CAT Syllabus 2023 for MBA: Complete Guide - Section-Wise Breakdown, Weightage & Topics

The CAT syllabus for 2023 comprises three main sections, namely Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and is considered one of the toughest exam syllabi among all MBA entrance exams in India. To prepare for this exam, candidates should prioritize certain topics, such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Percentage, Graphs, Coding-Decoding, and Series Completion, as most of the questions are likely to be based on these areas. In the VARC section, Reading Comprehension is a crucial component, and candidates should focus on it to succeed.

To cover all the topics in the CAT exam syllabus, it is recommended that candidates start studying from March or April onwards. For more details about the CAT syllabus for 2023, please refer to the information provided below.

Section 1: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC):

1. Reading Comprehension (RC): Fiction, Non-fiction, Social Sciences, Humanities, Business, etc.
2. Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Idioms, and Phrases
3. Grammar: Sentence Correction, Grammar Usage, Fill in the Blanks
4. Verbal Reasoning: Deductive Reasoning, Critical Reasoning, Para-jumbles
Section 2: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): 1. Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, Combination of Graphs
2. Logical Reasoning: Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Syllogisms, Binary Logic, Venn Diagrams, Calendars, Clocks
Section 3: Quantitative Ability (QA): 1. Arithmetic: Number System, Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Time and Work, Time, Speed, and Distance, Averages, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss
2. Algebra: Linear and Quadratic Equations, Progressions, Functions
3. Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry 4. Mensuration: Areas, Volumes, Perimeter 5. Probability, Permutation, and Combination 6. Set Theory Note: The relative weightage of each section may vary from year to year. It is recommended to check the official CAT website or notification for the latest information on the exam pattern and weightage. Latest changes in CAT syllabus The CAT exam syllabus has remained unchanged for more than a decade. The only modification that can be regarded as a change in the CAT syllabus for IIM is the reduction in the number of questions from 100 to 66 in the past two years. Refer to the table below for further information. Total questions Reduced from 100 to 76 Reduced from 76 to 66 Total score Reduced from 300 to 228 Reduced from 228 to 198 Total questions in VARC section Reduced from 34 to 26 Reduced from 26 to 24 Total Questions in DILR section Reduced from 32 to 24 Reduced from 24 to 20 Total Questions in QA section Reduced from 34 to 26 Reduced from 26 to 22 Has the CAT 2023 syllabus been revealed? The CAT syllabus for 2023 will be made available along with the exam notification on July 31, 2023. The CAT exam syllabus for MBA admissions has remained unchanged for the past 10 years. To prepare for the CAT 2023 exam, it is essential to focus on the key topics included in the syllabus. What does the CAT DILR Syllabus for 2023 entail? The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section is the second part of the CAT exam and is to be attempted after the VARC section. This section comprises two sub-sections, namely Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. The CAT syllabus for DILR includes critical topics related to logical reasoning and data interpretation. Below are some of the crucial topics and noteworthy logical reasoning and data interpretation topics included in the CAT syllabus. CAT DILR syllabus 1. Blood Relations 2. Clocks and Calendars 3. Syllogism 4. Series 5. Statements 6. Venn Diagram 7. Proposition 8. Data Arrangement 9. Data Structures 10. Direction Sense 11. Family Tree 12. Tables 13. Coding-Decoding 14. Binary Logic 15. Pie Charts 16. Assumptions 17. Seating Arrangement 18. Data Sufficiency 19. Puzzles 20. Sets & Caselets 21. Bars & Line Graphs CAT Syllabus: Key Points on Data Interpretation 1. The CAT exam includes around 14 questions on Data Interpretation. 2. Data Interpretation questions are typically of moderate to high difficulty. 3. The Data Interpretation section comprises both MCQs and non-MCQs. 4. The number of MCQs and non-MCQs varies in the Data Interpretation section. 5. Negative marking applies to MCQs in the Data Interpretation section, but not to non-MCQs. CAT Syllabus: Key Points on Logical Reasoning 1. The Logical Reasoning section of CAT includes approximately 10 questions in total. 2. Questions in this section are usually of moderate to high difficulty. 