Course Curricula and Syllabi CAT Preparation Common Admission Test (CAT) Exams and Tests

What is the syllabus of the CAT?

Answer Request Follow 38

15 ANSWERS

Karthik Mathiyazhaggan, CAT16: VA 96.42%ile OA 93.89%ile.

Works at 2IIM.
Written Feb 2

I have tried to break down the syllabus of the CAT paper in as much detail as
possible in my answer below.

To ease the process, I will also post a simplied version of the same captured
graphically before I dive into the longer format.

Now, on to the much elaborate version :-

WHAT DOES A CAT PAPER CONTAIN?

The CAT basically tests a candidates aptitude in three areas which are
divided into 3 sections as Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability and the Data
Interpretation-Logical Reasoning Sections.

1. The Quantitative Aptitude(QA) is nothing but Mathematics (tests

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long passages from dierent genres, ability to identify the logic in
sentence constructions)

3. The Data Interpretation(DI) & Logical Reasoning(LR):

DI as the name suggests consists of data in the form of tables,

charts, graphs using which one has to answer the questions that
follow.

LR contains puzzles, the types and topics which it tests are

discussed below.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE PAPER:

QUESTION TYPE: The questions will broadly be (MCQs)Multiple Choice

Questions while some will be (TITAs) Type In The Answer in which case
the candidate is required to type in the answer using the on-screen keyboard.

DURATION: The duration has been always been a variable, depending on

the pattern changes decided by the IIM that is conducting the exam that
year. Presently, the duration stands at a total of 180 minutes with each of
the 3 sections having 60 minutes each.

The number of questions in each of the 3 sections and their durations are as
follows:

MARKING SCHEME: A correct answer for a question will be awarded 3

marks while an incorrect answer will be punished with 1 negative mark. The
3 marks for a correct answer are applicable for both the MCQs and TITA
questions. Negative marks are applicable only for MCQs and not for TITAs.
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IMPORTANT NOTE: The candidate cannot switch between sections while

answering questions in a particular section.

What the CAT exam actually tests?

The CAT exam per se does not have a predened syllabus; but having said
that it broadly sticks to testing Quantitative Ability (Mathematics), Verbal
Ability (English), Data Interpretation (DI), and Logical Reasoning (LR) skills.

1. VERBAL ABILITY:

Broadly tests the candidates receptivity towards dierent genres of write-up,

ability to comprehend exactly what the author is trying to convey, to identify
the logic and pattern behind the sentence construction in given paragraphs,
knowledge of basic grammar rules in English language.

Types of Questions you can expect:

a. Reading Comprehension

b. Sentence Correction

c. Sentence Rearrangement (Jumbled Paragraph)

d. Text Completion (Fill in the blanks)

e. Paragraph Completion

f. Paragraph Summary

g. Facts-Inferences-Judgments.

Reading Comprehension: The importance of this section can

never be adequately stressed as it is one of the most widely tested
types in the entire paper with 16-20 questions out of the total 34
appearing under its belt. The questions under Reading
Comprehension basically aim to test the candidates ability to
understand the WHY (purpose), the WHAT (content), the HOW
(how the author expresses what he wants to convey the tone, the
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paragraph. The requisite standard of knowledge in Grammar is only
high school level. The areas that are usually tested are:

a. Usage of Articles and Prepositions

b. Usage of Modiers

c. Awareness of Subject-Verb Agreement

d. Knowledge of Parallel construction, phrasal verbs, redundancy

etc.

Types of questions you can expect: Sentence correction which will require
you to nd the grammatically correct replacement from the options provided
there.

Verbal Reasoning: Verbal reasoning questions are designed to test

the candidates extent of comprehension to identify relationships
and patterns in the given set of sentences or paragraphs. The type
of questions that normally do the rounds here are:

a. Sentence Rearrangement - This is nothing but rearranging the

given jumbled paragraphs in the most logical order.

b. Sentence Elimination - This requires you to eliminate that

sentence which does not t into the given set of sentences which
on rearrangement form a coherent paragraph.

c. Paragraph Completion - This requires you to complete the

given paragraph using a sentence from those given in the
options below.

d. Paragraph Summary - This requires you to choose the option

that most appropriately summarizes the paragraph given.

e. Critical Reasoning - This requires you to strengthen or weaken

the argument that is given in the paragraph.

