CAT Exam 2025 Syllabus: Everything You Need to Know Before You Start Preparing
It is anticipated that the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 will take place online in 170 Indian cities in November 2025. Mark the following date on your calendar if you intend to take this esteemed exam: August 2025 will mark the start of CAT registration, which will end in September 2025. Before you begin your preparation, make sure you’re familiar with the CAT Exam 2025 Syllabus, as it will guide you on what to study and how to strategize your preparation effectively.
The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other prestigious B-schools in India offer MBA programs through the CAT, which is administered annually by one of the IIMs. The test evaluates your proficiency in four key areas for aspiring business leaders: verbal ability, quantitative ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation.
But let’s face it, the CAT isn’t your average test. With a high level of competitiveness and a low selection rate, it is regarded as one of the most difficult admission tests in the world. Experts advise beginning your preparations as early as January because of this.
But there’s one thing you have to do before you start taking practice exams and coaching sessions: Read over the CAT 2024 exam analysis, become familiar with the CAT exam format, and comprehend the CAT curriculum. Your preparation plan will be shaped by these three components, which will also help you identify your priorities.
Therefore, start wisely if you’re serious about passing CAT 2025. Be familiar with the test. Recognize the pattern. Then, schedule your preparation appropriately.
CAT Exam 2025 Details
| CAT Exam Details | CAT Exam Highlights |
| CAT Exam syllabus sections | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
| Number of questions from each section of the CAT Exam syllabus | VARC- 24 questions
DILR- 22 questions QA- 22 questions |
| Total number of questions | 68 |
| Type of questions | Both MCQs and non-MCQs |
| Marking scheme | +3 for every correct answer
-1 for every incorrect answer TITA-type questions have no negative marking |
| Section-wise exam duration | 40 minutes per section |
| Total marks | 204 |
CAT 2025 Syllabus Overview
The CAT Exam 2025 Syllabus is not formally prescribed by the IIMs, but it takes a well-defined pattern from past years’ question papers. The syllabus consists of three main sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each of these sections must be understood thoroughly to prepare effectively.
1.Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
This part checks your comprehension and interpretation skills of written text, as well as grammar and sentence structure. VARC typically consists of:
- Reading Comprehension (RC): 4-5 short and long passages on contemporary affairs, science, literature, and abstract concepts. Questions are inferential and factual.
- Para Jumbles: The sentences are in a jumbled order and have to be logically arranged.
- Sentence Correction: Recognize grammatical or structural flaws.
- Para Summary: Select the appropriate summary of a given paragraph.
- Odd Sentence Out: Find out which sentence does not belong in a logical sequence.
Preparation Tips: Work on enhancing vocabulary, reading varied material (newspapers, editorials, business magazines), and solving RC questions under timed circumstances.
2.Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
This section tests your analytical and decision-making abilities through sets of related problems. Topics generally include:
- Data Interpretation: Caselets, tables, bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs.
- Logical Reasoning: Seating arrangements, puzzles, blood relations, Venn diagrams, binary logic, directions, and input-output.
- Mixed Sets: Questions combining data interpretation with logical reasoning elements.
Preparation Tips: Solve sets daily, understand common patterns, and work under time pressure to simulate exam conditions.
3.Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
QA tests your numerical problem-solving ability. It covers topics from basic arithmetic to higher-level mathematics:
- Arithmetic: Percentages, loss & profit, time & work, speed-distance-time, ratio & proportion, mixtures & allegations.
- Algebra: Linear equations & quadratic equations, inequalities, functions.
- Number System: Divisibility, remainders, base systems, factors, HCF & LCM.
- Geometry and Mensuration: Triangles, circles, coordinate geometry, 2D & 3D figures.
- Modern Math: Permutations & combinations, probability, logarithms, set theory.
Preparation Tips: Develop arithmetic concepts, update formulas from time to time, and practice mock tests to enhance accuracy & speed.
Quick Syllabus Summary Table: CAT
| Section | Key Topics |
| VARC | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Odd One Out, Sentence Correction, Para Summary |
| DILR | Tables, Graphs, Puzzles, Arrangements, Blood Relations, Directions |
| QA | Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, Geometry, Mensuration, Modern Math |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CAT Syllabus 2025
1. What is the syllabus for CAT 2025?
The CAT syllabus is not officially released by the IIMs, but it is based on past trends. It covers three main sections:
-
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
-
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
-
Quantitative Ability (QA)
Each section includes topics commonly tested in previous years.
2. Has the CAT syllabus changed in recent years?
The core topics have remained largely consistent, but the exam pattern (number of questions and section timing) has seen some changes in the past few years. It’s wise to follow the latest CAT notification and take mock tests based on recent formats.
3. Are there any official books or resources for the CAT syllabus?
No official books are prescribed by IIMs, but popular preparation books by Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, and coaching institutes like TIME, IMS, and Career Launcher cover most of the syllabus comprehensively.
4. Is the CAT syllabus similar to other MBA entrance exams?
Yes, to a large extent. Exams like XAT, SNAP, NMAT, and CMAT share overlapping topics, especially in Quant and English. However, CAT is generally considered more rigorous in terms of logic and time management.
5. How many questions are asked in the CAT exam?
In recent editions, the CAT exam has had around 66 questions in total, divided into:
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VARC: ~24 questions
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DILR: ~20 questions
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QA: ~22 questions
This may change slightly in CAT 2025, so stay updated with the official notification.
6. Are all questions in CAT multiple-choice?
No. CAT includes a mix of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions, where you have to enter the answer manually without options.
7. Is there negative marking in the CAT exam?
Yes. For MCQs, there is a -1 penalty for every wrong answer, while TITA questions do not carry negative marking.
8. Can a non-math student crack CAT?
Absolutely! While QA might be a challenge initially, many non-engineering and non-math background students crack CAT with consistent preparation, especially by strengthening their VARC and DILR sections.
9. What is the difficulty level of the CAT syllabus?
The syllabus itself is based on 10th–12th standard topics, but the difficulty comes from time pressure, tricky logic, and adaptive question patterns. So, regular practice and mock tests are key.
10. When should I start preparing for CAT 2025?
Ideally, start by January 2025 to give yourself 10–11 months of focused preparation. Early starters can pace themselves better and revise multiple times before the exam.
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