CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation is crucial as the section has high potential of scoring 100 per cent. The preparation of CAT quant topics is straightforward. You need to undertand the concept and application. Check out tips on how to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2024 recommended by MBA expert.
CAT Quant preparation and tips
Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT exam has the potential of getting a 100 per cent score. Quantitative Aptitude occupies one third of the CAT test paper and CAT 2024 should be no exception. It is often of a higher difficulty level but if you get the Mathematical question right, there is no way you can 't solve it with 100 per cent accuracy. Those preparing for CAT 2024, must read this article for key insights on Quantitative Aptitude preparation by expert.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.The IIMs have never shared CAT syllabus officially but if you look at the question papers of the last 10 years, you'll know the important CAT Quantitative Aptitude topics. Since the aspirants targeting CAT exam come from diverse backgrounds, the syllabus of Mathematics till Class 10 is a safe assumption for Quantitative Ability for CAT preparation. Barring an exception or two, last few years’ CAT question papers have had advanced level questions from Mathematics topics covered till class 10 only. In this article, we have tried to suggest a CAT 2024 preparation plan keeping all these facts in mind. Let’s start with the understanding of Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam.
Q: When should I start preparing for CAT exam?
Aspirants should start preparing for CAT exam at least nine months in before the test date. CAT preparation requires long-term planning thus one must start early. The best time to start CAT preparation is in March. Starting early will also help you assess that whether you need to join a coaching institute or not.
Divide your preparation into two phases -
- Covering the CAT syllabus
- Practicing mock tests, sample questions and revision.
The CAT syllabus includes the following topics:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences, Questions based on passages, para meaning, order of sentences
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism
- Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration.
You can read the following CAT books for exam preparation:
- CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
- 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis/ Simon and Schuster
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Sharma and Upadhyay
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha.
Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2023 and CAT 2024 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.
The most important things to keep in mind are:
- CAT exam mode is online
- Each question carries three marks
- There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts
The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:
- Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high
Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Also read: CAT Quant topic wise weightage - 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020
Topics of Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam
In CAT 2024, there will be a total of 66 questions and Quantitative Aptitude section will have 22 questions, here's the break up of CAT syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude.
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| CAT Quant Topics |
Chapters |
Expected Number of Questions* |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
Numbers, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio, Proportionality, Time-Distance, Time-Work, Mixtures, Averages, Partnership |
8-10 |
| Algebra |
Linear Equations, Quadratic Equation, Differential Equation, Maxima-Minima, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Finding Root, Number of Integers, Vector |
5-7 |
| Advance Mathematics |
Permutation and Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, Progression and Series |
4 |
| Geometry |
Line, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Polygon, Circles, Ares, Volume, Height and Distance, Co-ordinate Geometry, Basic Trigonometry |
3 |
*For CAT Quant section having 22 Questions.
Many of the chapters have a good size of theory portion. But most of the times, theory is used for application in problems, only. A question directly asking a property is a rarity.
Difficulty Level of CAT Quatitative Aptitude
If we look at last few years’ CAT question papers, CAT has done all the experiments, in terms of topic wise wieghtage and question type. In 2020, the number of questions in the Quantitative section were reduced from 34 to 22 questions. CAT cut-offs for top IIMs have varied from 1/3rd of the section to more than 80 per cent of the section. But by looking at the last two years’ trends, one can say that Quantitative Aptitude of CAT 2024 should be more or less of a moderate difficulty level.
Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?
Q: How would I know my CAT exam centre?
Candidates will know their allotted CAT exam centre only from the admit card. There is no way to know the test centre before the release of the CAT admit card. The examination authority allots a test centre to aspirants in the city of their first preference as mentioned in the city. So, candidates can atleast be assured that they will get a test centre in the city they had chosen as first preference in the CAT application form. However, the venue will be mentioned only on the candidate’s admit card. So as soon as the CAT admit card is released, candidates must check the test city and test centre details. In order to avoid any confusion, they must visit the centre at least once before the exam day.
Q: Which CAT exam slot is the toughest?
