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Common Admission Test
Common Admission Test

CAT Syllabus 2025 - Latest CAT Exam Syllabus for Maths, LRDI, and English, Download PDF

CAT syllabus 2025 comprises three subjects, namely, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

CAT Syllabus 2025 -  The CAT exam date 2025 will be announced on the official website. Students preparing for the Common Admission Test exam must know that there is no defined CAT syllabus for MBA. However, the questions in the CAT exam 2025 are asked from mainly three subjects - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). As per past trends, a total of 66 questions are asked in the CAT question paper.

The CAT syllabus 2025 comprises various topics and sub-topics from Maths, Reasoning, LRDI, and English. The CAT maths syllabus covers topics like Time and Speed, Time and Distance, Ratio and Proportion, Algebra, Geometry, Profit and Loss, Percentages, and more. The difficulty level of CAT Maths questions is uncertain and depends totally on the institute which is conducting the examination. Similarly, CAT LRDI questions include topics like Premise, Assumptions, Conclusion, Linear and Matrix Argument, Data Tables and Charts, Stacked and Composite Bar Charts, and more.

To cover the CAT English syllabus, it is important to read the newspaper daily to improve grammar, synonyms and antonyms, sentence correction, and reading comprehension. For more practice, aspirants must solve multiple CAT mock tests series available online (both free and paid). This will allow them to get an idea of the types of questions asked in the CAT exam.

CAT Syllabus 2025 (Download PDF)

In preparation for the CAT 2025 exam, the conducting IIM, will provide CAT mock test papers about 10-15 days prior to the exam date. These mock tests are invaluable resources for candidates as they provide insights into potential question distribution, thereby aiding in more effective preparation.

Also Read: CAT Exam Pattern 2025

The difficulty level of the CAT exam is usually moderate to high. Depending upon the preparation of the candidate, they may find any section to be difficult. Some aspirants find the CAT English section difficult, while some find Reasoning and Quant highly difficult. CAT English syllabus comprises Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Para jumbles, and more. The weightage for reading comprehension is high, hence students must practise it more often to score maximum marks.

CAT Syllabus 2025

CAT syllabus is divided into three subjects: VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), LRDI (Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation), and Quant (Quantitative Aptitude). While there isn't an officially prescribed syllabus for the CAT 2025 exam, candidates should anticipate questions from various sub-topics within these subjects. The following table provides a breakdown of sub-topics for each subject:

Section

Important Topics

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Jumbled Paragraphs, Essence of Short Para, Picking out the out of context sentence, 4-5 RC Passages

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Charts, Tables, Graphs, Seating Arrangements, Family
Tree, Direction sense

Quantitative Ability (QA)

Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration, Algebra, Trigonometry

CAT Syllabus PDF Download

Candidates can also access the CAT syllabus 2025 PDF free download for each section from the links given below:

Subject CAT Syllabus PDF
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation Download PDF
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Download PDF
Mathematics Download PDF

CAT Syllabus for MBA: Subject/Topics Wise

The CAT exam doesn't have a set format; it covers a broad range of topics like reading comprehension, logical reasoning, data interpretation, and quantitative aptitude. Therefore, it's important for candidates to have a good understanding of key subjects in order to do well in the exam.

In the table below, aspirants can get a subject-wise subtopics for all the sections covered in the CAT examination:

Ques) Has CAT Syllabus 2025 been released officially?

Ans) The CAT syllabus is not released officially by the conducting body. The information bulletin released by IIM Calcutta this year contains the eligibility criteria, registration process, application fees, and other details.

Ques) How CAT syllabus is determined?

As per past years question papers, the CAT exam consists of three sections Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Aptitude

Ques) How to download the CAT syllabus PDF?

Ans) The CAT syllabus PDF can be downloaded from the link given above.

Ques) What is the difficulty level of the CAT exam?

Ans) The difficulty level of the CAT exam is usually moderate to high. It may vary every year depending on several factors.

