Common Admission Test 2025 ( CAT )
Exam On - 30 Nov '25
CAT syllabus 2025 includes Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). It has been prescribed by IIM, the exam conducting institute. The syllabus of CAT exam is vast and requires in-depth study over a period of time. Also the difficulty level of CAT questions poses challenge in scoring high. CAT exam date 2025 is November 30. By now candidates should have completed the CAT syllabus. Now is the time to strengthen grip on the topics. Read below for details related to the CAT 2025 syllabus.
Here are the key highlights of CAT 2025 syllabus for CAT preparation:
CAT syllabus is vast. It has numerous topics from Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation. Covering the CAT syllabus also includes practicing a variety of sample questions on the topics included. Thus, it requires a lot of time. Candidates must given themselves atleast 3-4 months to cover CAT syllabus and keep in mind the following:
· Check the previous years' CAT papers to know topics which carry more weightage so that you can focus on those topics more.
· List down topicsin order of easy, moderate and tough and allot time to them accordingly.
· Make sure to study about 6-8 hours per day to complete the syllabus 2-3 months before the exam.
· After studying every topic, practice sample questions. Balance theory with practical.
There are no straight forward vocabulary questions in CAT. Out of the total of 24 questions in VARC section, 12-14 questions are Reading Comprehension based and rest of them comprise parajumbles, para completion and odd sentence. CAT is the only MBA entrance exam, which does not have direct vocabulary and grammar questions. However, one needs to have strong vocabulary and grammar to be able to solve RC, parajumble, para completion and odd sentence questions.
Download CAT syllabus 2025 PDF here to make a prep plan for covering the topics extensively. This CAT syllabus PDF prepared by Shiksha has CAT quant syllabus, CAT VARC syllabus and CAT DILR syllabus. It has further description of these topics and sub topics in detail and can be very useful for CAT 2025 preparation.
| Download CAT syllabus PDF 2025 by Shiksha, link for which is given here: |
Before you move further to understand the CAT syllabus in detail, have a look at the CAT exam pattern.
| CAT Sections |
CAT Pattern Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Sections |
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) 3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
| Section wise weightage |
VARC – 24 questions DILR – 22 questions QA- 22 questions |
| Format of questions |
MCQ and non-MCQ |
| Marks per section |
VARC – 72 DILR – 66 QA- 66 |
| Marking Scheme |
+3 for correct attempt -1 for incorrect attempt 0 for unanswered questions 0 for incorrect MCQs 0 for incorrect TITA questions |
| Total time |
120 minutes |
| Sectional time limit |
40 minutes per section |
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CAT lays a lot of emphasis on analytical skills so the questions are asked mostly from those topics which require deep learning and practice. The three sections of CAT question paper are designed in such a way that candidates have to use their ability of minute observation and fast calculation. Shared below are the section wise main topics from which questions are asked in CAT. Verbal Ability: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences
The difficulty level of CAT questions is usually moderate to high. Only a few questions are easy and quick to solve. To crack the CAT exam, one needs to pay attention to the abovementioned topics.
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.
VARC section is the first section of the CAT question paper and has 24 questions. The section is divided into two sub-parts, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. There are no vocabulary questions. This section is considered tough in terms of difficulty level due to presence of 12-14 RC based questions. Take a look at important VARC topics for CAT exam syllabus.
