What to keep in mind for CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?

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.

How many CAT mock tests to practice to score 99 percentile?

Experts recommend that aspirants must practice at least 40 CAT mock tests to score above 99 percentile well in the exam. Most of the CAT test takers take up to 50 mock tests of various types and difficulty level. CAT toppers in previous years have practiced even up to 80 mock tests during their preparation. However, candidates must decide the number of CAT mock tests depending on their control and confidence on topics as the exam day comes closer. Mock tests are the best way to judge your performance viz. The important topics of CAT. The more one practices CAT mock tests, the more accurate they get in solving questions from all subjects. It is very important to know which formula to apply to which type question to solve the problem accurately. Mock tests help candidates in this aspect which is why practicing mock tests is most important in CAT preparation.

When should I start practicing XAT mock tests?

Aspirants should start practicing XAT mock tests after completing the syllabus. The ideal time duration to solve XAT mock tests is October to December. Avoid practicing mock tests before completing the syllabus. The official mock test is released a week before the exam, so candidates must attempt it at least once before the exam. The official and unofficial mock tests are same as the actual XAT exam so that the candidates can get familiar with the exam pattern, test structure of the question paper and get used to handling the exam pressure. It is important to practice XAT mock tests so that you have prior experience of XAT exam. Both official and unofficial XAT mock tests helps in improving accuracy of solving questions because in an exam like XAT all that matters is speed with accuracy.

What makes CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?

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.

What should be my approach towards Quantitative Aptitude on CAT exam day?

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.

What is the latest CMAT exam pattern?

The latest CMAT exam pattern as prescribed by the National Testing Agency NTA is as follows: The question paper carries 100 question. The format of questions is multiple choice type where for each question, four options are given to choose the correct answer from. The 100 questions are divided equally between five sections, Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Each of the five sections carry 20 questions. Earlier, there were only four sections in CMAT and each section has 25 questions. In 2021, Innovation and Entrepreneurship was added as the fifth section. The time limit for CMAT is 180 minutes without sectional time limit or break. As per the latest marking scheme, for every correct option 4 marks are awarded and for every incorrect option, one mark is deducted. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

What is the weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in MBA exams?

The Quantitative Aptitude section is one of the main sections of any MBA exam. It usually has one 1/3 rd (exams having three sections in total) or 1/4 th (exams having four sections in total) weightage in the question paper. Check below the weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in top MBA entrance exams. CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions: 22 XAT Quantitative Aptitude questions: 27 CMAT Quantitative Aptitude questions: 25 SNAP Quantitative Aptitude questions: 20 IIFT Quantitative Aptitude questions: 25 MAT Quantitative Aptitude questions: 40 ATMA Quantitative Aptitude questions: 60 MAH CET Quantitative Aptitude questions: 50

Is XAT tough for candidates from non-Engineering background?

Yes, XAT is slightly tougher for candidates with non-Engineering background as the Quantitative Aptitude section is of higher difficulty level. However, they can crack it if they work on the fundamentals of Math and practice questions of all difficulty levels. It will take time but they will be able to crack XAT's quant section if they dedicate extra hours to it. Aspirants can find XAT study material online in various online study groups. Students’ groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. share study material with each other. One can also download MBA exam preparation apps to get relevant and useful study material. The good part about XAT is that, it has different cut offs for candidates belonging to different academic backgrounds. As part of its commitment to academic diversity, the institute has lower cut offs for candidates from non-engineering background than candidates from engineering background.

What is the difficulty level of MAH MBA CET?

MAH MBA CET is a moderately difficult exam. It’s difficulty level is lower than CAT but higher than MAT or ATMA. A major factor that makes MAH CET a difficult test to crack is that the questions are presented in random order and sectional weightage vary in every slot. So, candidates cannot anticipate or plan how many and which type of questions to get to their target score. Also, the MAH MBA CET is dominated by Logical Reasoning questions and there are comparatively less Quantitative Aptitude questions. Since, there is no set pattern, candidates cannot pre-plan. They need to make a strategy and implement it as soon as they see the question paper. So, those who can think on their feet and can crack the exam better than others.

Can I score well in Quantitative Aptitude just by practicing sample questions?

To score well in Quantitative Aptitude one needs to first master all the concepts and theorems. If you are good at Mathematics or studied it in Graduation, you can score well by just practicing a variety of sample questions for over a period of two to three months. Practice Mental Maths for quick calculation and memorise a minimum of Tables till 20, Squares up to 100, Square roots from 1 to 25, Cubes up to 30. These will help you immensely in cracking Quantitative Aptitude section as well as the Data Interpretation section. Infact, in some exams Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation are clubbed together as both have Mathematic based questions and require calculation to arrive at the answer. It is because similarity of the nature of the subjects, they are clubbed together in some MBA entrance exams.

What are the important topics of IIFT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus?

