CAT Quant section has 22 questions and it is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. While preparing for CAT 2024, you must focus mainly on important Quantitative Aptitude topics. Check here CAT Quant topic wise weightage of past few years.
CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage
CAT Quant or Quantitative Aptitude section has a well-defined structure and the questions are mostly calculation intensive. Arithmetic and Algebra dominate the CAT question paper every year. Sometimes, Geometry also makes for a bigger chunk. It has been seen in the last few years, that the CAT quant topic wise weightage hasn't changed much. The topics have remained the same, only the number of questions per topic keep changing slightly.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.The CAT quantitative aptitude section is tough and requires a rigorous preparation. While preparing for the CAT 2024 exam, it will beneficial for candidates to know the CAT quant topic wise weightage so that they can focus on the high scoring chapters. In this article, will we break down the CAT syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude, so that you can assess and analyse your control on the topics for CAT 2024 preparation.
Q: What is CAT exam pattern 2024?
CAT is a computer based test which is conducted in three shifts. The CAT is conducted for two hours in which candidates have to solve 68 questions.
These 68 questions are divided into three sections Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension VARC Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning DILR and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The VARC section has 24 questions, the DILR section has 28 questions and QA section has 22 question. Each question carries 3 marks for correct entry and -1 for incorrect entry. There is no negative marking for unanswered question. A unique aspect of CAT is the sectional time limit. Each section has a time limit of 40 minutes (53.20 minutes for PwD candidates).
Candidates have to complete the section within the time limit as the moment the onscreen timer shows 0 minutes left, the screen will automatically move to the next section. There is no option to go back to older questions. Also, candidates have to follow the question paper chronology. They have to first solve the VARC section, then the DILR section and then the QA section.
Q: What's new in CAT exam?
There has been no change in exam pattern and syllabus of the CAT exam from last year apart from the fee amount which has been increased from INR 2,400 to INR 2,500 for General category candidates and from INR 1,200 to INR 1250 for Reserved category candidates.
Another key change in the latest CAT application form is reduction in the number of test city selection from six to five. The CAT 2024 applicants can only select 5 cities for test centre allotment.
During COVID era,
- Candidates had to mention their COVID-19 vaccination status in the CAT application form.
- Eligibility criteria for CAT was extended for FCAI degree holders. Now, they are also eligible to appear for the CAT.
Q: What is the sectional time limit in CAT?
CAT Quantitative Aptitude is basically the Maths topics you have studied in class 9 and 10. But for CAT exam you need to study these topics at advance level.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topics
CAT quant syllabus is divided into five major topics – Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, Geometry and Modern Maths. These topics are further divided into several Maths chapters. Check the table below for key CAT quant topics.
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| CAT Quant Topics |
|
|---|---|
| Arithmetic Topics for CAT |
Profit and Loss, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Averages, Mean Median Mode, Mixtures and Allegations, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance |
| Algebra Topics for CAT |
Basics Algebraic Formulae, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Finding Out Roots, Maxima and Minima, Problems on Ages, Number of Integer Solutions, Higher Degree Equations, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The Smallest Value in a Maximum Function, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm |
| Number System Topics for CAT |
Fermat’s Theorem, Euler’s Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson’s Theorem, Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Finding Out the Last Digit, Finding Out Last Two Digits, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition / Subtraction / Multiplication in different bases |
| Geometry Topics for CAT |
Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Lines and Angles, Triangles – Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles, Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration – 3D |
| Modern Maths Topics for CAT |
Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability |
Also Read:
CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage 2023
From previous years’ CAT questions papers, it has been noticed that the quantitative aptitude section of the exam is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. To help you make a focused CAT preparation plan for quantitative aptitude, we have shared the latest CAT quant topic wise weightage of CAT 2023. This will give you an idea as to what to expect in CAT 2024
| CAT quant topic wise weightage |
CAT 2023, Slot 1 |
CAT 2023, Slot 2 |
CAT 2023, Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number System (Surds, Factors, Indices, Integral Values) |
1 |
3 |
4 |
| Algebra (Log, Equations, Surds, Sequence & Series) |
8 |
7 |
7 |
| Arithmetic TSD, T&W, Ratio, SI & CI, PLD, Mixture, Clock |
9 |
9 |
8 |
| Modern Math (P&C) |
1 |
- |
- |
| Geometry & Mensuration (Triangle, Quadrilateral, Coordinate Geo Circle) |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Total |
22 |
22 |
22 |
CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage 2022
Given below is the topic wise weightage of Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2022. If you notice, there is not much difference between topic-wise composition of the quant section of the three sessions.
Q: What is the marking scheme of CAT?
Q: Is the question type and pattern of CAT and GMAT similar?
The question type and pattern of CAT (Common Admission Test) and GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) are not similar. While both exams are used for admissions to management programs, they have different formats and question types. Here are the key differences between CAT and GMAT.
