CAT 2021 Syllabus

CAT 2021 SYLLABUS

CAT Syllabus 2021 will mainly be based on middle school Math and English syllabi. IIMs do not
release a specified document, rather expects candidates to infer important topics from the past
trends. To a large extent the topics have remained largely same. However, the CAT Exam
Pattern was changed for the 2020 exam cycle considering the COVID-19 Pandemic.
CAT 2021 Syllabus consists of 3 subjects, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data
Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of the questions are application based and
instead of testing your ability to memorize, it tests the candidates ability to quickly find solutions.

 Quantitative Aptitude- 26 questions from different disciplines of mathematics. Expect an

increased number of non-MCQs.
 Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension- RC to have 70% weightage in the VARC
section, 24 questions from 5-6 sets.
 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning- 12 questions from Data Interpretation and 8
questions on Logical Reasoning. This section is expected to be the toughest.
 Non-MCQs: More than 25 Non- MCQ questions can be expected in CAT 2021.

Management aspirants can check their preparation status and prepare better using CAT Previous
Year Papers. Read on to know about the section-wise weightage, important topics and best books
for CAT 2021 Preparation.

CAT 2021 Section-Wise Syllabus

A brief of CAT 2021 Syllabus for all the 3 sections i.e. QA, VARC, and DILR is tabulated below:

Sections Topics Covered

Quantitative Aptitude Number: Number System, Sequence, Series and

Progression
Arithmetic: Averages, Simplification, Ratio and Proportion,
Percentages, Profit and Loss, Speed, Time and Distance
Algebra: Functions, Quadratic and Linear Equations,
Inequalities, Logarithms
Geometry and Mensuration: Geometry, Mensuration,
Coordinate Geometry
Modern Maths: Permutations and Combinations, Probability,
Set Theory, Maxima and Minima, Trigonometry

Verbal Ability and Unseen Passages, Analogies, Antonyms, Contextual usage,

Reading Fill in the blanks, Para Jumble, Para Completion, Fact
Comprehension Inference Judgement, Sentence Correction, Meaning/Usage
match
CAT 2021 Syllabus

Data Interpretation Tables, Data Sufficiency, Pie Charts, Caselets, Combination

and Logical of Graphs, Analogies, Critical Reasoning, Seating
Reasoning Arrangement, Logical Deduction, Cause and Effect,
Analogies, Binary logics. Calendars, clocks and cubes,
Blood Relations, Venn Diagrams, etc.

CAT 2021 Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude

CAT Syllabus for Sub-Topics
Quants

Arithmetic Number System, HCF, LCM, Ratio & Proportion,

Simplification, Percentage, Average, Age Calculation, Time &
Work, Distance

Algebra Theory of Equations, Quadratic Equation, Permutation &

Combination, Sequence & Series

Geometry Angles, Lines, Triangles, Circles

Mensuration Areas and Volumes- Rectangle, Squares, Triangle, Circles,

Cubes, Cones, Spheres, Pipes and Cistern

Calculus Maxima and Minima, Function

Trigonometry Trigonometric Ratios, Heights and Distances

 Questions in QA are mostly based on topics from the Mathematics syllabus to class 10.
 The QA section in CAT Exam is expected to have 27 MCQs and 7 Non-MCQs.
 This section focuses on numerical problems and will test a candidate’s mathematical
knowledge.
 It is a test of speed, accuracy, and precision.
 Quants is a significant section with over 40% of the questions asked from this
section. Check Quantitative Aptitude Preparation Tips

Important topics for CAT Quantitative Aptitude

There are a total of 34 questions from the aptitude section. Arithmetic holds the most weightage out
of all of the topics. In fact, arithmetic ranks second after reading comprehension in terms of
CAT 2021 Syllabus

weightage in the CAT 2021 exam. Most of the questions in a quant section are from general topics
like profit & loss, number system, geometry, etc.
As per the graphs, it is evident that ‘arithmetic’ holds the most weightage, followed by ‘modern math’.
Modern math consists of topics like Logarithm, Progression, Set theory, Permutation & combination,
Functions, etc. There were a total of 12 TITA (Type in the answer) questions in both the CAT 2018
slots. Our recommendation would be to focus on geometry, algebra, modern math and most
importantly arithmetic. These topics carry maximum weightage in the quantitative section.

