CAT Syllabus 2024: Sections, Weightage, Exam Pattern, Books & Tips to Prepare
The CAT exam will be held on 24th November 2024 in online mode in 170 cities. The registration for CAT will begin on August 1st 2024, and end on the newly extended date of September 20th 2024. The CAT (Common Admission Test) is a computer-based entrance exam conducted by one of the IIMs annually in India. Candidates are evaluated on their verbal ability, quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) began CAT to select candidates for business administration programs. The CAT Syllabus and exam pattern outline the types of questions and sections that will be asked in the exam.
The CAT Exam syllabus has been changed twice in recent years. The candidates preparing for the CAT 2024 exam should take note of the latest CAT Syllabus.
CAT Syllabus – Exam pattern and other highlights
The CAT syllabus and exam pattern dictate that there will be 66 questions worth 3 marks each yot be attempted in 120 minutes. The CAT Exam Syllabus includes three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
Candidates are given 40 minutes per section, while PwD candidates get slightly more than 50 minutes per section. The order in which the sections can be attempted is fixed, although moving within the sections is allowed; students can mark questions for review and come back to them within their 40-minute time limit.
Link to Download CAT Admit Card 2024
There are two kinds of questions that are asked in CAT, and your CAT syllabus coverage should encompass both – MCQs and TITA-type questions. While attempting MCQs, incorrect answers will yield a -1 negative marking, while there is no negative marking for TITA questions.
Refer to the table below for a more detailed overview of the CAT exam pattern.
| CAT Exam syllabus sections |
|
| Number of questions from each section of CAT Exam syllabus | VARC- 24 questions
DILR- 20 questions QA- 22 questions |
| Total number of questions | 66 |
| Type of questions | Both MCQs and non-MCQs |
| Marking scheme | +3 for every correct answer
-1 for every incorrect answer TITA-type questions have no negative marking |
| Section-wise exam duration | 40 minutes per section |
| Total marks | 198 |
CAT Syllabus 2024 – Sections and weightage
CAT VARC Syllabus and Weightage
The CAT Verbal syllabus comprises questions from reading comprehension and verbal ability, which test your grasp of the English language and your ability to comprehend and communicate clearly. In CAT 23, the difficulty level of VARC was on a higher level than CAT 22 and CAT 21 which also led to a drop in the sectional cutoffs for many colleges.
The CAT VARC section comprises 24 questions. Of these, 18-20 will be MCQs, while 4-6 will be TITA-type. Reading comprehension has the highest weightage, with 16 questions, followed by verbal ability, with 8 questions.
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The topics that are included in the CAT syllabus for verbal ability are:
| CAT VARC Syllabus Important Topics | ||
| Reading
Comprehension- Passage Based Questions |
Para- Jumbles | Para- Summary |
| Para-completions | Odd-
Sentences |
Jumbled paragraph |
| Vocabulary-based (Synonyms/Antonyms) | Verbal reasoning | Facts- Inferences- Judgements |
| English usage or grammar | Summary questions | Reading comprehension |
| Fill in the blanks | Meaning- Usage match | Analogies or Reverse analogies |
| Cloze Passage | Sentence Correction | |
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CAT VARC Syllabus – Past year’s analysis
CAT VARC 2023 slot 1
| Area / Questions | No of Qs. | Type | LOD |
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | MCQ | Overall: Easy to Medium |
| RC-1: Return of wolves’ predation in a French region | 4 | MCQ | Easy |
| RC-2: Current economies of North and South Korea. | 4 | MCQ | Easy |
| RC-3: “Indian Ocean Literature” | 4 | MCQ | Medium |
| RC-4: Modern materialism versus ancient societies | 4 | MCQ | Difficult |
| Verbal Ability | 08 | MCQ & TITA | Overall: Easy |
| Para jumbles (4 sentences) | 2 | TITA | 1 Easy, 1 Medium |
| Para-completion | 2 | MCQ | 2 Easy |
| Summary | 2 | MCQ | 1 Easy, 1 Medium |
| Odd Sentence Questions | 2 | TITA | 1 Easy, 1 Medium |
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CAT VARC 2023 slot 2
| Area / Questions | No of Qs. | Type | LOD |
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | MCQ | Overall: Easy to Medium |
| RC-1: Second-hand Shopping and Fast Fashion | 4 | MCQ | Easy |
| RC-2: Translated Streaming on Netflix in Europe | 4 | MCQ | Easy |
| RC-3: Why Liberalism Failed (Book Review) | 4 | MCQ | Medium |
| RC-4: What is Historical Fact | 4 | MCQ | Difficult |
| Verbal Ability | 08 | MCQ & TITA | Overall: Easy |
| Para jumbles (4 sentences) | 2 | TITA | 1 Easy, 1 Medium |
| Para-completion | 2 | MCQ | 2 Easy |
| Summary | 2 | MCQ | 1 Easy, 1 Medium |
| Odd Sentence Questions | 2 | TITA | 1 Easy, 1 Medium |
CAT VARC 2023 slot 3
| Area / Questions | No of Qs. | Type | LOD |
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | MCQ | Overall: Medium |
| RC-1: Colonialism and Global Warming (The Nutmeg’s Curse) | 4 | MCQ | Easy |
| RC-2: Understanding Romantic Aesthetics | 4 | MCQ | Easy |
| RC-3: Cultural Patrimony Laws | 4 | MCQ | Easy-Medium |
| RC-4: Rationality by Steven Pinker | 4 | MCQ | Difficult |
| Verbal Ability | 08 | MCQ & TITA | Overall: Easy |
| Para jumbles (4 sentences) | 2 | TITA | 1 Easy, 1 Medium |
| Para-completion | 2 | MCQ | 1 Easy, 1 Medium |
| Summary | 2 | MCQ | 1 Easy, 1 Medium |
| Odd Sentence Questions | 2 | TITA | 1 Easy, 1 Medium |
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To gain a more granular understanding of the CAT syllabus for verbal, take a look at this video:
CAT DILR Syllabus and Weightage
The CAT DILR syllabus is usually broken down into two subsections –
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Interpretation
With a total of 20 questions (8 TITA) and 40 minutes to answer them all, students need to develop speed and accuracy to tackle this section. The data interpretation questions usually stem from bar graphs, pie charts, Venn diagrams, line graphs, and word problems, while logical reasoning has questions based on visualisation, math puzzles, games, grids, calendars, sequences, seating arrangements, and directions.
