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Updated on 18th September, 2023 , 14 min read
To get more than 99+ percentile in CAT Exam, candidates must be completely aware of CAT Syllabus 2023, how to complete CAT 2023 Syllabus, and what are the topics to focus on. Aspirants must also understand CAT 2023 Topic Wise Weightage. Though there have been a few changes in CAT Exam Pattern, there are no major changes in CAT Syllabus for MBA over the past few years. The only significant change that has been introduced is the topic wise weightage of CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA.
As per the CAT Exam Pattern, the total questions in CAT Question Paper has been reduced to 66 questions.
IIM Lucknow will conduct CAT 2023 Exam on November 26, 2023 i.e. the last Sunday of November. CAT Registration window was opened on August 2, 2023 and the last date to fill CAT Application Form is September 13, 2023 and interested candidates are advised to fill the application form online on the official website of CAT i.e. iimcat.ac.in before the CAT Application Window closes.
The question paper primarily consists of three sections namely Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). Each section comprises of several topics that must be covered to qualify the examination.
Latest Update - No. of Questions in CAT Question Paper is reduced to 66 from 100.
There are total 66 question asked from these three sections and the allotted time to solve these questions is 180 minutes i.e. 3 hours.
The first step towards preparing for CAT Exam is the selection of right and relevant books. Preparing from the suggested books removes confusion and provides students with shortest tricks to solve questions efficiently. Here are some reviewed CAT Books by popular authors and publishers that might come handy while preparing for CAT 2023.
There are no changes in MBA CAT Syllabus PDF 2023, but CAT Exam Pattern has gone through a few changes mentioned below in the table. The changes have been mentioned for the year 2021 and 2022.
CAT 2023 Syllabus and Pattern Details | Changes in CAT 2020 to CAT 2021 | Changes in CAT 2021 to CAT 2022 |
No. of Questions | 100 to 76 | 76 to 66 |
Total Marks | 300 to 228 | 228 to 198 |
Total Questions in VARC Section | 34 to 26 | 26 to 24 |
Total Questions in DILR Section | 32 to 24 | 24 to 20 |
Total Questions in QA Section | 34 to 26 | 26 to 22 |
Following are the three sections as per CAT Exam Syllabus PDF:
Topics | No. of Questions |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | 24 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 22 |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | 20 |
Total | 66 |
CAT Question Paper is made from these three sections. In order to understand the CAT Exam Pattern, it is very important to be aware of complete syllabus of CAT Exam.
It will help students distinguish between the topics asked in CAT Exam 2022 and identify their strength and potential to qualify the examination.
CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA hasn't undergone any changes for the past 10 years. We can take a look at the important topics of the CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA PDF. Below mentioned topics are those the paper consists of maximum questions from. In order to prepare for CAT 2023, candidates' main focus should be on these topics:
CAT 2023 Syllabus | Topics for CAT 2023 | Weightage |
Verbal Ability | Para jumbles, Para summary, Sentence Completion and Inferences | 10% |
Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension Passages | 24% |
Data Interpretation | Tables, Graphs, Venn Diagram | 16% |
Logical Reasoning | Caselets, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement and Syllogism | 16% |
Quantitative Aptitude | Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration | 34% |
Know More About CAT Exam Pattern
CAT Syllabus for MBA 2023 and CAT Exam Pattern have undergone various changes in the last 3 years. From the year 2015 to 2019, CAT Question Paper used to consist of 100 questions to be completed in 3 hours i.e. 180 minutes.
In the year 2020, the exam pattern of CAT Question Paper got revised due to the pandemic – COVID-19. The total number of questions in CAT Exam was then reduced to 76 and even the time duration was reduced to 2 hours i.e. 120 minutes.
The CAT Exam Pattern 2023 for CAT 2023 Exam has been mentioned below:
Section | CAT Questions | CAT Duration | CAT Total Marks |
| VARC | 24 | 40 minutes | 72 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 40 minutes | 66 |
| DILR | 20 | 40 minutes | 60 |
| Total | 66 | 120 minutes | 198 |
In order to crack CAT 2023, it is very important to make right choices when it comes to CAT Preparation Books. Candidates are always suggested to seek experts' advice as there are various books flooding the market and it becomes difficult to choose the best one amongst them. CAT 2023 will be conducted on 26th November 2023 and this year, we can expect a huge number of applications.