CAT:
- CAT is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
- It is a computer-based exam consisting of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI & LR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
- CAT includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs (Type In The Answer) questions.
- The exam pattern may vary from year to year, but generally, CAT has a time limit for each section and a fixed number of questions in each section.
GMAT:
- GMAT is an internationally recognised exam used by business schools worldwide and in India for admission to MBA and MIM programs.
- It is a computer-adaptive test, meaning the difficulty level of questions adjusts based on the test-taker's performance on the GMAT exam.
- GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA), Integrated Reasoning (IR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Verbal Reasoning (VR).
- The question types in GMAT include multiple-choice questions, data sufficiency, sentence correction, etc.
- The GMAT 2023 exam pattern remains consistent, with a fixed number of questions and time limits for each section.
In summary, while both CAT and GMAT are entrance exams for management programs, their question types, formats, and sections differ significantly. However, it is possible to prepare for both the exam simultaneously as both are based on a similar theme. In fact, both exams will complement each other’s preparation.
Q: What is the weightage of the DILR section in CAT?
In CAT exam, there are 20 questions in the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning section and the total sectional marks is 60 out of 198. In CAT 2020, there were 24 question on DILR and the sectional marks were 72. In CAT 2021 and CAT 2022, there were 20 questions and the sectional marks were 60. The 20 questions are equally divided into both Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. That means, Both Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning have 10 questions each. The questions are mostly in sets. There’s rarely any standalone question in DILR.
Some of the top MBA entrance exams carrying a high weightage of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning questions are MAH CET, ATMA, CAT, CMAT, XAT IIFT, to name a few.
Q: Does CAT have negative marking?
| CAT quant topic wise weightage |
CAT 2022, slot 1 |
CAT 2022, slot 2 |
CAT 2022, slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERPV |
2 |
- |
- |
| Percentages, Profit & Loss |
2 |
1 |
-1 |
| Simple Interest & Compound Interest |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Time & Distance |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Time & Work |
- |
1 |
2 |
| Numbers |
3 |
1 |
1 |
| Geometry |
2 |
2 |
4 |
| Progressions/Series |
2 |
2 |
1 |
| ILS |
- |
2 |
- |
| Sets |
1 |
- |
- |
| Quadratic Equations |
1 |
2 |
4 |
| Inequalities & Modulus |
2 |
- |
- |
| Averages Mixtures & Allegations |
3 |
4 |
3 |
| Coordinate Geometry |
1 |
- |
4 |
| Permutations & Combinations |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Trigonometry |
- |
1 |
1 |
CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage 2021
Given below is the topic wise weightage of Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2021. Most of the questions belong to Arithmetic.
| CAT quant topic wise weightage |
CAT 2021, slot 1 |
CAT 2021, slot 2 |
CAT 2021, slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geometry |
3 |
3 |
3 |
| Quadrilateral, Polynomial Equations |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Progression & Series |
1 |
3 |
1 |
| Linear Equation & Inequalities |
2 |
2 |
3 |
| Average, Ration & Proportion |
5 |
5 |
5 |
| Profit, Loss & Interest |
3 |
1 |
1 |
| Time, Work & Distance |
1 |
2 |
5 |
| Logarithm, Surds & Indices |
0 |
1 |
1 |
| Probability |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Number System |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Venn Diagram |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Functions & Graphs |
3 |
2 |
1 |
CAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage 2020
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2020 question paper included the following topics. In that year too, most of the questions were asked from Arithmetic.
| CAT quant topic wise weightage |
CAT 2020, slot 1 |
CAT 2020, slot 2 |
CAT 2020, slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functions, Graphs |
2 |
1 |
3 |
| Progression & Series |
- |
1 |
- |
| Linear Equations |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Quadratic Equations |
1 |
1 |
1 |
| Average, Ratios & Percentages |
4 |
3 |
3 |
| Profit, Loss & Interest |
2 |
2 |
2 |
| Time, Distance & Work |
4 |
5 |
4 |
| Inequalities |
2 |
4 |
2 |
| Logarithms, Surds & Indices |
4 |
1 |
4 |
| Geometry |
3 |
4 |
2 |
| Probability |
2 |
1 |
- |
| Number Systems |
1 |
1 |
3 |
| Venn Diagram |
- |
1 |
- |
Those preparing for CAT 2024, must go through previous years’ CAT question papers to know the weightage of topics in not only Quant but also other topics in order to have a focused preparation plan that can be well executed and can get high scores in the exam.
CAT Quant Questions with Solutions for Practice
Get here CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions and solutions for practice. The free PDFs can be downloaded by simply clicking on the links.
CAT Mock Test
Shiksha has created free CAT mock tests for aspirants to practice and assess their preparation level. These CAT mock tests are based on actual CAT questions and have the same difficulty level.
| CAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
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Is CAT compulsory for PGDM admission at Pillai Business School?