 2 |
CAT 2020, slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functions, Graphs |
2 |
1 |
3 |
| Progression & Series |
- |
1 |
- |
| Linear Equations |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Quadratic Equations |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Average, Ratios & Percentages |
4 |
3 |
3 |
| Profit, Loss & Interest |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Time, Distance & Work |
4 |
5 |
4 |
| Inequalities |
2 |
4 |
2 |
| Logarithms, Surds & Indices |
4 |
1 |
4 |
| Geometry |
3 |
4 |
2 |
| Probability |
2 |
1 |
- |
| Number Systems |
1 |
1 |
3 |
| Venn Diagram |
- |
1 |
- |
Those preparing for CAT 2025, must go through previous years’ CAT question papers to know the weightage of topics in not only Quant but also other topics in order to have a focused preparation plan that can be well executed and can get high scores in the exam.
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
1 Aug '25 - 12 Oct '25
1 Aug '25 - 18 Oct '25
4 Nov '25
1 Aug '25 - 20 Nov '25
30 Sep '25 - 20 Nov '25
10 Jul '25 - 5 Dec '25
1 Jul '25 - 19 Dec '25
21 Dec '25
31 Jul '25 - 31 Dec '25
31 Dec '25
CAT Quant Questions with Solutions for Practice
Get here CAT Quant questions and solutions for practice. The free PDFs can be downloaded by simply clicking on the links.
CAT Mock Test
Shiksha has created free CAT mock tests for aspirants to practice and assess their preparation level. These CAT mock tests are based on actual CAT questions and have the same difficulty level.
| CAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Read More:
Solving the CAT question paper is very important from preparation point of view. Since CAT is a speed based test where candidates have to read long passages, tables and charts, do multiple calculations and solve tricky puzzles, one needs to have prior practice of the same. The CAT mock tests serve this purpose. However, to know what type of passages and puzzles are there in the CAT exam, you need to solve previous years' question papers. Some of the benefits of solving previous years' CAT question paper are:
- With the help of previous year's CAT question paper, you can understand the latest CAT exam pattern and marking scheme
- Practicing CAT question papers improves speed and accuracy in solving the questions, which is critical to a speed based exam like CAT
- Practicing CAT question papers improves time management skills as you would get to know which type of questions take how much time.
- When you practice CAT question papers, you gain confidence that you can solve all types of CAT questions. This confidence helps in performing better in the exam.
CAT question papers are released within a week of the exam in the form of a PDF as a response sheet and answer key. Candidates who have appeared for the test are able to access the CAT question paper and answer key. The question paper of every slot is released on the same day along with candidate response sheet and official answer to all question. If any candidate needs previous year CAT question papers for preparation purpose, then they can download them from Shiksha website. We have hosted last five years' CAT question papers for aspirants to download and practice. These official CAT question papers are available for download free. You can download the CAT question paper PDFs at this link: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam-question-papers Candidates must check and practice the latest CAT question paper to know the latest exam pattern and difficulty level.
The key change in CAT question paper 2024 was increase in number of questions in DLIR section. Till 2023, the DILR section used to have 20 questions. In 2024, it had 22 questions. The time limit for it was the same and no other section had less questions. Which means, in CAT 2024, candidates had to attempt 68 questions instead of 66 to solve in the same time (120 minutes). DILR sectional time limit was 40 minutes as in previous years. There was no other change in CAT 2024, the difficulty level was same as previous years.
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
10 Jul '25 - 5 Dec '25 | XAT 2026 Exam registration |
20 Dec '25 | XAT 2026 admit card download s... |
1 Aug '25 - 20 Nov '25 | SNAP 2025 Registration Process |
28 Nov '25 - 6 Dec '25 | SNAP 2025 admit card session 1... |
1 Aug '25 - 18 Oct '25 | NMAT 2025 Registration Window |
1 Aug '25 - 25 Oct '25 | NMAT 2025 Scheduling Window |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
28 Sep '25 | MAT CBT Exam 2025 (Sept ) |
25 Sep '25 - 28 Sep '25 | MAT CBT Admit Card 2025 (Sept ... |
1 Jul '25 - 19 Dec '25 | IBSAT 2025 Registration |
27 Dec '25 - 28 Dec '25 | IBSAT 2025 Exam Date |
13 Feb '25 | CMAT 2025 Result |
31 Jan '25 - 2 Feb '25 | CMAT 2025 Answer Key Release a... |
Dec '25 | MAH MBA CET 2026 registration ... |
2 Sep '25 - 4 Sep '25 | MAH MBA CAP 2025: Reporting to... |
Jan '26 | Publication of TANCET notifica... |
Jan '26 | TANCET registration window |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
With a 300 SC category rank in CAT, your chances for NIT Trichy MBA are relatively high. Based on 2025 data, NIT Trichy generally shortlists SC candidates with CAT percentiles around 60-65. To achieve a 300 rank under SC category, you would need about a 65-70 percentile, or a score of roughly 60-65
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
PGCET and CAT serve distinct purposes. The PGCET is primarily conducted for MBA admissions in colleges in the state of Karnataka, specifically for government colleges and private universities with lower fees. CAT is a national level exam for top-ranking B-schools and colleges such as the IIMs that h
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
That's a wonderful goal to push your son toward right at the start. To obtain previous CAT model papers, you can check many available popular exam preparation books in any bookstore or online store. Coaching interest such as TIME, IMS, Career Launcher, etc., usually have mock tests and sample papers
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, you can get admission to Jaypee Business School (JBS), Noida for MBA even if you don't have CAT. JBS accepts scores from several other exams such as MAT, CMAT, XAT, GMAT, ATMA, and also CUET-PG. Just make sure you have a bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks, then apply with any of those va
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
I
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
For candidates pursuing MBA, the eligibility criteria includes merit and entrance based selection. Whereas, for BBA, candidates must qualify Class 12 with a minimum aggregate. JIIT CDOE MBA on the other hand, is offered based on the minimum aggregate of graduation. However, for the final admission,
M
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, students can get MBA admission into Galgotia University without CAT. The university accepts other national entrance exams for MBA programme. The university accepts entrance exams such as MAT, CMAT, XAT, SAT, and other. It is mandatory to qualify one of the entrance exams.
K
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
Yes, students can get admission in Greater Noida Institute of Technology without CAT. CAT is one of the accepted entrance exams at Greater Noida Institute of Technology. The other accepted entrance exams are MAT, NMAT, XAT, CMAT, and others. If a student's CAT score is not good, worry not other acce
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, Delhi offers various programmes and specilisations across various streams. For obtaining IIFT Delhi admission, candidates are required to appear for the prescribed entrance tests. Students can visit the official website of the IIFT Delhi to learn more regarding the
U
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, candidates can not get into Management Development Institute, Gurgaon without CAT as the college offers admissions to students on the basis of their entrance exam scores. The college accepts various national level exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, GMAT, etc. for admission to its PGDM programmes, foll
A
Contributor-Level 8