CAT Registration Date will be announced by the conducting IIM through an official notice that will released on the official website. The application window will remain open for more than 45 days and interested students can register themselves during this period.
Also Read -
CAT Exam is divided in three sections namely Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
There are 22 questions asked in this section. The syllabus of Quantitative Aptitude is vast and needs a consistent practice. It is very important to be aware of all the tricks and tactics used while solving the questions. The students must have gone through and solved every type of questions. This in turn enhances their ability to solve the question.
Topics | Topics |
Number Systems | Ratio and Proportions |
LCM & HCF | Averages |
Profit, Loss & Discount | Quadratic and Linear Equations |
Percentages | Complex Numbers |
Speed, Time, and Distance | Logarithm |
Time & Work | Binomial Theorem |
Simple and Compound Interest | Sequences & Series |
Surds & Indices | Inequalities |
Probability | Permutation and Combination |
Set Theory | Functions & Geometry |
Coordinate Geometry | Time and Distance |
Mixtures & Allegations | Trigonometry |
Since there is a vast number of topics under each subcategory, the syllabus of CAT 2023 has been confined to following subtopics:
Quants Topics | Sub Topics |
Arithmetic | Time, Work and Distance, Age Questions, Average, Percentage, Simplification, Ratio & Proportion, HCF & LCM, and Number System |
Algebra | Sequence & Series, Permutation & Combination, Quadratic Equation, Theory of Equations |
Geometry | Angles, Lines, Circles, Triangles |
Mensuration | Pipes & Cistern, Sphere, Cones, Cubes, Circles, Triangle, Squares, and Cylinder (Area and Volume) |
Calculus | Maxima, Minima, and Functions |
Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios, Heights, and Distance |
According to the exam pattern of CAT Exam conducted during previous years, it can be deduced that Quantitative Aptitude hold more importance than the other two sections. Questions asked in this section are purely based upon mathematical formulae and calculation. Right choice of books will help students understand the pattern and type of questions asked in the exam.
Following are the reviewed books one must consider for Quantitative Aptitude:
Books | Author |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Saxena |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Sharma |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha |
Besides these books, candidates must possess a thorough knowledge of NCERT Boks from class 6th to 10th. NCERT books are considered the best while preparing for any entrance examination. NCERT Mathematics books from class 6th to 10th help students strengthen the basic knowledge of mathematics and build a strong foundation towards their concepts.
More Study Material by Arun Sharma for QA:
Arun Sharma is one of the most trusted authors while it comes to preparing for CAT Exam. The books are available for all the three sections and topics that appear in the examination. Besides the books written by Arun Sharma, candidates can also consider the following:
The book written by Nishit Saxena is of great help as this book covers all the mathematical concepts of Advanced as well as Arithmetic section. The questions in this book are solved in the easiest way possible and there is a step by step explanation to each question.
Sarvesh Sharma tried his level best to use the simplest language to answer the questions. Candidates who are preparing for CAT 2023 can easily get through the solution part and grasp concepts used in it. The methods used by the author reduce the complexity of questions and help students conclude the answer in a simpler way.
Candidates appearing in CAT 2023 must study the book “How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude” written by Arun Sharma in order to qualify CAT 2023. A thorough go through of this book will help students understand the latest topics and type of questions that might be asked in the examination.
CAT Paper QA Section contains questions from Modern Mathematics, Algebra, Numbers, Arithmetic, and Geometry. Below mentioned table gives you the actual composition of QA Section in CAT 2022 Exam and we expect it to remain same for CAT 2023:
CAT QA Topics | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
Arithmetic | 10 | Moderate |
Algebra | 5 | Moderate |
Geometry | 3 | Moderate |
Modern Math | 4 | Moderate |
Overall | 22 | Moderate |
Also Read - Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score
This section will contain 24 questions wherein 14 question are from Reading Comprehension and the other 10 questions are from Verbal Ability.
