CAT Syllabus
CAT Syllabus

Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the competitive entrance examinations for pursuing postgraduate programmes in Business Administration. CAT is the largest MBA entrance test conducted annually in India. CAT 2023 Exam syllabus is divided into three main sections of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC); Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). 

The CAT score is also accepted by many Non-IIM institutes for admission. CAT is a computer-based test held in India. Candidates can expect the questions for CAT 2023 from verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), and quantitative aptitude (QA) based on the previous CAT questions.

The Highest weightage section in the CAT syllabus is VARC followed by QA and then comes DILR. But you need to qualify in each of the three CAT sections. A smart preparation with a syllabus can fetch you a good percentile score and can improve your admission chances in IIMs.

This year IIM Lucknow is conducting the CAT exam on November 26, 2023 in three slots with a time duration of 2 hours for each slot. CAT Syllabus for IIM, MBA CAT Syllabus.

CAT Syllabus

CAT syllabus for MBA or The CAT syllabus includes three sections namely verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR), and quantitative aptitude (QA). Based on the previous year CAT questions the syllabus of CAT can be taken from the points below. The VARC section of the CAT exam syllabus covers various topics of Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, English Grammar, etc. The CAT DILR syllabus includes topics that require analytical interpretation of data presented in the form of Pie Charts, Puzzles, Bar Graphs, and Tables. The QA section of CAT syllabus includes topics of Mathematics from classes 9 and 10 such as Algebra, Arithmetic, Trigonometry, Algebra, and Mensuration. Download IIM CAT Syllabus.

Overview of Syllabus for CAT 2023 with Sectional Weightage

There are total three sections in the CAT syllabus which carry different weight in the CAT question paper. Although the syllabus is divided in 3 sections, the effective number of sections are five as VARC and DILR sections are further sub-divided into 2 sub sections. Read details below.  

Sectional Division of SyllabusOverview of Topics in SyllabusOverall Weightage in CAT exam
Section-1: CAT VARC Syllabus Weightage & Topics (Sectional Division is given belowRC Based Questions, Parajumbles, Para summary, Out of Context Sentence36%
Section-1.1: CAT Verbal Ability (VA) Syllabus- Key Topics & WeightageJumbled Paragraphs; Para-summaryPicking the Out of context sentence from a jumbled paragraph10%
Section-1.2: CAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Syllabus- Key Topics & WeightageLong & Short RC Passages followed by questions based on vocabulary, statements, inferences, elaboration of ideas in the passage24%
Section-2: CAT DILR Syllabus Weightage & Topics (Sectional Division is given belowData Analysis Charts, Tables, Graphs, Direction sense, seating arrangements32%
Section-2.1: CAT Data Interpretation Syllabus Weightage & TopicsSet of 3-4 Questions based on Data Charts, Data Tables, Bar Graphs, Venn Diagrams16%
Section-2.2: CAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus Weightage & TopicsSet of 3-4 Questions based on Seating Arrangement, Team Formation, Clocks & Calendars, Direction Sense, Family Tree16%
Section-3: CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Weightage & Key TopicsIndividual Questions based on Arithmetic, Algebra, Modern Math, Geometry, Mensuration, Number system, Trigonometry34%
Overview of Syllabus for CAT 2023 with Sectional Weightage

CAT Exam 2023: Check Pattern

Before we go deep to know the CAT section wise syllabus, check below the CAT 2023 exam pattern 

Syllabus & Pattern ComponentsCAT Exam Details
Test duration   2 hrs (120 Minutes)
Test sessions/Slots   3 (Morning, Afternoon and Evening)
Total questions 66
Total score198
Number of Sections in CAT question paper3 (VARC; DILR; QA)
Time Allotted for Each Section in CAT exam 40 Minutes
Total questions in VARC Section  24
Total Questions in DILR section  20
Total Questions in QA section  22
CAT Exam 2023: Check Pattern

Now read below in detail the CAT 2023 Syllabus for each of the three sections:

Quantitative Ability Syllabus

Quantitative Ability (QA) is the Mathematics section in CAT exam. Although, the syllabus for Quant is very wide, the questions and topics in it are of class 10 & 12 standard. Out of 66 questions in CAT exam, Quant Section consists of 22 questions and 6 to 8 questions in the section will be of Non-MCQ type without carrying penalty of negative marking.

QA syllabus in CAT gives more emphasis on Arithmetic questions. While maximum 6-8 questions are from Arithmetic, the questions on other topics like Algebra, Geometry and others are in the range of 3-4. Below is shared the expected topic wise syllabus and number of questions in the exam. This is only expected number and it is possible that many of the topics may have more, fewer or no questions this year.

