CAT Syllabus is crucial for effective exam preparation. Consisting of subjects like Mathematics, English, and Reasoning, it aims to assess candidates' decision-making, time management capabilities, and analytical skills. The CAT exam is one of the most competitive management tests, attracting aspirants from diverse educational fields. The CAT syllabus 2024 will be divided into three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
To prepare for CAT 2024, understanding the depth of the CAT syllabus is the first step. Although the IIMs don't provide an official syllabus, a general outline can be inferred from previous years' questions. It's expected that the pattern followed in CAT 2022 and likely in CAT 2023 will be the same for CAT 2024.
In this article, we will discuss the overall CAT syllabus 2024 for each section in detail touching on all the crucial information that is noteworthy for an aspirant.
CAT Syllabus 2024: Overview and Pattern
The CAT exam, considered highly competitive and prestigious, is a comprehensive assessment comprising three sections that encompass a mix of multiple-choice (MCQ) and non-MCQ questions (Type in the Answer (TITA)). Before delving into the essential topics for CAT 2024, it is of utmost importance to thoroughly acquaint yourself with the exam pattern. This understanding will ensure optimal preparedness, bolstering your chances of achieving remarkable success in this prestigious examination.
|
Section
|
MCQs
|
Non-MCQs
|
Total Question
|
Details
|
|
|
19
|
5
|
24
|
4 passages of RC with 4 questions each. 3 Para Jumbles, 2 Para Completions, 3 Para Summary
|
|
|
15
|
5
|
20
|
4 sets of 5 questions each covering topics of bar graphs, missing data and puzzles
|
|
|
14
|
8
|
22
|
Dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra with 4 questions of Geometry
|
|
Total
|
48
|
18
|
66
|
|
Complete CAT Exam Syllabus PDF
For effective preparation and revision, it's imperative to be fully aware of the exam pattern. This knowledge aids in prioritizing chapters and allocating appropriate time for each topic. Therefore, let's delve into a systematic analysis of the distribution of questions and the weightage given to each section in the exam.
CAT Syllabus 2024: Section-wise Overview
Aspirants must cover all syllabus topics to prepare for CAT 2024. Doing so helps individuals evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and create a specific exam study plan. Choosing the proper questions and aiming for high attempt accuracy can boost your score. Below is a complete list of CAT Exam section subjects.
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
The Verbal Ability section in the CAT exam has seen substantial changes in recent years, making it crucial for candidates to adapt their preparation strategies. Key topics that have gained significance include
- Reading Comprehension: With 16 questions based on 4 passages, this area forms about 70% of the VARC section's weightage.
- Paragraph Summary: This topic has become increasingly important in recent years.
- Para-Jumbles& Misfit Sentences: These are now regular features in the exam.
- Para Completion: A newer addition, requiring candidates to choose the best-fitting sentences for given paragraphs.
Other key areas to focus on in the VARC section include grammar and vocabulary, verbal reasoning, critical reasoning, sentence correction, and reading comprehension strategies. Grammar-based questions assess a candidate's proficiency in identifying and correcting grammatical errors. The exam covers areas like articles, prepositions, modifiers, subject-verb agreement, parallel construction, phrasal verbs, and redundancy. Mastering these concepts can significantly improve overall performance in the examination. Hence, consistent practice and refinement of grammar abilities is essential for success.
Topic-wise Distribution of VARC
As per the analysis of the VARC section of previous year's CAT papers, we have indicated the weightage of different topics:
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Topic
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No. of Questions in CAT
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
2-4
|
|
|
2-4
|
|
Other topics
|
1-2
|
CAT Ebooks
Download free ebooks for CAT exam 2024.
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
Candidates are given a fairly distributed set of problems covering both Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) portion of the CAT exam. This segment is especially difficult and time-consuming because some of the questions even incorporate components from both categories. To achieve the best possible results in this part, students need to make sure they have enough time and work on developing techniques that work. The majority of DILR's questions come in sets, each consisting of two to six questions related to a particular data setting or logical issue. Candidates must fully acquaint themselves with the core subjects of CAT DI and LR, which encompass a broad range of ideas and methods, in order to do well in this portion. Candidates who are proficient in these areas will be able to answer any question with confidence..
