Last Updated on 12 December 2024 by Piyush Kumar

CAT Syllabus 2025 – The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a gateway to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and several other top B-schools in India. Understanding the CAT syllabus 2025 is crucial for aspirants aiming to ace the exam. While the syllabus is vast, it remains consistent with previous years, focusing on three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

In this guide, we’ll break down the CAT 2025 syllabus section by section, covering essential topics, tips, and frequently asked questions to help you prepare effectively.

CAT Syllabus 2025 Overview

The CAT exam syllabus is divided into three key sections:

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Each of these sections evaluates different skill sets, from language proficiency to analytical thinking and mathematical prowess. Let’s dive into the details of each section.

Also Check: CAT Response Sheet 2024

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

It’s essential to understand the CAT exam pattern 2025 as it gives you an idea of the number of questions, type of questions, and the marking scheme.

Key Points About the CAT Pattern

Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for wrong answers (MCQs only)

Total Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)

Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs

Section-Wise Breakdown of CAT Syllabus 2025

1. CAT Syllabus for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

The VARC section tests your English language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. It is divided into two subsections:

1. Reading Comprehension (RC)
2. Verbal Ability (VA)

CAT Syllabus 2025 for Reading Comprehension (RC)

Reading Comprehension is a major component of VARC. You’ll typically find around 16-18 questions from this subsection. The RC passages test your ability to read and interpret complex ideas from various topics like science, economics, politics, and literature.

Key Topics for Reading Comprehension:

• Business & Economics
• Current Affairs
• Literature & Humanities
• Science & Technology
• Abstract Ideas and Opinions

Preparation Tips:

• Read newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, and The Economist regularly to build a strong reading habit.
• Practice RC passages from previous CAT exams.
• Work on speed reading techniques to manage time effectively during the exam.

CAT 2025 Verbal Ability Syllabus

The Verbal Ability subsection typically contains questions on sentence correction, jumbled sentences, paragraph completion, and odd sentence out.

Key Topics for Verbal Ability:

• Para-jumbles
• Sentence Correction
• Paragraph Completion
• Odd One Out

Preparation Tips:

• Practice para-jumbles and sentence rearrangements daily.
• Improve your vocabulary through regular reading and using flashcards.

2. CAT 2025 Syllabus For Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

The CAT DILR section is divided into two parts:

1. Data Interpretation (DI)
2. Logical Reasoning (LR)

CAT Syllabus for Data Interpretation (DI)

The Data Interpretation questions revolve around analyzing and interpreting data from various sources like graphs, charts, tables, and caselets.

Key Topics for CAT Data Interpretation:

• Bar Graphs
• Line Charts
• Pie Charts
• Tables
• Caselets
• Data Sufficiency

CAT Data Interpretation Preparation Tips:

• Focus on quick calculations to save time during the exam.
• Practice DI sets with varying difficulty levels to improve speed and accuracy.

CAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus

The Logical Reasoning section tests your analytical skills through various puzzles and logical deductions. You’ll encounter questions that require reasoning through sequences, arrangements, and relationships.

Key Topics for Logical Reasoning:

• Seating Arrangements
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense
• Syllogisms
• Venn Diagrams
• Statements and Assumptions
• Puzzles

Preparation Tips for CAT Logical Reasoning:

• Start with basic puzzles and gradually move to complex ones.
• Solve past year CAT LR questions to get a feel for the pattern and difficulty.

3. CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2025

The Quantitative Aptitude section tests your mathematical skills and includes topics primarily from high school mathematics. This section generally includes 22-26 questions and is often considered the most challenging for non-engineers.

Key Topics for Quantitative Aptitude:

Preparation Tips:

• Strengthen your basic math concepts by revising NCERT books from Class 8 to Class 12.
• Practice mock tests and previous year papers regularly.
• Focus on time management by solving questions under timed conditions.

CAT Syllabus 2025 – Topic-Wise Weightage

Here’s a summary of the topic-wise weightage across the three subjects:

Top Books for CAT Preparation

Preparation Tips for CAT Syllabus 2025

1. Understand the Basics

Before diving into difficult problems, ensure you have a strong grasp of the fundamental concepts, especially in the QA and DILR sections.

2. Develop a Study Plan

Create a study schedule that allocates time to each section according to your strengths and weaknesses. Balance your preparation across all sections.

3. Practice Mock Tests

CAT Mock tests are an essential part of CAT preparation. Aim to complete at least 15-20 mocks before the exam. Analyze your performance after each test to identify areas that need improvement.

4. Focus on Time Management

CAT is a time-bound exam. Practice solving questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy.

5. Revise Regularly

Regular revision is key to retaining what you’ve learned. Allocate time each week for revision, especially for difficult topics.

Also Read – How to Prepare for CAT

FAQs on CAT Syllabus 2025