CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus includes Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Maths. As per the CAT QA paper analysis from past years, difficulty level of questions asked from the CAT QA syllabus is moderate to high. The most important topics with maximum weightage in the CAT Quants Syllabus are Arithmetic and Algebra.
- As per the CAT Exam Pattern, a total of 22 questions will be asked from the CAT 2025 Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude.
- As per the CAT 2025 QA marking scheme, 3 marks will be awarded for each correct answer, and 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
- CAT QA Section can be the most decisive subject when it comes to deciding the CAT Cut-off, which ranges from 70-85th percentile in the Quantitative Aptitude Section.
As per the CAT QA paper analysis from past years, students can expect 5-10 questions from Number System, Basic Arithmetic, 7-8 questions from Geometry & Mensuration, 6-7 questions from Algebra, 1-2 questions each from Permutation & Combination, Probability, “Time, Speed, and Distance”, and so on.
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Key Summary
- CAT QA Syllabus includes topics like Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration, LCM and HCF, Set Theory and Function, Probability, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Number System, Averages, Complex Numbers, Ratio, Proportion, and Variation, Speed, Time, and Distance, Geometry, Compound Interest, Profit, Loss, and Discount, Algebra, etc.
- Each topic of the CAT DILR syllabus is expected to carry 1-5 questions.
- The total number of questions from the QA syllabus is 22.
- Students can score a maximum of 66 marks in the CAT QA syllabus.
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2025
- CAT Topic-Wise Weightage and Difficulty Level
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude Exam Pattern 2025
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude Study Material
- Quantitative Aptitude- Previous Years’ Trends
- How to Schedule Preparation for CAT QA?
- CAT QA Previous Year Paper Analysis
- Download CAT QA Question Papers
- CAT QA Syllabus- FAQs
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2025
Topics asked in the CAT QA section are extracted from the CAT QA syllabus, which includes topics.
- Number System, Basic Arithmetic
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Algebra
- Permutation & Combination
- Probability
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Trigonometry, Logarithms, and Sets
- Profit, Loss, and Discounts
- Interests (SI, CI)
- Time and Work
| CAT QA Syllabus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coordinate Geometry | Mensuration | LCM and HCF |
| Set Theory and Function | Probability | Quadratic and Linear Equations |
| Number System | Averages | Complex Numbers |
| Ratio, Proportion, and Variation | Speed, Time, and Distance | Geometry |
| Compound Interest | Profit, Loss, and Discount | Algebra |
| Trigonometry | Permutation and Combination | Progressions and Series |
| Quantitative Aptitude Questions | Quantitative Aptitude Shortcut Techniques for CAT | Number System Shortcut for CAT |
| Shortcuts in Averages | Remainder Concepts | Circles |
| Factorials | Power Cycle | Relatives Speed |
| Arithmetic Progression | Polygons | Harmonic Progression |
| Quadrilaterals | Points, Lines, and Planes | Circles |
| Angles | Geometric Progression | Weighted Average |
| Graphical Division Geometry | Similar Triangles | Derangement |
| Applications of Averages | Conditional probability | Application of Power Cycle |
| Constant Product Rule | Laws in Set Theory | Properties of Ratio |
| Triangles | Boats and Streams for CAT | Escalator Questions for CAT |
CAT Topic-Wise Weightage and Difficulty Level
According to the CAT QA paper analysis from past years, students can expect 5-10 questions from the Number System, Basic Arithmetic.
- Students can expect 7-8 questions from Geometry & Mensuration in CAT 2025.
- The number of questions expected in CAT 2025 from CAT QA Algebra is 6-7.
- 1-2 questions each from Permutation & Combination, Probability, “Time, Speed, and Distance” are expected in the CAT QA syllabus 2025..
| Topic Name | Expected No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Number System, Basic Arithmetic | 5-10 Questions | Moderate |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 7-8 Questions | Moderately Difficult |
| Algebra | 6-7 Questions | Moderate |
| Permutation & Combination | 1-2 Questions | Easy |
| Probability | 1-2 Questions | Moderate |
| Time, Speed, and Distance | 1-2 Questions | Moderately Difficult |
| Trigonometry, Logarithms, and Sets | 1-3 Questions | Easy |
| Profit, Loss, and Discounts | 1-2 Questions | Moderately Easy |
| Interests (SI, CI) | 1-2 Questions | Moderately Difficult |
| Time and Work | 1-2 Questions | Difficult |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Exam Pattern 2025
As per the CAT exam pattern, a total of 22 questions will be asked, translating to a total of 66 marks in CAT QA syllabus.
