CAT_syllabus_PDF_2024

CAT Syllabus 2024: To strategically prepare for CAT 2024, candidates need a thorough understanding of the syllabus. While the IIM Colleges do not release an official syllabus, experts have crafted one by analyzing past years’ question papers.

The CAT 2024 syllabus introduces candidates to commonly tested topics, including Reading Comprehension, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Graphs, and Percentages. These subjects form the core of the CAT exam and are known for being high-yielding areas.

CAT Syllabus 2024 

    The CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA is not explicitly defined by the conducting body, IIMs. However, based on previous years' trends, we can outline the CAT important topics that are commonly covered in the exam:

    • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests the candidate's proficiency in English, including comprehension and verbal reasoning.
    • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section evaluates the candidate's ability to interpret data and solve logical problems.
    • Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section assesses the candidate's mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities.
    Sections Topics
    Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - RC from Arts, Science, History, Humanities, Philosophy, and Psychology, etc.

    - Inference-based questions, Fact-based questions, Main-idea based questions,Tone of the author questions, Purpose of the author questions.

    - ParaSummary, Odd-one Out, Para Jumbles, and Para Completions are asked.
    Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - Bar graphs, Pie charts, Histographs, Successive percentage changes, Profit changes across years, and Growth over Years.

    - Arrangement puzzles, Einstein puzzles, Venn diagrams, Tables with Missing Values, Miscellaneous puzzles.
    Quantitative Aptitude (QA) - Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Maths, Number Systems, Logarithms,Mensuration, and Probability.

    CAT Syllabus 2024 PDF

    For aspirants looking for a detailed breakdown, You can easily find CAT syllabus 2024 PDF download links online, which provide a comprehensive list of topics covered in each section. These PDFs are crucial for organized and efficient preparation. Moreover, you can download CAT 2024 syllabus PDF free download options to get started without any cost. Note that the syllabus of CAT is slightly different from MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus, topics such as Grammar, Trigonometry won't be asked in the CAT.

    CAT Section Wise Syllabus 2024

    Sections No. of Questions Time Limit Marks
    Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) 24 40 Minutes 72
    Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) 22 40 Minutes 60
    Quantitative Ability (QA) 22 40 Minutes 66
    Total 68 120 Minutes 198

    This table provides a clear breakdown of the sections, number of questions, time limits, and marks.

    CAT VARC Syllabus

    The CAT VARC Syllabus includes a variety of topics that test the candidate's English language skills. Here’s a detailed list of the topics:

    • Reading Comprehension: Passages from various genres like literature, science, business, and more.
      Verbal Ability:
      Sentence correction, para-jumbles, para-summary, and odd sentence out.

    Preparing for VARC requires consistent reading and practice to enhance comprehension and vocabulary.

    Here's a look at the topics for the VARC Section in the table given below:

    VARC Sub Section Description Question Type No. of Questions
    Reading Comprehension 4 RCs with 4 Questions each MCQs 16
    Verbal Ability Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out, Sentence Completion MCQs & TITAs 8

      CAT Reading Comprehension Syllabus

      Reading Comprehension is the dominant in the VARC section. As per the last few years' trends, you get to see 4 RCs in various genres. Generally, RCs are of 450-550 words with 4-6 paragraphs. There are no specific grammar-based questions. But you should have good knowledge of grammar to comprehend better.

      Popular Genre of CAT RCs
      Technology Science Nature Animal
      Evolution Astrology Politics Crime
      Discovery Law Philosophy Environment
      Psychology Literature Sociology Fiction
      CAT VARC Question Types
      Inference Types Main Idea Based Fact-Based
      Tone-Based Title Based Structure-Based
      Vocabulary/Phrase Based Critical Reasoning Based Central Theme Based

      CAT Verbal Ability Syllabus

      Verbal Ability comprises 4 major sets i.e. Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out and Sentence Completion/Placement. These sets usually test the coherent usage of the English language and its correct & appropriate usage. Here, it requires your grammatical, sentence structure, and paraphrasing skills.

      Topic Description Question Type No. of Questions
      Para Jumbles 4 jumbled sentences - Arrange the sequence TITA 2
      Para Summary Choose the correct summary of the given paragraph MCQ 2
      Odd One Out Select the sentence that is not coherent with the paragraph formation TITA 2
      Sentence Completion Place the sentence at the right gap to make a coherent paragraph TITA/MCQ 2

      Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Preparation Tips

      • Read Regularly: Engage in regular reading to enhance comprehension and vocabulary.
      • Practice RC Passages: Regularly practice reading comprehension passages to improve interpretation skills.
      • Focus on Grammar and Vocabulary: Brush up on grammar and expand your vocabulary for sentence correction and para-summary.
      • Solve Previous Year Papers: Familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked in the VARC section.
      • Take Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

      CAT DILR Syllabus 2024

      The CAT DILR Syllabus is designed to test the logical reasoning and data interpretation skills of candidates. Topics in this section include:

      • Data Interpretation: Graphs (bar, line, pie), charts, tables, and caselets.
      • Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, seating arrangements, blood relations, logical sequences, and more.

      Practicing a variety of problems will help in mastering this section, as it requires quick thinking and accuracy.