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

CAT Quantitative Ability (QA) Syllabus: Important Points

  • The Quantitative Ability (QA) questions in CAT are divided into 70-75% MCQs with negative marking and 25-30% Non-MCQs without negative marking.
  • A three dimensional approach is recommended on CAT Preparation for Quant section.
  • To cover CAT Quant syllabus you need to strengthen your basics and formulae in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math and allied topics
  • Practise on variety of questions of different difficulty level as per CAT QA Syllabus topics
  • Solve previous CAT papers and Mocks for each topic. The more you do it, the more expertise in Quant section for CAT, you will get.
  • Quantitative Aptitude questions for CAT 2023 to have more questions based on Arithmetic topics as compared to other topics.
  • In 2015, IIM Ahmedabad revamped CAT exam pattern and increased the number of questions in CAT exam to 100. Besides, Data Interpretation sub-section was separated from Quantitative Ability Section. In 2020, due to Covid pandemic IIM Indore reduced the exam time to 2 hours and reduced total questions to 76. Again in 2021, IIM Ahmedabad changed the CAT exam structure and reduced the number of questions from 76 to 66 while keeping the CAT time duration of 2 hours.
  • Now, Quant is a separate section with only Quant questions in it and without any DI question clubbed to it 
  • The CAT exam now has also changed the order of sections. The CAT Quantitative Aptitude is now the last section instead of first section and is placed after DILR

Best Books to Cover Quant Syllabus

Following are the best books which cover the complete CAT QA syllabus

  • How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
  • Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Data Interpretation

Syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) is divided in 2 parts –  Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning with equal number of questions and carries a weightage of 30-32% as the total expected questions are 20-22 in CAT 2023. While Data Interpretation (DI) part is likely to have 10-11 questions, the Logical Reasoning part also has 10-11 questions. Around 6 questions are of Non-MCQ type which do not have negative marking for wrong answer.

Data interpretation section consists of questions on bar diagrams, statistical representation of data, tables, charts, graphical representation. In this section it is tested that how candidates can interpret the given data and answer questions accordingly.

Data is given in form of tables, charts and graphs. In this section it is tested that how can you interpret the given data and answer the questions based on it.

  1. Tables
  2. Column Graphs
  3. Bar Graphs
  4. Line Charts
  5. Pie Chart
  6. Venn Diagrams
  7. Caselets

Combination of two or more types linked to each other.

CAT DILR Syllabus Topics

Data Interpretation (DI) Syllabus Topics

Bar charts – Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar chartsData comparison from Table
Pie chartsGraphs
CaseletsLine Graphs
Data AnalysisData Sufficiency
Data Interpretation (DI) Syllabus Topics

Logical Reasoning (LR)

Logical Reasoning (LR) Syllabus Topics

Direction senseConclusion
Team formationLinear and matrix arrangement
Seating ArrangementInput-Output
Blood RelationSeries
ClocksSyllogism
CalendarsCubes
Binary logicRows
Logical SequenceSet Theory
AssumptionVenn Diagrams
Premise 
Logical Reasoning (LR) Syllabus Topics
  • LR is a Score Booster Part in CAT. It can boost your score upto 30+ core marks leading to an improvement of overall percentile by 20-25 in CAT 2023
  • Logical Reasoning for CAT constitutes 50% share in the newly created Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Comprehension (DILR) Section in CAT
  • The goal of scoring high in CAT 2023 can be achieved with small but consistent efforts and time devoted to the DILR section.
  • Logical Reasoning Questions in CAT are in sets of 3-4 questions for one LR problem 
  • Logical Reasoning questions for CAT test your Logical and Analytical skills to arrive at the conclusion
  • You need to first get as many as Logical Reasoning practice questions for CAT 

Type of Questions in LR Syllabus

Type of expected LR 2023 questions in the changed CAT exam are

Logical Reasoning for CATNumber of questionsType of Questions
Problem Set-1: Arrangements/Rankings/Team Formation3-4Seating arrangement, Ranks, different type of team formation. Lot of conditions placed to confuse you to put the logical sequence
Problem Set-2: Quantitative Reasoning/Puzzles2-4Based on Arithmetic, Geometrical data, various puzzles on words, letters, arrangements, seating etc.
Problem Set-3: Syllogisms/Logical Deduction3-4Questions based on statements, arguments,
Problem Set-4: Venn Diagrams/Binary Logic2-4Questions on set theory, network diagrams are included – difficult and need more practice
Total questions10-16MCQs & Non-MCQs

Best Books to Cover CAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus

Experts suggest following Logical Reasoning Books that cover the LR syllabus

  • How to prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
  • CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri

CAT DI Syllabus

Data Interpretation for CAT 2023 is an important part of overall CAT exam. It commands 15% weightage in overall CAT exam and 50% weightage in DILR section. Scoring high in Data Interpretation can take you through the IIMs admission process.

