CAT Syllabus 2025 – Section-Wise Topics & Preparation Guide

The CAT syllabus includes Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation. Master core topics, enhance problem-solving skills, and follow expert strategies to maximize your score. Stay updated with the latest syllabus to streamline your CAT preparation and boost your chances of securing admission to top B-schools.

Quantitative Aptitude – CAT Sample Questions & Answers

Q: What is the average of first 10 natural numbers?
A: The first 10 natural numbers are 1, 2, 3, …, 10. The sum is 55. The average is 55/10 = 5.5.

Q: A train covers 360 km in 4 hours. What is its average speed?
A: Speed = Distance/Time = 360/4 = 90 km/h.

Q: A shopkeeper gives a 10% discount on a product worth ₹500. What is the selling price?
A: The discount is ₹50. Selling price = 500 – 50 = ₹450.

Q: The ratio of the ages of two people is 3:5. If the sum of their ages is 40, what are their ages?
A: Let their ages be 3x and 5x. So, 3x + 5x = 40 → x = 5. Their ages are 15 and 25 years.

Q: If a number is doubled and then increased by 10, the result is 50. What is the number?
A: Let the number be x. Then, 2x + 10 = 50. Solving for x, x = 20.

Q: A shopkeeper marks an item at ₹600 and offers a 20% discount. What is the final price?
A: Discount = 600 × 20% = 120. Final price = 600 – 120 = ₹480.

Q: A man walks at 5 km/hr for 2 hours and then at 7 km/hr for 3 hours. What is the total distance covered?
A: Distance = Speed × Time → (5 × 2) + (7 × 3) = 31 km.

Q: If the simple interest on ₹2000 at 5% per annum for 3 years is calculated, what is the interest amount?
A: SI = (2000 × 5 × 3) / 100 = ₹300.

Q: A box contains 10 red balls, 5 blue balls, and 5 green balls. What is the probability of picking a red ball?
A: Total balls = 20. Probability = 10/20 = 1/2 or 50%.

Q: A person spends 25% of his salary and saves ₹4500. What is his total salary?
A: Let the salary be x. Then, 75% of x = 4500 → x = 6000. Salary is ₹6000.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension – CAT Sample Questions & Answers

Q: What is the synonym of the word “Abundant”?
A: Plentiful.

Q: Identify the grammatical error: “She don’t like coffee.”
A: “Don’t” should be “doesn’t”. The correct sentence is: She doesn’t like coffee.

Q: What is the antonym of “Optimistic”?
A: Pessimistic.

Q: Convert into passive voice: “The teacher explained the topic.”
A: The topic was explained by the teacher.

Q: Choose the correctly spelled word: (a) Reccommendation (b) Recommendation (c) Recomendation
A: Recommendation.

Q: Fill in the blank: “The book is written ____ an expert author.”
A: by.

Q: What is the meaning of the idiom “Break the ice”?
A: To start a conversation in a social setting.

Q: Identify the correct sentence: (a) She is knowing the answer. (b) She knows the answer.
A: She knows the answer.

Q: Find the odd one out: Apple, Banana, Carrot, Mango
A: Carrot (it is a vegetable, others are fruits).

Q: Rearrange into a meaningful sentence: “always / is / honesty / the / best / policy”
A: Honesty is always the best policy.

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation – CAT Sample Questions & Answers

Q: If all Roses are Flowers, and some Flowers are Red, can we conclude that all Roses are Red?
A: No, because only some flowers are red, not necessarily all roses.

Q: A is older than B, B is older than C. Who is the youngest?
A: C is the youngest.

Q: If 1st December is a Friday, what day of the week will 8th December be?
A: Friday + 7 days = Friday again.

Q: Find the missing number in the series: 2, 6, 12, 20, __, 42
A: 30 (Pattern: n² + n, where n starts from 1).

Q: In a family of six, there are two married couples. A is the mother of B. D is the father of C. How is C related to B?
A: C is B’s sibling.

Q: A cube has 6 faces. If two opposite faces are painted blue and the rest are red, how many faces are red?
A: 4 faces.

Q: If ‘CAT’ is coded as 3120, how is ‘DOG’ coded?
A: 4157 (Each letter is replaced by its position in the alphabet and multiplied by 2).

Q: If today is Monday, what day will it be after 15 days?
A: Tuesday (15 mod 7 = 1 day ahead).

Q: A clock shows 3:15. What is the angle between the hour and minute hands?
A: 7.5 degrees.

Q: If all pens are pencils and some pencils are erasers, can we conclude all pens are erasers?
A: No, only some pencils are erasers, not necessarily pens.

These CAT sample questions will help improve problem-solving and analytical skills. Preparing with these topics will ensure a strong foundation for the exam.

