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CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA with Section-wise Weightage
Every year, thousands of students take the Common Admission Test (CAT) to get into India's top business schools. To succeed, you need to understand the exam syllabus and prepare well. The three areas of the CAT exam are Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension.
This article breaks down the CAT exam syllabus for MBA and offers preparation tips to help you understand what to expect and excel in your exam.
What is the CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a crucial step towards getting into India's top business schools. Every year, thousands of students take the CAT exam, competing for a limited number of seats. To succeed, it's essential to understand the CAT exam syllabus and prepare well.
The CAT exam has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section has nearly equal weightage, and the exam pattern has remained unchanged since 2020.
To give you a better idea, here are some stats from CAT 2023:
- To achieve a 99th percentile in VARC, you need around 40 marks or 13 correct answers.
- For DILR, a 99th percentile requires about 28 marks or 9 correct answers.
- In QA, 9 correct answers can get you the 99th percentile, while 5 correct answers can help you cross the 90th percentile.
CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA: Overview
It's essential to understand the CAT syllabus and test pattern. In this overview, we will delve into the details of the exam, including the subjects, question types, duration, and medium, to give you a head start in your preparation.
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Section-wise CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA
Understanding the section-wise syllabus for the CAT exam is essential for strategic preparation and success. Knowing the precise topics covered in each area of the CAT exam can help you concentrate your study efforts more efficiently.
Here's a detailed table listing the section-wise topics covered in the CAT exam syllabus for MBA for 2024:
Read more about the other Entrance Exams for MBA in India 2024-25: Dates, Fees, and Eligibility.
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CAT Exam Syllabus for VARC Section
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension are the two sub-sections that make up VARC, with Reading Comprehension questions receiving the most weight.
In this section, candidates get 40 minutes to finish 24 questions.
CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA: VARC Preparation Tips
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), one of the three main sections of the CAT exam, consists of 24 questions out of a possible 66.
The VARC syllabus is summarised here, along with some insightful preparation advice to help you ace this section:
1. Develop a Reading Habit
Read diverse materials such as newspapers, magazines, novels, and academic journals. This not only enhances your comprehension skills but also builds a robust vocabulary.
2. Focus on Comprehension Techniques
Practice summarising paragraphs, recognising core concepts, and making notes of important details while you read. Using skimming and scanning techniques can increase your accuracy and speed by helping you find key information in sections more quickly.
3. Expand Your Vocabulary
A rich vocabulary can significantly boost your performance. Make it a habit to learn new words daily. Use flashcards, vocabulary apps, and word lists. Contextual learning, where you understand words in sentences, can be more effective than rote memorisation.
4. Practice with Mock Tests
Regularly taking practice exams helps you become accustomed to the format and timing of the real exam. Examine your performance to find your areas of weakness and concentrate on strengthening them.
5. Work on Grammar and Sentence Correction
Grammar questions often catch students off guard. Brush up on basic grammar rules and practice sentence correction exercises. Pay attention to common errors like subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and correct usage of punctuation.
6. Master Para Jumbles and Odd Sentence Out
Para jumbles and odd sentence-out questions test your logical arrangement skills. Practice rearranging sentences to form coherent paragraphs. Look for connectors and a flow of ideas to get the correct sequence.
6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
Reading current affairs articles helps in understanding contemporary issues, which is beneficial for RC passages.
7. Join Study Groups or Coaching Classes
If self-study isn’t enough, consider joining study groups or coaching classes. Engaging with peers and mentors provides different perspectives and keeps you motivated.
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CAT Exam Syllabus for DILR Section
There are twenty questions in the DILR area of the CAT syllabus. The candidates have forty minutes to respond to every question in this phase.
This element of the CAT exam is divided into two subsections: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA: DILR Preparation Tips
Cracking the DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section of the CAT exam can be daunting. However, with strategic preparation, you can ace this section.
Here are some indispensable tips to help you excel in the DILR section of the CAT exam.
1. Build a Strong Foundation
Start by understanding the basics of each topic. Grasp the fundamental concepts of graphs, charts, and logical puzzles.
2. Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is key. Solve a variety of problems daily to familiarise yourself with different question types. Use CAT preparation books, online resources, and previous year's papers for comprehensive practice.
3. Focus on Data Interpretation Skills
For DI, practice reading and interpreting data from various charts and graphs. Work on quick calculations and approximation techniques to save time. Understanding data trends and patterns is crucial.
4. Enhance Logical Reasoning Abilities
For LR, improve your logical thinking by solving puzzles and brainteasers. Work on your analytical skills by practising different types of logical reasoning problems, including arrangements and team formations.
5. Take Mock Tests
Regular mock tests are essential. Simulate exam conditions to build stamina and get used to the pressure of timed tests. Mock tests help you point out your weak areas and improve your speed and accuracy.
6. Develop Shortcut Techniques
Learn and apply shortcut techniques for quick calculations and logical deductions. Effective shortcuts can save valuable time during the exam. Practise these techniques regularly to master them.
CAT Exam Syllabus for QA Section
The final component of the CAT exam consists of 22 questions on quantitative aptitude. The CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus's major subjects and focal points are examined in the table below:
CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA: QA Preparation Tips
Here are some tips to help you excel in the QA section of the CAT exam.
1. Build a Strong Foundation
Understand and master the basics of each topic. Focus on fundamental concepts and formulas to form a solid foundation.
2. Practice Regularly
Regularly practising is the key to success. Solve a variety of problems daily using CAT preparation books, online resources, and previous year's papers.
3. Focus on Weak Areas
Identify your weak areas through regular practice and allocate extra time to improve on these topics. Strengthening your weak points will boost your overall performance.
4. Enhance Calculation Speed
Practise mental maths to improve your calculation speed. Learn shortcuts and tricks for quick calculations to save valuable time during the exam.
5. Time Management is Crucial
Practise answering questions in a predetermined amount of time. Create a plan to determine which questions to tackle first so that you can maximise the time you have available.
6. Take Mock Tests
Regular mock exams serve as a simulation of exam conditions. Examine your performance in order to pinpoint areas that need work and to strengthen your endurance.
7. Use Quality Study Material
Rely on trusted and comprehensive study materials. Join online forums or study groups for additional resources and support to enhance your preparation.
8. Work on Data Interpretation Skills
Practise reading and interpreting data from charts and graphs. Quick calculations and approximation techniques are essential for efficiency in data interpretation.
9. Analyse and Learn from Mistakes
After practising, analyse your mistakes to understand where you went wrong. Keeping a log of common mistakes and reviewing them regularly will help you avoid repeating them.
Download CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA pdf
CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA: Important Topics and Weightage
Understanding the weightage and key topics in each section of the CAT exam is crucial for effective preparation. Here's a detailed breakdown of the important topics and their weightage across the VARC, DILR, and QA sections.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Weightage: The number of questions from each topic can vary, but typically, a balanced distribution is maintained across these key areas.
Most Recommended Books for CAT Preparation
Here are the best CAT preparation books for all 3 sections covered in the CAT exam syllabus for MBA.
Also Read: MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus 2024: Topics and Tips
Understanding the CAT exam syllabus for MBA is crucial for effective preparation and success in securing a spot in India's top business schools.
By breaking down the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) sections, this guide provides a clear roadmap for your study plan. Regular practice, focusing on weak areas, and staying updated with the latest exam patterns will enhance your performance.
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