CAT Syllabus 2025- Download pdf for Quant, VARC and DILR with Topic Wise Weightage

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Chanpreet Kaur

Content Writer | MBA Professional | Updated on - Aug 6, 2025

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The CAT exam syllabus includes three sections namely Quant, English, and Logical Reasoning with a total of 66 questions to be solved in 120 minutes. The CAT test syllabus has around 22 Quant, 24 VARC, and 20 DILR questions.

  • The QA section has about 22 questions, and nearly 50% of them come from Arithmetic topics like percentages and ratios.
  • In the VARC section, 70% questions are based on Reading Comprehension, and the rest from grammar and paragraph-based questions.
  • The DILR part of the CAT test syllabus has 20 questions, and these are mostly tricky puzzles, tables, and charts, which often make this part the hardest sections in the CAT exam syllabus for MBA.

The IIMs don’t give any official list of CAT syllabus topics, but by checking CAT Previous Year Papers, we know what the CAT exam syllabus mostly includes. The CAT syllabus for MBA covers topics we study in school but asks them in a smart and tricky way. If you understand the full CAT test syllabus and practice regularly, you can do well even if the CAT exam syllabus for MBA changes a little every year. Knowing the CAT exam pattern and doing mock tests will really help you score better.
 

CAT Syllabus
 

Key Summary​

  • The CAT Syllabus PDF includes 3 sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
  • VARC includes topics like Grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, para jumbles, passages, word usage, and fill-in-the-blanks.
  • DILR includes important topics like Caselets, Puzzles, Arrangements, Binary Logic, Blood Relation, and Sets.
  • Important topics for the CAT QA syllabus PDF include Arithmetic, Algebra, and Modern Mathematics.
  • A total of 68 questions will be asked from the CAT syllabus PDF, with 24 from VARC, 22 each from DILR and QA.
  • Last year, VARC was moderately difficult but high-scoring (~85% accuracy), DILR was the most difficult, and QA was the highest-scoring section, with ~90% accuracy. 

CAT Syllabus 2025 Quant, VARC and DILR Topics

CAT syllabus PDF 2025 includes around 32 chapters divided into sections like VARC, DILR, and QA.

  • CAT VARC Section- 24 questions from 5-6 chapters.
  • CAT DILR Section- 22 questions from 9-10 chapters.
  • CAT QA Section- 22 questions from 15-16 chapters
CAT 2025 Sections Section Overview Number of Chapters Number of Questions
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) The VARC section tests your reading comprehension skills. 5–6 24
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) The LRDI section tests the candidate's logical reasoning and data interpretation capabilities. 9–10 22
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) The quantitative aptitude (QA) evaluates the candidate based on mathematical aptitude. 15–16 22

CAT High Scoring Topics Per Section (Topic-wise Weightage Analysis)
 

CAT 2025 Quant Syllabus with Weightage

Some of the CAT QA topics in the CAT Syllabus PDF are Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio, Percentages, SI/CI, Mixtures, Ages, and Time & Work. Expected weightage for each topic is discussed below.

Topic Area Subtopics Topic-wise Weightage
Arithmetic TSD, Ratio, Percentages, SI/CI, Mixtures, Ages, Work ~45%
Algebra Linear & Quadratic Eqns, Inequalities, Logarithms, Functions ~23%
Geometry & Mensuration Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry, Area/Volume ~14%
Modern Math Permutation, Combination, Probability, Set Theory ~18%

CAT 2025 VARC Syllabus with Weightage

VARC includes topics like reading comprehension, Para Jumbles, Sentence Elimination/Odd One Out, and Summary-based Questions in the CAT Syllabus PDF. Weightage for each topic of the CAT Syllabus for VARC is discussed in the table below.

Topics Topic -wise Weightage
Reading Comprehension (RC) ~66% of section (16 Qs)
Para jumbles 2–3 Qs
Sentence Elimination/Odd one 2–3 Qs
Summary-based Questions 2–3 Qs
Grammar/Vocab Minimal (if at all)

CAT DILR Syllabus with Weightage

Topics included in the CAT DILR syllabus are Caselets, Puzzles, and Arrangements, Binary Logic, Blood Relation, and Sets. Students can check the approximate weightage for each topic below.

Topics Topic-wise Weightage
Tables, Charts (Bar, Pie, Line) ~20%
Caselets, Puzzles, Arrangements ~30%
Binary Logic, Blood Relation, Sets ~30%
Data Sufficiency/Reasoning Grid ~20%

CAT 2025 Study Material

For the CAT 2025 preparation, the candidate should consider the CAT section-wise books to prepare the CAT syllabus PDF. The table below lists CAT books for section-wise preparation as per the CAT syllabus PDF.

