CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage last 5 years has an approximate and varying weightage of about 32%-34% of the total paper marks. This section can usually be estimated to have around 20-26 questions with a maximum of 66 to 78 marks. This section has MCQ and TITA questions.
As per the last 5 years, the high-weightage topics include Arithmetic (Percentages, TSD, P&L), Algebra (Equations, Functions, Progressions), and Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry). Compared to these, Mensuration, Number systems appear more frequently, while Modern Math and topics of advanced Algebra appear with less frequency.
The year-on-year weightage of topics in terms of level of difficulty is different. 2022 and 2024 had an equal mix of Arithmetic and Algebra, while 2021 and 2023 had more difficult Geometry and Numbers questions.
- The weightage of the Quant section in the CAT exam is around 32%-34%, depending on the number of questions.
- 2024 had 22 Quant questions, maximum marks = 66.
- This section has MCQ and TITA questions, and for each correct answer, you will get + 3 marks and -1 for incorrect MCQ answers. There is no negative marking for TITA.
- From 2020 to 2024, the number of questions varied from 20-26.
- It is possible to get a 99+ percentile with around 30-32 marks in Quant.
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Key Summary
- The Quantitative Aptitude section accounts for about one-third of CAT’s overall weightage.
- The CAT 2024 section consisted of 22 questions, carrying a total score of 66 marks.
- This section will have a balance of MCQ and TITA (non-MCQ) questions, with MCQ questions subject to negative scoring.
- Between 2020 and 2024, the number of questions in Quant remained the same at 22 questions per paper.
- The largest weightage chapters of Quant are definitely Arithmetic and Algebra, which together constitute nearly two-thirds of the Quant section.
CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage Last 5 Years: Overview
- The CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage last 5 years provides that this section encompasses roughly a third of the paper.
- In all the last 5 exams, Quant has consisted of 22 questions for a total of 66 marks.
- The section has continued to represent roughly 32%–34% of the total marks.
- Out of a total of 204 marks for CAT 2024, Quant consisted of 66 marks.
- To score in the region of 99 percentile in 2024, a score of approximately 30-32 marks in Quant was expected.
- Getting about 15-16 right questions (without negative marking) can give you 45–48 marks on quant.
- Over the last four years, the number of Quant questions has been the same at 22.
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CAT 2025 QUANT Syllabus | CAT Exam Pattern, Weightage, Difficulty LevelCAT Quant Topic-wise Weightage Last 5 Years: 2024-2020
The CAT Quant Topic wise Weightage last 5 years shows how various topics are covered in the exam. Following the last 5-year weightage helps you to focus on high-weightage chapters while preparing.
- Geometry, Arithmetic and Algebra are the highest weightage chapters with 29%, 24%, and 23% weightage of the Quant section, respectively.
- Mensuration appears regularly, but the number of questions is much less than in Arithmetic.
- Number System and Modern Math are asked for relatively less, but they are still important areas to cover in your preparation.
- Although the CAT is known for its unpredictability, observing topic-wise weightage patterns helps in planning a little bit better.
| Year | Total CAT Questions | Quant Questions | Quant Weightage (%) | Total Marks | Difficulty Level Visual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 204 | 22 | 32.35 | 66 | Moderate Visual |
| 2023 | 198 | 22 | 33.33 | 66 | Difficult Visual |
| 2022 | 198 | 22 | 33.33 | 66 | Moderate Visual |
| 2021 | 198 | 22 | 33.33 | 66 | Moderate-Difficult Visual |
| 2020 | 228 | 26 | 34.21 | 78 | Moderate Visual |
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CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage Last 5 Years: Topic-wise Weightage
- There is a 29% weightage on Geometry, so this should be your priority.
- Algebra (24%) and Arithmetic (23%) together make up almost half of the section, so both are also important.
| Topic Name | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Geometry | 29% |
| Algebra | 24% |
| Arithmetic | 23% |
| Number System | 15% |
| Modern Math | 9% |
| Total | 100% |
Which Topic Comes More from Geometry in CAT?
Geometry has been one of the significant sections in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section. Topics like circles, parallel lines, and triangles have a good number of questions in the CAT exam paper. In geometry questions, concepts like congruency of triangles and similarity of triangles carry weight, and they are also tested regularly. If you build good fundamentals in those concepts, they will help you work through problems more efficiently and help you answer them better in the exam.
Tips for CAT Quant preparation in Geometry:
- Practice smartly together: For CAT geometry questions, try combining coordinate geometry with triangles and circles, and lines to really get your head around geometry.
