CAT 2024 Syllabus
Understanding the CAT 2024 Syllabus is the first step in starting CAT 2024 preparation. Students can come up with an approximate syllabus by using previous years’ syllabus, given the IIMs do not provide an official syllabus. The majority of the CAT 2024 Syllabus covers topics related to 12th-grademathematics and English.
Despite the absence of an official CAT 2024 Syllabus, it is possible to infer the most popular subjects and questions by looking through the previous years’ papers.
- Grammar, reading comprehension, inferences, and verbal reasoning are among the English language topics covered in the VARC part of the CAT 2024 Syllabus.
- However, DILR demands that data be interpreted using the information presented in the form of charts, graphs, and layouts.
- Algebra, arithmetic, geometry, current math, and other middle school math topics are covered in the QA section of the CAT 2024 syllabus.
CAT 2024 Syllabus: Highlights
There will be a computer-based test (CBT) for the CAT 2024 exam. The COVID-19 epidemic has brought many changes to the CAT exam pattern in previous years. Here is a breakdown of the CAT 2024 Syllabus based on the format of the last exam:
| Key Components | Details |
| Time allotted | 2 hours |
| Total No. of Questions | 66 |
| No. of Questions Section-wise | VARC: 24
DILR: 20 QA: 22 |
| Time allotted per section | 40 minutes each |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-based |
| Medium of Examination | English |
CAT 2024 Syllabus: Section-Wise Analysis
Examining every subject that is probably going to be covered in the CAT 2024 Syllabus will assist each applicant in creating a list of their advantages and disadvantages and in creating a study schedule for the exam. If the candidate chooses the right questions and ensures that their attempt accuracy is good, they will perform well on the CAT examination. The subjects a applicant should study for each exam section are listed below.
| CAT 2024 Syllabus | Subjects | Weightage |
| Verbal Ability | Para jumbles, Para summary, Odd sentence out, and Inferences | 10% |
| Reading Comprehension | RC passages | 24% |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation | Blood Relations, Syllogism, Directions, Clocks and calendars, Tables, Graphs, Charts, and other forms of visualization | 30% |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Trigonometry, Geometry, Averages, Number Systems, Percentages, Mensuration, Arithmetic | 34% |
CAT 2024 Syllabus for VARC Section
The first section of the examination known as the VARC, has a 40-minute time limit. The Reading Comprehension section of the test takes center stage with over 67% of the section’s total score covering it.
| VARC Subjects | ||
| Reading Comprehension | Grammar (tenses, prepositions, etc.) | Para jumbles |
| Synonyms & Antonyms | Homonyms & Homophones | Para-completion |
| Inferences | Odd one out | One-word substitution |
| Syllogism and Analogies | Verbal logic | |
CAT 2024 Syllabus for VARC: Important Subjects and Their Weightage
The VARC section of the CAT 2024 Syllabus had both odd-sentence-out and para-competition questions. The amount of questions in each topic for the CAT 2024 VARC section is broken down as follows:
| CAT 2024Subjects | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Para Jumbles | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Para Summary | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Odd Sentence | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Para Completion | 2 | 2 | 2 |
CAT 2024 Syllabus for DILR Section
The DILR is the second most important section of the examcompared to the other sections of the CAT 2024 Syllabus. The DILR component of the syllabus has the following 2 subsections:
Data Interpretation: Based on the information provided, you must answer the questions based on the data that will be displayed as a graph, chart, or other type of visualization.
Logical Reasoning: In this case, you can be presented with non-structured data and asked to organize it and draw conclusions to answer the questions.
| DILR Subjects | ||
| Bar Graphs & Column Graphs | Binary Logic | Blood Relations |
| Calendars, Cubes & Clocks | Caselets& Tables | Coding-Decoding |
| Connectives | Line Charts & Pie Chart | Logical Sequence |
| Puzzles/Matching | Letter Series and Numbers | Seating Arrangement |
| Venn Diagrams | combination of two or more interconnected types | |
Since there are often similar numbers of questions in the DI and LR sub-parts, students who feel more at ease in one of those sections can still pass the cut-off if they perform well in that section of the CAT 2024 exam.
But in recent years, there have been some minor changes to the CAT DILR Section. The questions combine elements of both types of questions instead of the structured, distinct DI and LR questions that were assessed previously.
CAT 2024 Syllabus for DILR: Important Subjects and Their Weightage
The number of questions covered in the DIRL section of the CAT 2024 Syllabus is as follows:
| CAT 2024 Sets | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 | Total Questions |
| Set 1 | College Elections | Arrangement → Scores → two days average | Girls / Boys (Caselet) Tests | 5 |
| Set 2 | Visa Applications
(Time & Sequence set) |
Missing Values Based Table→ Company Starting/ Closing Years | Caselet→ Window/ Split AC | 5 |
| Set 3 | 12 Houses
Rectangular diagram (3*2) |
Rides & Timings | Route Based Diagram | 5 |
| Set 4 | Restaurant→ Rating
(Mean, Median, Mode) |
Grid Based→two 3*3 tables (Mean, Median, Mode) | Online Sites
(Mean, Median, Mode, Max/Min) |
5 |
CAT 2024 Syllabus for QA Section
The QA section in the CAT 2024 Syllabus is the largest component of the exam since this section contains every topic related to mathematics that is taught in schools. Among the key subjects covered in the CAT QA Syllabus are:
Arithmetic: Arithmetic is a topic that all students must be prepared for because it contains the most questions on most CAT exams.
Algebra: In terms of CAT Exam questions, algebra is the topic with the second-highest weight.
Numbers: The CAT Exam frequently tests candidates on these subjects, so candidates need to understand the fundamentals of these subjects to avoid missing out on simple points.