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Most questions are presented as sets of four with very few standalone questions. With the right approach to each type of question, students can easily score highly on this section.
Here are the topics included in the CAT LRDI syllabus:
| Logical Reasoning Topics | Data Interpretation Topics |
| Routes and networks | Bar graphs |
| Scheduling and allocation | Tables |
| Grids | Venn diagrams |
| Arrangements | Line graphs |
| Word puzzles | Pie charts |
| Math puzzles | Scatter plots |
| Games and tournaments | Gnatt charts |
| Coding decoding | Radar charts |
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CAT DILR syllabus – Past year’s analysis
CAT DILR slot 1
| Set No. | Area | Set Description | No. of Questions | Question Type | LOD |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 20 | MCQ and TITA | Medium to Difficult | ||
| 1 | Logical Reasoning | (Arrangements)
Professors in departments |
5 | 5 MCQ | Easy to Medium |
| 2 | Data Interpretation | (Reasoning based DI)
Gig workers and Restaurants, Mathematical Reasoning Involved Measures of central tendency |
5 | 1 MCQ, 4 TITA | Medium to Difficult |
| 3 | Logical Reasoning | Houses on sale | 5 | 3 MCQ, 2 TITA | Medium to Difficult |
| 4 | Data Interpretation | Visa Office
Special Equation handling |
5 | 3 MCQ, 2 TITA | Medium to Difficult |
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CAT DILR slot 2
| Set No. | Area | Set Description | No. of Questions | Question Type | LOD |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 20 | MCQ and TITA | Medium to Difficult | ||
| 1 | Data Interpretation | 5 firms – Funds raised in consecutive years | 5 | 4 MCQ, 1 TITA | Easy to Medium |
| 2 | Data Interpretation | Draw competition | 5 | 3 MCQ, 2 TITA | Medium to Difficult |
| 3 | Logical Reasoning | 3 friends visited a park.
Many rides. Scheduling questions. |
3 friends visited a park.
Many rides. Scheduling questions. |
3 MCQ, 2 TITA | Medium to Difficult |
| 4 | Data Interpretation | Nine Boxes – sudoku type puzzle | 5 | 2 MCQ, 3 TITA | Medium to Difficult |
CAT DILR slot 3
| Set No. | Area | Set Description | No. of Questions | Question Type | LOD |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 20 | MCQ and TITA | Medium to Difficult | ||
| 1 | Data Interpretation | Number of enrollments in offline and online courses | 5 | 3 MCQ, 2 TITA | Easy to Medium |
| 2 | Logical Reasoning | Six police stations with maps (route based set) | 5 | 3 MCQ,
2 TITA |
Medium |
| 3 | Data Interpretation | Project and test scores of 3 boys and 3 girls | 5 | 3 MCQ, 2 TITA | Medium to Difficult |
| 4 | Data Interpretation | AC company – 4 dealers | 5 | 3 MCQ, 2 TITA | Medium to Difficult |
To get a more detailed look into the CAT syllabus for the DILR section, then watch this video:
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CAT Quant syllabus and Weightage
The CAT quant syllabus can be formidable, especially for students from non-math backgrounds. This section has 22 questions split into 14 MCQs and 8 TITA-type questions. With just 40 minutes to attempt all questions, students need to have the right strategy and approach to CAT quant, without which they might just falter.
This section includes Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Theory, and Modern Math, with more than half the paper coming from just Algebra.
