CAT (Common Admission Test)
Common Admission Test Syllabus
The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a computer-based examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their postgraduate management programs. The exam assesses candidates across three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
Below is a detailed breakdown of the CAT 2025 syllabus:
CAT Syllabus for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Odd One Out, Para Summary, Sentence Correction, Vocabulary-based questions, Idioms and Phrases, Foreign Language Words in English, and English Usage Errors. |
| Reading Comprehension | Passages followed by questions assessing comprehension, inference, and vocabulary. |
CAT Syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts, Venn Diagrams, Data Sufficiency, and Data Comparison. |
| Logical Reasoning | Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams, Clocks and Calendars, Series, and Logical Deductions. |
CAT Syllabus for Quantitative Ability (QA)
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, and Ratios. |
| Algebra | Linear and Quadratic Equations, Functions, Progressions, and Inequalities. |
| Geometry | Lines and Angles, Triangles, Circles, Mensuration, and Coordinate Geometry. |
| Number System | Divisibility, Remainders, LCM and HCF, and Number Properties. |
| Modern Mathematics | Permutations and Combinations, Probability, and Set Theory. |
Key Points to Remember:
- Exam Duration: The CAT exam is conducted over a duration of 2 hours, with 40 minutes allotted to each section.
- Question Format: The exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-multiple-choice questions (NMCTs), also known as Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
- Marking Scheme: Each correct answer awards 3 marks, while each incorrect answer deducts 1 mark. TITA questions do not have negative marking.
- Preparation Strategy: A thorough understanding of the NCERT Class 11 and 12 syllabus is beneficial, especially for the QA section. Regular practice through mock tests and previous years' papers is essential for effective preparation.
