CAT Syllabus 2025, Section-Wise Topics, Weightage & Exam Pattern

CAT Syllabus 2025 covers section-wise topics for VARC, DILR, and QA along with their weightage and exam pattern. Check the complete syllabus and start preparing strategically for CAT 2025.

CAT Syllabus 2025

The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a national-level entrance exam for MBA and PGDM programs offered by the IIMs and other top B-schools in India. Conducted in November 2025, it will test candidates on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The CAT Exam 2025 will feature a mix of MCQs and TITA questions. With only a few months left, candidates must have a clear understanding of the updated CAT Syllabus 2025 and exam pattern.

CAT Syllabus Exam 2025

The CAT Syllabus 2025 remains majorly similar to previous years but may see minor adjustments in question distribution or difficulty. It is divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA, with a total of 68 questions. Each section has 40 minutes, and the exam is conducted online. The exam tests aptitude, logical reasoning, comprehension, and basic mathematics. Awareness of section-wise weightage and topic distribution is critical for structured preparation.

CAT Exam Pattern 2025

The CAT Exam 2025 will be conducted in three slots, each with a duration of 40 minutes, split evenly across the three sections. Each correct answer awards +3 marks, and each wrong MCQ carries a -1 negative marking, while Type In The Answer (TITA) questions have no negative marking. The number of questions is 68: VARC (24), DILR (22), QA (22). Candidates cannot switch sections during the exam, but can navigate within a section during their allotted time.

CAT Exam Pattern 2025
SectionNo. of Questions
DILR22
VARC24
QA22
Time Allocation120 minutes (40 minutes for each section)
Marking Pattern
  • +3 for each correct answer
  • -1 for each incorrect MCQ
  • 0 for unattempted and incorrect TITA questions

Read Other Topic: LIC HFL Apprentice Syllabus 2025

CAT Syllabus 2025

The CAT Syllabus 2025 includes all major areas tested in management aptitude: Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. While IIMs don’t release an official syllabus, the exam pattern remains consistent. Candidates must be proficient in English comprehension, reasoning ability, and quantitative aptitude. TITA and MCQ-type questions test both accuracy and conceptual clarity.

CAT Syllabus 2025
SectionSubject AreasKey Topics Covered
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)Reading Comprehension (RC), Verbal Ability
  • Inference-based RC
  • Parajumbles
  • Summary writing
  • Odd-one-out
  • Para-completion
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning
  • Bar graphs, Pie charts, Line graphs
  • Caselets, Venn diagrams
  • Seating arrangements
  • Blood relations, puzzles
  • Tournaments, directions
QA (Quantitative Ability)Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, Number System
  • Percentages, Ratios, Averages
  • Linear & Quadratic Equations
  • Lines, Triangles, Mensuration
  • Permutation, Probability
  • HCF, LCM, Factorials

CAT Syllabus 2025 Weightage-Topic Wise

In the Quantitative Ability (QA) section, Arithmetic (40%) and Algebra (30%) dominate the weightage. Geometry and Modern Math follow with smaller shares. In VARC, Reading Comprehension constitutes about 66%, with the rest divided between para-based verbal questions. DILR generally includes 2-3 sets each of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, with sets of 4-5 questions each.

CAT Syllabus Weightage-Topic Wise
SectionKey TopicsWeightage (Expected)
Reading Comprehension
  • Sentence Order
  • Passage-based Questions
  • Paragraph Meaning
24%
Verbal Ability
  • Para Jumbles
  • Para Summary
  • Inferences
  • Sentence Completion
10%
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
  • Geometry
  • Algebra
  • Mensuration
  • Arithmetic
  • Number System
34%
Logical Reasoning
  • Blood Relations
  • Seating Arrangements
  • Syllogisms
  • Caselets
16%
Data Interpretation
  • Tables
  • Graphs
  • Pie Charts
  • Venn Diagrams
16%

Also Read: CAT Eligibility Criteria 2025

CAT Section-Wise Important Topics

The CAT Exam 2025 is structured into three core sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section comprises essential topics that candidates should prioritize during their preparation. The table below presents a summary of the CAT Section Wise Important Topics with their anticipated weightage, helping aspirants plan their study strategy effectively.

CAT Section-Wise Important Topics
SectionImportant TopicsExpected Weightage
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Reading Comprehension (RC)
  • Para Jumbles
  • Odd Sentence Out
  • Para Summary
RC: 67% VA: 33%
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
  • Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Charts, Caselets, Venn Diagrams
  • Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, Team Formation, Games & Tournaments, Binary Logic
DI: 40% LR: 60%
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
  • Arithmetic (Ratios, Percentages)
  • Algebra (Linear & Quadratic Equations)
  • Geometry
  • Trigonometry
34%

CAT Syllabus 2025 FAQs

Q1. Is there an official CAT syllabus 2025?+

Q2. How many questions are asked in CAT 2025?+

Q3. Is there any negative marking in CAT?+

Q4. Which section is the toughest in CAT?+

Q5. Can I skip sections or switch between them?+

Tags: CAT Exam CAT Exam Syllabus CAT Exam Syllabus 2025 CAT Syllabus CAT Syllabus 2025

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abhishek