CAT Syllabus: All That You Need to Know

The CAT syllabus comprises QA, DILR and VARC. To prepare well for CAT exam, the candidates must know and study each and every topic included in CAT syllabus 2021.

CAT exam is a common aptitute test that focuses on Mathematics, English and Reasoning. Since CAT is a national-level entrance test which aims to test candidates from all educational backgrounds, the core syllabus and difficulty level based on the concepts taught at secondary school level, i.e. Class 9 and 10.

The Common Admission Test or CAT exam is conducted by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) for admission to top B-Schools in the country. it is a speed absed test to assess an aspirant's quantitative, verbal, logical and analytical skill sets in a timed setting. So, in order to crack the CAT 2021 exam, candidates need to know everything about CAT syllabus.

The CAT exam pattern is fairly simple with 100 MCQs divided among three sections to be answered in three hours (sectional time limit of 60 minutes). In CAT 2020, the exam pattern was revised. The total number of questions were reduced from 100 to 76 and the exam duration was reduced from 180 minutes to 120 minutes. Also Read: CAT 2020 exam analysis

To prepare well for CAT exam, candidates need to know the basics of Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) and know it well.

Since, CAT 2021 is expected to be held in the last week of November, so it is time to start CAT preparation. In the first few months, candidates should exclusively focus on core CAT syllabus and core concepts from the four main sections. As discussed above, the four main sections are:

1. Data Interpretation
2. Logical Reasoning
3. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
4. Quantitative Aptitude 

According to MBA expert Parasharan Chari, “Candidates should look at finishing the entire CAT syllabus by August. Do not stretch the course till the very end. Thereafter, candidates can start focusing on speed-building, accuracy building and later on move to full length mock tests.”

Section-wise CAT syllabus

1. Data Interpretation

In this section of CAT syllabus, candidates have to interpret data presented in various forms such as tables, graphs, pie-charts, etc. Sometimes, there are caselets-based problems. Data Interpretation is generally calculative. One needs to solve the problems quickly and accurately. To process the data presented in a swift manner, knowledge of mathematics is essential.

2.  Logical Reasoning

The Logical Reasoning section of CAT exam focuses on problem solving. In this section, there is no right or wrong way of solving a question but each question needs a certain amount of brainstorming.

3. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

The Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section of CAT exam chiefly tests the candidate’s knowledge of English language. The section consists of questions on Grammar, Vocabulary, Critical Reasoning (numerous applications) and Reading Comprehension.

4. Quantitative Ability

Quantitative Ability syllabus includes a wide range of topics. Questions asked can be directly related to the topics or an application of the same. In this section, one needs to focus on straightforward questions and skip speed breakers to avoid negative marking.

CAT Preparation 2021

Take a look at these articles below for tips and tricks to perform well in CAT 2021 exam.

Shiksha has created free CAT mock tests for aspirants to practice and understand the exam pattern. Candidates can take these free online CAT mock test and assess theit strengths and weaknesses viz. CAT syllabus. This will help them make a well rounded CAT preparation plan to score well.