How to prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude? Tips and Tricks
Common Admission Test 2025 ( CAT )
Exam On - 30 Nov '25
Candidates preparing for CAT 2025 must read below to know key tips and tricks for Quantitative Aptitude section of the exam. Aspirants will need these quick tips for CAT Quantitative Aptitude on the exam day for solving the questions quickly and accurately.
CAT exam is considered to be a tough entrance exam, mainly because its Quants questions pose challenge to both Engineering and non-Engineering candidates. Quantitative Aptitude is one of the toughest section of CAT for most students as is it calculation and formula based. CAT Quantitative Aptitude or Quant comprises numerous theorems, formulas and long calculations.
Explore colleges based on CAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.This section of the CAT exam requires extra attention from students of non-Engineering background as they leave Maths after class 12. Even for candidates with Engineering background, it is tough to crack this question, if they haven't done enough practice. Since this is one of the challenging sections of CAT exam, candidates must learn shortcuts and tricks that can help them save time and develop accuracy. Read below in detail to know how to prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude section.
Usually, it is recommended to start CAT preparation about a year or nine months in advance. However, one can prepare for this exam even in six months if they put 8-10 hours daily into it. Candidates who have attempted the CAT before may not face a lot of hurdles in six-month preparation as they have a foundation in CAT preparation from previous year, but candidates who are appearing in the exam for the first time may face obstacles, mostly related to accuracy. The syllabus of CAT is vast and includes a lot of reading.
One also has to spend a lot of time in practice sessions and mock tests to be able to master all types of CAT questions - easy, moderate and tough. If you are a student of engineering/technical or commerce background you will need to pay extra attention on VARC .
However, you'll be able to manage the syllabus of DILR and Quantitative Aptitude with adequate practice of topics. But if you are a student from Arts background, it is advised to start CAT preparation much earlier because you will have to brush up a lot of Mathematics. Reading Comprehension is one subject that cannot be mastered by student belonging to any academic stream, if their English comprehension is not strong. To develop reading habit all CAT aspirants will have to start much earlier.
- How to Prepare for CAT 2025: Quantitative Aptitude
- Quantitative Aptitude Questions Expected in CAT 2025 Question Paper
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2025
How to Prepare for CAT 2025: Quantitative Aptitude
It has been proven that it is possible to score 100 percentile in CAT Quantitative Aptitude section. Many candidates in the previous years have scored 100 percentile in this section. So, it is possible this year too. CAT 2025 question paper will see around 22 questions on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Modern Mathematics. Focus more on Arithmetic chapters as the CAT question paper is usually dominated by this topic.
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
18 Jun '25 - 14 Jul '25
15 Jul '25
1 Jun '25 - 24 Jul '25
1 Aug '25 - 11 Oct '25
5 Aug '25 - 22 Nov '25
8 May '25 - 11 Jul '25
28 Jun '25 - 11 Jul '25
10 Jul '25 - 14 Jul '25
1 Aug '25
One thing that most candidates miss out in the Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is accuracy. Rather than focusing on the number of questions attempted, one must focus on accuracy of solutions. So even if you do not attempt all the CAT questions, you can still score great marks in the section. To get a better understanding of the difficulty level of the Quantitative Aptitude, let us have a look at the CAT exam pattern:
| CAT Exam Features |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Details |
|---|---|
| Total number of Questions in QA |
22 |
| Type of Questions in QA |
MCQs, no negative marking |
| Marks for Each Correct Answer |
+3 |
| Negative Marks for Each Wrong Answer |
-1 |
| Difficulty Level of QA |
Generally Moderate to High |
Quantitative Aptitude Questions Expected in CAT 2025 Question Paper
Based on the last year's CAT question paper, we have estimated the topic wise break up of Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2025. Take a look at the table below:
| CAT QA Topics |
No. of Questions |
Ideal Attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
11 |
7-9 |
| Algebra |
5 |
2 -3 |
| Geometry & Mensuration |
3 |
2 |
| Number System |
2 |
1-2 |
| Modern Math |
1 |
0-1 |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2025
Shiksha brings to you some tips and tricks on how to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2025:
Preparing for the Common Admission Test CAT can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and study plan, it is possible to succeed.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for CAT:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus of CAT thoroughly. The exam consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability.