Q: How to improve reading speed for CAT preparation?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis every year. The CAT exam is an online computer-based test that is used as a primary criterion for admission into various management programs offered by the IIMs as well as other top business schools in India.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam syllabus is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section consists of 26 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section consists of 24 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section consists of 26 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes (3 hours). Each correct answer carries 3 marks, and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer. However, there is no negative marking for unattempted questions. (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Here is a brief overview of the syllabus and some tips on how to prepare for each section:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests your reading comprehension and language skills. The syllabus includes reading comprehension passages, grammar, para jumbles, para completion, sentence correction, and vocabulary. To prepare for VARC, read a lot of books, newspapers, and magazines to improve your reading speed and comprehension skills. Practice grammar and vocabulary exercises regularly to improve your language skills. Also, practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section tests your ability to interpret data and make logical deductions. The syllabus includes bar graphs, line charts, pie charts, tables, Venn diagrams, blood relations, seating arrangements, and puzzles. To prepare for DILR, practice solving a variety of puzzles and logical reasoning questions. Develop a systematic approach to solving questions and focus on improving your speed and accuracy. Practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section tests your mathematical skills. The syllabus includes number systems, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, arithmetic, and modern mathematics. To prepare for QA, start with the basics and gradually move to advanced topics. Practice solving a variety of mathematical problems regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Memorize important formulas and theorems. Also, practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Each correct answer carries 3 marks.
Each incorrect answer carries a penalty of -1 mark.
There is no negative marking for questions that are left unanswered.
The CAT exam is used as a primary criteria for admission into various management programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as well as other top business schools in India. The selection process for CAT typically includes the following stages:
CAT Exam: Candidates who clear the CAT cutoff are shortlisted for the next stage.
Written Ability Test (WAT)/Group Discussion (GD)/Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates are required to appear for a WAT/GD/PI round, which is conducted by the respective IIMs or business schools.
Final Selection: Candidates are selected based on their CAT score, performance in the WAT/GD/PI round, academic background, work experience, and other relevant factors. The final selection is based on a composite score that considers all these factors.
The weightage given to CAT score and other selection criteria vary from institute to institute. It is important to check the admission criteria of the respective institutes you are applying to.
Overall, the CAT exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates are advised to prepare well and perform to the best of their abilities.
If you want to prepare you can download LK ACADEMY learning app for daily free mock test, Current Affairs video lectures, study notes and many more all on your convenient time. The coaching provides comprehensive way to cover the syllabus and make you prepare for preliminary, Mains and interview round.
Good luck!
Q: What are the best ways to prepare for the DILR section?
The best way to prepare for DILR section is through practice. Before starting the preparation, aspirants should be accustomed to the question types by going through previous years’ question papers and solving those. Since there is not much conceptual understanding required in this section, practice is the key to excel in this area.
Some of the most popular books on DILR section that you can refer are How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Pearson, to name a few.
Also Read:
Mantra to Crack Quantitative Aptitude of CAT 2024
The key to a good performance in Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT exam is not about how much an aspirant knows but about how much can they apply in the given duration with the given constraints of sectional time limit. Here are some of the key points on how to improve Quantitative Aptitude for CAT.
1.Practice chapter by chapter: There is a difference between being able to solve a problem and solving a problem effortlessly. Depending on the difficulty level of the CAT test paper, 10-14 questions should be of easy to moderate level. Practice of easy to medium questions of all the chapters would enable an aspirant to sail through the questions easily. The best option for you would be to refer the book - How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma.
Our Advice: Know basic theories and varieties of problems of all chapters.
| Free QA Question Bank with Answer Keys for Practice | Free DILR Question Bank with Answer Keys for Practice | Free VARC Question Bank with Answer Keys for Practice |
2.Short Methods and Group Studies: Nothing boosts confidence of an aspirant more than a question which he can solve without lifting the pen in an ongoing test. More such questions, better the score. This can be achieved by improving mental calculation and by discussing unconventional methods with a focused study group. Many times it involves use of options to get the correct answer. Have a deep understanding of the topics included in Quantitative Ability for CAT preparation, to apply a relevant strategy - conventional method or unconventional method.
Our Advice: Two is more than one. Three is even better. Do a regular discussion of short methods in your focused study group.
3.Building Stamina: Quantitative Aptitude is the last section of the CAT question paper. That means aspirants would reach this part of the paper in 81st minute of the test. An aspirant who hasn't developed stamina for the last bit would be challenged to deliver his regular performance.
Our Advice: Study for 3-4 hours at a stretch while practicing sample questions.