Best Indian Books for CAT Syllabus with Authors & Publications

1. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT – Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill)
   • Covers number system, algebra, arithmetic, and geometry with practice questions.
2. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT – Sarvesh K. Verma (Arihant Publications)
   • Offers advanced-level quantitative aptitude problems with shortcuts and tricks.
3. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT – Nishit K. Sinha (Pearson)
   • Includes analytical reasoning, logical puzzles, and data interpretation sets.
4. How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT – Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill)
   • Features caselets, graphs, and calculation-based DI questions with solutions.
5. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT – Meenakshi Upadhyay & Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill)
   • Provides reading comprehension techniques, para jumbles, and grammar rules.
6. Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis (Goyal Publishers)
   • Enhances vocabulary through root-based learning and interactive exercises.
7. High School English Grammar & Composition – Wren & Martin (S. Chand Publishing)
   • Covers fundamental grammar, sentence correction, and comprehension skills.
8. CAT 2025 MBA Entrance Guide – Disha Experts (Disha Publications)
   • A comprehensive guide with past papers and detailed explanations.
9. Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal (S. Chand Publishing)
   • Contains logical reasoning, puzzles, and analytical reasoning topics.
10. The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning – Nishit K. Sinha (Pearson)

• Focuses on critical reasoning, para completion, and fact-based reasoning.

11. Face to Face CAT 30 Years Solved Papers – Arihant Experts (Arihant Publications)

• Includes previous years’ questions with detailed solutions.

12. CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning – Gautam Puri (GKP Publications)

• Provides topic-wise coverage of DI & LR with practice sets.

13. Complete Reference Manual for CAT & Other MBA Exams – S.K. Sinha (Arihant Publications)

• Covers all sections with conceptual clarity and shortcut techniques.

14. Study Package for CAT Online – Arun Sharma (Tata McGraw Hill)

• A digital-friendly book covering mock tests and online strategies.

15. 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary – Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis (Goyal Publishers)

• Focuses on fast-track vocabulary improvement with practical exercises.

16. Logical Reasoning CAT Guide – Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill)

• Covers argument-based questions, coding-decoding, and critical thinking.

17. Crack the CAT Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation – Disha Experts (Disha Publications)

• Focuses on improving speed and accuracy in LRDI.

18. CAT Topic-wise Solved Papers (1994–2024) – Disha Experts (Disha Publications)

• Offers a vast collection of solved past CAT exam questions.

19. Super Quant for CAT – Nishit K. Sinha (Pearson)

• Features advanced quant topics with innovative approaches.

20. Speed Mathematics – Rajesh Kumar Thakur (Arihant Publications)

• Helps in improving calculation speed with mental math techniques.

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CAT Syllabus: Complete Guide for Exam Preparation

The CAT syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s analytical, logical, and verbal skills, essential for business management. Divided into three sections—Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation—the syllabus demands strong conceptual understanding and strategic preparation.

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is a crucial part of the CAT exam, covering topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Candidates are tested on their numerical ability, problem-solving skills, and application of mathematical concepts. Important topics include percentages, profit and loss, time and work, permutations and combinations, and probability.

Aspirants must focus on learning formulas, practicing mental calculations, and using shortcut methods to solve problems quickly. Solving previous years’ CAT papers and taking mock tests can help in improving accuracy and speed.

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

The Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) section evaluates analytical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Logical reasoning questions include arrangements, puzzles, syllogisms, coding-decoding, and seating arrangements. Data Interpretation covers graphs, charts, tables, and caselets that require data analysis and interpretation.

Practicing sets of LRDI questions daily enhances pattern recognition and time management skills. Understanding data trends, approximation techniques, and logical deduction methods is essential for scoring well in this section.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) tests a candidate’s command over the English language. It includes reading comprehension, para jumbles, sentence correction, and grammar-based questions. Strong vocabulary, comprehension skills, and grammatical accuracy are key to excelling in this section.

Regular reading of newspapers, editorials, and books enhances comprehension skills. Practicing mock tests and analyzing answer explanations can help in understanding question patterns and improving accuracy.

Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The CAT exam consists of multiple-choice and non-multiple-choice questions, with a total duration of 120 minutes. Each section is time-bound, requiring candidates to manage time effectively. The marking scheme includes +3 marks for every correct answer and -1 for incorrect responses in MCQs, while non-MCQs have no negative marking.

Effective Preparation Strategies

1. Understand the Exam Pattern – Familiarize yourself with section-wise weightage and question types.
2. Set a Study Schedule – Allocate dedicated time for each section and stick to a routine.
3. Solve Mock Tests – Taking regular mocks helps in improving time management and identifying weak areas.
4. Revise Concepts Regularly – Strengthening fundamentals in each section is crucial for accuracy.
5. Improve Speed & Accuracy – Focus on speed-solving techniques and minimize calculation errors.
6. Read Newspapers & Books – Enhance vocabulary and comprehension skills with daily reading.

The CAT syllabus requires a well-planned approach with consistent practice and a clear strategy. Candidates should focus on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy to perform well in the exam.