Geometry: This subject, which includes Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration, and Geometry, is also tested frequently. A rudimentary understanding of the subject will enable candidates to attempt a minimum of a few questions on it in the CAT 2024 Exam.
| Arithmetic | ||
| Averages | Profits and Loss | Simple & Compound Interest |
| Mixtures &Alligations | Percentages | Speed, Time & Distance |
| Pipers and Cisterns | Ratio & Proportion | Simplification |
| Algebra | ||
| Graphs | Linear Equations | Quadratic Equations |
| Higher Order Equation | Logarithms | Modulus |
| Inequalities | Maxima and Minima | Sequence and Series |
| Number System | ||
| Base System | Divisibility | LCM & HCF |
| Complex Numbers | Factors | Remainders |
| Digits | Higher Powers | Surds and Indices |
| Geometry | ||
| Circles | Polygons | Trigonometry |
| Coordinate Geometry | Quadrilaterals | Angles |
| Mensuration | Triangles | Parallel Lines |
| Modern Maths | ||
| Permutations & Combinations | Geometric Arrangements | Sequences & Series |
| Probability | Progressions | Roots |
CAT 2024 Syllabus for QA: Key Topics and Their Weightage
The number of questions for every topic in the CAT 2024 syllabus for QA is displayed in the following table:
| CAT 2024 Topics | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
| Number System | 1 | 3 | 4 |
| Algebra | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Arithmetic | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Modern Maths | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Books for Overall CAT Preparation
| CAT Sections | Book |
| VARC | Past Years’ CAT Questions (G.K. Publications)
Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis) Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (GautamPuri) |
| DILR | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (GautamPuri)
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT (Arun Sharma) A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning (R.S. Aggarwal) |
| QA | NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6-10)
CAT Quantitative Aptitude (GautamPuri) Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations (RS Aggarwal) |
CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The vital highlights of the CAT exam pattern 2024 are outlined below:
● The CAT test is conducted in three sessions.
● Each session takes 120 minutes.
● The CAT question paper branches out into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
● The total number of questions in the exam is 66.
● The time frame for each section is 40 minutes, which is divided into sections.
● Candidates add three marks to their scores for each correct answer. Moreover, for each wrong, one mark is counted as a penalty.
● The highest score a candidate can obtain in CAT 2024 is 198.
● It is not necessary to answer all questions.
How to Prepare for CAT 2024?
Candidates can do the following tips for effective preparation:
- Break down the syllabus section into small parts and time for each small section.
- Focus on enhancing your weak zones and, at the same time, maintaining your stronger ones.
- Take mock tests as often as possible to assess progress and cultivate time management aptitude.
- Apply to resolve the sets of CAT papers from previous years to identify the exam pattern and to develop confidence.
- Learn about the current affairs, including, above all, the general awareness section.
How can one effectively prepare CAT Syllabus?
The efficacy, comprehension, and conceptual clarity of the applicants decide how much time they need to spend getting ready for the CAT. But it’s one of the most frequently asked questions by CAT hopefuls, since everybody wants to get into the best institutions with a high CAT percentile.
Given that the CAT is regarded as the hardest test in India, you should be aware of how much time it takes to study so that you can adjust your schedule to revise the CAT Syllabus.
The time allotted to each candidate to be ready for the CAT varies. Some people are more gifted than others in both language and intelligence, and vice versa. There are some people who excel in both. As a result, they need less time to prepare for the CAT.
Terms to revise for the CAT VARC Syllabus
• Oral reasoning
• Speech components
• Use of prepositions in articles
• Clause types distinct uses for the same word
• Modifier phrases Correction of sentences
• Subject-verb agreement Paraphrasing and deducing
• Logicians Words from other languages used in English
• One-word replacement
• Oral reasoning
CAT 2024 Syllabus FAQs
Q1. What is the CAT 2024 Syllabus?
CAT 2024 syllabuscomprises a wide range of subjects and topics from each section of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, and Quantitative Aptitude. You should review the key subjects listed in the table below to be ready for the CAT 2024 or Common Admission Test.
| CAT sections | CAT 2024 Syllabus topics |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
| Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd Sentence Out | Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
| Set Theory (Variables), Set Theory + Puzzles, Puzzles with Additional Data, Coding-Decoding, and Series | Number System, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration |
Q2. Is the CAT 2024 syllabus challenging?
In comparison to other MBA admission tests, the CAT 2024 syllabus does indeed have a very high degree of difficulty. However, you can achieve a good score if you study hard and adhere to the CAT 2024 exam pattern.
The most crucial points to remember are:
- The CAT 2024 exam is administered online;
- There are three marks assigned to each question.
- Incorrect attempts are deducted one mark in the negative.
Q3. Which CAT slot has the most challenging exam?
It is impossible to predict which CAT question paper will be the toughest. Every slot’s CAT question paper has different questions. Although the testing organization makes an effort to keep the paper’s difficulty level constant across all slots, one question can be harder than another.
Q4. When should I begin getting ready for the CAT test?
Candidates should begin preparing for the CAT 2024 exam a minimum of nine months before the exam date. Long-term planning is necessary for CAT 2024 preparation, thus one must begin early. March is the ideal month to begin CAT 2024 preparation. Beginning early will also assist you in determining whether or not you require the services of a coaching institute.
Split up your planning into two stages:
- Going over the CAT 2024 syllabus
- Rewriting, practicing example questions, and practice exams.
Q5. What is the marking scheme of the CAT exam?
A total of 66 questions make up the CAT2024 syllabus. 3 marks will be granted for every correct answer and 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer in all sections. No marks shall be deducted for any unanswered questions. As a result, the CAT’s overall score is 198. The CAT exam had 300 marks up to 2019 because there were 100 questions in all.