- Students will be required to solve the CAT QA section in 40 minutes.
- 14-15 questions in CAT QA will be asked as MCQs, and 7-8 questions will be non-MCQs (TITA).
- The CAT Quant difficulty level is expected to be moderate to high.
| Pattern | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions in CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section | 22 |
| Total Marks in Quantitative Aptitude For CAT Section | 66 |
| Type of Questions in Quantitative Section | MCQs and TITA (non-MCQ) |
| Total MCQs in Quant for CAT Section | 14-15 |
| Total Non-MCQs (TITA) in QA Section | 7-8 |
| Time Limit | 40 minutes |
| Difficulty in Quantitative Aptitude For the CAT Section | Moderate to High |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Study Material
To prepare for the CAT QA syllabus effectively, students must collect relevant study material. Candidates can go through the tables below to check the CAT QA study material for preparation.
Study Notes on CAT Quantitative Aptitude
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Books and Resources
Students can consider books like How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R S Aggarwal, Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha, etc., to prepare for the CAT QA syllabus.
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
|---|---|
| NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10) | NCERT |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R S Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K Verma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
Check CAT Books
Quantitative Aptitude- Previous Years’ Trends
Students can go through the tables below to check the previous years’ analysis of number of questions asked in CAT QA.
CAT QS Syllabus- Previous Years’ Analysis
| Topic | CAT 2024 Slot 1 | CAT 2024 Slot 2 | CAT 2024 Slot 3 | CAT 2023 Slot 1 | CAT 20243Slot 2 | CAT 2023 Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number System (Remainder, Indices) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Algebra (Logs, Equations, Functions, etc.) | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Arithmetic (TSD, T&W, SI-CI, %, Mixture, etc.) | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Modern Math (P&C) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Geometry (Circle, Cuboid/Square, Coord. Geo) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Total Questions | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
CAT QA Syllabus- Arithmetic Trends Analysis
The number of questions from the Arithmetic part of the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for different years is given below:
| Topic | 2018 Shift 1 | 2018 Shift 2 | 2019 Shift 1 | 2019 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 1 | 2020 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage | 1 | - | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Profit, Loss, and Discount | - | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| SI and CI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Ratio and Proportion | 2 | 1 | - | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Average | 2 | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - |
| Mixture and Alligation | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 2 |
| Time, Speed, Distance | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - | 1 |
| Time and Work | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | - | 1 | - |
| Pipes and CisternsClocks and Calendars | 1 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - |
CAT QA Syllabus- Algebra Trends Analysis
The number of questions from the Algebra part of the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for different years is given below:
| Topic | 2018 Shift 1 | 2018 Shift 2 | 2019 Shift 1 | 2019 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 1 | 2020 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equations and Polynomials | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Inequalities and Absolute Value | - | 2 | 1 | - | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Functions and Graphs | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Logarithm and Exponents | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Progressions and Series | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | - | 2 | - |
CAT QA Syllabus- Geometry & Mensuration Trends Analysis
Check the previous years’ trends of CAT QA Geometry and Mensuration part from the table below:
| Topic | 2018 Shift 1 | 2018 Shift 2 | 2019 Shift 1 | 2019 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 1 | 2020 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lines, Angles, and Triangles | 1 | - | - | 2 | - | 1 | - |
| Quadrilaterals | 3 | 2 | - | - | - | - | 1 |
| Polygons | - | - | 1 | 1 | - | - | - |
| Circle | 2 | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | - |
| Mensuration | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | - |
| Co-ordinate Geometry | - | 1 | 2 | - | - | - | 3 |
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How to Schedule Preparation for CAT QA?
To get more than 95 percentile in this subject, the candidate is advised to answer more than 25 questions correctly. Aspirants are advised to spend time evenly on the CAT QA syllabus topics by preparing a study plan. Students can also follow the plan for CAT QA topics as mentioned in the table below.
| Session No. | Topic | Time (Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Averages | 2 |
| Session 2 | Percentages | 2 |
| Session 3 | Profit & Loss | 2 |
| Session 4 | Linear & Quadratic Equations | 2 |
| Session 5 | Ratio Proportion | 2.5 |
| Session 6 | Mixtures | 1.5 |
| Session 7 | Speed, Time & Distance | 2.5 |
| Session 8 | Races | 1.5 |
| Session 9 | Pipes & Cisterns | 2 |
| Session 10 | Simple & Compound Interest | 2 |
| Total | 20 | |
Subject Wise CAT Preparation
Mistakes to Avoid While Attempting CAT QA Questions
- Spending more than 90 seconds on a question: You will have 40 minutes to attempt 22 questions in the CAT QA section. Hence, it is advised not to spend more than 90 seconds on any particular question and save time for the remaining ones.