2. QUANTITATIVE ABILITY:

Topics Tested:

a. Number Systems - LCM and HCF

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d. Ratio and Proportion; Averages; Mixtures and Alligations

e. Linear Equations; Quadratic Equations; Functions; Inequalities

f. Logarithm; Binomial Theorem; Sequences and Series; Surds and

Indices

g. Probability; Permutation and Combination; Set Theory

h. Geometry; Trigonometry; Coordinate Geometry; and

Mensuration

3. DATA INTERPRETATION:

What is it about?

A set of data is given in form of tables, graphs and charts. The questions will
test the candidates interpretation of the data along with his/her ability to
assimilate and make sense out of it.

Question types you can expect:

Case-lets containing data represented in the form of

1. Tables

2. Bar Graphs

3. Column Graphs

4. Line Charts

5. Venn Diagrams

6. Pie Chart

7. Combination of two or more types linked to each other

4. LOGICAL REASONING:

What is it about?

Logical Reasoning is basically a puzzle, the essence of which has to be

cracked using the clues given, in order to answer the questions. The puzzle
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and hence there can only be one solution.

2. An Open puzzle on the other hand, wont have all the data given in
the puzzle. The puzzle will leave many loose ends and thus with the
data that is given there will usually be more than one answer
possibility. Each and every question in this set will give specic
additional data of their own, which has to be used in the puzzle to
nd the solution for that particular question. The data that is given
in a question pertains to that particular question only. Hence, to sum
up, in an Open Puzzle not all data will be given in the puzzle; extra
data will be given in the questions and data given in a particular
question applies to that question only and should not be used for
other questions.

Question types you can expect:

Based on the above two types of questioning, a puzzle can test you on the
following 12 genres:

1. Number and Letter Series

2. Calendars

3. Cubes

4. Clocks

5. Venn Diagrams

6. Binary Logic

7. Seating Arrangement

8. Syllogism

9. Logical Matching

10. Logical Sequence

11. Logical Connectives

12. Blood Relations

Hope the answer helped.

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Divesh Gupta, CAT 15: 97+, Converts: Newer IIMs, IMT,

Motivated to give another shot at CAT 16
Written Oct 15, 2016

Dening CAT syllabus is dicult than cracking CAT.

This is a hyperbole but true to some extent.

The legacy of CAT is to spring in surprises every time. This makes the CAT
one of the most dicult exam. A exam where you are not sure about the
exam pattern, diculty level. Below is the screenshot what CAT website has
to say about syllabus.

This doesnt makes sense.

So what to prepare?

It is to be noted that CAT is a test which is for any graduate from any stream
present in any corner of India. Also the name Common Aptitude Test
suggests it is about aptitude. So in order to test the aspirants from multiple
backgrounds, they should be tested on basic school Maths and English
concepts to check the understanding of the concept.

So the syllabus is dened on the basis of questions asked in previous years

CAT exam.

For Quant, the major topics are

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For Verbal, major topics are

For Data Interpretation, major topics are

For Logical Reasoning, major topics are

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It is been observed that few topics dont appear at all in consecutive CAT
exams and few topics dominate the CAT exam. No point in analysing
previous years CAT questions as the next year can be complete opposite of
what you expect after going through previous CAT exam.

In Verbal, Vocabulary and Grammar questions havent appeared in CAT

2015 and CAT 2014. That does not mean that it is not a part of syllabus.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning questions have surprised aspirants

for few years. Hardly few sets were based on traditional DI/LR sets which we
practise. Reasoning based DI should be done thoroughly and be ready for
tough questions in DI/LR.

This does not mean that you dont prepare for other topics. Prepare every
topic mentioned above, practice ample number of questions, take ample
Mocks as every Mock is dierent from other, hope for the best but be ready
for worst case scenario. Dont panic if you nd test dicult. It is a
competitive exam where you have to beat other competitors.

The target is 100%ile, not 100% marks.

So start preparing. There is a website PRAQTISE which provides unlimited

questions on every topic mentioned above. Start your preparation now.

Good luck.

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Riya Malhotra, works at Career Advice

Written Jun 21, 2016

Dear all, Candidates can check here CAT Syllabus below:

Sections:
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Verbal and Reading Comprehension

Number of Questions:

Quantitative Ability 34

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning - 32

Verbal and Reading Comprehension 34

Duration:

180 minutes

Calculator Usage:

On Screen basic calculator will be provided

Marking Scheme:

1. For Non-MCQs,

+3 marks for correct answer

No marks (or negative marks) for wrong or no attempt.