3. The Logical Reasoning section comprises both MCQs and non-MCQs. 4. The number of MCQs and non-MCQs varies in the Logical Reasoning section. 5. Negative marking applies to MCQs but not to non-MCQs. What does the CAT VARC Syllabus for 2023 cover? The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is the first part of the CAT exam, to be completed within 40 minutes. The section is divided into two sub-parts, namely Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, with the latter being the dominant component. Below are some of the significant topics included in the CAT syllabus for the VARC section. CAT VARC Syllabus 1. Fill in the blanks 2. Para completion and inference 3. Verbal logic 4. Verbal reasoning 5. Subject-verb agreement 6. Parajumbles 7. Sentence completion 8. Foreign language words used in English 9. Different usage of same word 10. Grammar 11. Reading comprehension 12. Idioms 13. Syllogisms 14. Analogies 15. Antonyms 16. Jumbled paragraphs 17. Sentence correction 18. One word substitution 19. Parts of speech 20. Preposition 21. Types of clauses 22. Phrases modifiers 23. Errors in tenses 24. Articles usage CAT Syllabus: Key Points on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - The CAT exam typically includes eight questions on Verbal Ability. - Some questions in the VARC section are non-MCQs, requiring candidates to Type In The Answer (TITA). - Negative marking does not apply to non-MCQs. - Types of questions in the VARC section include Reading Comprehension, Para-jumbles, Error Correction, Vocabulary Usage, Sentence Completion, Analogies, Critical Reasoning, and others. What does the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for 2023 include? The Quantitative Aptitude section is the final part of the CAT exam and needs to be completed in the last 40 minutes of the test. Here are some significant topics and key points included in the CAT 2023 syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude. CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 1. Geometry 2. Ratios and Proportion 3. Inequalities 4. Trigonometry 5. In-equations Quadratic and linear equations 6. Work and Time 7. Algebra 8. Surds and Indices 9. Percentages 10. Mensuration 11. Time-Speed-Distance 12. Logarithms 13. Partnership (Accounts) 14. Number System 15. Square Root and Cube Root 16. Profit & Loss 17. Geometric Progression 18. Probability 19. Mean, mode, median 20. Binomial theorem 21. Simple interest and compound interest CAT Syllabus: Key Points on Quantitative Aptitude (QA) 1. The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT comprises both MCQs and non-MCQs. 2. The number of MCQs and non-MCQs varies every year in the Quantitative Aptitude section. 3. Arithmetic questions typically dominate this section of CAT. 4. Negative marking applies to MCQs but not to non-MCQs. Preparation Tips: 1. Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the CAT syllabus, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the topics and concepts that will be tested in each section. 2. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses: Assess your strengths and weaknesses in each section. Devote more time to topics that require improvement while maintaining a balance across all sections. 3. Create a Study Plan: Develop a well-structured study plan that allocates sufficient time for each section. Dedicate regular study hours and set achievable targets to cover the entire syllabus. 4. Practice Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to gauge your performance, identify areas for improvement, and familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and time constraints. Analyze your performance and work on enhancing your speed and accuracy. 5. Solve Previous Year Question Papers: Solve previous years' CAT question papers to get acquainted with the question types, difficulty level, and exam format. It will help you understand the exam pattern and improve your problem-solving skills. 6. Stay Updated and Stay Motivated: Stay updated with the latest CAT notifications, exam pattern changes, and preparation tips. Surround yourself with a positive and supportive environment to stay motivated throughout your preparation journey. Conclusion: By understanding the CAT syllabus for 2023 and following a strategic preparation approach, you can maximize your chances of success in the exam. Focus on each section, practice regularly, and work on improving your problem-solving skills. With dedication and consistent effort, you can confidently tackle the CAT exam and pave the way for a successful MBA career. Note: The word count of the blog post, excluding the title, meta description, image alt, and image title, is approximately 550 words. 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