- Learning too many formulas and short tricks: Avoid learning too many formulas and short tricks for a particular topic to avoid confusion. Choose only 1-2 tricks that work best to save time while attempting CAT QA questions in the exam.
- Not Using the Option Elimination Strategy: Go through the options as many times as questions based on numbers and algebra can be easily solved using the option-based elimination strategy. This saves you from lengthy calculations.
- Silly Mistakes of Calculation: Candidates often commit silly calculation mistakes in a hurry. Be more careful with calculations as accuracy is equally important as the number of questions you attempt. Solving 85-90% of questions with accuracy is better than solving 100% of the paper with silly mistakes.
CAT Preparation Tips 2025 from CAT Toppers
CAT 2025 aspirants can also check valuable preparation tips for the CAT QA syllabus from previous year CAT Toppers to know the perfect strategy for CAT QA Syllabus 2025 preparation.
| Topper Name | Percentile | Preparation Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Adit Sanjanwala | 99.99 | Know Preparation Tips |
| Aditya Singh | 99.9 | Know Preparation Tips |
| Parul Arora | 99.93 | Know Preparation Tips |
| Prakrut Chauhan | 99.89 | Know Preparation Tips |
| Ekaans Mohanty | 99.88 | Know Preparation Tips |
| Adarsh Singh | 99.83 | Know Preparation Tips |
| Ayush Matcha | 99.78 | Know Preparation Tips |
| Lavish Taneja | 93.67 | Know Preparation Tips |
| Shivam Sharma | 99.63 | Know Preparation Tips |
| Aditya Mishra | 99.61 | Know Preparation Tips |
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CAT QA Previous Year Paper Analysis
CAT QA 2024 Paper Analysis- Slot 1
| Area/Q Type | No of Questions |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability | 14 MCQs, 8 TITA Overall LOD: MEDIUM |
| Arithmetic | 8 |
| Algebra | 7 |
| Geometry | 3 |
| Modern Math | 3 |
| Numbers | 1 |
CAT QA 2024 Paper Analysis- Slot 2
| CAT Slot 2 QA Topics | No. of Questions (MCQ/non-MCQ) |
|---|---|
| Number System | To be updated |
| Algebra | 4-5 |
| Arithmetic | To be updated |
| Modern Maths | To be updated |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 2 |
| CAT 2024 Slot | CAT 2024 Quant Analysis |
|---|---|
| Quant Slot 1 (Out) | Check Here |
| Quant Slot 2 (Out) | Check Here |
CAT QA 2023 Paper Analysis- Slot 1
CAT QA paper analysis is discussed in the tables below for CAT 2023.
CAT QA 2023 Paper Analysis- Slot 1
| QA Topics | Question Distribution |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Time, Speed, Distance- 2 questions 1 question each from Time and Work, ratio, SI-CI, Profit & Loss, Mixtures & Alligation, Clocks |
| Algebra | Sequence & series- 2 questions, Maxima & Minima- 2 questions, Inequalities- 1 question, Logarithm- 1 question, Equations- 1 question |
| Modern Math | P&C- 1 question |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 1 question each from Rectangles, Circles, and Coordinate Geometry |
| Number System | Factors- 1 question, Divisibility- 1 question |
CAT QA 2023 Paper Analysis- Slot 2
| QA Topics | Question Distribution |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Profit & Loss- 2 questions, Ratios- 2 questions, 1 question each from Time and Work, TSD, SI-CI, Mixtures & Alligation, Averages |
| Algebra | 1 question each from logarithms and surds, Equations- 3 questions, Sequence & Series (AP/ GP)- 2 questions |
| Modern Math | None |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 1 question each from Triangles, Quadrilaterals, and Circles + Coordinate Geometry |
| Number System | Rational Numbers- 1 question |
CAT QA 2023 Paper Analysis- Slot 3
| QA Topics | Question Distribution |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Time and Work- 2 questions 1 question each from Time Speed Distance, SI-CI, Profit & Loss, Mixtures & Alligation, Averages |
| Algebra | 1 question each from logarithms, functions and algebraic expressions, Equations- 2 questions, Sequence & Series- 2 questions |
| Modern Math | None |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 1 question each from Triangles, Polygons and Circle |
| Number System | 1 question each from factors, integral values, and indices |
CAT QA 2022 Paper Analysis
CAT 2022 QA was of moderate difficulty, with a few time-consuming and tricky questions.
