CAT Exam Syllabus: Exam Pattern and Trends 2025
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- Jaro Education
- 14, March 2025
- 4:00 pm
You are preparing for the CAT exam, one of India’s most important MBA exams. If yes, you are not alone! Every year thousands of candidates prepare for their admission into top-notch business schools. As participation soared this year, schools found themselves scrambling to prepare for exams. The rush brought back the pressure, making it a hectic time for everyone involved.
But, be it your first time appearing for the exam or if you are willing to improve on your previous score, it is always good to go in with a clear idea of what to expect. In this blog, we will break down the components of the CAT exam syllabus in an exciting way so that you can easily navigate through the many intricacies involved. So pour yourself a cup of coffee, and let’s find out the CAT exam syllabus for MBA, exam pattern, and trends that will play a pivotal role in your success journey in 2025!
CAT Exam Syllabus 2025: Overview
As mentioned above, the CAT exam syllabus for MBA in 2025 comprised three sections: DILR and Quantitative Ability. The questions in the examination are of two types, MCQs and TITA, where candidates have to type the answers. Below, you will find a table describing the specific sections.
| CAT 2025 Sections | Section Overview | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | The VARC section tests your comprehension skills. | 24 |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) | The LRDI section tests the candidate's logical reasoning and data interpretation capabilities. | 22 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | The quantitative aptitude (QA) evaluates the candidate based on mathematical aptitude. | 22 |
CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Understanding the CAT exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. In 2024, several key changes were introduced compared to the previous year. Notably, the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section saw an increase in the total number of questions, rising from 20 to 22. Additionally, the format transformed; instead of the previous structure of four sets of five questions each, there are now two sets of five questions and three sets of four questions each. This adjustment requires candidates to adapt their strategies accordingly.
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Here’s a brief look at what to expect:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based |
| No. of Slots | 3 |
| Total Questions | 68 |
| Time Limit per Section | 40 minutes |
| Total Exam Duration | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) |
| Total Exam Duration | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) |
| Question Types | Multiple Choice Questions & TITA |
| Marking for MCQs | +3 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted |
| Marking for Non-MCQs | +3 for correct, no negative marking |
| Answering Sequence | 1. VARC 2. LRDI 3. QA (fixed order) |
Still wondering, “What is a CAT exam for an MBA?” Let’s break it down!
VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)
This section is all about language skills and understanding written material. Most of the questions come from reading passages, with around 24 questions total. You’ll find that about two-thirds of these questions focus on reading comprehension, while the rest test your verbal ability.
Key topics include:
- Reading Comprehension: Analyzing passages to answer questions.
- Verbal Ability: Grammar, vocabulary, and sentence correction.
DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)
Here, you’ll tackle puzzles, arrangements, and caselets. This section is designed to test your analytical skills and how well you can interpret data.
Important areas to study include:
- Arrangements: Seating and grouping problems.
- Puzzles: Logical sequences and problem-solving.
- Caselets: Short data sets requiring interpretation.
QA (Quantitative Aptitude)
This is where you’ll brush up on your math skills. The topics covered include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and more.
Focus on:
- Arithmetic: Percentages, ratios, and averages.
- Algebra: Equations and inequalities.
- Geometry: Shapes, areas, and volumes.
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CAT Exam Subjects
Understanding the syllabus clarifies what topics to study and helps you manage your time effectively during preparation. Knowing which areas are heavily weighted can guide your focus, allowing you to prioritize your study sessions.
Here’s a table format for the CAT exam syllabus topics:
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Psychology | Articles related to psychology are often easier to tackle if you’re familiar with these concepts. |
| Society | This category covers various societal issues and challenges, providing a broad perspective. |
| History | Expect passages on both Indian and global history, which can be advantageous if you have a history background. |
| Arts and Museum | Art and painting topics have consistently featured in CAT reading comprehension passages. |
| Science and Technology | Scientific passages typically focus on physics, chemistry, space, and other related subjects. |
| Biology | Passages in this category revolve around core biological concepts like genetics and Darwin's theory. |
| Philosophy | This section often includes challenging readings on philosophers like Aristotle and Kant. |
| Culture | Articles explore various cultures, languages, and communities, enriching your understanding of diversity. |
The CAT exam syllabus is going to help you prepare for your journey; it will serve as a navigation route to let you know which areas to focus on and which ones you can approach half-heartedly. This will ensure maximum efficiency in the use of your time.
The Verbal Ability part is one of the more significant parts of the syllabus. In this section, there are eight questions, of which two are from Out of Context questions and three each from Para Summary and Para Insertion questions. One good thing about it is that this part usually takes less time to complete. However, many candidates underestimate the need for adequate practice in verbal ability. That said, with sufficient practice, this section can be high-scoring for the students.
| Topics | Description |
|---|---|
| Para Summary | Here, you will be given a short paragraph, and you have to mark the option that most aptly summarizes that paragraph. |
| Para Jumbles | You must arrange the four jumbled sentences in this sequence. |
| Para Completion (Fill in the Blank) | Here, one sentence is missing, and four blanks are given. You have to place the missing sentence in the right place. |
| Odd One Out (Out of the Context) | Here, five jumbled sentences will be given, and one will be out of context, so you have to choose that sentence. |
The VARC section saw some minor alterations for the VA portion in 2024. CAT 2024 had no para jumbles; rather, it had three questions on para summary and completion, besides two out of context.
