Understanding the exam pattern thoroughly is essential for effective topic prioritization and efficient study time management. Let’s examine the detailed breakdown of the CAT syllabus by section.
CAT Syllabus: An Overview
| Section | Weightage | MCQ Questions | Non-MCQ Questions | Total Questions | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and RC (VARC) | 34% | 19 | 5 | 24 | 4 RC passages, 3 para jumbles, 3 para summary, 2 para completions |
| Data Interpretation and LR (DILR) | 32% | 15 | 5 | 20 | 4 sets covering various topics |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 34% | 14 | 8 | 22 | Arithmetic, algebra, geometry |
CAT Syllabus 2024: VARC
In CAT 2024, the VARC section kicks off the exam. You’ll have 40 minutes to tackle 24 multiple-choice and non-multiple-choice questions. This section mostly focuses on Reading Comprehension, making up about 67% of the total weightage. Here’s what you can expect to encounter:
- Reading comprehension passages
- Grammar covers tenses, verbs, prepositions, and parts of speech.
- Para jumbles, where you rearrange jumbled sentences.
- Vocabulary, which includes synonyms, antonyms, homonyms, and homophones.
- Para-completion, where you complete incomplete sentences.
- Other important topics include inferences, odd one out, one-word substitution, syllogism, analogies, and verbal logic.
CAT Syllabus 2024: DILR
In the CAT exam, the DILR section stands for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. You’ll have 40 minutes to complete both parts. Many students find this part challenging because it’s different from what they’re used to. But with practice and understanding the question types, you can do well. The Data Interpretation part involves charts, graphs, and tables, while the Logical Reasoning part includes puzzles.
Here are the topics covered in this section:
- Bar Graphs and Column Graphs
- Binary Logic
- Blood Relations
- Calendars, Cubes, and Clocks
- Caselets and Tables
- Coding-Decoding
- Combination of two or more types linked to each other
- Connectives
- Line Charts & Pie Chart
- Logical Sequence
- Matching/ Puzzles
- Number and Letter Series
- Seating Arrangement
- Venn Diagrams
CAT Syllabus 2024: Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the CAT exam focuses on fundamental mathematics concepts taught in schools. It covers a wide range of topics including algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and modern mathematics. Below is a breakdown of the topics included in the QA section:
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Averages |
| Profits and Loss | |
| Simple & Compound Interest | |
| Mixtures & Alligations | |
| Percentages | |
| Speed, Time & Distance | |
| Pipes and Cisterns | |
| Ratio & Proportion | |
| Simplification | |
| Algebra | Graphs |
| Linear Equations | |
| Quadratic Equations | |
| Higher Order Equation | |
| Logarithms | |
| Modulus | |
| Inequalities | |
| Maxima and Minima | |
| Sequence and Series | |
| Number System | |
| Base System | |
| Divisibility | |
| LCM & HCF | |
| Complex Numbers | |
| Factors | |
| Remainders | |
| Digits | |
| Higher Powers | |
| Surds and Indices | |
| Geometry | Circles |
| Polygons | |
| Trigonometry | |
| Coordinate Geometry | |
| Quadrilaterals | |
| Angles | |
| Mensuration | |
| Triangles | |
| Parallel Lines | |
| Modern Maths | Permutations & Combinations |
| Geometric Arrangements | |
| Sequences & Series | |
| Probability | |
| Progressions | |
| Roots |
Understanding and mastering these topics is essential for scoring well in the QA section of the CAT exam.
Best DILR Books for CAT
Though no prescribed syllabus exists, the following books can help you score better.
| Books for CAT | Author Name/Publisher | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
| CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Arun Sharma | Click Here |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Click Here |
| Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Disha | Click Here |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma | Click Here |
How to prepare for CAT 2024?
Here are a few CAT preparation tips that can help one score better in the upcoming test:
- Make a proper timetable for preparation.
- Review your syllabus.
- Try to discover your weak point and tackle them in the best way possible.
- Try solving more and more problems every day by increasing your speed.
- Try to select Best Books for CAT Examination preparation.
- Solve a lot of previous year question papers to get the hang of the question paper difficulty and pattern
- Attempt mock test.
- Manage your timing.
- Don’t take the stress and rest properly.
All the best for your exam!
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