The CAT exam syllabus is a crucial resource for all CAT aspirants aiming to appear for the CAT exam 2024. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights into the CAT syllabus 2024, available in a PDF format for easy access. It covers all the essential topics included in the entrance exam. Understanding the CAT exam pattern and syllabus is vital for effective CAT preparation.
CAT 2024 Exam
The CAT exam is one of the most prestigious MBA entrance exams in India. It is conducted to assess the eligibility of candidates for various MBA programs. The CAT 2024 Exam is an important entrance test for MBA admissions in top Indian business schools. It evaluates candidates on Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).
The CAT 2024 exam will be conducted online in multiple sessions. Key preparation strategies include mastering the CAT syllabus, practicing mock tests, and managing time effectively. Registration for CAT 2024 requires an online application on the official CAT website. Scoring well in CAT 2024 opens doors to prestigious MBA programs, making it essential for aspirants to prepare diligently and strategically.
Overview of CAT Syllabus 2024
The CAT 2024 syllabus includes three primary sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC),
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR),
- Quantitative Aptitude (QA).
CAT Syllabus Important Topics
Important Topics included in the Syllabus.
| VARC | DILR | QA |
| Reading comprehension | Data interpretation | Arithmetic |
| Para jumble | Logical reasoning | Geometry |
| Para summary | Algebra | |
| Odd sentences | Modern Maths |
Each section of the CAT covers specific topics that are frequently asked in the CAT exam.
Overview of CAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The CAT exam pattern is designed to evaluate the candidates’ skills in various areas. The exam consists of three sections, each with a time limit of 40 minutes of the exam. The first section of the CAT is VARC, followed by DILR and QA.
| Sections | No. of Questions | Time Limit | Marks |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 Minutes | 72 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 Minutes | 60 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 Minutes | 66 |
| Total | 66 | 120 Minutes | 198 |
Latest Changes in the CAT Syllabus
| CAT Years | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
| CAT 2021-2023 | 66 | 2 hours |
| CAT 2020 | 76 | 2 hours |
| CAT 2015-2019 | 100 | 3 hours |
| CAT 2014 | 100 | 2 hours 50 minutes |
| CAT 2013 | 60 | 2 hours 20 minutes |
CAT Question Paper
The CAT paper includes a variety of questions aimed at testing the candidates’ abilities in different areas. Familiarizing yourself with the questions asked in the CAT from previous years can be incredibly beneficial.
| Sections | Number of MCQ’s | Numbers of TITA | Total Questions | Marks |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 20 | 4 | 24 | 72 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 14 | 6 | 20 | 60 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 15 | 7 | 22 | 66 |
| Total | 49 Questions | 17 Questions | 66 Questions | 198 Marks |
CAT Exam Pattern
The CAT exam includes multiple-choice questions and type-in-the-answer questions. The section of the CAT exam is divided into three parts, with each section carrying equal weightage. The difficulty level of CAT is considered high, requiring thorough preparation.
| Sections | Types of Questions | No. of Questions | Time Limit |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | MCQ + Non- MCQ | 24 | 40 Minutes |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | MCQ + Non- MCQ | 20 | 40 Minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | MCQ + Non- MCQ | 22 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 66 | 120 Minutes |
CAT Result 2024
The CAT 2024 result will be announced online on the official website of IIM CAT. The percentile in the CAT exam determines the candidates’ eligibility for various MBA programs.
Tips for CAT 2024 Preparation: Best Strategy How to Prepare for CAT 2024
Effective CAT preparation 2024 requires a well-planned strategy. Candidates should start their CAT 2024 preparation at least nine months in advance, familiarizing themselves with the CAT syllabus and exam pattern and practicing regularly with mock tests.
CAT Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CAT, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with a minimum required percentage. The 2024 registration process involves filling out the online application form on the official website.
CAT 2024 Exam Date
The CAT 2024 exam notification will be released in the first week of August 2024. One is advised to complete your registration before the last date of registrations ends in the third week of September 2024. The CAT Exam is scheduled to be held on 24th November 2024. Candidates should keep track of important dates and complete the application process on time.
CAT Admit Card 2024
The CAT 2024 admit card will be available for download from the official website few days before the exam date i.e. on 7th November 2024. Candidates must carry the 2024 admit card to the examination center.