  • DI 2023 in CAT is as important as the other 2 sections as sectional cut offs announced by IIMs for DILR section are the same as applicable for Quant and VARC sections. 
  • Total weightage in CAT exam is 15%
  • Now forms a separate section in CAT
  • Has 50% share in DILR Section (2nd section in CAT exam)
  • Consists of MCQs with negative Marking and Non-MCQs without Negative Marking
  • No answer option may be found for NON MCQ type of DI questions. You need to type in the answers on computer screen in the given space
  • DI questions have become more time consuming

Type of DI Questions in CAT

Data Interpretation for CATNumber of questionsType of Questions
Problem Set-1: Tables & Charts2-3Comparison of Data of various years, ages etc.
Problem Set-2: Graph, Bar diagram3Data Analysis, comparison of various years, classes, groups etc.  
Problem Set-3: Tables, Pie chart2-3Decoding and finding out the data of missing period, taking clues, interpreting the missing links
Problem Set-4: Graphs, Charts 3Making analysis of data and coming to conclusion, making future projections
Total questions10-12MCQs & Non-MCQs
Type of DI Questions in CAT

With the fewer number of questions expected in CAT 2022, the problem sets and question sets may also be reduced

Logical Reasoning

  1. Number and Letter Series
  2. Calendars
  3. Clocks
  4. Cubes
  5. Venn Diagrams
  6. Binary Logic
  7. Seating Arrangement
  8. Logical Sequence
  9. Logical Matching
  10. Logical Connectives
  11. Syllogism
  12. Blood Relations

Verbal Ability

CAT Syllabus for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension: 36% Weight in CAT

This section will comprise of questions that will be based on Reading comprehension, fill in the blanks, verbal reasoning, antonyms and synonyms, syllogisms, analogies, sentence correction, idioms.

The Syllabus for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) in CAT 2023 carries overall 34-36% Weightage in CAT exam. The syllabus for VARC Section in Common Admission Test (CAT) is divided into 2 parts. The 1st part of syllabus covers topics on Reading Comprehension passages and the 2nd part on CAT VARC syllabus covers topics on Verbal Ability. Total expected questions in this section are 24 out of total 66 questions. There are 5-6 VA questions of Non-MCQ type which do not carry negative marking. The VARC section syllabus is divided into 70% questions on RC syllabus and 30% to VA syllabus. 

CAT VARC Section Syllabus Topics

Types of Questions

  • Inferences, Statements, Arguments
  • Main idea in the RC Passage
  • Author’s assumption
  • Synonyms-antonyms
  • Meaning of the phrase
  • Para Summary
  • Jumbled paragraphs
  • Pick Out of Context Sentence
  • Error Correction in Sentences
  • Sequence of sentences
  • Fill in the blanks
  • Completion of Paragraph
  • Analogies
  • Critical Reasoning
  • Sentence Completion
  • Irrelevant Statements
  • Vocabulary usage

Vocabulary: Vocabulary questions test the candidate’s knowledge of the primary meanings of words, secondary shades of meaning, usage, idioms and phrases, antonyms, related words, etc.

Grammar: Grammar-based questions test the candidate’s ability to spot and correct grammatical errors. CAT generally tests knowledge of high school level grammar and includes areas like subject-verb agreement, use of modifiers, parellel construction, redundancy, phrasal verbs, use of articles, prepositions, etc.

Verbal Reasoning: Verbal reasoning questions are designed to test the candidate’s ability to identify relationships or patterns within groups of words or sentences.

Key areas in RC Syllabus

The English Reading comprehension passages in CAT entrance exam syllabus are taken from a wide area which includes, current affairs, Literature, Business Economy among others as detailed under. Diverse reading of topics in following areas will help you cover the exam syllabus in VARC

  • Current affairs making impact on Social Life, International Affairs, Govt policies and Schemes for example New Education Policy, Triple Talaq, CAA, Covid 19 Pandemic, Clean India Mission, Migration of people from one country to other, Growing intolerance across the Globe,
  • Business & Economic RC Passages for example Global economic changes, economic development at the cost of environment, Impact of Demonetization in India, Wasteful expenditure by Governments
  • RC passages from various English Literature books, from articles authored by great philosophers, thinkers, from various speeches of great personalities like passages from Charles Dickens, Aristotle, Martin Luther King, Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi, Churchill among others
  • Passages on Science & Culture including the journey to Modern world; Fading culture with the advancement of technology
  • Abstract topics and fiction are also included in the Reading Comprehension Syllabus. These Passages make the candidates think well before leading to put themselves in the author’s shoes before answering the questions following these passages since they are opinion based.
  • RC Passages on Historical events leading to social changes for example French Revolution, War of Roses, Social changes in Indian History and thoughts shared by  various activists which are very much relevant even today
  • RC Passages from Mythology. These passages try to correlate the Mythological events with the current social structure and answers to the questions on them have to be inferred 

What is New and what is taken away from CAT Syllabus?

