Algebra questions for CAT are the second-highest weightage area in Quantitative Aptitude after Arithmetic. CAT Algebra questions typically cover linear and quadratic equations, functions, inequalities, modulus, progressions and logarithms. The formulas are straightforward. The difficulty comes from applying them correctly under time pressure and recognising which concept the question is testing. CAT 2026 has 22 questions in QA to be attempted in 40 minutes. Solid algebra performance can add several marks without requiring advanced theory.
Weightage of CAT Algebra Questions
The IIMs do not publish topic-wise Algebra questions for CAT. The counts below are based on memory-based slot analyses of recent papers. The weightage of CAT Algebra has consistently ranked second after Arithmetic.
|
Year
|
Slot 1
|
Slot 2
|
Slot 3
|
Share per slot
|
|
CAT 2021
|
5
|
5
|
6
|
23–27%
|
|
CAT 2022
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
32–36%
|
|
CAT 2023
|
8
|
7
|
7
|
32–36%
|
|
CAT 2024
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
36%
|
|
CAT 2025
|
7
|
7
|
6
|
27–32%
|
Throughout CAT 2021–2025, Algebra accounted for roughly 30–32% of Quantitative Ability questions in compiled analyses. Quadratic and linear equations appear most often, followed by functions, inequalities, and progressions.
CAT Algebra Questions
CAT rarely asks for a formula by name. It embeds the concept in a word problem, an integer constraint, or a TITA question. Common patterns include:
- Quadratic equations where you use the sum and product of roots or the nature of roots.
- Functions, including composition or finding values under a given condition.
- Inequalities and modulus, often requiring a number line or case analysis.
- Progressions (AP and GP) mixed with other conditions.
- Logarithms used to simplify expressions or solve equations.
A short example of the quadratic pattern:
Example 1 (Quadratic roots)
If the roots of x² − 5x + 6 = 0 are α and β, then α + β = 5 and αβ = 6.
The equation factors as (x − 2)(x − 3) = 0.
Example 2 (Reciprocal relation)
If x + 1/x = 5, then x² + 1/x² = (x + 1/x)² − 2 = 25 − 2 = 23.
These relations appear frequently in both MCQ and TITA formats.
How to prepare for CAT Algebra Questions
Start with the core formulas, then move quickly to application.
- Linear and quadratic equations: factoring, quadratic formula, sum and product of roots, nature of roots.
- Functions: domain, range, composition and simple functional equations.
- Inequalities and modulus: number-line representation and case work.
- Progressions: nth term and sum formulas for AP and GP, plus mixed conditions.
- Logarithms: basic identities and solving simple logarithmic equations.
Practise one concept at a time until the method is stable, then attempt mixed sets. Solve previous-year questions topic-wise before taking full-length CAT mock tests. In the exam, attempt Algebra questions only when the cases or substitutions are clear within two minutes. A half-finished case analysis is usually a negative mark or a lost TITA.
A focused set of 40–50 timed questions is usually enough to cover the 6-to-8 question range. Do not leave Algebra for the last fortnight if the Arithmetic syllabus is still incomplete.
Hitbullseye e-book on Algebra
Hitbullseye’s Quant team has compiled an e-book of 100 advanced-level CAT Algebra Questions. It focuses on application rather than theory and covers the topics that appear most often in CAT.
The e-book includes questions on:
- Quadratic equations
- Functions
- Progressions (AP, GP)
- Inequalities
- Modulus
Each question is followed by answers and explanations. Use it after you have revised the basic formulas, then reattempt the set under a timer. Download the e-book from the Hitbullseye e-book store.
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Algebra Questions for CAT FAQs
Q. How many Algebra questions come in CAT?
A. Algebra questions typically account for 6 to 8 questions per CAT slot. In CAT 2025, the three slots had 7, 7, and 6 Algebra questions, respectively. These figures are based on memory-based analyses, not official weightage.
Q. Is Algebra worth preparing for CAT 2026?
A. Yes, it is the second-highest weightage area after Arithmetic in the Quantitative Ability section. One correct question carries the same 3 marks as any other question. It is worth a dedicated practice block once Arithmetic fundamentals are stable.
Q. Are CAT Algebra questions mostly MCQ or TITA?
A. CAT includes both types of questions. Several recent Algebra questions have been TITA, which means the final numerical answer must be exact.
Q. What should I study first in Algebra?
A. Quadratic and linear equations, then functions, inequalities and modulus, then progressions and logarithms. Master the sum-product relation and basic function composition before moving to mixed questions.
Q. Where can I get practice CAT questions for Algebra?
A. The Hitbullseye e-book contains 100 solved Algebra questions and is the set linked on this page. Download it from the store link above and use it with the previous-year CAT papers.
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