The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of India’s most popular MBA entrance exams. It is also very competitive. The exam has three sections:
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Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
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Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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Quantitative Ability (QA)
Each section gets 40 minutes. The full exam lasts 2 hours.
Among all three, the Quantitative Ability (QA) section plays a key role. It checks your math skills, problem-solving ability, and how well you apply concepts. Even though IIMs don’t share an official syllabus, past exams show clear trends.
Understanding the CAT Quant Section
The QA section usually has 22 questions. Out of these:
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14 are MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions)
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8 are TITA (Type in the Answer)
The total marks are 66.
CAT Quant is not just about long calculations. It is more about logic, concepts, and smart solving.
Important Topics for CAT QA 2025
The QA syllabus is wide but can be grouped into these areas:
1. Number System
Basics like properties of numbers, divisibility, factors, HCF & LCM, remainders, and base systems.
2. Arithmetic
The most common and scoring part. Includes:
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Averages, Mean, Median, Mode
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Percentages, Ratio & Proportion
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Simple & Compound Interest
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Profit & Loss
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Time, Speed & Distance
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Time & Work
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Mixtures & Allegations
3. Algebra
Heavily tested in CAT. Covers:
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Algebraic formulae
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Linear & Quadratic equations
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Inequalities
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Logarithms
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Functions & Graphs
4. Geometry
Another important part. Includes:
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Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons
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Mensuration (3D Geometry)
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Coordinate Geometry
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Trigonometry
5. Modern Math
Usually considered tough. Topics are:
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Sequence & Series
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Permutations & Combinations
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Probability
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Set Theory
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Binomial Theorem
6. Miscellaneous
Other small topics like Trigonometry and Logarithms.
CAT Quant Weightage from Previous Years
Looking at past exams helps in smart planning.
CAT 2024
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Number System: 2–3
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Logarithms & Indices: 2–3
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Linear Equations & Inequalities: 1–2
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Ratios & Averages: 3–5
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Time, Work & Distance: 2
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Profit & Loss: 2–3
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Geometry: 2–3
CAT 2023
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Ratios & Averages: 2–3
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Profit & Loss: 1–3
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Time & Work: 2–4
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Geometry: 2–3
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Equations & Inequalities: 3–4
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Number System: 2–3
CAT 2022
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Arithmetic: 2–5
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Profit & Loss: 1–3
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Time & Work: 1–5
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Geometry: 3
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Algebra: 1–3 per topic
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Modern Math: 0–3 per topic
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Number System: 1
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Venn Diagrams: 0–1
👉 Overall, Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry appear the most. But CAT is unpredictable, so cover at least the basics of all topics.
Smart Strategies for CAT QA 2025
To score well, follow these steps:
1. Strengthen Basics
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Learn Vedic Maths for speed.
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Remember squares, cubes, and fraction values.
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Avoid calculators while practicing.
2. Practice Daily
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Take mock tests.
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Solve topic-wise quizzes.
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Revise weak areas often.
3. Follow a Study Plan
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Make a timetable.
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Keep separate days for each topic.
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Solve past year CAT papers.
4. Use Smart Methods
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Try alternative solving techniques.
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Focus on quick and logical approaches.
5. Attempt TITA Questions
They carry no negative marks, so always try them.
6. Don’t Leave Topics
Even a basic understanding can help you score on simple questions.
The CAT QA section needs a mix of concept clarity, speed, and smart practice. If you focus on basics, solve many practice problems, analyze mocks, and manage time well, you can improve your score. With steady preparation, even the toughest CAT QA paper becomes manageable.
FAQs
Q1. How many questions are in CAT QA?
22 questions.
Q2. What is the total mark for QA?
66 marks.
Q3. Can I skip some topics?
Not recommended. Cover basics of all topics.
Q4. Is CAT Quant tough because of long calculations?
No, it is more logic-based.
Q5. Which topic is toughest?
Modern Math is often considered the hardest.
Resources & Links
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