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CAT Syllabus 2025 PDF (Updated) - Download Section Wise Syllabus For VARC, DILR & QA With Weightage

Updated on 7th March 2025 | 11:31 AM | #CATSyllabus2025

CAT Syllabus 2025: The first choice of aspiring MBA candidates has to be CAT, and the only way to ace it is to start early. On that note, candidates must familiarize themselves with the CAT 2025 syllabus and acquaint themselves with all three sections of CAT 2025 outlined in the CAT syllabus 2025.

The authorities conducting CAT have not defined any specific syllabus for CAT 2025. However, based on past trends and papers, generalized topics can be derived. We have curated a list of such topics that can be included in the CAT syllabus 2025 PDF to ease your work.

Having an in-depth knowledge of the CAT syllabus prior to the exam should be the first step towards preparing for it. This approach helps in effective preparation, along with a better understanding of the questions and their respective topics.

Get Latest CAT Exam Syllabus 2025 PDF

CAT 2025 Exam Syllabus For MBA

There is no specific syllabus released by any supreme authority for CAT 2025. However, we can say that the CAT exam syllabus for MBA includes some of the important topics based on past trends, from which questions are asked in the CAT exam. These topics cover the three main sections of CAT 2025, as follows:

CAT Exam Sections

Above all, this exam is all about evaluating a candidate's ability to handle the pressure under given circumstances; along with that, it also demonstrates their time management skills. Each candidate is given only 40 minutes to solve a particular section, with a timer constantly ticking above their head all the time.


CAT Exam Syllabus 2025 PDF Free Download

We always try to ease down the burden of our students, which is why we have curated a CAT syllabus PDF based on the past year's trends of the CAT exam that provides a detailed description of these topics along with their sub-topics.

This CAT syllabus PDF consists of the CAT quant syllabus, CAT VARC syllabus, and CAT DILR syllabus, as well as further topics covered under these sections. It can be very useful for your CAT 2025 preparation. Download the CAT syllabus PDF below for fast-paced preparation, as it is the first step toward acing any entrance exam.


CAT Syllabus 2025 - Key Highlights

Significant changes were observed in the CAT paper pattern in the 2024 attempt, as 2 additional questions were present in the DILR section, and there were no questions on para jumbles. Below are the brief highlights of the CAT 2025 exam describing the entire paper pattern and expected CAT syllabus, as follows:

CAT Exam Syllabus Highlights

Components

Details

Mode of CAT exam

Computer-based test

Sections in CAT 2025

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC),
  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR),
  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Section-wise duration of CAT exam

40 minutes per section (Total 120 minutes)

Total number of questions in CAT 2025

68 (Expected)

No. of Questions Section-wise

  • VARC: 24
  • DILR: 20
  • QA: 22

Medium of CAT exam

English

Type of questions

MCQs and Non-MCQ

Marking Scheme for CAT 2025

  • Each question will carry 3 marks
  • 1 mark negative marking for every wrong answer
  • No negative marking for Non-MCQs

CAT 2025 will be conducted and executed by one of the top IIMs, as seen in previous years, which will be responsible for organizing and executing the CAT exam for the year 2025. They usually do not release any detailed CAT syllabus 2025 PDF, which could give candidates an idea of the topics they may encounter in the examination. The conducting body only offers insights on the main subjects from which the questions could be asked. Nevertheless, candidates can prepare for the exam by studying questions from previous years.


CAT Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise Analysis

For CAT 2025 aspirants, understanding the CAT syllabus thoroughly should be the first step towards effective CAT 2025 preparation. This approach will definitely lead to better preparation, and candidates will be more familiar with the subjects and topics essential for the exam

Below is a list of the topics a candidate should cover in each exam section, along with their weightage.