Topics | Topics |
Synonyms and Antonyms (Based on Vocabulary) | Grammar or English Usage |
Sentence Correction | Fill in the Blanks |
Jumbled Paragraph | Cloze Passage |
Analogies | Reverse Analogies |
Meaning/Usage Match | Verbal Reasoning |
Summary Questions | Reading Comprehension |
Facts inferences Judgement | Idioms and Phrases |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section shortened as VARC is divided in two segments namely Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability. The former part analyzes students' ability to understand the passage given to them. They are given marks based on the correct inferences that they make using Comprehension Passage while the latter part requires answers of questions pertaining to English Grammar and Vocabulary.
Following are the reviewed books one must consider for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension:
Book | Author |
PSC for Verbal Ability for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Sharma and Upadhyay |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback | Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
High School and Grammar Composition | Wren and Martin |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
Along with these above-mentioned books, students preparing for CAT 2023 can also consider CAT Preparation Material on VARC by the expert Arun Sharma. They can start using practice questions, sample papers, previous years' question papers, mock tests, and solved test papers.
The book written by Wren and Martin mainly deals with Grammar concepts. It is one of the most powerful books to strengthen students' knowledge of grammar. Students preparing for CAT 2023 must consider this book to improve their grammar skills from the scratch. The tricks and ideas used in this book help students improve their grammar knowledge and it instills students with confidence to attempt every question.
This book primarily deals with vocabulary. The book is designed to build strong students' vocabulary along with their ability to find difference between several words. Improving vocabulary not only helps qualifying the entrance examination but also perform better in personal interview and group discussion rounds.
Considered as one of the best books to qualify the VARC section, “How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT” is designed to help students perform well during the examination. The essential part of this book is it also comprises of a section where mock tests are provided to be solved by students.
Reading newspaper on a daily basis can become an important asset while preparing for VARC.
Magazines that can be considered while preparing for CAT VARC Section:
Time | Business World |
Newsweek | National Geographic |
The Economist | Business Week |
Fortune |
|
The VARC Section of CAT Exam Syllabus 2023 consists of four types of questions namely Reading Comprehension, Para jumbles, Verbal Ability, and Sentences. Below mentioned table gives you the actual composition of VARC Section in CAT 2022 Exam and we expect it to remain same for CAT 2023:
CAT VARC Topics | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
Reading Comprehension | 16 | Moderate to Difficult |
Para jumbles | 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
Verbal Ability | 3 | Easy to Moderate |
Odd Sentences | 2 | Easy to Moderate |
Overall | 24 | Moderate to Difficult |
It can be concluded as the trickiest section for candidates appearing in the examination. There are two aspects to this section namely Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
This section has 20 questions to be completed in allotted time of 1 hour. Following are the topics to prepare:
DATA INTERPRETATION | |
Caselets | Tables |
Bar Graphs | Column Graphs |
Venn Diagrams | Line Charts |
Pie Charts | Combination of Graphs |
Data Sufficiency | Games and Tournaments |
LOGICAL REASONING | |
Arrangements | Prepositions |
Data Arrangement | Puzzles |
Logical Connectives | Matching |
Clocks and Calendars | Venn Diagram |
Assumptions | Seating Arrangement |
Blood Relations | Binary Logic |
Numbers and Letters Series | Logical Sequence |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, also known as DILR, is the simplest and easiest section amongst all three sections. Students can easily score well if the preparation is executed in a righteous manner.
Following are the reviewed books one must consider for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning:
Book | Author |
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R. S. Agarwal |
CAT 2018 Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri |
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha |
The books generally cover topics such as seating arrangement, Line graphs, Bar graphs, family relation, data arrangement, data sufficiency, etc. A detailed description of useful books for DILR is given below.
The book named “A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning” written by R. S. Aggarwal is purely based upon the problems one might face in Logical Reasoning section. The book has been written in simple language and simple tricks have been used while solving the questions.
Considered as one of the best books to prepare for Logical Reasoning questions asked in CAT Exam, the book “How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT” helps students figure out the techniques that they can use while attempting the questions asked from this topic. Candidates can quickly solve the questions of logical reasoning part if they just solve a number of sample papers, previous years' question papers, and model test papers provided in this book.