Section Book Author(s) Highlights
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT (11th ed.) Arun Sharma Covers 7 topic blocks, includes CAT 2022 & 2023 solved papers, 250+ questions, 11 mock tests, TITA & MCQ format. Toppers praise clarity and range.
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Sarvesh K. Verma Excellent for moderate-to-high level practice; widely endorsed for deep conceptual clarity.
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Nishit K. Sinha Structured difficulty levels, sharp focus on fundamentals, and advanced QA.
VARC (Verbal Ability & RC) How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT (11th ed.) Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay Covers RC, para‑jumbles, summary, vocab, includes PyQs, 5 mocks; mentor and topper‑recommended.
Word Power Made Easy Norman Lewis Builds vocab contextually (~daily usage); a common supplemental resource.
DILR (Data Interpretation & LR) How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT Arun Sharma Includes solved CAT papers, a systematic strategy recommended by experts.
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT Arun Sharma Robust coverage of puzzles, logical sets; widely quoted by toppers.
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CAT Nishit K. Sinha A refined alternative with structured practice.
Previous Year Papers Chapter‑Wise Solved Previous Years’ Papers for CAT Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay The 2024 edition with solutions helps analyze trends and question types.
CAT Books

CAT DILR Study Material

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning has 11 subtopics, and many students face difficulty in this section. Here is the topic-wise study material to prepare well for the CAT Syllabus PDF 2025.

Topics Study material
Seating arrangement Link
Venn Diagram for Probability Link
Puzzle Link
Blood Relations Link
Syllogisms Link
Combination and Graphs Link
Pie Charts and Tables Link
Calendar Questions Link
Clocks and Calendar Link
Statement and Assumptions Link
Bar Graph Link

CAT QA Study Material

CAT QA section is dominated by the Arithmetic chapter with around 45% weightage. Other topics in CAT QA with high weightage include Algebra and Modern Math.

Topic Area Strategy Data Insights & Tips
Arithmetic Focus on ratios, percentages, profit/loss, TSD, SI/CI, and time-work ~45% of QA questions come from Arithmetic, the highest scoring zone.
Algebra Practice equations, logs, inequalities, and functions ~20–25% weightage. Algebra is common in TITA formats.
Geometry & Mensuration Prioritize triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, area/volume ~14% of the QA section. Visual clarity and diagramming is crucial.
Modern Math Topics like P&C, probability, set theory — medium difficulty ~15–18% of questions; appears more often in TITA-style.
Time Strategy
  • First pass: 15 min (easy Qs)
  • Second: 15 min (moderate)
  • Final: 10 min (tough)
18–20 attempted questions with ~85% accuracy often leads to a 99+ percentile.

CAT Mathematics Study Material

Students can go through the table below to check the chapter-wise CAT QA study material PDF to boost preparation.

Topics Link
Tricks and Methods Link
Arithmetic Link
Algebra Link
Geometry Link
Mensuration Link
NumberSystem Link
Modern math Link
Venn Diagram Link
Trigonometry Link
Calendar Link

CAT Toppers Strategy to score 99%ile

CAT Exam Pattern 2025

As per the CAT exam pattern 2025, there will be a total of 68 questions asked in the CAT question paper.

  • The sectional weightage includes 24 questions from VARC, 22 each from DILR and QA.
  • Time allotted for the CAT 2025 paper is 120 minutes.
  • Marking Scheme includes +3 for each correct answer and -1 for each incorrect answer.
Feature Details
Exam Mode Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Date (Tentative) November 30, 2025
Total Duration 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
Total Questions 68
Total Marks 204 (3 marks per correct answer)
Question Types MCQs (–1 mark for wrong) + TITA (no negative)
Number of Slots 3 slots (Morning, Afternoon, Evening)
Marking Scheme +3 for correct, 1 for wrong (MCQs only)

CAT QA Syllabus and Weightage

Some of the CAT QA topics are Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio, Percentages, SI/CI, Mixtures, Ages, and Time & Work. Expected weightage for each topic is discussed below.

Topic Area Subtopics Topic-wise Weightage
Arithmetic TSD, Ratio, Percentages, SI/CI, Mixtures, Ages, Work ~45%
Algebra Linear & Quadratic Eqns, Inequalities, Logarithms, Functions ~23%
Geometry & Mensuration Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry, Area/Volume ~14%
Modern Math Permutation, Combination, Probability, Set Theory ~18%

CAT 2025 Mock Test

CAT mock tests are essential for effective preparation as they help familiarize candidates with the latest CAT syllabus, exam pattern, and covered topics. Analyzing the mock tests helps identify your core strengths and develop effective elimination strategies. 