CAT Quant Paper Analysis

Topic No of Questions (MCQ/non-MCQ)

CAT 2020 CAT 2019

Number System 5 14

Algebra 8 11

Arithmetic 10 6

Modern Math - 2

Geometry & Mensuration 3 1

CAT 2021 Syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical

Reasoning
CAT Syllabus for Data Interpretation CAT Syllabus for Logical Reasoning

Bar Graph Line Graph Arrangements Prepositions

Pie Chart Tables Data Arrangement Puzzles

CAT 2021 Syllabus

Caselets Combination of Assumptions Statements

Graphs

Data Games and Clock and Venn Diagram

Sufficiency Tournaments Calendars

- - Logical Matching Logical

Connectives

 This section will focus on two aspects- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
 DI will have both MCQ and Non-MCQ questions.
 Questions from Data Interpretation focus on a candidate’s ability to derive conclusions from a
given set of data.
 Logical Reasoning (LR) section tests a candidate’s logical thinking and its application to
everyday problems.
 LR questions can be individual or be in a set of 4 or more questions.
 The DILR section is expected to see 24 MCQs and only 8 Non-MCQs.

Important Topics in CAT DILR

Generally, the DILR section has 4 sets, each of Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation. But last
year, there were 3 sets from DI and 4 from LR, while one set was a combination of both DI and LR.
So from this particular section, expect surprises this year as well. This particular section has been
the decider for the last three years and the level of difficulty is also on the rise.
The DI section which has 3-4 sets can be further divided into ‘Reasoning Based Questions' or
‘Calculation Based Questions’. Questions from arrangement sets have been more prominent over
recent years even though there is no dedicated weightage or topic preferences. So it is advisable to
practice as much as you can, especially CAT previous years’ question paper.

CAT Syllabus Analysis for DILR

Topic No of Questions (MCQ/non-MCQ)

CAT 2020

HI-LO 6

People & Area 6

CAT 2021 Syllabus

People & Area 4

Venn Diagram 4

Vials & People 4

Orders 4

CAT 2021 Preparation Tips for DILR

Data Interpretation and Reading Comprehension are clubbed together and comprise 1/6th of the
entire question paper. It is generally considered a tricky and deciding section, hence a proper
preparation plan is necessary to cover DILR syllabus.
DI Questions are of Four types:

 Logic based: Charts where it is difficult to get the exact data as it is in ranges and with
conditions.
 Structure Based: These questions include some special sets. These are generally time
consuming.
 Counting Based: Questions with large data sets and require a lot of patience.
 Calculation Based: Questions with percentages or nominal increase/decrease. Though they
require some basic calculations but a lot of accuracy.

1. Improve Calculations Skills

Mental calculation is necessary to ace this section. Thus candidates should be confident in tables at
least upto 10 along with calculations on fractions and basic addition/ subtraction. It is an advice to
candidates to avoid using calculators at the last step of the preparation cycle and focus on mental
calculations.

2. Approximation of Options

Unlike quants questions in DILR are very much based on options and sorting them out. Hence read
the questions, understand what the question is demanding, seek out the options and then solve
accordingly.

3. Practice Variety of Questions

Dedicate a minimum 5 hours in a week to solve DI questions and the same goes for LR. Reasoning
involves common sense thus practicing on a variety of questions will be helpful. Focus on questions
sets with tabular data.
CAT 2021 Syllabus

CAT Syllabus 2021 for Verbal Ability and Reading

Comprehension
CAT Syllabus for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Critical Reasoning Grammar and Usage

Sentence Correction Word Usage

Fill in the Blanks Para Jumble

Para Completion Idioms

Para Summary -

 The VARC section tests a candidate’s language and comprehension skills.

 The comprehension questions will test the ability of the candidate to comprehend the
meaning from a given passage.
 Questions from the Reading Comprehension passage can be true/false statements based on
the passage, Author's point of view on the issues raised in the passage, Inference from the
passage, the central idea of the passage and its purpose.
 The questions in the RC part will be objective.
 Verbal Ability questions will mostly be Non-MCQs.
 This year, 24 MCQs and 10 Non-MCQs are expected in the paper.
 Generally, 70% of VARC questions come from Reading Comprehension.

Important Topics in CAT VARC

As per the last exam update, the verbal section was combined with reading comprehension to form a
section now known as ‘VARC’. Under the verbal ability sub-topic, questions from sentence
correction, grammar, vocabulary, or fill in the blanks have not appeared in the last three years in the
CAT 2021. So it’s not worthwhile to dedicate extensive time to these topics. Instead, questions from
the para jumble topic have become an integral part from the verbal ability section. The difficulty of
para jumbles has also been moderate in the past few years.