- Focus on high weight: Spend a bit extra time on triangle-based questions - especially congruency and similarity - as geometry questions based on these are often weighted slightly higher than other concepts in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section.
CAT 2024 QUANT Topic-wise Weightage
| Topic | Slot 1 No. of Qs | Slot 1 – Weightage (%) | Slot 2 - No. of Qs | Slot 2 – Weightage (%) | Slot 3 - No. of Qs | Slot 3 - Weightage (%) | Total Qs | Avg. Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 9 | 40.91% | 8 | 36.36% | 8 | 36.36% | 25 | 37.88% |
| Algebra | 6 | 27.27% | 7 | 31.82% | 6 | 27.27% | 19 | 28.79% |
| Geometry | 3 | 13.64% | 3 | 13.64% | 3 | 13.64% | 9 | 13.64% |
| Modern Math | 2 | 9.09% | 2 | 9.09% | 2 | 9.09% | 6 | 9.09% |
| Number System | 2 | 9.09% | 2 | 9.09% | 3 | 13.64% | 7 | 10.61% |
CAT 2023 QUANT Topic-wise Weightage
| CAT Quant Topics | Slot 1 Ques. | Slot 1% | Slot 2 Ques. | Slot 2% | Slot 3 Ques. | Slot 3% | Total Qs | Avg.% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8 | 36.36% | 9 | 40.91% | 9 | 40.91% | 26 | 39.39% |
| Algebra | 8 | 36.36% | 7 | 31.82% | 7 | 31.82% | 22 | 33.33% |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3 | 13.64% | 4 | 18.18% | 4 | 18.18% | 11 | 16.67% |
| Modern Math | 2 | 9.09% | 1 | 4.55% | 1 | 4.55% | 4 | 6.06% |
| Number Systems | 1 | 4.55% | 1 | 4.55% | 1 | 4.55% | 3 | 4.55% |
CAT 2022 QUANT Topic-wise Weightage
| Topic Name | Slot 1 | Weightage in Percentage | Slot 2 | Weightage in Percentage | Slot 3 | Weightage in Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8 | 36% | 9 | 41% | 9 | 41% |
| Algebra | 8 | 36% | 7 | 32% | 7 | 32% |
| Geometry | 3 | 14% | 4 | 18% | 4 | 18% |
| Modern Maths | 2 | 9% | 1 | 5% | 1 | 5% |
| Number System | 1 | 5% | 1 | 5% | 1 | 5% |
CAT 2021 QUANT Topic-wise Weightage
| Topic Name | Slot 1 | Weightage in Percentage | Slot 2 | Weightage in Percentage | Slot 3 | Weightage in Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 11 | 50% | 11 | 50% | 11 | 50% |
| Algebra | 5 | 22.8% | 5 | 22.8% | 7 | 27.3% |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 3 | 13.6% | 3 | 13.6% | 4 | 18.2% |
| Number System | 2 | 9.1% | 2 | 9.1% | NA | NA |
| Modern Math | 1 | 4.5% | 1 | 4.5% | 1 | 4.5% |
CAT 2020 QUANT Topic-wise Weightage
| Topic Name | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Geometry | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Ven Diagram | - | 1 | - |
| Probability | 2 | 1 | - |
| Logarithms | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Functions, Graphs | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Progression & Series | - | 1 | - |
| Linear Equations | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Quadratic Equations | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Average, ratio & percentage | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Profit, Loss & Interest | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Time, Distance & Work | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Inequalities | 2 | 4 | 2 |
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CAT Previous Year Papers & Answer KeysCAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage Last 5 Years: Quant Exam Pattern
The CAT Quant exam section presents a stable history of format; it has stayed very consistent with approximately 22 questions in this section.
- This section typically features approximately 22 questions, and the total number of questions in the exam has ranged from 66-68 in the last 5 years.
- Geometry, Arithmetic and Algebra tend to represent highest weightage, while Measurement and Number systems tend to have moderate and balanced weightage.
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Quant Exam PatternQUANT Topic for CAT 2025
CAT Quant topic wise weightage last 5 years shows clear dominance of Geometry, Arithmetic and Algebra, making them essential for focused preparation. Number Systems and Modern Mathematics do not come up much and won’t see as much time devoted to them, but do not neglect these areas either.
Quant section for CAT 2025 is expected to be moderate to tough, with opportunities to score in Arithmetic, and some depth of concept understanding in Algebra and Geometry.
| Topics | Subtopics | Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra | Quadratic and Linear Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions | 40% |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Triangles, Circles, Polygons, and 3D Figures, Coordinate Geometry | 30% |
| Arithmetic | Percentage Calculation, Profit and Loss Analysis, Time-Speed-Distance Analysis, Work Timings, Ratio and Proportion Calculation | 15% |
| Number Systems | Divisibility, FIND (HCF & LCM), Remainders, Base System Mathematics | 5-7% |
| Modern Mathematics | Permutations, Combinations, Probabilities, Set Theory | 5-7% |
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
| Sections | Total Questions | MCQs | TITA | Time Limit |
| VARC | 24 | 18-19 | 5-6 | 40 minutes |
| DILR | 22 | 15-17 | 5-6 | 40 minutes |
| QA | 22 | 14-15 | 6-8 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 47-51 | 16-24 | 120 minutes |
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CAT Topic Wise Weightage for QA, VARC, and DILRCAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage Last 5 years FAQs
Ques. Which quant topic has the highest weightage in cats?
Ans. In the CAT exam, Arithmetic and Geometry have the highest weightage. In the last few years, nearly one-third of the Quant section have questions about Arithmetic areas, and topics including Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Time and Work, and Ratio-Proportion.
- Algebra typically has the 2nd highest weight, followed by Geometry and Modern Mathematics.
- Focusing on the Arithmetic section of the CAT Quant syllabus, it is also the most important topic to prepare.
Ques. What is the 99th percentile in Quant CAT?
Ans. In general, a candidate who aims for 99 percentile in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section will require 30–32 marks out of 66. This generally equates to approximately 10-12 questions correct with good accuracy, but the required mark may vary a little every year due to the difficulty of the section in the slot. Importantly, accuracy is more determinant than the number of questions attempted because negative marking can drastically lower the score.
- Initially, focus on accuracy and only then percentage of questions attempted.
- Concentrate on topics such as Algebra and Geometry, as they generally get a majority of marks in QA.
Ques. How to get 100 percentiles in CAT quant?
Ans. It’s important to find balance and make good decisions regarding your time during the 40-minute time limit per section in the CAT. The realistic target should be 18-20 questions in VARC, 12-15 questions in DILR, and 16-18 questions in Quant, based on your level of comfort going into each section. The exam rewards you, in part, with a notion of speed, but it does so as a factor in choosing the appropriate questions and working through them accurately and composedly, rather than speed alone.
- For now, accuracy over numbers is key. A small number of well-selected, correct questions are worth more than potentially a number of risky attempts.
- Remain calm, skip any time-consuming questions and tricks, and drive efficiently at the same time, attempting each session.
Ques. What is the most weightage chapters for CAT?
Ans. When preparing for the CAT exam, it is important to know which sections hold the most weight. In the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section, Arithmetic and Algebra have the most weight, thus they must be practised the most. Reading Comprehension is responsible for most of the questions in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) and is, therefore, most important to prepare to score highly. The data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR) section often contains puzzles and arrangements that have high weightage and are the basis for questions in most DI sets based on tables and graphs. By dedicating the time to focus on these weighty topics, you can give yourself the greatest advantage and build the foundation for solid CAT preparation.
- Make Arithmetic, Algebra, Reading Comprehension, and DILR puzzles or DIs your primary areas of focus, as they comprise the majority of questions.
- If you can build accuracy in these areas first, you will have more confidence before moving to lower-weightage areas while still having more holistic preparation for the exam.
Ques. Which chapter should I start with for quantitative aptitude?
Ans. The Number System is one of the best topics to start your quantitative aptitude preparation for CAT. It creates a good foundation for problem-solving, as well as enhances skills in numerical. Practising divisibility, factors, multiples, and remainders not only increases speed but also helps build confidence when covering other chapters.
- It built a specific number sense that transfers over to Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry.
- Together with many of the CAT preparation topics, advanced problems can leverage Number System ideas in a roundabout way, making it a core important topic throughout the process.
Ques.Is CAT quant tougher than GMAT?
Ans. Most test takers agree that the CAT Quantitative Aptitude is a tougher exam than the GMAT Quant. The CAT has several topics, and the depth of concepts within the topic, as well as the strict time limits and questions, particularly from Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry, can be very tricky.
GMAT Quant is still competitive, but it is much more straightforward than CAT Quant. Unlike CAT, GMAT Quant questions are about different logical applications of concepts, and the more complex part is the evaluation and reasoning, especially in a data-sufficiency context.
- CAT Quant is tougher than GMAT Quant due to the variety of topics and the complexity of concept application.
- GMAT Quant is a simpler conceptually than CAT Quant, but the nature of the adaptive test means that accuracy and consistent accuracy are required in a shorter time frame.
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