CAT Syllabus

CAT Exam Topics

Weightage

Verbal Ability

Para jumbles, Para summary, Odd sentence out, and Inferences

12%

Reading Comprehension

RC passages

24%

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

Blood Relations, Syllogism, Directions, Clocks and calendars, Tables, Graphs, Charts, and other forms of visualization

30%

Quantitative Aptitude

Geometry, Trigonometry, Averages, Percentages, Number Systems, Arithmetic, Mensuration

34%

A generalised syllabus can be derived by analyzing past trends and papers, consisting of key areas such as Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Having a solid understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025 will allow candidates to have a competitive edge over their peers and boost their confidence and readiness to tackle CAT exam with proficiency.


CAT 2025 Section-Wise Syllabus

To develop an effective and efficient strategy for acing CAT 2025, dive deep into the section-wise analysis and covered topics to increase your chances of getting admission to your dream B-school. While CAT syllabus 2025 does not have specific topics listed by any supreme authority, we have compiled a list of topics covering each section based on previous year's papers and past analysis to provide you with a brief idea of what may be asked in the exam.

Here is the section-wise breakup of CAT syllabus 2025 for your reference:

CAT VARC Syllabus 2025

The first section of the exam is the VARC section of the CAT syllabus for 2025. The duration is 40 minutes, and it must be completed within the same timeframe. The reading comprehension part of the section dominates with approximately 67% weightage of the total score of this section, while the other 33% is reserved for verbal ability. The following topics fall under the VARC section of the CAT exam:

CAT 2025 VARC Syllabus Important Topics

Reading Comprehension

Para-completion

Para jumbles

Para Summary

Odd one out

 

CAT VARC Syllabus 2025 Important Topics & Weightage

In CAT 2024, the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension section has remained relatively consistent in difficulty across CAT, with the nature of passages differing in each. There were no questions present on para jumbles in the CAT 2024 VARC section.

Here is a breakup of the number of questions covered in each topic in the CAT 2024 VARC section:

CAT VARC Topic

Slot 1

Slot 2

Slot 3

Reading Comprehension

16

16

16

Para Summary

3

3

3

Odd Sentence

2

2

2

Para Completion

3

3

3

CAT DILR Syllabus 2025

The DILR section is the second section that follows the completion of the VARC section. It is the most undefined section compared to the other sections, and candidates often struggle with it. The two subsections of the DILR section in the syllabus are:

CAT DILR Syllabus Important Topics

Arrangements

Games and Tournaments

Networks

Set Theory

Logical Sequence

Tables

Bar Graphs

Line Charts & Pie Chart

Logical Sequence

Matching/ Puzzles

Venn Diagrams

Combination of two or more types linked to each other

In recent years, the CAT DILR Section has undergone changes, with questions combining elements of both DI and LR rather than the previous format of distinct DI and LR questions. The DI and LR sections usually have an equal distribution of questions, with 2 sets of DI questions and 2 sets of LR questions. This setup allows students who are more proficient in solving a particular sub-section to meet the cut-off by excelling in their preferred area of expertise.

CAT 2025 DILR Syllabus Important Topics & Weightage

The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning section was surprisingly easier than last year and was much more doable this time. Major changes have been observed in the CAT 2024 DILR section, with 2 additional questions. There were 5 sets instead of 4 in CAT 2024 paper.

Here is a breakup of the number of questions covered in each topic in the CAT 2024 DILR section:

CAT DILR Sets

Slot 1

Slot 2

Slot 3

Total Questions

Set 1

Candlestick- Shares Based

Data Arrangement(7 Students, 3 Coaches/ Rating Based)

Nutrients- Food Grain


(Table Based)

4

Set 2

Bar Graph - Blogger Based

Roots and Network


(Maxima-Minima)

GDP (Table Based)

4

Set 3

Games and Tournament

Bar Graph - Frequency Distribution/ Average Based

AC Temperature(Line Graph)

5

Set 4

Bar Graph -  Set Theory Based

Grid Based (Row/Column- Number Arrangement)

OTT (Bar Graph)

4

Set 5

Caselet - Percentage Based

Two Scatter Plot (x/y axis- PAT/ES)

ATM (Network)

5

CAT 2025 QA Syllabus

The QA section of CAT 2025 syllabus carries the maximum weightage as it includes all mathematical concepts studied in school. This section is the most predictable one and requires consistent practice, as consistency and dedication in quant are the only ways to ace this section.

