CAT is one of the most important management entrance exams for those who want to get into IIMs and other colleges that offer MBA courses. The CAT question paper is divided into 3 sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Out of all the sections, Quantitative Aptitude is the most important section. Moreover, it is also considered to be one of the toughest sections and consists of the highest marks.
If you want to clear the exam, you need to know the syllabus and important topics in detail. Here in this post, we have given the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus in detail.
What is Quantitative Aptitude?
Quantitative Aptitude is the most common and indispensable section for any competitive exam. It tests the student’s mathematical abilities to establish their hold on the subject. The idea is to assess the students on their numerical and analytical skills to assess their problem-solving capabilities.
However, as a student, this section can be the most judicial one for you since this section carries a significant weight and can compensate for your weaker sections.
Quantitative Aptitude in CAT usually deals with various topics ranging from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics, etc. Let us quickly understand the same in the details below, step by step.
But first, let us see the question paper pattern to understand where you stand on the weightage with Quantitative Aptitude.
Important Highlights
Before we begin, please remember that The official notification for 2024 will be released on 30th July 2024, and registration will start on 2nd August 2024. You can check all the relevant details here on their official website.
CAT has three slots, which are as follows:
- Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
The exam has 66 questions for 198 marks, which you need to complete in 2 hours.
You will be facing two types of questions: MCQs and Non-MCQs (Type in the Answer).
The marking scheme is as follows:
- +3 For correct answers
- -1 For Incorrect Answers
- There is no negative marking for unattempted questions.
The exam is divided into the following three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The use of an on-screen calculator is permitted during CAT 2024.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The Quantitative Aptitude syllabus is as follows.
| Topic | Subtopics |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Partnership, Trigonometry, Cube Root, Square root, Probability, |
| Algebra | Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Logarithms, Arithmetic Progression, Binomial Theorem, |
| Geometry | Lines and Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration (2D and 3D). |
| Number Systems | Divisibility Rules, Factors and Multiples, Prime Numbers, Remainders, HCF and LCM, Base System, Digits |
| Mathematics | Permutations and Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, Sequences and Series, Complex Numbers, Matrices and Determinants, Mean, mode, median |
The official PDF of the syllabus is yet to be released by CAT and you can check it here.
We will update this space as soon as the notification is released. However, we have carefully curated the previous year’s questions and created a pattern for you to take a look at in the meantime.
CAT Exam Pattern ( EXPECTED)
Now that we know what the Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus looks like, let us take a glance at the exam pattern for you to have a better understanding.
There will be three sections in the CAT 2024 question paper:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
| Topics | Questions | Weightage |
| CAT VARC | 24 | 72 |
| CAT DILR | 20 | 60 |
| CAT QA | 22 | 66 |
Quantitative Aptitude Weightage and Number For CAT Exam
| Number System, Basic Arithmetic | 5-10 Questions | Moderate |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 7-8 Questions | Moderately Difficult |
| Algebra | 6-7 Questions | Moderate |
| Permutation & Combination | 1-2 Questions | Easy |
| Probability | 1-2 Questions | Moderate |
| Time, Speed, and Distance | 1-2 Questions | Moderately Difficult |
| Trigonometry, Logarithms, and Sets | 1-3 Questions | Easy |
| Profit, loss, and Discounts | 1-2 Questions | Moderately Easy |
| Interests (SI, CI) | 1-2 Questions | Moderately Difficult |
| Time and Work | 1-2 Questions | Difficult |
Best CAT Quantitative Aptitude Books
We have carefully curated a list of books for you here. You can check the list for the various details about the book to make an informed decision. However, to give you a few quick names, you can check the following.
- Math book of NCERT ( class 6-10)
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal.
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic, Rajesh Verma.
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum Cat by Sarvesh K Verma.
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Dinesh K. Sinha.
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma.
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT By Nishit K. Sinha.
Common Mistakes During CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation
Cracking an exam like the CAT is always a tough hill to climb. However, a well-planned preparation strategy and a bit of dedication can help you crack it in no time.
Here are some common mistakes that you might be committing while preparing for the exam.
- It is of utmost importance to make sure you know the fundamental concepts before attempting the advanced questions.
- Secondly, if you ignore your weak areas, and keep on relying only on your strong points, it might backfire since the weightage of the questions is dynamic.
- Relying only on shortcuts just to save time, might land you in trouble since you will lack the ideas of the basic concepts.
- Not having a consistent routine will hamper your productivity and you will not yield much out of your practice.
Tips For CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation
There is a popular mindset that quantitative aptitude can be tough, and it’s somehow unmanageable. But it’s not the case, since it is one of the most high-scoring sections of the exam, and you can ace it in no time if you keep certain things in mind.
- Firstly, it is of utmost importance to know the basics of your equations.
- You must keep track of the time that you’re taking to solve each equation.
- One of the most important things you can do in your preparation is to practice varied mock tests and be aware of the previous year’s papers.
- Completely ignoring the shortcuts is also not advisable since you have to manage your time, judicially.
- Do not follow any random advice on the internet, and stick to your routine and preparation that works the best for you.
- Lastly, and most importantly, district, any popular notion regarding the subject and embrace it like it is your own and ace the test.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Cutoff for IIM
The qualifying cut-off for the general category in IIM is usually between the ranges of 99-100 percentile and the ranges for shortlisting are 80 percentile.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Paper Analysis (2020/2019/2018)
| Number System | 5 |
| Algebra | 8 |
| Arithmetic | 10 |
| Modern Math | – |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3 |
The expected weightage of the exam for this year looks the following.
| Question Type | Expected Number of Questions |
| Arithmetic | 8-9 |
| Algebra | 6-7 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 4-5 |
| Number Systems | 1-2 |
| Modern Mathematics | 1-2 |
Conclusion
Quantitative aptitude can be a very scoring subject if you are prepared thoroughly and know what is coming for you. The right amount of preparation along with time management will ensure that you glide through it smoothly.
The idea is to be aware of the syllabus and proceed accordingly, keeping a goal and abiding by a schedule will help you go a long way.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the quantitative section of CAT difficult?₹
Any exam is subjective in nature and completely depends on a student’s ability to perceive the subject. However, it is a traditional thought that the quant section is tough owing to its dynamic syllabus.
2. What are some of the crucial topics In QA?
Some important topics are
- Time and work
- Probability
- Mensuration
- Permutation and combination
- Profit and loss
- Averages
- Time speed distance
- Number system
- Calendar
- Ages
- Simple and compound interest