The LRDI section in the CAT exam consists of two parts: Logical Reasoning (LR) and Data Interpretation (DI). Interested candidates can check the CAT LRDI syllabus in the section below:

CAT Syllabus 2025: Logical Reasoning

  • Critical Reasoning
  • Blood Relations (Family Tree)
  • Logical Sequence
  • Assumption
  • Premise
  • Conclusion
  • Linear and matrix arrangement
  • Team Formation
  • Direction sense and Decision Making
  • Input-Output
  • Clocks
  • Calendars
  • Binary logic
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Rows
  • Set Theory, Venn Diagrams, Network Diagrams
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Puzzles
  • Logical Reasoning based on Rankings
  • Series
  • Syllogism
  • Cubes

CAT Syllabus 2025: Data Interpretation

  • Data Tables
  • Data charts
  • Bar diagrams & Charts including Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar charts
  • Pie charts
  • Graphs – Line X-Y Graphs
  • Data analysis and Data comparison among others
  • Caselet based Data

CAT VARC section consists of two parts, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. Interested candidates can check the CAT VARC syllabus in the section below:

CAT Syllabus 2025: Verbal Ability

  • Summarize the essence of a short paragraph in 2-3 questions.
  • Arrange jumbled paragraphs and identify the out-of-context sentence in 2-3 questions.
  • Correct errors in verbs, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, adverbs, and other parts of speech in sentences.
  • Arrange sentences in a paragraph correctly, incorporating conditional sentences, time clauses, reported speech, and passive writing where appropriate.
  • Determine the correct pair of words in vocabulary usage questions.
  • Identify synonyms and antonyms in vocabulary usage questions related to reading comprehension passages.
  • Fill in the blanks with appropriate vocabulary words.
  • Complete the last sentence of paragraphs.
  • Solve analogy questions.
  • Analyze and answer questions related to critical reasoning.
  • Fill in the blanks in sentence completion exercises.
  • Differentiate between facts, inferences, and judgments.
  • Identify and eliminate irrelevant statements in a passage.
  • Utilize phrasal verbs correctly in sentences.

CAT 2025 Syllabus: Reading Comprehension

  • CAT Reading Comprehension section may include passages of government policies like the Clean India Mission, the migration of people between countries, and the growing global intolerance that greatly influence social life, international relations, and government policies.

  • Business and economic reading comprehension passages might cover topics such as global economic changes, economic development with potential environmental costs, the impact of demonetization in India, and wasteful government expenditures.

  • The reading comprehension section also includes passages from renowned English literature books, articles authored by great philosophers and thinkers, and speeches given by influential personalities such as Charles Dickens, Aristotle, Martin Luther King, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, and Winston Churchill, among others.

  • Science and culture-related passages explore the journey to the modern world and the consequences of advancing technology on traditional cultures.

  • Abstract topics and fiction are also included in the reading comprehension syllabus for CAT. These passages challenge candidates to think critically and empathize with the author's perspective before answering the opinion-based questions.

  • Historical events leading to social changes, like the French Revolution, War of Roses, and pivotal social changes in Indian history, along with insights shared by activists, remain relevant and are part of the reading comprehension material.

  • Furthermore, the CAT exam may include reading comprehension passages from mythology. These passages aim to establish connections between mythological events and the current social structure, and candidates are expected to infer answers based on the given content.

The CAT Quant Section includes questions from topics like number systems, trigonometry, algebra, probability, and others. Interested candidates can check the CAT Maths syllabus in the section below:

  • LCM and HCF
  • Percentages
  • Profit and Loss
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; Averages; Ratio and Proportion and others
  • Complex Numbers
  • Logarithm; Progressions
  • Number System 
  • Algebra 
  • Geometry/Mensuration 
  • Pure Math 
  • Venn diagrams-based questions
  • Linear Equations; Quadratic Equations
  • Mixtures and Alligations
  • Co-ordinate Geometry
  • Trigonometry
  • Binomial Theorem
  • Surds and Indices
  • Inequalities
  • Permutation & Combination
  • Probability Functions
  • Set Theory

Understanding CAT section-wise weightage is one of the most important factors to plan the preparation for the CAT Entrance exam. 

