CAT 2025 Syllabus: Section-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern & Preparation Tips

The syllabus for CAT is designed by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) which conducts the exam. It is quite vast and requires consistent study and preparation. Since the questions are usually tough scoring high can be challenging without proper practice.

CAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Key Highlights

What to Expect in Each Section of CAT 2025

• QA (Quantitative Aptitude): This section is primarily concerned with Arithmetic and Algebra. These are the priority areas, so prepare these topics extremely well.

• VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension): Reading comprehension passages and related questions make up the majority of the VARC component. There aren't any straightforward vocabulary or grammar queries.

• DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning): This section is divided equally between data questions and logic problems. Questions generally arrive in small bunches of 4–5 problems.

Number of Questions in Each Section of the CAT Exam 2025

The 2025 CAT paper is expected to have 68 questions. The number of questions from each section is given below: 

Section-Specific Weighting: 2025 CAT Exam 

CAT Exam Sections Key Topics 2025

Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Section: 2025 key CAT Topics

This section contains 22 questions dealing with mathematical concepts. Key CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2025 topics are:

• Arithmetic: Averages, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, SI & CI, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, TSD

• Algebra: Equations, Inequalities, Logarithms, Functions, Maxima-Minima, Number of Solutions

• Number System: HCF & LCM, Divisibility, Remainders, Base Systems, Binomial Theorem, Cyclicity

• Geometry & Mensuration: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry, Solids, Trigonometry

• Contemporary Maths: Sequences, Series, Set Theory, Probability, Permutations & Combinations

Note: Topic of high weightage: Arithmetic

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Section: 2025 Key CAT Topics

There are 22 questions in this section. It contains both numerical data analysis and logical puzzles. The CAT syllabus 2025 for this section is a follows: 

Data Interpretation (DI):

• Tables, Line Graphs, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Quant-Based DI, Seating Arrangement, Gantt Chart, Scatter Plots etc.

CAT Logical Reasoning (LR) Syllabus 2025:

• Linear & Circular Arrangements

• Distribution, Selection, Cubes

• Games & Tournaments

• Network Flow Diagrams

• Blood Relations 

• Word Puzzles

• Math Puzzles 

• Coding & Decoding

• Grids

• Binary Logic

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Section: 2025 CAT Topics of Importance

There are 24 questions in this section. The following subject matter from the CAT exam syllabus are used in the reading comprehension passages:

Genres of the 2025 CAT Reading Comprehension Syllabus:

Business, Psychology, Culture, History and Science

 Topics covered in the 2025 CAT Verbal Ability Syllabus: 

• Paraphrases, Paraphrases, Paraphrases, In summary, Analogies or reverse analogies, synonyms and antonyms, passage-based questions, Correction of Sentences, Both homophones and homonyms, Meaning: Cloze passage, use match, Facts, Conclusions, and Judgements

• Odd One Out: Finishing a Sentence

 Note: Four RC sets (16 questions) are anticipated for this part with the remaining questions coming from verbal ability.

Section-Wise Preparation Tips For the CAT 2025 

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

• Since reading comprehension (RC) makes up more than half of this section start from there.

• Practice reading newspapers, books, magazines and reports to gain speed and understanding.

• Enhance grammar rules and expand vocabulary through a dictionary or vocabulary books.

• Solve RC passages and parajumbles (even if they were not given in CAT 2024).

• Go through the previous year's question papers to know the pattern of questions.

• Practice a variety of verbal questions such as reading, grammar, para-completion etc.

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

• This section consists of tables, graphs, puzzles and logical caselets.

• You need to practice mental calculations so you must remember multiplication tables, squares, cubes etc.

• DI questions are heavy on mathematics; LR questions require sharp observation skills.

• Practice topics such as blood relations, arrangements, coding-decoding and puzzles.

• No shortcuts here. The more you practice, the better you will be.

• Try solving full-length and sectional mock tests regularly.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

• Concept clarity and practice every day.

• Grasp formulas of Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Modern Maths.

• Attempt easy questions first, then medium and finally hard questions.

• Practice each question a minimum of three times once to grasp, a second time for correctness and a third time for quickness.

• Develop mental calculation ability for time saving in the actual examination.