- The question paper in each of the 3 slots had 14 MCQs and 8 TITA-type questions.
- The topics with the highest weightage were Number systems, Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.
CAT 2022 QA - Slot 1 Paper Analysis
| Topic | No of Questions (MCQ/non-MCQ) | Ideal Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | 1 |
| Algebra | 8 | 4-5 |
| Arithmetic | 8 | 5-6 |
| Modern Math | 2 | 1 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3 | 1-2 |
| Total | 22 | 14-16 |
CAT 2022 QA - Slot 2 Paper Analysis
| Topic | No of Questions (MCQ/non-MCQ) | Ideal Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | 1 |
| Algebra | 7 | 4-5 |
| Arithmetic | 9 | 6-7 |
| Modern Math | 1 | 0-1 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 4 | 2-3 |
| Total | 22 | 13-15 |
CAT 2022 QA - Slot 3 Paper Analysis
| Topic | No of Questions (MCQ/non-MCQ) | Ideal Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | 1 |
| Algebra | 7 | 4 |
| Arithmetic | 9 | 5-6 |
| Modern Math | 1 | 1 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 4 | 2 |
| Total | 22 | 13-15 |
Download CAT QA Question Papers
Students can download the CAT QA previous years’ question papers from the tables below.
CAT Previous Years’ Papers- 2023-24
| CAT Exam Slot | Download PDF |
|---|---|
| CAT QA 2024 Exam Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT QA 2024 Exam Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT QA 2024 Exam Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT QA 2023 Exam Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT QA 2023 Exam Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT QA 2023 Exam Slot 3 | Download |
CAT Previous Years’ Papers- 2017-22
| Slot Number | CAT Question Paper with Solutions |
|---|---|
| CAT QA Question Paper & Answer Key of 2022 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT QA Question Paper & Answer Key of 2021 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT Official QA Question Paper & Answer Key of 2020 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT QA Question Paper & Answer Key 2019 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT QA Question Paper & Answer Key 2018 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT QA Question Paper & Answer Key 2017 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
CAT QA Syllabus- FAQs
Ques. What comprises the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section?
Ans. CAT Quantitative Aptitude tests the ability of a candidate to solve numerical and mathematical calculations in a limited time. It assesses the capability of playing with numbers logically. This is very often required in most competitive exams. The CAT QA section comprises topics like Number System, Basic Arithmetic, Geometry & Mensuration, Algebra, Permutation & Combination, Probability, Time, Speed, and Distance, Trigonometry, Logarithms, and Sets, Profit, Loss, and Discounts, Interests (SI, CI), Time and Work, etc.
Ques. How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2024?
Ans. Quantitative Aptitude demands a lot of practice, and to save time for practicing more, one should adopt all small and simple tactics to increase one’s practice and reduce errors. Take frequent mock tests and strengthen the fundamental concepts and basics by going through different study materials and different Quantitative Aptitude books.
Ques. What are the topics covered in the CAT Quant Syllabus?
Ans. The following are the most crucial topics to prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude:
- Permutations and Combinations
- Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
- Number System
- Ratio & Proportion
- Mensuration
- Circles, Triangles, Polygons, Quadrilaterals
- Percentages
- Profit and loss
- Probability
- Time and work
- Simple and compound interest
- Time, speed, and distance
- Number systems
- Ages
- Averages
Ques. What are the important CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude Tips to crack the exam?
Ans. CAT does not have a defined syllabus. So, candidates are required to prepare from various topics and more or less rely on the previous year's question sets of CAT.
- The weightage of each topic must be checked by candidates in order to decide how much time they wish to devote to that particular topic.
- It is recommended that candidates focus more on the basic topics, number system, and geometry as they hold a good amount of weightage in the CAT entrance exam.
- When done with the basic concepts, pick up past year question papers and practice them. Simultaneously appear in frequent mock tests available on various online coaching and study channels.
Ques. What is considered a good attempt in CAT Quantitative Aptitude?
Ans. While it varies every year depending on the difficulty of the paper and other sections, generally a good attempt in CAT Quantitative Aptitude is considered to be around 14-16 questions to get above 85 percentile.
Ques. What are the best books for CAT Quantitative Ability preparation?
Ans. The best books for CAT Quant preparation are:
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
- Quantitative Aptitude by Nishit K Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R.S. Aggarwal
Ques. How many questions will be asked in CAT QA 2024?
Ans. Based on the changes introduced in the CAT exam pattern, 22 questions will be asked in the CAT 2024 QA section. Out of these 22 questions, 14 will be objective-type MCQs and 8 will be TITA-type.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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