CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2024: Section wise with Weightage

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.

‍

Get upto 100% Education Fees Financed with Propelld. Simplified  Processing  Dedicated Support.

‍

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.

‍

‍Minimal Documentation. Higher Chances of Approval. Easy Online Processes. Check Your Eligibility. 

‍

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.

‍‍

Focus on Studies, not the Fees.  Get your Loan Disbursed 10 times Faster than Banks. Apply Now. 

‍

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.

And while you're busy preparing for the CAT exam, let Propelld handle the finances. With student-friendly, collateral-free loans, funding your education is as seamless as your study plan. Ready to ace the CAT? Visit our website today! 

‍

Why Propelld?

Ready to take the next step in your CAT exam preparation? Propelld offers a range of financing options to support your educational journey.

‍

FAQs on CAT exam syllabus for MBA

What is the syllabus of CAT exam?

The three primary elements of the CAT exam syllabus are Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). 

Where can I find the CAT syllabus PDF?

You can download the CAT syllabus PDF from the official CAT exam website or various educational portals that provide study materials and resources for CAT preparation.

What topics are included in the CAT Quant syllabus?

The CAT Quant syllabus includes topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Math. Specific topics include Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Quadratic Equations, Circles, and Probability.

What is the syllabus for the CAT exam? 

The CAT exam syllabus includes three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

Is there a specific syllabus for the VARC section? 

Yes, the VARC section includes topics such as reading comprehension, para jumbles, paragraph summary, odd sentences, and paragraph completion.

What are the topics covered in the DILR section? 

The DILR section includes topics such as tables and charts, graphs, pie charts, and logical reasoning puzzles.

What is the weightage of each section in the CAT exam? 

The weightage of each section is not fixed, but generally, VARC and QA sections carry 34% weightage each, and the DILR section carries 32% weightage.

Are there any specific topics in the QA section that I should focus on? 

Yes, the QA section includes topics such as modern mathematics, algebra, numerical ability, arithmetic, and geometry.

Is the CAT exam syllabus the same every year? 

No, the CAT exam syllabus may change every year, so it's essential to check the official website or notification for the latest syllabus.

How can I prepare for the CAT exam? 

You can prepare for the CAT exam by downloading the syllabus PDF, using recommended books and study materials, practising with sample and previous question papers, and solving CAT mock tests.

Is there a negative marking in the CAT exam? 

Yes, there is a negative marking in the CAT exam. For each incorrect answer, a 1/3 mark will be deducted. However, there is no negative marking for non-MCQ questions.

Can I take the CAT exam in any language other than English?

No, the CAT exam is conducted only in English. All the questions and instructions are provided in English, and proficiency in the language is essential for understanding and answering the questions correctly.

How many hours should I dedicate daily to prepare for the CAT exam?

It's recommended to dedicate at least 3-4 hours daily to CAT preparation. This can vary based on individual pace and familiarity with the topics. Consistency and focused study sessions are key to effective preparation.