Taking full-length mock tests is key to refining your strategy, familiarizing yourself with the CAT syllabus, and enhancing your strengths. Links to the full-length mock tests are provided below:

Test Link Test Link
Test 1 Take the test Test 13 Take the test
Test 2 Take the test Test 14 Take the test
Test 3 Take the test Test 15 Take the test
Test 4 Take the test Test 16 Take the test
Test 5 Take the test Test 17 Take the test
Test 6 Take the test Test 18 Take the test
Test 7 Take the test Test 19 Take the test
Test 8 Take the test Test 20 Take the test
Test 9 Take the test Test 21 Take the test
Test 10 Take the test Test 22 Take the test
Test 11 Take the test Test 23 Take the test
Test 12 Take the test Test 24 Take the test

CAT 2025 Previous Year Papers – Download PDF

The CAT Previous year question papers will help the candidate in identifying the trends and high-weightage topics, and it will guide them throughout the CAT preparation process.

The candidates can download pdf of CAT question papers (2024–2020).

CAT Question Paper Download PDF
CAT 2024 Question Paper Download PDF
CAT 2023 Question Paper Download PDF
CAT 2022 Question Paper Download PDF
CAT 2021 Question Papers Download PDF
CAT 2020 Question Paper Download PDF

CAT 2024 Question Paper – Download PDF

To understand the weightage and trends of questions, solving previous year’s question papers is of utmost importance. Here we have provided the question papers of 2024 year with answer keys PDF:

Slots Sections Question Papers with Solution PDF
Slot 1 VARC Download PDF
QA Download PDF
DILR Download PDF
Slot 2 VARC Download PDF
QA Download PDF
DILR Download PDF
Slot 3 VARC Download PDF
QA Download PDF
DILR Download PDF

CAT Syllabus FAQs

Ques. Is CAT exam Syllabus Difficult?

Ans. The CAT exam syllabus is not difficult in terms of topics, as it primarily covers school-level concepts in Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and English. However, the difficulty lies in the unpredictable exam pattern, time pressure, and high competition. Sections like DILR are often considered the toughest due to complex logical sets. With smart preparation and a clear understanding of the CAT syllabus, even average students can crack the exam with 95+ percentile scores.

Ques. Where can I download the latest CAT syllabus PDF and subject-wise weightage?

You can download the latest CAT exam syllabus PDF with topic-wise weightage from trusted exam websites like Collegedunia, MBAUniverse, Testbook and Careers360. These websites provide detailed breakdowns of the CAT exam syllabus including VARC, DILR, and Quant sections. They also provide details like the expected number of questions, topic-wise weightage, and exam pattern. Most PDFs are free to download and are based on the latest CAT 2025 paper pattern, which includes 66 questions to be solved in 120 minutes.

Ques. Is CAT exam tough than IIT?

Ans. The CAT is a postgraduate aptitude test that focuses the speed, decision-making, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and English comprehension at the expense of basic academic concepts.

While IIT‑JEE (Main + Advanced) examines in-depth subject knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, which requires lengthy preparation periods of more than 2–3 years. It's well-known for high conceptual complexity and technical depth.

  • So, if you are excellent at quick thinking, numbers crunching, reading comprehension, and time management, CAT can be as challenging, especially because of its unpredictable and high-pressure format.
  • The candidates with more focus on academic concepts, especially in physics, chemistry, and mathematics, can find IIT -JEE exam challenging.

Ques. Can a PCB student prepare for CAT?

Ans. Yes, PCB students can prepare and take the CAT exam, as long as their graduation is complete with more or equal to 50%. Then, the students from a PCB background are fully eligible to register for the CAT exam. The CAT exam requires strategy, structured learning, and resolving weaknesses.

PCB students like Arpit Dua scored 99.9+ percentiles with structured routines of starting early, like 6-12 months ahead, with consistent preparation to boost confidence and skills, and proper coaching.

Ques. Is the CAT exam tougher?

Ans. Yes, the CAT exam is tougher than other exams, especially in the sections like DILR and QA during certain years.

Between 2024 and 2020, CAT's difficulty level varied from moderate in the years 2020, 2022, and 2024, but it was tougher in 2021 and 2023.

  • The VARC and QA sections were consistently the most moderate to difficult.
  • While DILR was the hardest section throughout the past years, especially in tougher years due to complex puzzles and high time pressure.

Ques. Is CAT harder than NEET?

Ans. Deciding whether CAT is harder than NEET totally depends on the candidate’s strengths and the nature of the exams, as both exams serve different purposes.

  • The CAT evaluates analytical reasoning, verbal ability, and quantitative skills for postgraduate management programs in colleges like IIMs.
  • The NEET checks the knowledge of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for undergraduate medical admissions.

CAT can be more difficult for those who are weak in logic and strategy, whereas NEET can be more challenging for those struggling with memorization or science.

Each exam is tougher in its domain, to ace each exam requires a proper preparation strategy aligned with the exam’s demands.

Ques. How many marks for 99 percentile in CAT?

Ans. The 99 percentile in CAT can be achieved by scoring 95–105 raw marks, targeting approximately 34–38 marks in VARC, ≈ 30–34 marks IN DILR, and ≈ 31–35 marks in QA.

*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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