The CAT 2025 syllabus consists of three major sections → Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) develops the syllabus, which is regarded as one of the most difficult for MBA entrance exams in India.
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Percentages, Graphs, Coding-Decoding, and Series Completion are significant topics in the CAT 2025 syllabus, as they are the basis for many problems. Reading Comprehension is quite crucial in the VARC portion, hence solid English abilities are required. To prepare effectively for the CAT 2025, it is critical to focus on attentively studying the complete syllabus, which is extensive and requires time for thorough preparation.
To get more than 99+ percentile in CAT Exam, candidates must be completely aware of CAT Syllabus 2025, how to complete CAT 2025 Syllabus, and what are the topics to focus on. Aspirants must also understand CAT 2025 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.
Also Read → CAT VARC Strategy: How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Section in CAT 2025?
CAT Syllabus for MBA - An Overview
Following are the three sections as per CAT Exam Syllabus PDF -
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Download the CAT 2025 Syllabus PDF here
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 2025 and identify their strength and potential to qualify the examination.
How to score 99+ percentile in CAT Exam?
To secure 99 percentile in CAT 2025, candidates must strategize their preparation in a proper way. Students must be aware of how many questions they should attempt accurately to get the desired result. Read “How to score 99 percentile in CAT 2025?” to know more about it.
IIM Kozhikode will conduct CAT 2025 Exam on 30 November, 2025. CAT Registration window is expected to open in July or August 2025 and the last date to fill CAT Application Form will be in September 2025.
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.
There are total 66 questions 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 Important Books by popular authors and publishers that might come handy while preparing for CAT 2025.
Changes in CAT Syllabus for MBA 2025
There are no changes in MBA CAT Syllabus PDF 2025, but CAT Exam Pattern has gone through a few changes mentioned below in the table. The changes have been mentioned for the year 2022 and 2023.
CAT 2024 & ahead -> Syllabus and Pattern Details | Changes in CAT 2022 to CAT 2023 | Changes in CAT 2021 to CAT 2022 |
No. of Questions | 76 to 66 | 100 to 76 |
Total Marks | 228 to 198 | 300 to 228 |
Total Questions in VARC Section | 26 to 24 | 34 to 26 |
Total Questions in DILR Section | 24 to 20 | 32 to 24 |
Total Questions in QA Section | 26 to 22 | 34 to 26 |
CAT 2025 Syllabus - Topic wise Weightage (Important Topics)
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 2025, candidates' main focus should be on these topics:
CAT 2025 Syllabus | Topics for CAT 2025 | 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 Exam Pattern and CAT Syllabus 2025 PDF
CAT Syllabus for MBA 2025 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 total number of questions in CAT Exam was further reduced to 66. CAT Exam 2023 was also changed according to the revised pattern. The CAT Exam Pattern 2025 for CAT 2025 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 |
What to Study for CAT 2025?
In order to crack CAT 2025, 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 2025 will be conducted on 24th November 2025and 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.
Preparation Resources & Tips for CAT Exam | |
CAT Exam is divided in three sections namely → Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for CAT
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. This section analyses the speed, accuracy, and precision that a student puts during the examination.
Lesser number of questions in Commercial Mathematics make it easy to prepare and attempt and the formulae are simple and straight forward to be learnt. Most of the topics asked in Arithmetic are from class 10th level. Sequence and Series is one of the topics that require consistent practice.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section Topics 2025 | |
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 2025 has been confined to following subtopics:
Quant 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 |
Topic wise No. of Questions in CAT QA Section
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 2024 Exam and we expect it to remain same for CAT 2025:
CAT QA Topics | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
Arithmetic | 10 | Moderate |
Algebra | 5 | Moderate |
Geometry | 3 | Moderate |
Modern Math | 4 | Moderate |
Overall | 22 | Moderate |
Best Books for Quantitative Aptitude
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 |
NCERT Books from Class 6th to 10th
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.
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.
- Quant Study Modules
- Quant Test Papers
- Mock Tests
- Practice Questions
- Replica Test Questions on Quant
Besides the books written by Arun Sharma, candidates can also consider these recommended books to prepare for CAT QA section.
Nishit Saxena - Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
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.
Students will find it easy to solve questions based on the concepts and tricks given in this book.
Sarvesh Sharma - Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT
Sarvesh Sharma tried his level best to use the simplest language to answer the questions. Candidates who are preparing for CAT 2025 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.
Arun Sharma - How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
Candidates appearing in CAT 2025 must study the book “How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude” written by Arun Sharma in order to qualify CAT 2025. 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.
The strategy used, methods by which the questions are solved, and an easy explanation of tricks to solve the questions make it easier for students to understand the concept behind each question.
Also Read - Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score
VARC Syllabus for CAT
This section will contain 24 questions wherein 14 question are from Reading Comprehension and the other 10 questions are from Verbal Ability. This section is primarily designed to test and analyze students' language and comprehension skills. The questions asked in this section mainly are Non MCQ type. It is seen that 70% of the questions from this section are asked out of Reading Comprehension.
Topics Covered in VARC section 2025 | |
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 |
Topic wise No. of Questions in CAT VARC Section
The VARC Section of CAT Exam Syllabus 2025 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 2025:
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 |
CAT Reading Comprehension Passages of Previous Years
CAT Reading Comprehension questions form the two-third of the first section ofCAT question paper. There are about four to five RC passages with 12-14 questions. These passages can be asked from any field and are often long and dense. Check below, the Reading Comprehension topics of CAT 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018.
CAT RC Passages | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
CAT 2024 |
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CAT 2023 |
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CAT 2022 |
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CAT 2021 |
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CAT 2020 |
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CAT 2019 |
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CAT 2018 |
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Best Books for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
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 2025 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 list and description of most recommended books for CAT VARC section is given below.
Wren and Martin – High School and Grammar Composition
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 2025 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.
Norman Lewis – Word Power Made Easy
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.
Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay - How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT
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. With the help of these mock tests, students are familiarized with the type of questions frequently asked in the exam and how to solve them efficiently. Reading newspaper on a daily basis can become an important asset while preparing for VARC.
Magazines to improve the VARC section | |
Time | Business World |
Newsweek | National Geographic |
The Economist | Business Week |
Fortune | |
DILR Syllabus for CAT
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 consists of 20 questions of both MCQ and Non MCQ types. Data Interpretation questions analyze students' ability to infer and derive data from the given information. Logical Reasoning questions analyze students' ability to think. It generally defined how far a student's thinking can go.
It is easy to crack these questions and having a good command over your thinking capacity may help you qualify this section with 100% Accuracy.
CAT Data Interpretation Topics 2025 | |
Caselets | Tables |
Bar Graphs | Column Graphs |
Venn Diagrams | Line Charts |
Pie Charts | Combination of Graphs |
Data Sufficiency | Games and Tournaments |
CAT Logical Reasoning Topics 2025 | |
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 |
Topic wise No. of Questions in CAT DILR Section & Difficulty Level
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 2025:
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 |
Best Books Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning:
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 the most recommended books for CAT DILR section is given below.
R. S. Agarwal - A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning
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.
Studying this book will help students analyze the type of questions that might be asked during examination. Students get to understand the pattern of questions and the easiest way to tackle them without failing.
Arun Sharma – How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT
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.
How to Prepare for CAT 2025?
CAT Exam Preparation according to the official CAT Syllabus 2025 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 2025. 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 2025. Below mentioned are some of the section wise tips for CAT Preparation:
How to Prepare for CAT VARC?
- VARC Preparation for CAT Exam should start at the early stage of CAT Preparation. The main focus should be on Reading comprehension.
- Check the VARC Syllabus for CAT and revise all the Grammar rules and proper definitions.
- Empower your vocabulary with the help of word meaning books. Focus more on phrases.
- VARC section is usually dominated by Reading comprehension, and it is important for aspirants to practice well of speed reading. This can be done by reading books, novels, magazines, and data heavy reports.
- To prepare for Verbal Ability, candidates must refer to the sample questions.
- Solve a large and wide range of verbal ability questions to ace it.
How to Prepare for CAT DILR?
- DILR section of CAT Exam is mostly about Tables, Graphs, Charts, and Series.
- This section will require good calculation skills.
- 20 questions of this section are equally divided into DI and LR which means, candidates are required to work on both the sections.
- Memorise and read tables up to 20, squares, square roots, cubes, cube roots, and other such mathematical values to read and calculate fast and solve questions quickly.
- Practice as many sample questions as possible along with sectional mock tests. Since there is no formula to remember, practising will help students achieve well.
- The more experience you have at speed reading charts and tables enhances the chances of securing a good score in DILR section in CAT Exam.
How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude?
- Tackling Quantitative Aptitude is all about clarity on basics and practice.
- Pick each topic from the CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA and attain conceptual clarity on these topics. Try to solve a few questions to evaluate if you have understood the application correctly or not.
- Start practicing CAT Sectional Mock tests only after you have completed the MBA CAT Syllabus 2025.
- Divide your practice sessions into three levels of difficulty i.e. easy, moderate, and high. Begin with solving easy questions at first and then move on to the moderately difficult questions and then to tough questions.
- Start recording the time you spend solving these questions and solve each of the questions at least three times. The first attempt is to understand the questions, second should be to solve it with 100 percent accuracy and the third and last is to solve it with 100 percent accuracy and speed. Speed matters in solving Quantitative Aptitude questions.
Also Check → CAT Study Material 2025: Download Free Study Material PDFs & Check CAT 2025 Preparation Tips