| CAT VARC Topics 2025 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Fill in the blanks |
Para completion and inference |
Verbal logic |
| Verbal reasoning |
||
| Sentence completion |
Foreign language words used in English |
Different usage of same word |
| Grammar |
Reading comprehension |
Idioms |
| Syllogisms |
Analogies |
Antonyms |
| Jumbled paragraphs |
Sentence correction |
One word substitution |
CAT VARC section as mentioned earlier, includes four major sub-topics – Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Verbal Ability and Odd Sentence. There are no grammar based questions in CAT. Composition of the CAT VARC section is usually the same every year. Given below is the weightage and difficulty level of VARC as per last year CAT paper:
| 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 Reading Comprehension questions form the two-third of the first section of CAT question paper. There are about four to five RC passages with 12-14 questions. These passages can be asked from any field and are often long and dense. Check below, the Reading Comprehension topics of CAT 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018:
| CAT RC Passages |
Slot 1 |
Slot 2 |
Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2024 |
|
|
|
| CAT 2023 |
|
|
|
| CAT 2022 |
|
|
|
| CAT 2021 |
|
|
|
| CAT 2020 |
|
|
|
| CAT 2019 |
|
|
No exam |
| CAT 2018 |
|
|
No exam |
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Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) is the second section of the CAT question paper having 20 questions to be solved in 40 minutes. In CAT 2024, there were 22 questions in this section. One can expect it to have 22 questions in CAT 2025 as well. There are two sub sections - Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Both have 10 questions each. Most of the questions are asked in sets of 3-4, Only a few questions in LR are standalone ones. This section requires a lot of practice and one should solve a good number of practice questions from all topics. Take a look at important CAT Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation topics.
| CAT syllabus DILR |
||
|---|---|---|
| Blood Relations |
Clocks and Calendars |
Syllogism |
| Series |
Statements |
|
| Proposition |
Data Arrangement |
Data Structures |
| Direction Sense |
Family Tree |
Tables |
| Coding-Decoding |
Binary Logic |
Pie Charts |
| Assumptions |
Seating Arrangement |
Data Sufficiency |
| Puzzles |
Sets & Caselets |
Bars & Line Graphs |
The Data Interpretation questions usually pertain to tables and graphs. However, Logical Reasoning questions can be from varied topics including verbal, non-verbal and abstract reasoning. Given below is the basic structure of the DILR section of CAT and level of difficulty as per previous year CAT question paper:
| CAT DILR Syllabus |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation |
11 |
Easy to Moderate |
| Logical Reasoning |
11 |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Overall |
22 |
Moderate |
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Quantitative Aptitude is the last section of CAT question paper. It is usually the toughest questions. To master this section, candidates need to be thorough with the fundamentals of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Mensuration. It is a calculation heavy section and thus one need a lot of practice to crack it. Take a look at the important topics of CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus and some key points:
| CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus |
||
|---|---|---|
| Ratios and Proportion |
Inequalities |
|
| In-equations Quadratic and linear equations |
Work and Time |
|
| Surds and Indices |
||
| Time-Speed-Distance |
Logarithms |
|
| Partnership (Accounts) |
||
| Profit & Loss |
Geometric Progression |
|
The CAT Quant questions are usually tough and calculation based. In a speed based test like CAT, mental maths is very useful in solving Quants questions quickly. So candidates must practice mental maths along with CAT preparation for better performance. Given below is the composition of the Quantitative Aptitude section:
| CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topics |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
8-10 |
Moderate to High |
| Algebra |
5-7 |
Moderate to High |
| Geometry |
1-3 |
Moderate to High |
| Modern Maths |
2-4 |
Moderate to High |
| Overall |
22 |
Moderate to High |
Given below is the table indicating chapter wise important topics that are a part of CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus. Candidates must plan their Quantitative Aptitude preparation on the basis of the following topics.
| CAT Syllabus: Important Topics for Quantitative Aptitude |
|
|---|---|
| Arithmetic Topics for CAT |
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 Topics for CAT |
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 Topics for CAT |
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 Topics for CAT |
Lines and Angles, Triangles – Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles, Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration – 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry |
| Modern Maths Topics for CAT |
Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability |
Check Out: CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) solved questions for practice PDFs
CAT Quantitative Aptitude has the potential of 100 percentile if you prepare well. The Quantitative Aptitude topics of CAT are advance level Mathematic topics from Class 9 and 10. So, for any candidate, the foundation is already there, they only need to work on it further.
The important topics of CAT Quantitative Aptitude include Geometry, Ratios and Proportion, Inequalities, Trigonometry, In-equations, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Work and Time, Algebra, Surds and Indices, Percentages, Mensuration, Time-Speed-Distance, Logarithms, Partnership (Accounts), Number System, Square Root and Cube Root, Profit & Loss, Geometric Progression, Probability, Mean-Mode-Median, Binomial theorem, Simple interest and compound interest.