Quantitative Aptitude section of IIFT entrance exam comprises all the topics of Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration, Trigonometry and Modern Math, etc. that include Percentages, Number System, Binomial Expansion, Arithmetic Progression, Simple Interest, Ratios, HCF & LCM, BODMAS, Median, Compound interest, Arithmetic Mean, Co-ordinate geometry, Standard Deviation, Vectors, Set Theory, Instalments/ payments, Permutation & Combination, Mode, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Probability, Clocks & Calendar, Time, Speed, Distance, Logarithm, Geometric Progression, Averages, In- equations Quadratic, Profit & Loss, Venn Diagram, Geometric Mean, Ratios & Proportions, Linear Equations, Algebra, Geometry, Work & Time, Harmonic Mean. Candidates must start preparation of IIFT Quantitative Aptitude section about 6-8 months in advance so as to be able to have enough time to complete the syllabus and practice sample questions. This section also requires practice of sample questions as mere theoretical understanding is not enough. The need for speed and accuracy is critical for IIFT exam so candidates must focus on gaining conceptual clarity of every topic and correct application for the theorems and formulae. Having a mentor or guide will be helpful so join a coaching institute or online study groups.

Which are the best books for the Quantitative Aptitude section for ATMA exam?

The best books for Quantitative Aptitude preparation of ATMA exam are listed below. These are the recommended books by experts. 1. NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10) 2. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha 3. Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal The NCERT Mathematics book is recommended for ATMA preparation because it is the best source of building or revisiting the fundamentals of Algebra Geometry, Trigonometry Mensuration Number Systems and Arithmetic. The NCERT books are extremely helpful to students from non-Engineering background. Quantitative Aptitude books by Arun Sharma, Abhijit Guha, Nishit Sinha and RS Aggarwal are the main books for ATMA preparation as well as other MBA entrance exams such as CAT. These books cover all the topics at intermediate and advanced level. They also have many sample questions of easy, moderate and high difficulty levels for practice.

Which are the best books for CMAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?

The Quantitative Aptitude section of CMAT has questions from Arithmetic, Geometry, Modern Math, Numbers, Algebra and Data Interpretation. The questions are of moderate difficulty level and one can prepare for it with the help of best books for CMAT recommended by experts and toppers. We have listed down some of the popular CMAT books that candidates usually refer: 1. NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 8, 9 and 10 2. The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams 3. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 4. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into Iims by Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant) 5. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (Mc Graw Hill Education) 6. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal.

Which topics are covered in Quantitative Aptitude of KMAT Kerala exam?

Important topics are: Arithmetic Percentages Ratio and Proportion Averages Simple and Compound Interest Profit and Loss Time, Speed and Distance Algebra Equations Trigonometry Geometry Data Interpretation Number System Probability Permutations and Combination Functions Regular practice, solving problems, and reviewing fundamental concepts can help students get good score.

What is the sectional weightage of Quantitative Aptitude in CAT?

The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is the third and the last section of the question paper. It has 22 questions and the total marks is 66. This section of the CAT exam is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. Most of the questions out of 22 are asked from these two topics. There are about 7-9 Algebra questions and 7-9 Arithmetic questions (the exact number varied for all three slots). Apart from these two topics, there are questions from Mensuration Modern Math and Number System in the Quantitative Aptitude section CAT. Some of the important sub topics in this section include: Arithmetic topics: Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations Averages, Percentages, Mean Median Mode, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance Algebra topics: Basics Algebraic Formulae, Number of integer solutions, Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots, Maxima and Minimal, Higher Degree Equations, Linear Equations, Problems on ages, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The smallest Value in a Maximum Function Number System topics: 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), Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, the highest Common Factor and the lowest Common Multiple, Finding Out the Last Digit, 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: Lines and Angles, Triangles Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry Modern Math topics: Sequence and Series Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability.

What is the SNAP syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude?

SNAP syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude includes topics of Data Interpretation as well. Candidates have to study Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Number System, Logarithm, Linear Equations & Quadratic Equations, Set Theory, Arithmetic, Progressions, Binomial Theorem, Surds and Indices, Inequalities, Permutation & Combination, Probability Functions, Mixtures & Alligations, Co-ordinate Geometry, Series, Graphs-Pie Chart, Bar Graphs and Tables as part of SNAP Quantitative Aptitude syllabus. The SNAP Quantitative Aptitude section includes Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency. The total number of questions in this section is 20 and the section is dominated by Arithmetic. Since the past two years, no Data Sufficiency questions have been asked. So, candidates must focus more on Quantitative Aptitude while preparing for the SNAP exam. This section is all about accuracy so have complete clarity of concepts and theorems.

What is the MAT syllabus for Mathematical Skills?

Some of the main topics included in the MAT syllabus for Mathematical Skills are LCM and HCF, Percentages, Commercial Maths Complex Numbers, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Permutation and Combinations, Binomial Theorem, Sequence and Series Surds and Indices, Interest (Simple and Compound), Heights and Distance, Inequalities, Speed, Time and Distance, Triangles Set Theory, Number System Circles, Mixtures and Alligations, Elementary Mathematics, Geometry, Venn Diagrams, Trigonometry Equations and Linear Programming. Candidates need to study all these topic thoroughly this section of MAT carries 40 questions and in every session there can be more questions from any topic. So, start preparing for Mathematical Skills section of the MAT exam at least six months before you intend to appear for it. To cover the entire syllabus of this section thoroughly, you will need at least six months.