- Make a Study Plan: Once you understand the exam pattern and syllabus, make a study plan that works best for you. Allocate time for each section, and include time for revision, practice tests, and solving previous year's question papers.
- Strengthen Your Basics: CAT is a test of your fundamental concepts in Mathematics, English and Logical Reasoning. Hence, focus on building a strong foundation by revising and practicing the basic concepts.
- Read and Analyze: To improve your Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, start reading newspapers, magazines, and books regularly. Analyze the content, style, and tone of the passages to gain a better understanding of the language.
- Practice Regularly: Practice is the key to success in CAT. Solve as many practice tests and previous year's question papers as possible to get familiar with the exam pattern and build your speed and accuracy.
- Time Management: CAT is a time-bound exam, and time management is crucial. Practice solving questions within the stipulated time frame to build your speed and accuracy.
- Join a Coaching Institute: If you find it challenging to prepare for CAT on your own, consider joining a coaching institute that offers specialised coaching for CAT. They will provide you with a structured study plan, guidance, and practice tests to help you prepare for the exam.
Remember, consistency, and dedication are key to success in CAT. Keep practicing and working hard, and you will achieve your goal.
Begin with the basics
The key to excel in the Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is to get the basics right. It is extremely important have conceptual clarity of QA topics and know the formulae by heart. Start by covering the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus. Learn concepts thoroughly so that you can apply them to various types of Quantitative Aptitude questions with ease and speed. Once your concepts are clear, start attempting practice questions. Practice a large number and a variety of CAT Quantitative questions to gain control on all topics. Start by attempting easy questions first, and then move on to the difficult ones.
Also Read:
| Permutation and Combination | Probability | Simple Interest Formulae |
| Square Root and Cube Root | Mean, Mode, Median | Mensuration Formulae |
| Binomial Theorem | ||
Use shortcuts to solve CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions
Once you are confident of the concepts, switch to learning shortcuts of solving QA questions. Mental calculation is one of the best ways to solve Quants questions quickly. Work towards it. When attempting the questions, use shortcuts to reach the answer instead of using long methods. This will save time and will ensure accuracy.
Plan your CAT Quantitative Aptitude schedule
CAT Quantitative Aptitude requires a lot of practice, and creating a schedule is of utmost importance. Each topic of QA needs enough attention and time. Spread out the CAT syllabus equally so that do not miss out any important topic. One of the tricks here is to identify your weak areas and devote more time to that topic. Create a day-wise schedule and stick to it.
Attempt a range of CAT mock tests
There is nothing better than attempting previous years' CAT question papers and mocks tests as possible. The more you practice, the better you get! A mock test can help an individual analyse his/her performance in the section. This can help in assessing your shortcomings and which topics need practice.
Pay attention to CAT Quants sectional time limit
Time management plays an important role in CAT. The exam has sectional limit of 40 minutes for each section. While attempting mock tests, do not focus only on attempting the question. Focus on both speed and accuracy. It is advised to keep two minutes for every question in the CAT exam. In case it is taking more than two minutes to solve a particular question, it is advisable to move on to the next one.
