The CAT syllabus is very generalized and vast. The IIMs does not have a fixed syllabus for CAT but the questions are mostly based on middle school Math and English topics. In this article, CAT students are provided with the latest CAT 2024 syllabus and PDF.

As of our last update in January 2023, the CAT syllabus typically includes three main sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). The CAT exam does not have a fixed syllabus per se, but the topics generally covered under each section are as follows:

1. Quantitative Aptitude (QA):

   • Number Systems
   • LCM and HCF
   • Percentages
   • Profit, Loss, and Discount
   • Interest (Simple and Compound)
   • Speed, Time, and Distance
   • Time and Work
   • Ratio and Proportion
   • Averages
   • Quadratic Equations
   • Linear Equations
   • Complex Numbers
   • Logarithm
   • Progressions (Sequences & Series)
   • Binomial Theorem
   • Surds and Indices
   • Inequalities
   • Permutation and Combination
   • Probability
   • Functions
   • Set Theory
   • Mixtures and Allegations
   • Geometry
   • Coordinate Geometry
   • Trigonometry

2. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC):

   • Reading Comprehension passages
   • Vocabulary based (synonyms, antonyms)
   • Grammar or English Usage
   • Sentence Correction
   • Fill in the blanks
   • Para Jumbles
   • Para Summary
   • Critical Reasoning

3. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):

   • Tables
   • Bar Graphs
   • Line Charts
   • Pie Charts
   • Caselets
   • Data Sufficiency
   • Logical Reasoning (Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams, etc.)
   • Sets (Union, Intersection, Complement, etc.)

CAT Syllabus 2024: Overview

The detailed syllabus topics from each chapter is given in the table below and comprehensive analysis about the weightage of each chapter is also given for better understanding. It should be noted that CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management as a prerequisite for admission to various management programs at IIMs, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and other top B-Schools. CAT exam is considered as the most crucial part in their preparation process Although, IIMs – who conduct the CAT exam do not release the syllabus for the CAT exam, it is deduced based on previous year’s CAT exam analysis. Our panel of experts have predefined the syllabus and structure according to the latest exam pattern and have provided a general idea about the question paper.

What is CAT Quantitative Ability Syllabus

1. Number System

2. Arithmetic

3. Geometry and Mensuration

4. Algebra

5. Modern Mathematics

What is CAT DATA Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Syllabus 2024?

Data Interpretation

Logical Reasoning

What is CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2024?

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

What is CAT Quantitative Ability Syllabus Weightage

In the Quantitative section, there are a few topics which are extremely crucial and repeated every year in the CAT exam. In this section, 22 questions are asked of which 7 questions are Non-MCQ questions.

Arithmetic and Algebra dominate the CAT question paper every year.

Some of the most important syllabus topics for CAT 2023 with their weightages are given below.

What is CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Syllabus Weightage?

In the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section, 24 questions are included among which 5 questions are Non-MCQ questions.

66% of the total VARC questions are Reading comprehension questions. The rest are Verbal Ability questions consisting of Parasummary, Parajumbles & odd-sentence out.

In Reading Comprehension, a paragraph is given on the basis of which the candidates have to answer 4-5 questions asked. Majority of CAT RC questions are MCQ questions. In Verbal Ability, questions test the command of candidates over English Language. It comprises of grammar and english language usage questions –

Some of the important syllabus topics for CAT VARC section are given below:

What is CAT Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation Syllabus Weightage

In the CAT Logical Reasoning and Data iInterpretation section, 20 questions are included with 6 TITA based questions. Till CAT 2017 the section was equally divided into 2 parts with 16 questions each in DI & LR. However, in CAT 2018 & CAT 2019, Logical Reasoning had 20 questions and Data Interpretation had 12 questions. In CAT 2020, the section surprised students with 16 questions from Data Interpretation & 8 questions from Logical Reasoning.

In CAT 2021, 20 questions were asked in the DILR section out of which 5 questions were Non-MCQ. In the DI section, questions come in 3-4 sets and candidates should understand the data sets properly to be able to attempt the complete set accurately. Check the topic-wise distribution of the DILR section over the years:

CAT syllabus does not predefine any specific topic or chapter on which the questions will be asked. One has to have a good fundamental knowledge of all the broad topics given above to be able to swiftly and accurately work out the problems related to respective section topics.

For the most accurate and updated syllabus for CAT 2023, it is recommended to visit the official CAT website or refer to the official CAT brochure once it is released. The exam pattern and syllabus may undergo slight changes from year to year, and it’s essential to prepare according to the latest guidelines provided by the conducting authority.