VARC 2020 2018 2017 2016

Topics Both Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 1 Slot 2

CAT 2021 Syllabus

RC 18 24 24 24 24 24 24

Para 3+2 4 4 4 4 4 4
Jumbles (TITA) (TITA) (TITA) (TITA)

Out of - 3 3 3 3 3 3
Context (TITA) (TITA) (TITA) (TITA) (TITA) (TITA)

Summary 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
(TITA) (TITA) (TITA) (TITA) (TITA) (TITA)

Total 26 34 34 34 34 34 34

On the other hand, Reading Comprehension dominates the VARC section with a consistent 24
questions allocated to the topic. 5-6 passages are expected in the CAT exam with a word count of
400-800 words. Candidates have to answer the questions based on the passage.
This particular section is also important in terms of scoring. The DILR section is expected to be
tough, just like the previous year. So it is important for candidates to score big in this section.
Check Suggested Books for CAT Preparation

CAT 2021 Preparation Tips for VARC

Candidates often face two situations while attempting Verbal ability and logical reasoning: either the
questions are not difficult-read the passage and simply answer or just cant understand which option
is right as the most absurd answer seems to be correct.

1. Improve Vocabulary through Etymology

Understand the root meaning of words and its genesis, this will enable you to understand the
meaning of various words simultaneously. Build understanding prefixes and suffixes.
Also build understanding of words in their context like connotations of words.

2. Cultivate Habit of Reading

Read as many books and magazines as possible to improvise on readings and articulation skills.
Diversity in reading should also be undertaken. Assuming that reading and writing does not follow
logical patterns is a mistake. Critical reasoning involves assumptions and structuring of ideas.

3. Develop Speed of Reading

Try to read at least 300 words per minute, that should be the speed of candidates appearing for
CAT. It is critical for every exam to develop structuring in reading and verbal aptitude to be a
successful manager.
CAT 2021 Syllabus

Best Books for CAT 2021 Preparation

Since CAT is the most recognized management entrance exam in the country, there is no shortage
of available sources for preparation in the market. Here are some suggested books for accurate CAT
Preparation:

Preparation Books for CAT Quantitative Ability Section

Books for CAT Author ISBN
Name/Publisher Number

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for Arun Sharma 9352602242

the CAT

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Sarvesh K. Verma 9311123870

Common Admission Tests for Admission into
IIMs

Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT Nishit K. Sinha 9332570019

Preparation Books for CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Books for CAT Author ISBN
Name/Publisher Number

CAT 2021 Data Interpretation & Logical Gautam Puri 9386309475

Reasoning

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Nishit K. Sinha 933257121X

for the CAT

Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency Ananta Ashisha 9352039246

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for Arun Sharma 9352602250

CAT

Read Best Books for CAT Preparation

Preparation Books for CAT Verbal and Reading Comprehension

CAT 2021 Syllabus

Books for CAT Exam Author Name/ Publisher ISBN

Number

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability Arun Sharma and 9352602269

and Reading Comprehension for Meenakshi
CAT Upadhyay/Arihant

30 Days to a More Powerful Wilfred Funk & Norman 067174349X

Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback Lewis/ Simon & Schuster

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability Sharma and Upadhyay 9339222695

and Reading Comprehension for the
CAT

PSC for VA for CAT Nishit Sinha 9332570027

Mantra for Final Year Students to Cover CAT Syllabus

Rigorous preparation and dedication is required before appearing for CAT. Eligibility criteria allows
candidates even appearing in their final year of graduation to sit for the exam. It is observed that
such candidates have certain advantage in terms of preparing

1. Advantage in Preparation as Syllabus is Similar

Preparing alongside graduation is an advantage keeping in mind that there are certain similarities
between course syllabus and CAT syllabus. Candidates pursuing Btech, BSc and BCom can step up
their game as some subjects in their course have similarities with the Quantitative Aptitude section of
CAT.
Aspirants doing graduation from Humanities stream have an advantage in English and language
which has similarities with CAT VALR syllabus.

2. Advantage in Attending Coaching

Unlike working professionals, college students have the capacity to attend coaching classes.
Alongside regular classes sparing time for coaching is possible if done in a right way as they are not
bound in a 9 to 5 schedule. Though it should be kept in mind that going for coachings to prepare is
not necessary for all candidates but it helps in scheduling and streamlining preparation.

3. Chances of Selection without a Gap Year

Ideal preparation time for CAT is around 9 to 12 months. IOf candiadtes in their graduation speed up
their preparation at the right time there are chances they do not have to take a gap year and get
selected in one go.
CAT 2021 Syllabus

4. Less Loss of Resources

Candidates should keep in mind that while studying there is no loss of income as compared to
professionals who generally quit their job to prepare for CAT. An undergraduate student does not
have to toil in such situations and prepare to their full capacity without a worry on income or
resources. Infact resources can be extracted from college libraries and digital resources as well.