Given below is the table indicating chapter-wise important topics that are a part of CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus. Candidates must plan their Quantitative Aptitude preparation on the basis of the following topics.

CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics For QA - Arithmetic

Averages

Profits and Loss

Simple & Compound Interest

Mixtures & Allegations

Percentages

Speed, Time & Distance

Pipes and Cisterns

Ratio & Proportion

Simplification

CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics For QA - Algebra

Graphs

Linear Equations

Quadratic Equations

Higher Order Equation

Logarithms

Modulus

Inequalities

Maxima and Minima

Sequence and Series

CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics For QA - Number System

Base System

Divisibility

LCM & HCF

Complex Numbers

Factors

Remainders

Digits

Higher Powers

Surds and Indices

CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics For QA - Geometry

Circles

Polygons

Trigonometry

Coordinate Geometry

Quadrilaterals

Angles

Mensuration

Triangles

Parallel Lines

CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics For QA - Modern Maths

Permutations & Combinations

Geometric Arrangements

Sequences & Series

Probability

Progressions

Roots

Binomial Theorem

Set Theory

 

CAT QA Syllabus 2025 Topic-Wise Weightage

CAT QA questions are generally considered to be challenging as they require calculations and the memorization of complex formulas. In a fast-paced test like CAT, which evaluates a candidate's aptitude and time management skills, being good at mental math can help in quickly solving QA questions.

Get a gist of the division of CAT QA syllabus along with its difficulty level and the number of questions asked for your reference, and make your preparation strategy accordingly.

CAT QA Syllabus 2025

No. of Questions

Level of Difficulty

Arithmetic

8-10

Moderate to High

Algebra

5-7

Moderate to High

Geometry

1-3

Moderate to High

Modern Maths

2-4

Moderate to High

Overall

22

Moderate to High


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CAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Key Highlights

CAT aspirants should learn how to develop effective approaches and smart tips and tricks to ace CAT 2025 in order to maximize their scores in each section. Understanding the section-wise breakdown of CAT is essential, as this should be the ideal strategy for better CAT preparation. Along with regular practice through mocks, knowing the weight various sections and topics hold can be instrumental.

The section-wise breakup of CAT exam pattern 2025 will define the number of expected MCQ and non-MCQ questions along with the topics with the most questions based on past patterns.

CAT Sections

MCQs

Non-MCQs

Total Question

Details

VARC

20

4

24

4 passages of RC with 4 questions each.

8 para jumbles, para completions, para summary, and odd sentence out

DILR

14

6

22

4 sets of 5 questions, each covering topics of bar graphs, missing data and puzzles

QA

15

7

22

Dominated by arithmetic and algebra with 4 questions of geometry

Total

49

17

68

 

CAT Syllabus 2025: Best Books for CAT Preparation

There are plenty of study materials available online for your CAT preparation, but the main question is which one to pick. What may seem like the best book for one person may not be the same for another, therefore making it very difficult to choose the best from the lot. The best or ideal preparation material for CAT should be one covering all the important topics of CAT 2025 syllabus from each section, providing more than one solution to each question for better understanding and should contain a good amount of practice questions.