Binomial Theorem: Definition, Rules, Practice Questions with Answers; Free PDFs Download

Updated on Jun 13, 2025 16:34 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

Binomial Theorem is a way of expanding a given equation and simplifying it. We break the given equation in many different fragments based on the power. The useful application for Binomial Theorem is that when the equation's power increases, the calculation work becomes tedious. It is not easy to calculate the value of (x + y4)13 easily as that would take a long time. But by using binomial theorem, we can easily calculate its value. Binomial Thoerem is used in Algebra, Probability and Calculus.

In CAT and other MBA entrance exams, questions on Binomial Theorem appear in Quantitative Aptitude section. The questions are usually of moderate difficulty level. To prepare Binomial Theorem for CAT or any other entrance/competitive exam, one needs to understand the fundamentals. Read here all about Binomial Theorem.

Table of content

What is Binomial Theorem?
Parts of Binomial Theorem
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions for Practice with Solutions
FAQs Related to Binomial Theorem

What is Binomial Theorem?

Binomial theorem can be referred to as the method of expanding an expression that has been raised to any finite power. A binomial theorem has applications in Algebra, probability, etc.

To understand it further, whenever an equation has been raised to high powers, it is difficult to simplify it and get the answers. Hence we simplify the given equation by breaking it into parts of each power, starting from 0. In the binomial theorem, we have two variables that are being expanded. If we use more than two variables in expansion, then the expansion is called multinomial expansion that follows a different technique.

Also Read: MBA Preparation 2025: Tips to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams

Parts of Binomial Theorem

Any binomial expansion has different terms as the power of a variable and consonant keeps increasing from 0. Hence binomial expansion sees the use of permutation and combination concepts. Some terminologies used in the binomial expansion are:

General term
Middle term
Independent term
Numerically greatest term
Ratio of consecutive terms

What are the Different Types of Arithmetic Operations?

The binomial theorem can be classified based on the power for which it is expanding. Some of the major categories are:

Binomial Theorem for Rational Index
Binomial Theorem for Negative Index
Multinomial Theorem (more than three variables in the equation)
Pascal's Triangle

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions for Practice with Solutions

Quantitative Aptitude preparation for an MBA entrance exam is all about thorough understanding of the concepts and practice sessions. Get here sample questions and practice tests PDFs of CAT Quantitative Aptitude with solutions for practice.

CAT Quant_Easy-Test_1_Questions	CAT Quant_Easy Test 1_Solutions
CAT Quant_Medium_Test_1_Questions	CAT Quant_Medium_ Test 1_Solutions
CAT Quant_Difficult_Test_1_Questions	CAT Quant_Difficult_Test 1_Solutions

CAT Quant_Easy Test 2 Questions	CAT Quant_Easy Test 2 Solutions
CAT Quant_Medium Test 2 Questions	CAT Quant_Medium Test 2 Solutions
CAT Quant_Difficult Tes 2 Questions	CAT Quant_Difficult Test 2 Solutions

CAT_Quant_Easy_Test-_Set_3	CAT_Quant_Easy_Test_-_Set_3_Solutions
CAT_Quant_Medium_Test_-_Set_3	CAT_Quant_Medium__Test_Set_3_Solutions
CAT_Quant_Difficult_Test_-_Set_3	CAT_Quant_Difficult_Test_-_Set_3_Solutions

CAT_Quant_Easy_Test_Set_4	CAT_Quant_Easy_Test_Set_4_Solutions
CAT_Quant_Medium_Test_Set_4	CAT_Quant_Medium_Test_Set_4_Solutions
CAT_Quant_Difficult_Test_Set_4	CAT_Quant_Difficult_Test_Set_4_-Solutions

Download more Free PDFs of Quantitative Aptitude Sample Questions and Answers for Practice

FAQs Related to Binomial Theorem

Q: How is the binomial theorem helpful in arithmetic?

A: The binomial theorem is used to simplify the complex expanding operations that involve high finite powers.

Q: What is multinomial expansion?

A: When the number of variables in the expansion equation is more than 3, we call it a multinomial expansion.

Q: How many middle terms are there in even number power expansions?

A: When the power is any even number that means that the total number of terms would be odd, we can get exactly one middle term for even powers.

Q: What are different types of binomial theorem based on the index?

A: The binomial theorem can be broadly classified into two parts based on the index— the binomial theorem for the rational index and the binomial theorem for the negative index.

Q: Can we find remainder using binomial theorem?

A: We can find the remainders of any given equation by using the binomial theorem. Binomial theorems can also be used to find the digits of any given number when it is powered.

Quantitative Aptitude Prep Tips for MBA Exam

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Binomial Theorem: Definition, Rules, Practice Questions with Answers; Free PDFs Download

What is Binomial Theorem?

Parts of Binomial Theorem

What are the Different Types of Arithmetic Operations?

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions for Practice with Solutions

FAQs Related to Binomial Theorem

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