- Caselets, Tables, Bar Graphs, Column Graphs, Line Charts, Venn Diagrams, Pie Charts, Combination of two or more types linked to each other
- Games & Tournaments, Number and Letter Series, Calendars; Cubes, Clocks, Venn Diagrams, Binary Logic, Seating Arrangement; Syllogism; Logical Sequence; Logical Connectives; Blood Relations.
Topic-wise Distribution of DILR
DILR sets feature in the various sub topics and follow the given weightage:
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Topics
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No. of Questions in CAT
|
|
|
6-8
|
|
|
5-6
|
|
|
3-5
|
|
|
2-5
|
|
|
1-3
|
|
|
1-2
|
|
|
1-2
|
|
|
1-2
|
|
|
1-2
|
QA (Quantitative Ability)
The Quantitative Ability (QA) section in the CAT exam is widely recognized for its extensive coverage and challenging nature. Over the course of recent years, CAT has given profound importance to arithmetic-based questions in QA, rendering it a vital domain to prioritize for the upcoming CAT 2022. Aside from arithmetic, algebra holds significant importance in the QA section of the CAT exam. A thorough understanding of algebraic concepts and equations is crucial for CAT aspirants. On the other hand, although geometry had relatively fewer question representations in CAT 2022, it should not be underestimated. A strong command of geometry is still essential, as it plays a vital role in the exam and can contribute valuable marks towards achieving a high percentile score.
To excel in CAT QA 2024, it is absolutely imperative to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to thoroughly reviewing and comprehending the key topics. By mastering the fundamental concepts of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, CAT aspirants can greatly improve their chances of achieving high scores in the quantitative aptitude section of the exam.
Topic-wise Distribution of QA
Given table shows the significance of different topics from varied areas of Quant:
|
Main Topic
|
Sub-Topics
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No. of Questions in CAT
|
|
|
Percentages, TSD (Time, Speed, and Distance), Averages, Time and Work, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Mixtures and Allegations.
|
9-11
|
|
|
Factorization, Unit Digit, Divisibility, Binomial Theorem, Surds and Indices
|
2-4
|
|
|
Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithm, Complex Numbers
|
5-6
|
|
|
Lines and Angles, Triangles, Polygons, Circles, Solids (3D Geometry), Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry
|
3-4
|
|
|
Set Theory, Permutation, and Combination, Probability, etc.
|
1-2
|
CAT Syllabus: Exam Pattern
|
Sections
|
No. of Questions
|
Time Limit
|
Marks
|
|
|
24
|
40 Minutes
|
72
|
|
|
20
|
40 Minutes
|
60
|
|
|
22
|
40 Minutes
|
66
|
|
Total
|
66
|
120 Minutes
|
198
|
FAQs regarding CAT Syllabus
- Can I cover the CAT syllabus 2024 in 2-3 months?
Certainly! With a well-structured, focused, and efficient approach, it is indeed feasible to cover the CAT syllabus within 2-3 months.
- Does the syllabus for CAT change every year?
Since there is no official syllabus prescribed for CAT, there is no such change in the topics. However, the weightage of different areas has witnessed modifications after every few years.
- Is the CAT syllabus the same as that of other MBA entrance tests?
Yes, the syllabus for CAT is similar to that of other management entrance tests like XAT, MAT, etc.
- Which section of CAT is the toughest?
CAT is generally difficult in nature. However, in terms of time, VARC is mostly more time-consuming than other sections. This is because of the tricky and long Reading Comprehension passages.
- Which section of CAT holds the highest weightage?
There is very little difference in the weightage allotted to different sections of CAT. Of all three sections, VARC carries the highest marks.
- By which month should I complete the CAT 2024 syllabus and start practicing mock tests?
Although there is no fixed timeline for the CAT preparation schedule, most aspirants aim to complete the syllabus by September. In the rest two months, you can devote time to mock tests.
- Do I need to be a graduate in English to ace the CAT?
No, you do not need to have knowledge of college-level for the verbal section. But you must have good vocab to nail the section.
- Do I need to be a graduate in Mathematics to crack the CAT?
No, the syllabus for CAT is quite basic and doesn't require graduation-level knowledge.
- Can I prepare for the CAT just by taking mock tests?
No, this approach proves ineffective. You must gain a strong understanding of concepts before taking mocks.
- Is there a negative marking in CAT?
Yes, CAT carries a negative marking for MCQs, but there is no penalty for wrong answers in the Non-MCQ part.