Here are the most important topics in the CAT quant syllabus for you to cover:
| Topic | Chapters | Weightage |
| Arithmetic | Averages
Ratio Percentages |
40% |
| Algebra | Linear equations
Quadratic equations Polynomials |
25% |
| Geometry | 2D
3D Coordinate geometry |
20% |
| Number Theory | LCM/HCF
Divisibility Remainders Factorials Base systems Logarithms |
10% |
| Modern Math | PnC
Probability Set theory Progressions |
10% |
CAT Quant past year’s analysis
CAT Quant slot 1
| Area/Q Type | No of Questions |
| Quantitative Ability | 15 MCQs, 7 TITA
Overall LOD: MEDIUM |
| Arithmetic | 7 |
| Algebra | 8 |
| Geometry | 4 |
| Modern Math | 2 |
| Numbers | 1 |
CAT Quant slot 2
| Area/Q Type | No of Questions |
| Quantitative Ability | 14 MCQs, 8 TITA
Overall LOD: MEDIUM |
| Arithmetic | 7 |
| Algebra | 8 |
| Modern Math | 2 |
| Geometry | 3 |
| Numbers | 2 |
CAT Quant slot 3
| Area/Q Type | No of Questions |
| Quantitative Ability | 14 MCQs, 8 TITA
Overall LOD: MEDIUM |
| Arithmetic | 8 |
| Algebra | 4 |
| Modern Math | 4 |
| Geometry | 3 |
| Numbers | 3 |
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For a more detailed breakdown of the entire syllabus and approach, watch this video here:
| CAT Syllabus Sections | Questions | MCQs | Non-MCQs |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 20 | 4 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 12 | 8 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| Total | 66 | 46 | 20 |
Here is our analysis of CAT 2023. It will help you gain unparalleled insights into the CAT exam and how it works.
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Tips to prepare for CAT Syllabus
The candidates should familiarize themselves with the CAT syllabus and paper pattern before beginning their preparation. Below are some topics that one can follow to prepare for the CAT syllabus.
- Choose the right books to make conceptual clarity and a strong foundation for the CAT exam. After clearing the basics, one can solve questions of varying complexity.
- Solve the previous year’s question paper to learn how to approach the paper correctly and improve your level of accuracy for the CAT exam.
- Maintain a notebook to keep track of tricks and formulas that require constant revision.
- Stick to IIM CAT Syllabus to avoid preparing topics that will not be asked in the exam.
- Test your level of preparedness by taking CAT online mock tests after completing each topic. Analyze each test afterwards and improve upon your mistakes while practising the CAT Syllabus
Frequently Asked Questions on CAT Syllabus
- Does the CAT exam syllabus change every year?
The CAT exam syllabus does not change very often. The syllabus has been altered in terms of its weightage distribution in recent years. The number of questions decreased from 100 to 66 from 100, including both multiple-choice questions and non-multiple-choice questions.
- What are the sections in the CAT Syllabus 2024?
The CAT syllabus is divided into three sections:
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Quantitative Aptitude (Q) includes various topics of Class 10 level.
- What is the difference between the CAT syllabus 2024 and GMAT?
The major difference between the GMAT and CAT syllabi is that the latter does not include a descriptive writing section. The CAT exam comprises three sections VARC, QA, and DILR. Meanwhile, GMAT has verbal reasoning, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing assignments. Each section of the CAT exam has a predefined sequence and must be attempted in that order. GMAT students, however, can decide which sections to answer in what order.
- What is the CAT syllabus for Quantitative aptitude, and what are its sections?
The CAT exam syllabus for the quantitative section can be divided into five main sections geometry and mensuration, number system, arithmetic, modern mathematics, and algebra. The Quantitative Aptitude syllabus is the most comprehensive and well-defined of all.
- How can I prepare for the IIM Cat syllabus?
Analyse and devote dedicated time to each section of the IIM CAT syllabus. Complete your preparation, select experts recommended books, and prepare a strategy.
- Is it possible to complete the CAT Syllabus in three months?
Completing the CAT exam syllabus within three months is possible if you prepare efficiently and plan. CAT is primarily an aptitude test, which means there are few other things to memorise besides formulas.
- What is the CAT Syllabus for VARC?
The CAT exam syllabus for VARC is part of the section on VARC. The main topics asked in this section are para jumbles, reading comprehension, fill-in-the-blanks, odd one-out, and vocab-based.
- Is the CAT syllabus the same as other MBA entrance exams?
The CAT Syllabus has the same basic features as other MBA entrance exams, covering quant, verbal, and logical reasoning. Exams like CMAT have more sections like entrepreneurship and general awareness and innovation.
- What are the subjects covered in the CAT exam syllabus?
The CAT exam syllabus has three sections: data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), and quantitative aptitude (QA).
- Which section of the CAT syllabus 2024 is the most challenging?
Candidates may find the reading comprehension passages in the VARC section the most challenging. The exam authority usually assigns long and tricky passages to confuse the candidates.
- Is the CAT exam Syllabus difficult?
The CAT syllabus is highly difficult compared to other MBA exams. To do well on it, you must have a basic understanding of it. Ensure that you prepare a timetable and complete all the chapters of the CAT exam syllabus on time.