Also Read:
- Best Books for CAT Preparation Recommended by Experts
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024: Tips from Toppers
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024: Ultimate Tips from Experts
- How to Prepare for CAT Without Quitting Your Job
- Advantage of Appearing in CAT While Pursuing Final Year Graduation
4.Testing Skills Development: Having 10 to 30 per cent of the problems as speed-breakers is an expected situation in the Quantitative section of CAT. Being able to find them without wasting time is the key. It’s a skill which can be achieved by sufficient practice of a large number of problems and by going through sufficient number of CAT mock tests.
Our Advice: Plan to write approximately 20-25 CAT Mock Tests.
5.Mental Calculation: CAT 2024 will offer basic calculator to all the test takers. This will still not reduce the importance of mental calculation. Since it’s an on-screen calculator, mental calculation will win against the calculator in time consumption in most of the cases.
Our Advice: Do enough practice of basic summation, subtraction, tables and fractions.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Sample Questions with Solutions for Practice
Get here sample questions and practice tests of how to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT pdf with solutions for practice.
Remember, solving the chapters for the first time teaches you Mathematics. Second time, it brings speed in solving. Aspirants are advised to solve all the chapters twice to get the advantage of speed in the exam.
All the best for CAT 2024!!
Read More:
About the Author
Parasharan Chari is an alumnus of SPJIMR and is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at Endeavor Careers.
FAQs on CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation
Q: What are the best books for Quantitative Ability for CAT preparation?
A: CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha, Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha and Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma are some of the best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation.
Q: In how many months can I master Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam?
A: Quantitative Aptitude is all about conceptual clarity and practice so one must spend a considerable amount of time on this section. About three to four months for CAT Quantitative Aptitude is a good time for preparation.
Q: What are the main topics of Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam?
A: The main topics of Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam include Numbers, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio, Proportionality, Time-Distance, Time-Work, Mixtures, Averages, Partnership Linear Equations, Quadratic Equation, Differential Equation, Maxima-Minima, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Finding Root, Number of Integers, Vector Permutation and Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, Progression and Series Line, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Polygon, Circles, Ares, Volume, Height and Distance, Co-ordinate Geometry and Basic Trigonometry.
Q: How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by self-study?
A: To prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude by self-study, one needs to take help from books recommended by experts and sample papers, mock tests and practice questions. These books will help in understanding the concepts while practice questions will help in understanding the application of those concepts on different types of questions.
Q: What is the weightage of Quantitative Aptitude section in CAT?
A: The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT has 22 questions in total. Each question carries three marks for correct attempt and minus one mark for incorrect attempt (MCQs) only. So, the total weightage of CAT Quantitative Aptitude section is 66.
Q: What is a good attempt in Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT?
A: To score 99 percentile in the Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT, one needs to score around 32-34 marks in this section of CAT, thus one can say out of 22 questions, 10 to 12 correct attempts will be considered good.
Q: Is there negative marking in Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT?
A: Yes, there is negative marking of -1 in the Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT, but only for MCQ type questions. There is no negative marking for non-MCQ type questions. The CAT Quantitative Aptitude section is the only section has non-MCQs.
Q: What are the most important formulas in Quantitative Aptitude for CAT?
A: For cracking Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT, candidates must memorise all the Arithmetic formulae as this topic dominated the QA section of CAT. The candidates must also memorise Algebra and Geometry theorems.
Q: What are the best resources for CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?
A: The best resources for Quantitative Aptitude preparation is sample papers and previous years’ CAT question papers. Since both Quantitative Aptitude is all about Mathematics, it can only be mastered by having enough practice.
Q: Is CAT Quantitative Aptitude section tough?
A: The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT usually of moderate to high difficulty level, with calculation heavy questions. The best way to tackle this section sis by choosing those questions to solve that are your strong areas and are require quick calculation.
Q: How can I improve my CAT Quantitative Aptitude score?
A: Focus should be on accuracy over speed. Solve each sample questions again and again to improve speed and accuracy. In the CAT exam, whatever you attempt, you have to get it right. So, scan the entire section and give a priority order to the questions based on your strength and weakness. First, solve the ones you are confident about and then solve to the rest.
Parasharan Chari is an alumnus of SP Jain and is currently serving as the chief operating officer at Endeavor Careers and is also associated with the design and development of its online testing portal CatGurus.com
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