Can I crack CAT exam if I have not studied Maths in 12th?

Yes, you can crack CAT exam even if you haven't studied Maths in class 12. CAT Quant and DI have Mathematical questions of advance level, from the topics studied in Class 9 and 10. You will only need to brush up the basic and practice advance level questions.

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 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

What makes CAT tougher than other MBA entrance exams?

India's premiere b-schools accept CAT for MBA admissions. More than 2.5 lakh candidates fighting for limited seats at these institutes make the exam tough to crack.

When should I start practicing XAT mock tests?

Aspirants should start practicing XAT mock tests after completing the syllabus. Ideal time duration to solve XAT mock tests is October to December. Official mock test is released a week before the exam, so candidates must attempt it at least once before the exam.

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.

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 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, 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 question paper. So, those who can think on their feet and can crack exam better than others. Note: Info is taken from other sources and can be different.

Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?

While it is advised to dedicate at least 9 months to CAT preparation, six months of dedicated study can also help you crack the exam. You will need daily, weekly and monthly plan for syllabus coverage. Practice a good number of mock tests and study for about 8 hours daily.

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.

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.

What is the overall difficulty level of CAT exam?

Overall difficulty level of CAT exam has always been moderate to high. CAT is of higher difficulty level than all other MBA entrance exams in India.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Permutation and Combination Questions with Answers PDFs for MBA Preparation

Updated on Mar 9, 2026 12:19 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

Permutation-Combination questions can be challenging if you don’t know the trick to decipher the arrangement of given objects. An important section of Quantitative Aptitude, Permutation-Combination as a concept refers to arrangement of objects in certain order. There can be diverse methods of arranging a set. While permutation is about arranging objects with significance of order in selection, combination is about arranging objects without it. There are usually 2-3 Permutation-Combination questions in exams like CAT. Let's understand Permutation-Combination by definition and examples.

Table of contents

What is Permutation-Combination?
Permutation Theorem
Combination Theorem
Difference between Permutation and Combination
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Practice Questions with Solutions

What is Permutation-Combination?

As per the definition, the counting rule or the fundamental counting principle states that if an event has p outcomes and another event has q outcomes, then the number of outcomes when both these events occur together is p x q.

Permutation Formula:

ⁿP_r = (n!) / (n-r)!

Combination Formula:

ⁿC_r = n!/r!(

Permutation Theorem

A Permutation is an arrangement in a particular order of several things considered a few or all at a time.

Theorem 1: The number of permutations of k different objects taken l at a time, where 0 ^kP_l

Theorem 2: The number of permutations of k different objects taken l at a time, where repetition is allowed, is k^r.

Theorem 3: The number of permutations of k objects, where l objects are of the same kind and the rest is all different is k!/l!

Also Read: MBA Preparation 2026: Tips to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams

Combination Theorem

A Combination refers to the number of possible arrangements possible for an event. In combination, the order of selection does not matter.

The number of combinations of k items taken at a time is denoted as ^kC_l.

Theorem 4: ^kC_k-l = k!/(k-l)!(k- (k-l))! = k!/(k-l)! l!= ^kC_l

We infer that, selecting l items from k items also means rejecting k-l items.

Theorem 5: ^kC_l = ^kC^m ⇒ l = m or l = k-m, i.e., k = l + m

Theorem 6: ^kC_l = ^kC_l-1 = ^k+1C_l

Illustrated Examples of Permuation-Combination

Q 1: Find the value of k such that, ^kP₅ = 42 ^kP₃ , k>4

Solution:

Given that, ^kP₅ = 42 ^kP₃

Applying the formula of permutation,

k (k – 1) (k – 2) (k – 3) (k– 4) = 42 k(k – 1) (k– 2)

According to the question, k > 4 so k(k – 1) (k – 2) ≠ 0

Therefore, by dividing both sides by k(k – 1) (k – 2), we get

(k – 3 (k – 4) = 42 or k2 – 7k – 30 = 0

or k2 – 10k + 3k – 30 or (k – 10) (k + 3) = 0

or k – 10 = 0 or k + 3 = 0 or k = 10 or k = – 3

As k cannot be negative, so k= 10.

Q 2: If ^kC₉ = ^kC₈, find^kC₁₇ ?

Solution:

Given, ^kC₉ = ^kC₈

k!/9!(k-9)!= k!/8! (k-8)!

That is, 1/9= 1/k-8

So, k-8 = 9

Hence, k=17 and ^kC₁₇ = ¹⁷C₁₇ = 1

Q 3: In how many ways can 5 balls and 3 boxes be arranged in a row so that no two boxes are together?

Solution:

The 5 balls can be arranged in 5! ways, and to ensure that no two boxes are together, 3 boxes can be put in ⁶C₃ways.

Total = 5! X ⁶C₃= 5! X 6!/3!= 4x 5x 2x 3x 4x 5x 6 = 14,400 ways

Quant Easy Test	Quant Easy Test Solution
Quant-Medium Test	Quant Medium Test Solutions
Quant Difficult Test	Quant Difficult Test Solution

Difference between Permutation and Combination

In order to further simplify this concept, we have shared key differences between Permutation and Combination. This table will help you in conceptual clarity.

Particulars	Permutation	Combination
Definition	Permutation is an arrangement of all members in a particular order.	A combination is a selection of members from a collection or group.
Represents	Arrangement	Selection
Order	Values are arranged in a specific order.	Values are not arranged in any specific order.
Derivation	There can be multiple permutations from a single combination.	There can be only single combination from a single permutation.
Formula	ⁿP_r = n!/(n-r)!	ⁿC_r = n!/(r!)(n-r)!

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Practice Questions with Solutions

Practice of sample questions plays a very important role in Quants preparation. Get here sample questions and practice tests of how to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT pdf 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