Quick Summary
- The CAT syllabus includes three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
- The exam features 66 questions worth 198 marks, distributed as 24 questions in VARC, 20 in DILR, and 22 in QA. It includes both MCQ and non-MCQ questions.
- To excel, understand the syllabus, assess strengths and weaknesses, and strategise. Use standard books, online resources, mocks, and past papers.
Table of Contents
Understanding the CAT syllabus is the first step when beginning your exam preparation. You need to dig deep into each section and subsection. Only then can you realise your strengths and weaknesses and work on them. Familiarise yourself with the exam structure and CAT paper pattern to develop a comprehensive plan for covering all sections. By knowing the syllabus, you can strategise your learning process and ensure you crack this exam with ease.
CAT is a national-level examination for entry into the top management institutions in the country. It opens doors to the IIMs and other prestigious B-schools. This exam tests the candidate’s aptitude with verbal, reasoning, and mathematical questions in a timed, high-pressure environment. It assesses your analytical, verbal and logical skills, which are essential for a successful management career.
The CAT syllabus 2024 is expected to remain largely unchanged, with a continued focus on VARC, DILR and QA. The computer-based test has a duration of 2 hours. Staying updated with any changes is vital to align your preparation strategies accordingly. In this article, we have everything you need to know about the CAT exam pattern and syllabus 2024. Read on to learn more.
CAT Exam Pattern 2024
The MBA CAT examination is a computer-based test (CBT) held in three slots—morning, afternoon and evening. It is designed to gauge your overall aptitude and readiness for MBA programs. It has sections that test specific skills like verbal and logical reasoning, which are essential for management studies. Officially, the CAT-conducting IIMs do not provide a specific syllabus. However, the CAT syllabus is generally divided into three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
The general CAT paper pattern has been consistent since 2021:
| Sections | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration | Duration for PwD students |
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
| DILR | 20 | 60 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
| QA | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
| Total | 66 | 198 | 120 minutes | 160 minutes |
The CAT syllabus features a mix of MCQ and non-MCQ or TITA (Type in The Answer) questions. The TITA questions were first introduced by IIM Ahmedabad in 2015 and have been a regular feature of the exam since then. While the standard MCQ questions offer four options, TITA questions provide only a text box for students to type in the correct answer. The rewarding aspect of these non-MCQ questions is the lack of negative marking.
For each correctly attempted CAT question, you will be awarded +3 marks. However, one mark will be deducted for every wrong answer. No marks are deducted for non-MCQ and unattempted questions. To achieve the desired 99 percentile score, you should attempt a mix of MCQ and non-MCQ questions. While non-MCQ questions can be time-consuming and risky, they offer significant rewards.
The overall CAT syllabus and exam pattern have been fairly consistent. There have been a few minor changes in mark distribution and question types in the past. However, the 2024 CAT exam, which will be held on November 24, 2024, is expected to follow the same lines.
Detailed CAT Syllabus 2024
A detailed CAT syllabus will help you understand the exam pattern, key subjects and essential topics to be covered. We have outlined the significant aspects of all three sections in detail to aid your preparation and success.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
VARC is the first section in the CAT examination and must be solved in 40 minutes. It has two subsections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Reading comprehensions dominate this section of the exam. Although the conducting bodies do not disclose a sectional MBA entrance exam syllabus, the topics can be inferred by analysing previous years’ question papers. Here is the list of VARC CAT exam subjects:
| VARC Syllabus Topics | |
| Reading Comprehension | Grammar |
| Verbal Reasoning | Synonyms & Antonyms |
| Verbal Logic | Syllogism & Analogies |
| Homonyms & Homophones | One-word substitution |
| Para-completion | Para Jumbles |
| Parts of speech | Types of clauses |
| Subject-verb agreement | Phrase modifiers |
| Fill in the blanks | Idioms |
How to Prepare for VARC?
The Reading Comprehension section tests your understanding and reading skills. To prepare for this, you must develop a habit of daily reading for at least 1-2 hours. The CAT passages are from varying domains, so keep your reading diverse—including essays, newspapers, and fiction and non-fiction books. Focus on grasping the context rather than memorising fancy words. That said, a wide vocabulary will be beneficial for tackling the Verbal Ability subsection.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR is considered to be the most unpredictable section of the CAT syllabus. It consists of 20 questions, equally divided between Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Here is the list of topics you should cover for CAT 2024:
| DILR Syllabus Topics | |
| Data caselets | Graphs |
| Pie Charts | Puzzles |
| Blood Relations | Clocks & Calendars |
| Data Arrangement | Data Structures |
| Venn Diagram | Coding-Decoding |
| Family Tree | Seating Arrangements |
| Direction Sense | Syllogism |
| Binary Logic | Series |
How to Prepare for DILR?
With the increasing difficulty of the DILR section each year, it can be challenging to manage. The best approach is to practice with at least the last five years’ question papers. Optimise your time utilisation per question and focus on effective question selection. By working through previous years’ questions, you can identify which types are time-consuming and tackle the easier ones first. Balancing speed with accuracy is crucial for success in this section.
Quantitative Ability (QA)
This section comprises 22 questions to be solved in 40 minutes. Major topics with significant weightage include modern math, algebra, arithmetic, and geometry. Here are the Quantitative Ability topics from the CAT syllabus 2024:
| QA Syllabus Topics | |
| Arithmetic | Algebra |
| Geometry | Number System |
| Ratio & Proportion | Trigonometry |
| Work & Time | Quadratic & linear equations |
| Percentages | Mensuration |
| Geometric Progression | Probability |
| Simple & Compound interest | Sequences & Series |
| Logarithms | Binomial Theorem |
| Profit & Loss | Mean, median, mode |
How to Prepare for QA?