      Here's a look at the topics for the DILR Section in the table given below:

      CAT Data Interpretation Syllabus

      Data Interpretation sets test how good you are with numbers and data. This section has numerical sets and requires strong calculation. You can check the major topics of this section below:

      CAT  Data Interpretation Topics
      Tables Pie Chart Bar Chart
      Line Graph Venn Diagram Radar Chart
      Histograph Caselets Networks and Diagrams
      Reasoning based DI Data Arrangement Mathematical Puzzles

      CAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus

      Logical Reasoning tests the ability to solve a problem and having the clarity to approach any problem strategically. It tests the logical aptitude of the candidate. You can check the major logical reasoning topics below:


      CAT Logical Reasoning Topics
      Linear Arrangement Circular Arrangement Selection
      Sequencing Binary Logic Cubes
      Routes Games & Tournaments 2D/3D Space LRs
      Coin Picking Conditional LRs Case-based LRs

      Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Preparation Tips

      • Practice Various DI Sets: Focus on tables, graphs, charts, and caselets.
      • Solve Logical Puzzles: Engage in puzzles like seating arrangements and blood relations to enhance reasoning skills.
      • Prioritize Accuracy: Focus on solving questions accurately rather than quickly.
      • Manage Time: Practice managing time efficiently, especially with complex DILR problems.
      • Regular Mock Tests: Take mock tests to assess your preparation and identify areas needing improvement.

      CAT QA Syllabus 2024

      The CAT Quant Syllabus focuses on mathematics topics typically covered until the 10th standard, but with a higher difficulty level. The main topics include:

      • Arithmetic: Percentages, profit and loss, time and work, ratios, averages.
      • Algebra: Linear equations, quadratic equations, inequalities.
      • Geometry: Circles, triangles, polygons, coordinate geometry.
      • Number System: Divisibility, LCM and HCF, prime numbers, remainder theorem.

      A strong foundation in basic math concepts is essential to excel in this section.

      Here's a look at the topics for the DILR Section in the table given below:

      Arithmetic
      Averages Profit & Loss SI & CI
      Percentages Mixture & Allegations Ratio & Proportion
      Time & Work Time, Speed & Distance -
      Algebra
      Linear Equation Quadratic Equation Graphs
      Inequalities Logarithms Maxima & Minima
      Modulus Roots -
      Geometry
      Circles Triangles Mensuration
      Quadrilaterals Co-ordinate Geometry Trigonometry
      3D Geometry - -
      Number System & Modern Maths
      Factors HCF & LCM Divisibility
      Factorial Remainder Properties of Numbers
      CombinationPermutationSequencing & Series
      Euler Number

      Probability

      Combinatorics

      Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Preparation Tips

      1. Strengthen Basics: Ensure a solid understanding of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
      2. Daily Practice: Dedicate time daily to practice different types of quantitative problems.
      3. Learn Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with mathematical shortcuts for quicker problem-solving.
      4. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and focus on weaker topics for improvement.
      5. Topic-Wise Tests: After studying a topic, take a test to ensure thorough understanding.

      CAT Syllabus and Pattern 2024

      Understanding the CAT Syllabus and Pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The CAT exam typically consists of 66 questions, divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. The time allotted for each section is 40 minutes, making time management a critical skill for success.

      Most of the questions are Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs), while the remaining questions require typing in the answer (TITA). Negative marks are given for incorrect answers in MCQs, but there are no negative marks for TITA questions.

      SECTION NUMBER OF QUESTIONS TIME MARKS NEGATIVE MARKING
      Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension 24 40 Min 3 per Ques -1 per Ques
      Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning 20 40 Min 3 per Ques -1 per Ques
      Quantitative Aptitude 22 40 Min 3 per Ques -1 per Ques

      Important Things to Consider:

      • CAT Exam has 3 slots: Morning, Afternoon & Evening
      • There is normalization in CAT to match the difficulty in all slots

      Latest Changes in CAT Exam Syllabus

      Over the past two years (due to covid pandemic), the CAT 2023, 2022, 2021 exam pattern has been changed. Earlier CAT was conducted in a 3-hour pattern with 1 hour for each section.

      But, since 2020, the exam moved to a 2-hour format. Check out the CAT exam pattern changes mentioned below in CAT 2022, CAT 2021, CAT 2020, and CAT 2019.

      Also, check out the score required for CAT 100%iler, CAT 99%ile & Above.

      Exam Year

      CAT Syllabus 2024

      CAT Syllabus 2023 CAT Syllabus 2022 CAT Syllabus 2021 CAT Syllabus 2020 CAT Syllabus 2019
      No. of Questions 6866 66 66 76 100
      Marks Per  Question 33 3 3 3 3
      Total Score

      204

      198 198 198 228

      300

      Exam Duration

      120 Min120 Min 120 Min 120 Min 120 Min 180 Min
      Score to get 100%ile

      -

      150.99

      145.83

      161.36

      161.00

      242.15

      Score to get 99%ile -79 84 98 101 156
      Number of Questions in VARC

      24

      24 24

      24

      26 34

      Number of Questions in DILR

      2220 20 20 24

      32

      Number of Questions in QA 2222 22 22 26

      34

      CAT Study Material 2024

      Having the right CAT Study Material 2024 is key to a structured preparation strategy. Some of the best study resources include:

      • Books: "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Arun Sharma, "Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT" by Nishit Sinha.
      • Mock Tests: Regularly taking mock tests helps in identifying weak areas and improving time management. CAT mock Tests by Cracku is an excellent source of practicing mocks.
      • Online Resources: Websites and apps offering CAT syllabus 2024 PDF free download options, video lectures, and practice tests.

      CAT Preparation Tips 2024

      Here are some tips to effectively prepare for exam with the help of CAT Exam Syllabus 2024. 

      • Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus and focus on strengthening weak areas.
      • Create a Study Plan: Allocate specific times for each section and stick to a consistent study routine.
      • Practice Regularly: Regular practice through mock tests and previous year question papers is crucial.
      • Review and Revise: Regular revision helps in retaining concepts and strategies.

      Read more:

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