The CAT syllabus 2025 is a comprehensive outline of the topics that candidates need to master to crack the Common Admission Test (CAT), a gateway to prestigious IIMs and other top B-schools in India. While the CAT exam syllabus is not officially prescribed by the IIMs, it has remained consistent over the years and is derived from the recurring patterns observed in previous CAT exams.
Understanding the CAT syllabus section-wise is crucial for strategic preparation. The exam is divided into three key sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section covers specific topics, and mastering them is essential for securing a high percentile.
If you’re looking for a downloadable CAT syllabus PDF or wondering what exactly is included in the CAT syllabus for MBA programs, this article provides a structured and updated breakdown of the CAT 2025 syllabus. It is especially helpful for aspirants searching for the latest CAT exam syllabus for MBA entrance preparation.
In this guide, you will find:
- A detailed section-wise CAT syllabus
- Topic-wise tables for VARC, DILR, and QA
- Insights into the most important areas based on previous years
- Information aligned with current trends for CAT 2025
Whether you’re a first-time test taker or a repeater, this CAT syllabus guide ensures you focus only on what matters.
CAT Exam Syllabus Overview 2025
The CAT syllabus 2025 is structured around three major sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Each section carries its own weightage and contributes to a total of approximately 66–68 questions distributed across VARC (24), DILR (20–22), and QA (22)
CAT Exam Pattern – Key Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Question Types | MCQs (+3/-1), TITA (no negative) |
| Total Questions | 66–68 |
| Section-wise Distribution | VARC: 24, DILR: 20–22, QA: 22 |
This structure forms the backbone of the cat exam syllabus for MBA, guiding both strategy and resource allocation.
CAT Syllabus PDF
Candidates looking for CAT Syllabus PDF 2025 can download PDF guide from below –
CAT VARC Syllabus 2025
VARC forms a large chunk of the CAT syllabus section‑wise and tests language proficiency through comprehension and verbal reasoning exercises. Expect 24 questions spread across reading passages and verbal reasoning tasks
CAT 2025 VARC Syllabus Topic-Wise
| Topic | Subtopics | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Passages: literature, business, science, philosophy; inference, tone, structure | 16 |
| Para Jumbles | Sentence ordering into coherent paragraphs | 2–3 |
| Para Summary | Choosing apt summary for a short paragraph | 2–3 |
| Odd Sentence Out | Identifying discordant sentence in a paragraph | 1–2 |
| Sentence Completion | Completing sentences with logical connectors | 1 |
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VARC Preparation Strategy
- Read editorials and essays daily to sharpen comprehension.
- Solve 3–4 RC passages and 10+ VA questions regularly.
- Practice using official CAT past papers and mock VARC sets.
- Analyze errors to identify lexical and contextual weaknesses.
CAT DILR Syllabus 2025 (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
DILR is a high-impact portion of the cat syllabus for mba, combining data analysis and logical thinking under time constraints. The section carries approx. 20–22 questions.
DILR Topic-Wise Syllabus, Important Topics
| Topic | Subtopics Covered | Sets |
|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation (DI) | Tables, bar/line/pie graphs, scatter plots, radar/gantt charts, caselets, data sufficiency | 2–3 |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | Seating arrangements, puzzles, blood relations, syllogisms, directions, coding-decoding, games | 2–3 |
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CAT 2025 DILR Preparation Strategy
- Practice at least one DI and one LR set daily, starting with simpler problems.
- Gradually increase difficulty and time yourself.
- Learn to skip time-consuming sets and prioritize accuracy.
- Use past CAT papers to understand patterns (cases vs standalone questions).
CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Syllabus 2025
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is a core part of the CAT syllabus 2025, testing mathematical understanding across arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern math. There are approx. 22 questions
CAT QA Syllabus Topic-Wise
| Topic | Subtopics Covered | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentages; Profit & Loss; Time, Speed & Distance; Time & Work; Averages; Ratios; SI & CI; Mixtures & Alligation | 8–10 |
| Algebra | Linear & Quadratic Equations; Inequalities; Functions; Sequences & Series (AP, GP); Logarithms | 4–5 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Triangles, Circles, Polygons; Coordinate Geometry; Mensuration; Trigonometry | 3–4 |
| Modern Math | Permutation & Combination; Probability; Set Theory; Venn; Binomial Theorem | 2–3 |
| Number System | Divisibility; HCF & LCM; Indices & Surds; Base systems | 1–2 |
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CAT QA Preparation Strategy
- Focus on Arithmetic first, as it forms the majority of the QA section.
- Maintain formula sheets and revise regularly.
- Solve topic-wise exercise sets from reputed CAT prep books.
- Take timed mock tests and revise weak areas.
Preparation Timeline – Section-wise Approach
| Time Frame | VARC Focus | DILR Focus | QA Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1–2 | Build reading habits; VA drills | Introductory DI & logic puzzles | Cover arithmetic fundamentals |
| Month 3–4 | RC practice + VARC mocks | Mix of DI and LR set practice | Start algebra and geometry foundational work |
| Month 5 | Sectional VARC mocks + error logs | Solve full DI+LR sets | Topic-wise QA tests with time limits |
| Month 6 | Refinement, vocabulary, speed drills | Focus on weak set types | Advanced topics & mock improvement |
| Month 7 | Full-length mocks with VARC emphasis | DILR level-up: puzzles & strategies | Integrate QA into full mocks |
| Final Month | Revision + govern flow across sections | Balanced mock tests | Formula rounds, speed, and accuracy drills |
FAQs on CAT Exam Syllabus Section‑Wise
Q1: Is there an official CAT syllabus?
No, IIMs don’t release an official cat exam syllabus for mba. The syllabus is reconstructed from past trends and patterns.
Q2: How many questions per section?
The expected breakdown for CAT syllabus 2025 is:
- VARC: 24 Qs
- DILR: 20–22 Qs
- QA: 22 Qs
Q3: Is there negative marking?
Yes. MCQs follow +3 (correct) / −1 (wrong). TITA (non-MCQ) questions carry +3 with no negative marking.
Q4: Should I use CAT syllabus PDF or website article?
Both are useful. PDFs are great for checklists; articles include strategy and breakdown which help with preparation planning.