The Quantitative Ability section has a very vast syllabus and forms a major part of CAT preparation. Start with the basics and gradually progress to more challenging CAT-level questions. Simply solving the questions is not enough. You need to learn to solve them within the limited time available. The best resources for practice are the previous year’s question papers and sample papers. Additionally, utilise mock tests to enhance your preparation further.
Preparation Strategies for CAT 2024
Once you have familiarised yourself with the MBA CAT syllabus, the next step is to develop a dedicated strategy and study plan. Time management is crucial, as each section has a 40-minute limit. You need to focus on prioritisation, speed, and accuracy. You can utilise shortcut techniques, such as approximation, elimination, and pattern recognition, to solve CAT questions more effectively.
Another important aspect of CAT preparation is solving mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will allow you to strategise and prioritise the sections that are more challenging for you. Practice papers offer a realistic exam experience, helping you refine your strategies and build confidence.
Best Books and Online Resources for CAT Preparation
CAT is a challenging exam, but with the right resources, you can excel and achieve top scores. Online platforms like Chegg can be very useful. You may also refer to section-wise standard books for covering your CAT syllabus:
| Section | Books & Resources |
| VARC | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun SharmaA Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal High School English & Grammar by Wren & MartinWord Power Made Easy by Norman LewisNewspapers & Magazines- The Hindu, The Economic Times, The Frontline, Outlook Business |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha How To Prepare For The Data Interpretation And Logical Reasoning For The CAT by Arun Sharma Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri |
| QA | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun SharmaQuantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10) |
Tips for Improving Speed and Accuracy
The CAT is widely regarded as one of the most challenging entrance exams in India. Every year, lakhs of candidates appear in this exam to get admission into the top business schools in India. Speed and accuracy are crucial for success. Use the following tips to improve them:
- Ensure your fundamentals are strong and practice regularly.
- Focus on managing your time effectively and optimise the time per question.
- Solve numerous mock tests to improve your time management.
- Conduct a SWOT analysis to identify and focus on your strengths.
- Prioritise question selection to maximise your score.
- Learn from your mistakes and avoid spending too much time on difficult questions.
Additional Resources
Several websites and apps provide comprehensive study materials and mock tests for CAT preparation. While there are plenty of online resources, navigating them can be overwhelming. Here are some useful websites for CAT exam preparation:
- Chegg
- Testfunda
- IMS
- Unacademy
- CrackU
- TIME
These platforms provide detailed courses, mocks, and syllabus pointers. Additionally, apps like CATKing, Unacademy, and Handa ka Funda offer interactive video lessons and real-time practice tests. You can use these resources to cover the sectional CAT syllabus. You can also utilise the various tips and strategies to improve your overall performance.
The CAT-conducting IIMs provide mock tests to help candidates understand the pattern and key topics. You can practice them to gauge the broader syllabus. If you want the complete syllabus, you can Google search “CAT syllabus”. You will find various educational and coaching websites offering downloadable PDFs. Choose any trusted source and download the CAT exam syllabus PDF.
Mastering CAT 2024
The CAT paper is set by some of the brightest minds in the country, making it a highly challenging exam. You cannot take it lightly. Preparation should be approached with seriousness and a well-structured strategy. Begin by thoroughly understanding the CAT syllabus and gathering all necessary books and resources. Build a strong foundation by mastering the fundamentals and practising with previous years’ papers. Sharpen your skills further with mock tests and practice papers to improve both speed and accuracy.
Don’t hesitate to make full use of the available resources; we’ve highlighted some of the best options for you. Staying focused and motivated throughout your preparation is crucial. The competitive exam journey is often called a marathon, not a sprint. You fall, you learn from your mistakes, and you fight back stronger. We hope this guidance supports you on your path to success. Keep pushing forward—you’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main sections in the CAT exam syllabus for MBA?
The CAT syllabus consists of three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each section tests different skills, with VARC focusing on language skills, DILR on data analysis and logical reasoning, and QA on mathematical ability. You must clear sectional cut-offs to get admission into B-schools through the CAT examination.
How many questions are there in each of the sections of the CAT exam?
The CAT exam pattern typically features around 66 questions distributed across three sections. The breakdown is as follows: 22 questions in the VARC section, 20 in DILR, and 24 in the QA section. While these numbers may vary slightly each year, they have remained relatively stable since 2021. The questions are a mix of four-option MCQs and non-MCQ or TITA (Type in the Answer) questions.
What are the best resources for CAT preparation?
For CAT preparation, you can refer to books by Arun Sharma, Nishit K. Sinha, and Gautam Puri for comprehensive coverage. Online platforms such as IMS, Chegg, TIME, and CL provide valuable resources and practice materials. CAT mock tests and previous years’ question papers are available on the official website. Additionally, apps like CATKing and Handa ka Funda offer interactive learning and practice.
How can I download the CAT syllabus PDF?
There is no official CAT syllabus released. However, many coaching centres and websites provide detailed CAT exam syllabus PDF online. Visit these sites and download the syllabus PDF from trusted sources to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness. Additionally, you can access CAT mock tests on the official website (iimcat.ac.in).
Are there any changes in the CAT syllabus for 2024?
No significant changes are expected in the CAT syllabus for 2024. The exam will continue to consist of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The structure and types of questions are anticipated to remain consistent with the pattern observed since 2021.
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