CAT 2025 will be conducted on November 30, 2025 in three sessions. There is no change in the CAT Quants syllabus. Candidates appearing for the exam must keep the above mentioned points in mind while preparing for the Quant section. Regular practice and revision of important formulas can ensure a good score in CAT Quantitative Aptitude section.
| VARC preparation tips for MBA | DILR preparation tips for MBA |
Also Read:
- How To Prepare for CAT 2024: Preparation Tips & Strategies
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024 in 6 Months
- Best Books for CAT Preparation 2024
- CAT Preparation Tips by Toppers
- CAT Preparation Tips by Experts
Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
10 Jul '25 - 5 Dec '25 | XAT 20256 Exam registration |
20 Dec '25 | XAT 2026 admit card download s... |
Aug '25 | SNAP 2025 Registration Process |
7 Dec '25 | SNAP 2025 session 1 |
Aug '25 | NMAT 2025 Registration Window |
Aug '25 | NMAT 2025 Scheduling Window |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
18 Jun '25 - 14 Jul '25 | MAT CBT July 2025 registration |
17 Jul '25 | MAT CBT July 2025 admit card |
1 Jul '25 - 23 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... |
28 Jun '25 - 11 Jul '25 | MAH MBA CAP 2025 registration |
30 Jun '25 - 12 Jul '25 | MAH MBA CAP 2025 Documents ver... |
14 Jul '25 | Release of TANCET Rank List fo... |
15 Jul '25 - 18 Jul '25 | TANCET Grievances Redressal fo... |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 8 hours ago
CAT alone is not a mandatory test because IRMA Anand accepts the scores of XAT and CMAT in admitting the postgraduate diploma. Aspirants may use any of these tests to apply. Other national level tests are also accepter at FPM. The decision of the test should fit course requirements.
a
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 8 hours ago
Provided that you meet the relevant CAT eligibility criteria and cut-off from the participating colleges in Andhra Pradesh, you should be able to secure a seat with CAT based criteria for MBA. There are IIM's (IIM Visakhapatnam), all kinds of private universities, etc., which are accepting CAT score
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Yes, it is possible to take admission to Christ University Pune MBA course without a CAT score. This is because apart from CAT, the university accepts various other national-level entrance exams. Check below to know all the accepted exams:
- MAT
- CMAT
- XAT
- ATMA
- GMAT
- GRE
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
The CAT 2025 exam is scheduled to be conducted on 30 November 2025. Registration is expected to begin between August and September, and admit cards will likely be available in November 2025. A valid CAT score is accepted by Amity University Jaipur for MBA admissions.
H
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, students looking to get admissions into Preseidency College MBA course can apply for their facorite course-specialization without appearing for the CAT exam. However, in order to be eligible, applicants must have passed graduation degree with 10+2+3/4/5 under any discipline with 50% (5% relaxat
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
AIMS Institutes admissions are conducted primarily on the basis of various prescribed entrance tests. These include CAT, MAT, XAT, ATMA, and CMAT. However, students may feel free to visit the official website and check for any category or course-wise ezceptions, if any. Candidates seeking admission
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
In the Indian institute of management Kozhikode, a student belonging to the general category will require somewhere between 97-98% in CAT to consider becoming a part of the institute. There are category and year respective cutoffs. The last selection is also based on academics, working experience an
a
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 6 days ago
Indian institute of Management Kozhikode CAT is mandatory in PGP programme. But on other programmes, such as EPGP they consider EMAT, GMAT or GRE scores. Direct admission is not available with IIM Kozhikode, and so, the admission process cannot be carried out without a valid entrance score.
a
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 6 days ago
No, CAT 2025 scores are not applicable for MBA admissions at SRIHER. Candidates are shortlisted based on their performance in SRIHER's own entrance exam. However, students with a certain MBA score is given preference in the final list.
M
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Yes, RNB Global University accepts CAT score for MBA. Alongside CAT, the university also accepts scores from XAT, MAT, CMAT, and GMAT. If a student does not have any of these national-level exam scores, it is mandatory to take the university's own RNB Aptitude & Proficiency Test (RNBGUAPT)
S
Contributor-Level 10
Aspirants should start preparing for CAT exam at least nine months in before the test date. CAT preparation requires long-term planning thus one must start early. The best time to start CAT preparation is in March. Starting early will also help you assess that whether you need to join a coaching institute or not.
Divide your preparation into two phases -
The CAT syllabus includes the following topics:
You can read the following CAT books for exam preparation: