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Home > News & Articles > How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT? Preparation Tips (Topic-Wise), Syllabus, Reference Books
Updated on 22nd September, 2023 , 7 min read
The Master of Business Administration degree is one of the most sought-after post-graduate degrees in the country. Every year, thousands of MBA candidates take the CAT exam in the hopes of getting into one of the top business schools. The test, as we all know, is one of the most difficult competitive admission examinations, and you must cover all bases in order to get a high percentile.
According to the current CAT exam structure, you will have 120 minutes to answer 66 questions from three sections. You will get all the knowledge you want in this article below to create an effective CAT study plan and ace the QA part.
Quantitative ability/ aptitude is required in various tests throughout the world, including the CAT. In general, QA is a method of evaluating a person's quantitative, analytical, logical, cognitive, and other skills/abilities. As a result, it is a key portion of the CAT admission test.
The QA CAT syllabus largely assesses a candidate's mathematics, problem-solving, and numerical abilities. The subjects listed below will help you obtain a better idea of what is covered in the CAT quantitative ability syllabus.
There is no specific curriculum or specified guideline offered by the organizers for any of the CAT sections. This leaves candidates confused about how to proceed with their CAT preparation. However, while the CAT curriculum isn't set in stone, there are a number of repeating subjects and sub-topics that you must study. To begin, consider the overall paper pattern for this segment in the table below:
Sectional Time Allotment | 40 minutes |
Time Allotment for SC/ST/PwD | 53 minutes and 20 seconds |
Total Number Of Questions | 22 |
Marking Scheme | +3 marks per correct answer -1 (negative marking) for every incorrect answer |
Simply said, the QA component of the exam will assess your understanding of a variety of mathematical concepts and their applications. This section is organized into the following general subjects, each of which has several sub-topics:
These are the primary topics discussed in the section; the table below provides a more detailed breakdown of these and their sub-topics.
Topics of CAT Syllabus - Quantitative Aptitude | |||
Coordinate Geometry | Quadratic and Linear Equations | Mensuration | LCM & HCF |
Progressions and Series | Remainder Concepts | Points, Lines, and Planes | Set theory & Function |
Arithmetic Progression | Polygons | Probability | Complex Numbers |
Number System | Speed, Time, and Distance | Ratio, Proportion & Variation | Profit & Loss, and Discount |
Averages | Trigonometry | Number System Shortcut for CAT | Shortcuts in Averages |
Quantitative Aptitude Questions | Quantitative Aptitude Shortcut Techniques for CAT | Remainder Concepts | Power Cycle |
Relatives Speed | Factorials | Circles | Geometry |
Algebra | LCM and HCF | Percentages | Ratio and Proportion |
Angles | Bar Graph | Permutation and Combination | Simple & Compound Interest |
Weighted Average | Quadrilaterals | Graphical Division Geometry | Geometric Progression |
Complex Numbers | Surds and Indices | Mixtures and Allegations | Inequalities |
Applications of Averages | Triangles and Similar Triangles | Harmonic Progressions | Derangement |
Laws in Set Theory | Properties of Ratio | Application of Power Cycle | Conditional probability |
Constant Product Rule | Direction Sense | Boats and Streams for CAT | Escalator Questions for CAT |
The difficulty level of questions varies each section/sub-section, although the average sectional difficulty level ranges from moderate to high. Now that you're familiar with most of the important topics that comprise the QA portion of the test, as well as the level of difficulty, let's look at how you may best prepare for and answer QA questions in CAT.
Some candidates, particularly those with non-mathematical backgrounds, find it exceedingly difficult to prepare for quants. So, in this part, we will assist you in developing a quant preparation plan. The procedures and quantitative aptitude guidelines listed here can assist you in your CAT preparation journey. Examine them out below
It makes no difference how much study time you have if you don't use it effectively. This is especially true for candidates who have a limited amount of time to study for the next major exam. So the first step is to create a well-structured and specified timetable.
Make smaller time periods out of the overall number of days you have, and establish goals for each. For example, you may create weekly schedules, assign a certain amount of hours to QA preparation, and pick which subjects to cover in that period. Make careful you stay to the schedule.
It is recommended to start with the fundamental ideas before moving on to more complicated subjects. You won't be able to manage the more complicated ideas until you understand the basic ones clearly. So make a list of subjects that range from easy to challenging.
Since it is essential to devote extra time to working on your shortcomings when it comes to CAT preparation, you must have heard this advice from many former CAT toppers. Giving a few practice exams can help you identify your strengths and limitations. Once you are aware of this, concentrate more on improving your understanding of the concepts related to your weak areas. To maintain your level of preparation, keep answering at least 1-3 questions from subjects in which you are knowledgeable.
A significant part of the quants section involves formulas. But avoid the error of trying to remember them without comprehending the process or reasoning involved. Understanding a problem's whole solution process logically and applying precise formulae would not only hasten your learning process but also make you more intuitive throughout the exam.
Once you've mastered all of the material in this area, begin practicing by taking sectional CAT mock examinations. After taking the tests, review the answers and evaluate your performance. You may also use internet tools that offer video answers to a variety of CAT questions and themes. The goal of this study is to evaluate your performance on a regular basis and adjust your CAT preparation approach as needed.
It is impossible to overstate the value of practice and correction. If you want to do successfully, you must consistently put in preparatory time and effort. Once you have studied every quant subtopic and taken several practice exams, keep studying. Keep returning to concepts and formulae and improving them. To stay on track in your preparation, practice often by completing sample papers, previous papers, etc.
Let's look at a few brief preparation tips and methods (topic wise) that will offer you a competitive advantage.
According to the quantity of questions from each area in the CAT test, candidates can split the syllabus into sections. We have categorized the CAT curriculum into key areas, subtopics, and the anticipated number of questions from each topic based on the questions answered in past years.
Important Topics | Sub Topics | Expected number of Question In CAT Exam |
Arithmetic + Algebra | Numbers Simple & Compound Interest Ratio Time-Work Mixtures Averages Partnership Percentage Profit & Loss Proportionality Time-Distance | 10-11 + 5-6 |
Modern Mathematics | Probability Set Theory Progression and Series Permutation and Combinations, | 2-3 |
Geometry & Trigonometry | Co-ordinate Geometry Line, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals Height and Distance Basic Trigonometry Polygon, Circles, Ares, Volume, | 3-4 |
Students usually are unclear of how to effectively prepare for the QA component of the CAT test due to a lack of clarity in the syllabus regarding the disciplines included in the Quantitative Aptitude syllabus. However, an examination of past year's exams indicated that each year, almost 10-12 questions from the fields of Numbers and Geometry & Mensuration account up the majority of the overall number of questions.
After Arithmetic, CAT Algebra is the second-most important subject.
There are two main ways to prepare for any exam: either alone or with the aid of coaching facilities. Many candidates also choose the hybrid option, in which they use self-study for the remaining portions and offline/online tutoring for certain of the requirements. Regardless of the technique you select, it is essential to investigate a wide range of study resources, such as books, question banks, online videos, and more.
Listed below are a few of the best books for preparation in Quantitative Aptitude
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By - Nikita Parmar 2023-08-25 09:48:44 , 11 min readThere is no set period of time for excelling in QA. To prepare for the CAT quant, the applicant needs to do a good preparation, consult books and study materials.
Working on answering questions quickly and thoroughly studying the exam material are the keys to raising your CAT quant score.
The CAT’s Quant portion is challenging and hard as well. Candidates can perform well in this area if they use the right strategies.
Creating a solid study plan is important if you want to receive 100 percent on your QA exam. For this, you must be aware of the relative importance of each issue and concentrate more on those that are given more weight.
The CAT Quantitative Aptitude study guide by Arun Sharma is excellent. The examples provided in this book are very illustrative and simple to comprehend. Three difficulty levels are assigned to the book to assist you in organizing your study time.
If you find a question particularly challenging, don't get stuck. Use the "2-minute rule" and move on to the next question. You can come back to it later if time allows.
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