In the table below, we have performed a data interpretation to analyse the subject Wise weightage using the previous year's CAT question papers

The quantitative ability section is curated to test the mathematical ability of the candidates. Although there is no set CAT QA syllabus, candidates must focus primarily on Arithmetic & Algebra, and Geometry and Number system. 

In the table below, the candidate can find the topic wise expected number of questions in the quant section of the CAT exam:

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) is designed to test English language skills through reading acumen. Candidates aspiring to appear for the CAT 2024 must focus their efforts on strengthening reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, grammar and vocabulary.

Based on the previous year's VARC question paper, the expected number of questions from each subtopic in CAT 2024 is provided in the table below:

The LRDI section aims to test the reasoning skill of the candidates. This section is considered the toughest section in the overall admission test. Through the LRDI the Logical reasoning and Calculation skills of the candidates are analysed. 

In the table below, candidates can find the DLIR topic-wise expected number of questions.

Below are the few important questions for CAT exam asked in previous year paper:

The Common Admission Test (CAT) preparation requires two most important things - 1) Understanding of Concepts and 2) Consistent practice. Aspirants who are appearing for the CAT 2024 exam must be well aware of the different concepts of Quantitative Aptitude, LRDI, and Verbal Ability section by now. It is time to practice multiple CAT mock test series, solving question papers as the exam is around the corner and is scheduled for November 24, 2024. 

The CAT exam stands apart from other entrance tests, often featuring questions that may be unfamiliar to aspirants. Each year, the exam tends to introduce something unique, making it essential for candidates to have a robust preparation strategy. To succeed, students must train their minds to tackle and understand complex problems presented in the exam.

Students preparing for the exam must know the best CAT books for preparation. They must look for the best CAT books for beginners before starting their preparation. Aspirants can easily cover their basic CAT syllabus for MBA from books like Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation by Nishit Sinha, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How difficult is CAT exam?

The difficulty level of CAT 2024 exam depends upon several factors like the total number of candidates appearing for the examination, total seat intake at IIMs and other institute, and others.

What is the syllabus for CAT 2024 exam?

CAT Syllabus includes topics like Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

How many questions are there in the CAT exam?

This is no prescribed format for the maximum question, although analysing the questions from the previous year the range lies between 65-75. Last year, 66 questions were asked in the exam.

What is the section time duration of the CAT exam 2024?

Candidates will be allotted 40 minutes for each section. However, there is a relaxation for PWD candidates.

How many marks will be deducted for not attempting the question in CAT exam?

As per the CAT exam pattern, If no response is provided in the response sheet, then there will be no deduction of marks.

What is CAT Syllabus for LRDI?

CAT Syllabus for LRDI includes topics like:

  • Critical Reasoning
  • Blood Relations (Family Tree)
  • Logical Sequence
  • Assumption
  • Premise
  • Input-Output
  • Clocks
  • Calendars
  • Binary logic
  • Data Tables
  • Data charts
  • Bar diagrams & Charts including Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar charts
  • Pie charts

What is CAT Syllabus for Maths?

CAT Syllabus for Maths include topics like:

  • LCM and HCF
  • Percentages
  • Profit and Loss
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Number System 
  • Algebra 
  • Geometry/Mensuration 
  • Linear Equations; Quadratic Equations
  • Mixtures and Alligations
  • Co-ordinate Geometry
  • Trigonometry

What is the CAT exam marking scheme?

As per the CAT exam pattern 2024, each question carries 3 marks in the exam. There is also negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer key according to the CAT marking scheme.

What are some CAT LRDI questions?

CAT LRDI questions are asked from topics like Critical Reasoning, Blood Relations, Assumptions and Conclusions, Binary Logic, Data Tables, Data Charts, and more.

What are some important books to cover the CAT Syllabus 2024?

Some of the CAT books for preparation are VARC by Arun Sharma, LRDI by Nishit K Sinha, Quant by Arun Sharma

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