CAT DILR Syllabus 2025
The LRDI section had 22 questions in the exam. With varying levels of difficulty, this section comes next to the VARC section. Work through every one of these topics as per the CAT exam syllabus to crack this section.
Logical Reasoning is one part of a very important component of this section. Each slot in this section would contain five sets, and at least two to three sets would be from the Logical reasoning set. Take some time to come to terms with this section, as the avoidance of this section alone could mean doom in the exam. Let’s now understand the focused CAT exam 2025 syllabus in this section.
| Topics | |
|---|---|
| Selection | Arrangements |
| Case-based LRs | Games & Tournaments |
| Binary Logic | Coin Picking |
| 2D and 3D LR | Truth and Lie |
| Conditional LRs | Puzzles |
Data interpretation is a crucial part of the CAT exam syllabus for 2025. It tests your ability to understand and analyze data shown in different formats like tables, charts, and graphs. In each exam session, you can expect about 1-2 sets of data interpretation questions. To do well on these questions, you need to practice regularly.
| Topics | |
|---|---|
| Venn Diagrams | Graphs |
| Tables-Based DI | Routes and Networks |
| Mathematical Puzzles | Maxima-Minima |
| Charts | Networks and Diagrams |
| Caselets | Quant-Based DI |
Here’s a simplified and engaging overview of the CAT Quant syllabus for 2025, presented in a table format to make it easy to understand:
| Section | Description | Expected Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|
| DILR Exam Pattern | Note that the DILR section may change based on previous years' patterns. Therefore, practice a variety of Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation sets. | Varies | Solve sets with 4, 5, and 6 questions to build your skills. |
| CAT Quant Syllabus | This section consists of 22 questions that assess your understanding of basic math concepts and their applications in various scenarios. | 22 | Main topics include Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, and Modern Maths. |
| CAT Arithmetic Syllabus | A crucial part of the Quant section, with around 8-9 questions typically coming from this area. Mastering these concepts is essential for a good score | 8-9 | Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Ratios & Proportions, Averages, Time, Speed & Distance, SI & CI, Mixtures, Percentages. |
| CAT Algebra Syllabus | This section usually features 4-5 questions. Understanding key Algebra concepts is vital for success in the exam. | 4-5 | Functions & Graphs, Polynomials, Logarithms, Linear & Quadratic Equations, Surds & Indices, Inequalities. |
| CAT Geometry Syllabus | Expect about 4-5 questions from Geometry. While it can seem challenging initially, regular practice will help you master it. | 4-5 | Quadrilaterals, Mensuration (3D & 2D), Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Lines & Angles, Triangles. |
| CAT Number System Syllabus | This topic typically offers 1-2 questions. A solid understanding of number properties is beneficial. | 1-2 | HCF & LCM, Properties of Numbers, Base System Conversions, Divisibility, Factors, Remainders. |
| CAT Modern Maths Syllabus | Generally carries less weight, with 1-2 questions expected. However, these topics can be crucial for scoring well. | 1-2 | Probability, Set Theory, Venn Diagrams, Series and Progressions (AP, GP), Permutations, Combinations. |
| CAT Miscellaneous Syllabus | The syllabus includes some topics that rarely appear on the exam, but one question may pop up occasionally. | 1 (occasionally) | Trigonometry, data sufficiency, clocks, and calendars. |
Tips for Success:
- Practice Regularly: Make sure to solve various types of questions across all topics to build confidence.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify which topics you struggle with and dedicate extra time to them.
- Use mock tests: Taking mock exams will help you familiarise yourself with the question format and time management.
Conclusion
CAT is a standardized management entrance test that assesses the candidate’s aptitude for management studies like GMAT, NMAT, MAT, and many others. To prepare for such exams effectively, a candidate must develop a firm understanding of syllabus patterns, trends identified for 2025, and other factors considered relevant to the pursuit of excellence in the exam. By focusing on important areas of the subject, continual practice and strategic study methods should increase the chance of success in this highly competitive examination.
Stay dedicated to your studies as you approach your CAT. Be flexible, optimistic, and with the right approach, get through CAT and take another step toward fulfilling your MBA dreams.
If you’re looking for any assistance regarding career counselling and academic guidance, trust Jaro Education. We are an online higher education and upskilling company with over 15 years of experience in the industry. We are here to bridge the gap between online learning and participants who want to build a thriving career ahead. We collaborate with prestigious universities and colleges where you can enrol in any type of certification course or degree programme to boost your knowledge and skills.
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