2. The scoring scheme for multiple-choice questions (MCQ's) is:

+3 for correct answer

-1 for incorrect answer

No marks are given or deducted for un-attempted questions.

NOTE: It is predicted that CAT 2016 syllabus may be changed.

CAT 2016 aspirants can check How to prepare for CAT 2016 - 10 tips
to crack CAT exam

For more queries, comment me. Dont forge to Upvote :)

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Saurabh Gandle, former Summer Intern at Oil and Natural Gas

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Thanks for A2A .As per last year CAT ,there were 3 sections -Quant ,Verbal
and LR/DI.The pattern keeps on changing so watch out for CAT exam
notication in July mid .

The syallabus for 3 of it is as follow-

Quantitative Ability:

1. Number System

2. Averages

3. Percentages

4. Prot and Loss

5. Simple and Compound Interest

6. Ratio and Proportion

7. Time and Work

8. Time, Speed and Distance

9. Geometry

10. Trigonometry and Mensuration

11. Linear and Quadratic Equations, and Inequalities

12. Logarithms

13. Surds and Indices

14. Progressions

15. Functions

16. Set Theory

17. Permutations and Combinations

18. Probability

Data Interpretation:
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3. Line charts

4. Pie charts

5. Combination graphs

6. Data Suciency

Logical Reasoning:

1. Arrangements (Linear, Circular and Matrix)

2. Venn Diagram

3. Cubes

4. Blood Relations

5. Family Tree

6. Puzzles

7. Games and Tournaments

Verbal Ability:

1. Reading Comprehension

2. Sentence Correction

3. Para Completion and Para Jumbles

4. Critical Reasoning

As far as classes are concerned i will suggest you a online course.A online
course would a long way help you in preparing for your exam and also save
your time in travelling and you can access the course anytime ,anywhere and
study at your pace .

I would suggest you to look into Handa ka Funda .The tips and techniques
are really useful .You would like to go through the link -Online Coaching
for CAT and Banking Exams . Also GK course of Handa ka Funda will help
you prepare for exam apart from CAT like XAT ,SNAP,IIFT,TISS.You can get
tips and tricks needed for mocks from the course.You can get reviews about
course here-What is your review of Handa Ka Funda?
691 Views View Upvotes Answer requested by Shivani Verma

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Hitanshu Malhotra, Been there, done that. CAT'14,15,16: 99.5+

Updated Jun 30, 2016

Originally Answered: What is the syllabus of CAT exam?

I really wanted to help you here. Hence, I started searching for a dened
syllabus for CAT on dierent websites but couldnt nd any satisfactory
answer. This made me realise, there isnt any dened syllabus for CAT. They
may even come with an announcement that they have removed a section or
added another one.

It is simply an Aptitude test.

There are, however, as of today, 4 major umbrellas of topics:

1. Quantitative Ability

2. Data Interpretation

3. Logical Reasoning

4. Verbal Ability

To give you an idea about the syllabus, I would list the most common topics
that have come in the previous CAT exams. Please note that this list isnt
exhaustible and shouldnt be treated as complete. Also, the weightage for
various topics changes every year.

Quantitative Ability:
1. Number System

2. Averages

3. Percentages

4. Prot and Loss

5. Simple and Compound Interest

6. Ratio and Proportion

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9. Geometry

10. Trigonometry and Mensuration

11. Linear and Quadratic Equations, and Inequalities

12. Logarithms

13. Surds and Indices

14. Progressions

15. Functions

16. Set Theory

17. Permutations and Combinations

18. Probability

Data Interpretation:
1. Tables

2. Column and Bar Graphs

3. Line charts

4. Pie charts

5. Combination graphs

6. Data Suciency

Logical Reasoning:
1. Arrangements (Linear, Circular and Matrix)

2. Venn Diagram

3. Cubes

4. Blood Relations

5. Family Tree
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Verbal Ability:
1. Reading Comprehension

2. Sentence Correction

3. Para Completion and Para Jumbles

4. Critical Reasoning

Hope this helps.

ALL THE BEST!