  • CAT will have 3 sections with reduced number of questions instead of 2 sections earlier
  • The sectional weightage in syllabus is – Section-1: VARC – 36% weightage; Section-2: DILR – 30% weightage; Section-3: Quant – 34% weightage
  • CAT has introduced 25% to 28% questions without Negative Marking in the CAT exam. The topics for Non-MCQ type of questions are same as for MCQ type questions which carry negative marking
  • Questions on topics like Error correction in sentences, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence completion are no longer placed in CAT exam
  • Number of sections are increased to three from two and DILR is now a single section. It carries high weightage in IIMs’ shortlisting process and you need to clear the cut offs in this section along with other two sections

How to Download Latest CAT Syllabus Pdf Free

The updated CAT syllabus PDF 2023 can help you boost your CAT preparation as per the current CAT pattern. The CAT syllabus 2023 Pdf download is available free with existing and expected topics covered in the CAT syllabus pdf download document alongwith the type of questions expected in the CAT exam.

Sectional Syllabus

CAT Exam: Sectional Syllabus at a Glance. The broad break-up of topics as given above for the syllabus is as under. You may find most of the questions in CAT 2023 exam based on following topics.

Quantitative Ability (QA)Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
AveragesRatio & ProportionLCM and HCFPercentagesProfit and LossInterest (Simple and Compound)Speed, Time and Distance Time and WorkNumber SystemAlgebraGeometry/MensurationPure MathVenn diagramsLinear EquationsQuadratic EquationsComplex NumbersLogarithmProgressionsBinomial TheoremSurds and IndicesInequalitiesPermutation and Combination Probability FunctionsSet TheoryMixtures and AlligationsCo-ordinate GeometryTrigonometryData comparison from TableGraphsBar charts – Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar chartsPie chartsCaseletsData AnalysisDirection senseTeam formationSeating ArrangementBlood RelationClocksCalendarsBinary logicLogical SequenceAssumptionPremiseConclusionLinear and matrix arrangementInput-OutputSeriesSyllogismCubesRowsSet Theory Venn DiagramsNetwork DiagramsQuantitative ReasoningPuzzlesMain idea in the passageAssumptionInferences, Statements, ArgumentsSynonyms-antonymsPhrasal meaning & UsagePara SummaryJumbled paragraphs Odd sentence out of Jumbled paragraphError CorrectionsSequence of sentencesVocabulary usageFill in the blanksCompletion of ParagraphAnalogiesCritical ReasoningSentence Completion

CAT Sectional Exam Pattern

CAT Sectional Exam Pattern: No. & Type of Questions, Topics

The exam syllabus section wise is not limited to these three sections only, as they are further sub-divided. This sub-division makes the syllabus 2023 divided into 5 effective sections.

CAT 2023 exam componentsTotal questionsTotal MCQs (With negative marking)Total Non-MCQs (Without negative marking)Highlights
Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)241954 RC Passages with MCQs; VA Non MCQs divided into Para jumbles, Para Summary, and Out of Context Sentences
Section-2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)20164LR – 10 QuesDI – 10 QuesAll in Sets of 3 & 4 Qs
Section-3: Quantitative Ability (QA)22166High on Arithmetic. Other on Log, Geometry, Roots, Algebra
Total66 5115  
CAT Sectional Exam Pattern: No. & Type of Questions, Topics

CAT Syllabus – An Overview

AspectsDetails
Name of ExamCAT
Full FormCommon Admission Test
Study material HereSyllabus of CAT
Similar ExamsMBA Entrance Exams
Official Body for Exam and Its SyllabusIIM Lucknow
Full Name of BodyIndian Institute of Management Lucknow
Level of ExaminationNational Level
States of Region Where Institutes Accepting Exam Scores AreIndia
Exam and Syllabus Official Websiteiimcat.ac.in
Courses Where Admission Is Through This ExamMBA, PGDM
Colleges Where Admission Is Through This ExamIIMs, and other B-Schools, MBA colleges in India accepting CAT scores
CAT Syllabus – An Overview

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