Maximum questions are asked from Arithmetic and Geometry so keep the main focus on these two topic. Understand and memorise the formulas and theorems well, and practice enough questions to be thorough with their application.
Quantitative Aptitude is the last section of CAT. By the time you reach this section, it is natural for fatigue to set it. Don’t get bogged down by fatigue. Stay energized and alert as this section requires Mathematical calculations. Read the questions calmly and then choose the ones you can solve with maximum accuracy. The CAT Quantitative Aptitude section is dominated by Mensuration and Arithmetic, so have a good control on those topics.
Do not spend too much time on any question that is posing a challenge to you. Do not get greedy and fall in the trap of negative marking.
CAT preparation must be based on CAT syllabus and CAT books. Make a preparation plan based on your knowledge of the topics included in the syllabus. The Quantitative Aptitude topics are advanced level Maths taught in school and so is the case with English Grammar. So, the first thing to do for CAT preparation is to check the syllabus and make the list of topics in terms of familiarity – familiar, somewhat familiar and not familiar at all. There will be some topics which will require revision and some which will need to be addressed afresh.
Start with unfamiliar topics from the CAT syllabus and then move to somewhat familiar and finally to familiar topics. This order is suggested because one will need more time for preparing unfamiliar topics. Solve a lot of practice questions alongside to learn application of the concepts. Mere theoretical knowledge will not be able enough to crack CAT 2025, so practice as much as you can. Take a look at some section-wise tips for CAT 2025 preparation below:
Also Read:
Also Read:
Practice CAT Mock Tests
Shiksha has created free CAT Mock Tests for aspirants to practice and prepare for the exam. These CAT mock tests are based on actual CAT questions to keep the level of difficulty same.
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Also Read:
CAT Preparation: Expert Tips on How to cover CAT syllabus 2025
Go through the articles listed below for expert tips and topper interviews for CAT 2025 preparation:
| Tips and Tricks for CAT Preparation |
|
|---|---|
Check here Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) about CAT syllabus
CAT exam is a national level MBA entrance exam conducted by the IIM. Every year, over 2.3 lakh candidates apply for it. Since the last two years, the competition has increased further with oveer 3 lakh candidates applying for the exam.
The CAT score is accepted by the Iims and all top MBA colleges in India. To select the best candidates from over 3 lakh test takers there is a need for stringent criteria. That's why, the CAT exam is tougher than other MBA entrance exams. Even though the syllabus of CAT is same as that of other MBA entrance exams, the question paper set by the IIM faculty always has tough questions. Moreover, CAT has sectional time limit for each section which is not there in any other exam except XAT. Having a time limit for each section adds pressure on candidates to complete solving adequate number of questions in a section within the time limit. If a student is weak in a particular subject, they can't use the time as per their need. CAT's Reading Comprehension passages are long and dense unlike other MBA exams. This is one more reason why most candidates feel CAT is tougher than any other MBA entrance exam.
CAT has 68 questions. Each question carries three marks. There is negative marking of minus one for incorrect attempts. There is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Total marks in 204.
Yes, CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of the candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.
The total number of questions in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of CAT exam is 22 (as per CAT 2024 question paper). Earlier, the number of DILR questions was 20.
There is equal number of question distribution between Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, which means both sections have 11 questions each. The total marks for DILR is 66. The questions on Data Interpretation as based on Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, whereas Logical Reasoning questions are based on Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism. This section of the CAT is usually moderate in terms of difficulty level and about 12-14 correct attempts are good enough to score high marks. Some of the other important topics include Series, Proposition, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Assumptions, Clocks and Calendars, Statements, Binary Logic, Data Structures, Data Sufficiency and Data Arrangement. To score high in this section, candidates must practice a good number of practice tests and sectional mock tests. The better you learn to interpret given data and apply reasoning to a given situation, the better you get at solving related questions.
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