So, here are the best books for CAT that you can refer to to begin your CAT 2025 preparation and brush up on your basics, as follows:

Best Books for Overall CAT Preparation

CAT Sections

Best Books for CAT Preparation

VARC

Past Years' CAT Questions (G.K. Publications), Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (Gautam Puri)

DILR

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (Gautam Puri), How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT (Arun Sharma), A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning (R.S. Aggarwal)

QA

NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6-10), CAT Quantitative Aptitude (Gautam Puri), Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations (RS Aggarwal)


CAT Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise Preparation Tips

Learning should be divided into phases, starting with essential knowledge and moving on to advanced tricks. It's essential to adopt distinct approaches for each section for CAT exam preparation, considering their respective weightage. Here are some tips for section-specific CAT preparation:

Preparation Tips For CAT VARC

Preparation Tips For CAT DILR

Prepare For CAT QA


CAT Syllabus 2025: Preparation Tips For Beginners

For all the CAT 2025 aspirants, beginning your CAT 2025 preparation early can be highly beneficial. It gives you ample time to attain an in-depth understanding of all topics and dedicate extra time to strengthen weaker areas. There are no hard and fast rules to achieve a 99+%ile in CAT 2025. However, an effective strategy and rigorous mock tests, can help you achieve a good score. Here are a few preparation tips covering the entire CAT syllabus 2025 for aspirants:

Apart from the above-mentioned strategies, dedication and consistency are the keys towards acing your CAT 2025 preparation and to gain a competitive advantage over your peers. Following the above tips can help you stay one step ahead of your competition and help you achieve a good score.


CAT Previous Year Question Papers

Aspirants may study the syllabus for CAT 2025 as much as they want, but if they do not understand what goes in the actual examination, all their efforts will be futile. Thus, it is imperative that students check out the CAT Previous Year Question Papers to map the important subjects and check what kind of questions come from those important topics.

Attempt CAT Previous Year Papers

CAT Syllabus 2025: Latest Changes

The exam syllabus has observed no changes over the past few years. However, the CAT exam pattern has gone through a few changes, including changes in the number of questions and the time limit of the exam. So, before you start your CAT journey, it is ideal that you are well-versed in the latest CAT exam syllabus and pattern.

Latest Changes in CAT Syllabus

Exam Year

Number of Questions

Time Allotted

CAT 2024

68

2 hours

CAT 2021-2023

66

2 hours

CAT 2020

76

2 hours

CAT 2015-2019

100

3 hours

CAT 2014

100

2 hours 50 minutes

CAT 2013

60

2 hours 20 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

CAT 2025 paper is most likely to be set by IIM Kozhikode.

Overall, the CAT has a moderate level of difficulty, but it can feel more manageable for those who start their preparation early and consistently practice all three sections. With a good plan in place, you can definitely crack the CAT. The questions asked are mainly from the 10th and 12th-level mathematics and are analytically based.

No subject is difficult to learn once you dedicate your time, and have the right course material and guidance. Based on previous years' CAT exams, the difficulty level of the DILR section is rated moderate to difficult, so you might need to focus on the DILR syllabus more.

If you are planning to take CAT 2025, then it is the ideal time for you to start your preparation in order to stay ahead of the competition. Here are a few preparation tips covering the entire CAT syllabus 2025 for aspirants:

  • Familiarize yourself with Equations and Maths Calculations: Aspirants must be quick and accurate at mental calculations for the mathematical portion of the exam. Memorizing formulae and practicing equations will help with speed and accuracy.
  • Acquire the Habit of Reading: The reading comprehension section focuses on reading as one of the most essential skills. Candidates can improve their speed, grammar, and vocabulary by regularly reading books, newspapers, etc.
  • Practice Mocks and Previous Year Papers: Aspirants should regularly practice mocks and previous year papers to analyze their performance and familiarise themselves with the CAT paper.
  • Question Selection: Picking up the right questions and ensuring that the attempt accuracy is high will ensure that the candidate scores well in the CAT Exam. Along with question selection, time management is very important when discussing competitive exams.

To crack CAT in the first attempt, you need to start your preparation now. Starting early is going to help you cover the syllabus on time so that you can dedicate your time to revising all the topics.

There is no fixed syllabus for CAT 2025; however, there is a generalized syllabus that is followed across India by CAT aspirants, which remains the same throughout.

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