CAT Paper DILR Section contains two types of questions namely Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Below mentioned table gives you the actual composition of DILR Section in CAT 2021 Exam and we expect it to remain same for CAT 2023:
CAT DILR Topics | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
Data Interpretation | 4 | Easy |
Data Interpretation | 4 | Moderate |
Logical Reasoning | 6 | Moderate to Difficult |
Logical Reasoning | 6 | Easy to Moderate |
Overall | 20 | Moderate to Difficult |
CAT Exam Preparation according to the official CAT Syllabus 2023 is the only way to secure a good score in CAT Exam. Candidates interested in taking CAT Exam must prepare a strategy based on their knowledge of the topics which are included in CAT Syllabus 2023. Most of the Quantitative Aptitude questions are asked from the topics which are taught in school, and it is similar for the English Grammar questions. So, the first to do in order to prepare for CAT Exam is the list of topics in terms of familiarity. Students must be able to understand how much they are familiar with the topics of CAT Syllabus 2023.
Below mentioned are some of the section wise tips for CAT Preparation:
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By - Nikita Parmar 2023-08-25 09:48:44 , 11 min readThe syllabus of CAT Exam consists of three subjects Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude.
Though CAT Syllabus does not consist of GK Section but students appearing in MBA Entrance Exams must be comfortable with this part as other MBA Exams such as XAT includes a GK section.
Yes. There is negative marking in CAT Exam. 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer, and this is why candidates must be extra careful while answering the questions.
There are no changes in CAT Syllabus. It has remained the same for years. However, there are changes introduced in CAT Exam Pattern almost every 2 years.
CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA is prescribed by the IIM conducting the examination. This year, CAT 2023 Syllabus has been prescribed by IIM Lucknow as it will be conducting the exam this year.
Yes. It is very much possible to complete the syllabus of CAT in 6 months and crack the exam. It just requires consistent preparation and devoted hours of preparation. A step wise and detailed analysis of CAT Syllabus would help students understand the topics and type of questions asked in the exam.
CAT Exam consists of various topics and subtopics divided amongst three sections namely - Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (DILR)), Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
On the whole, DILR is considered the toughest amongst all three subjects. There are 8 sets, 4 for each Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
The difficulty level of CAT Exam usually varies between moderately difficult to difficult. It also depends on candidate's level of preparation. Consistent preparation can lead students to qualify the examination.
If a candidate can work on the topics covered by NCERT up to 10th class, he/she will be able to solve most of the questions. The purpose of the exam is to test an average candidate.
It usually takes 9-12 months to complete CAT Syllabus thoroughly. But one can also prepare for the exam in 6 months of duration, if one studies for 8 to 10 hours on a daily basis. Candidates who have previously appeared in CAT Exam might not find it difficult to prepare for the exam in 6 months.
CAT Exam is a national level MBA exam conducted by IIMs every year. More than 2.3 lakh candidates apply for the exam every year. The CAT Score is accepted by IIMs and all the other top MBA institutions across the country. Choosing candidates for admission from these 2.3 lakh candidates is a tough task and it eventually makes the exam even harder.
90% is not a tough score to secure in CAT Exam. You can start securing 90% marks in CAT Mock test and when the exam approaches, you can even secure more than 90% in the exam. However, the journey from 90 to 99 percentile is a tough task.
If a candidate is securing 99% in CAT Exam, it would mean that he/she must have obtained between 155 and 160 marks out of 160 marks in CAT Exam.
In the CAT Exam, candidates are not allowed to use external calculators. However, candidates will be provided with an on screen calculator that they can use during their computer based online test.
As per CAT Syllabus for MBA, there are three sections in the question paper namely, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Amongst which, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), consists of 24 questions with a weightage of 72 marks, Quantitative Aptitude (QA), has 22 questions with a weightage of 66 marks, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), consists of 20 questions with the lowest weightage of 60 marks.
CAT Question paper has a lot of emphasis laid upon analytical skills so the questions are asked mainly from these topics only. These topics require deep learning and practice. Verbal Ability: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences Reading Comprehension: Questions based on passages, Para meaning, Order of sentences Data Interpretation: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Data Sufficiency Logical Reasoning: Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Sets and Caselets, Family Tree, Assumptions Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra Number System Modern Math, Arithmetic, Mensuration.
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