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Patrick Dsouza, CAT07, 09: 100%ile; CAT15: 99.99%ile; CAT08,

11, 14: 99.98%ile. XAT16: Rank 1.
Written Apr 1, 2016

I was scouting for the syllabus for CAT to put it on some other forum, but
could not nd any of the websites able to actually give a syllabus which I
would be satised with. But then I realised that you actually cannot really
dene the CAT syllabus. Nowhere has CAT dened a syllabus. So tomorrow
if they want to add the GK section to the exam, they can. But broadly
speaking the following areas are which they test you on:

1. Quant - The topics that come in this section have varied. Initially
there was quite a bit of weightage for the questions on Numbers. Of
late the weightage for Numbers have gone down, but there is more
weightage for Geometry and Functions. As a matter of fact in one of
the slots in one of the CAT exams almost half the Quant section was
based on these two areas and those who left these areas for option
did face a problem in the exam. I have seen questions on
Trignometry coming in the recent exams which usually don't come
in CAT. So be prepared with whatever questions that they may ask.
But understand that they will restrict it to more or less upto 10th
std mathematics (except for topic like logarithm) as they have to
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data given. But in CAT it is sometimes logical in nature so to
understand the data cold be a little dicult. There are various type
of ways data can be represented - line, bar, table, etc - but be
prepared for data which don't conform to these normal patterns.
Here CAT checks on how well you can interpret data rather than
your calculations. That is the reason they must have given an
onscreen calculator in CAT15.

3. Logical Reasoning - CAT is all about thinking. As a matter of fact

logical thinking is tested in all the areas of CAT, including Verbal.
This section is checks you only on logical ability. So you will all
type of puzzles like matrix, venn diagrams, etc. It basically requires
proper understanding and arrangement of data to be able to get
your answer.

4. Verbal - Used to be more of Verbal Ability and Reasoning, but o

late it is more of reading comprehension. Over the years the
weightage of RCs have increased. (No guarantee it will happen next
year). CAT15 had 24 RC questions out of 34 questions. If you want
to answer the questions, it is important to comprehend the data
given. The other questions too they check your ability to read and
understand, apart from a little grammar. But there is no or hardly
any weight age for Vocabulary. I am not mentioning the type of
questions, as that could change.

This should help you to understand the syllabus. Solve a few mocks or past
CAT papers and you will understand it better.

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Kannu Tpl, It's not how we make mistakes, but how we correct
them that denes us.
Written Jul 12, 2016

Originally Answered: What is the syllabus of CAT exam?

Complete and Detailed CAT Syllabus

Section 1 of Online CAT Exam covers:Quantitative Aptitude and Data

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Quantitative Aptitude covers: Number System, Arithmetic, Algebra,

Geometry, and Modern Maths

Number System Syllabus

Basics of Numbers
Divisibility Rules
Divisibility and Factors
HCF / LCM
Finding Out Last Digit
Finding Out Last Two Digits
Number of Trailing Zeroes
Highest Power of a Number in a Factorial
Finding out Remainders
Base Systems

Algebra Syllabus

Basics Algebraic Formulae

Linear Equations
Quadratic Equations
Higher Degree Equations
Inequalities
Logarithms
Functions

Arithmetic Syllabus

Averages
Mean Median Mode
Percentages
Simple & Compound Interest
Instalments
Prot & Loss
Ratio & Proportion
Mixtures & Alligations
Time Speed & Distance
Clocks
Time & Work

Data Interpretation:
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Line charts

Pie charts

Data Suciency

Logical Reasoning:

Arrangements

Venn Diagram

Blood Relations

Cubes

Family Tree

Puzzles

Verbal Ability covers: Verbal Reasoning / Critical Reasoning, and Verbal

Aptitude

Source - CAT Syllabus - Complete Details of Quantitative Aptitude, Data

Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Verbal Aptitude, and Reading
Comprehension

Wish you all success!!!

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Shital Pagare, studied at Master of Business Administration

Degrees
Written Jul 9, 2016

CAT exam tests the skills of the aspirant in four main sections: Quantitative
Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Logical & Analytical Reasoning and Data
Interpretation. It is also a test of time management.

1. Mathematics or Quantitative Section

Some of the core concepts in maths and quant subjects are:

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Algebra

Numbers and its applications

Geometry and its applications

2. English or Verbal Section

Promiment topics in this section are as follows:

Grammar

Vocabulary

Critical Reasoning (and its numerous applications)

Reading Comprehension

3. Analytical Reasoning Section

Important topics under AR are:

Blood Relations

Direction Sense

Puzzles

Arrangements

Data Structures

Series

Coding-Decoding

Clocks and Calenders

4. Data Interpretation Section

Problems related to organised and unorganised data are quite common in

this section. Core topics are as follows:

Table

Bar
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