CAT 2024 Answer Key
The CAT answer key will be released soon after the exam. Candidates can use it to estimate their scores and assess their performance. Answer key helps every aspirants to predict their score and also helps in predicting in selecting the colleges for MBA or PGDM programs, therefore can start preparation for further steps like personal interview or joining any training institutes for refining inter personal skills.
CAT 2024 Result
The CAT 2024 result will be declared on 6th January 2025. Candidates can check their percentile in the CAT on the official website.
CAT 2024 Syllabus Section wise
The CAT syllabus 2024 is divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section in the CAT exam has specific topics that candidates must cover. Each Section of the CAT Question is described in different sections and each topic in the CAT is described in detail so that any novice can directly understand the syllabus and pattern very easily.
CAT Syllabus 2024: Section-wise Overview
| Sections | No. of Questions | Time Limit | Marks |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 Minutes | 72 |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 Minutes | 60 |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 Minutes | 66 |
| Total | 66 | 120 Minutes | 198 |
CAT VARC Syllabus
The VARC section of CAT includes topics such as reading comprehension, verbal ability, and critical reasoning. Understanding the composition of the CAT VARC section is crucial for scoring well.
| 1. Para Jumbles (with and without options) |
| 2. Para Summary |
| 3. Odd One Out |
| 4. Reading Comprehension |
| 5. Para Completion |
VARC Section in Detail
| CAT 2023 Topic | 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 DILR Syllabus
The DILR section in CAT covers data interpretation and logical reasoning. Practicing various types of problems can help improve performance in this section.
DILR Question Pattern Details
| CAT 2023 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 |
Data Interpretation
| 1. Tables |
| 2. Data Caselets – Reasoning-Based DI |
| 3. Column Graphs |
| 4. Bar Graphs |
| 5. Venn Diagrams |
| 6. Line Charts |
| 7. Pie Charts |
| 8. Scatter Plot |
| 9. Radar Chart |
| 10. Routes and Network |
| 11. Bubble Chart |
Logical Reasoning
| 1. Binary Logic |
| 2. Games and Tournaments |
| 3. Arrangements |
| 4. Team Formations |
| 5. Order and Ranking |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The Quantitative Aptitude section includes topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Thorough preparation in these areas is essential.
Important Topics in Quant Section
| Topics | CAT 2023 | CAT 2022 | CAT 2021 | CAT 2020 | CAT 2019 |
| Arithmetic | 8-11 | 8-9 | 7-10 | 10 | 14 |
| Algebra | 5-6 | 4-9 | 6-8 | 6-8 | 11-13 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3-4 | 3-4 | 3-5 | 5-6 | 4-6 |
| Number System | 2-3 | 1-3 | 1-2 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| Modern Math | 0-2 | 0-3 | 1 | 0-2 | 0-1 |
| Overall | 22 | 22 | 22 | 26 | 34 |
Important details of Quant Section. Number of Questions asked in the slot wise in Quantitative sections.
| CAT 2023 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 |
The Syllabus of Quantitative Aptitude Section can be subdivided in 5 Sections. Each Chapters associated with each sub sections are listed below.
- Number System
| 1. LCM and HCF |
| 2. Divisibility Rules |
| 3. Base Change |
| 4. Finding Units place and tens place of a number |
| 5. Cyclicity |
| 6. Remainders |
| 7. Prime Factorisation |
| 8. Factorials |
| 9. Indices and Surds |
- Arithmetic
| 1. Time, Distance and Speed |
| 2. Time and Work, Pipes and Cisterns |
| 3. Simple Interest and Compound Interest |
| 4. Ratios, Proportions and Variations |
| 5. Percentages and Averages |
| 6. Profit and Loss, Discount |
| 7. Mixtures and Alligations |
- Geometry and Mensuration
| 1. Circles |
| 2. Triangles |
| 3. Polygons |
| 4. Coordinate geometry |
| 5. Lines and Angles |
| 6. Trigonometry |
| 7. Cone |
| 8. Cylinder |
| 9. Sphere |
| 10. Cube/Cuboid |
| 11. Prism Pyramid |
- Algebra
| 1. Inequalities and Modulus |
| 2. Functions and Groups |
| 3. Linear and Quadratic Equations |
| 4. Polynomials |
| 5. Logarithms |
| 6. Algebraic Identities |
| 7. Maxima and Minima |
- Modern Mathematics
| 1. Permutations and Combinations |
| 2. Probability |
| 3. Set Theory & Venn Diagram |
| 4. Binomial Theorem |
| 5. Arithmetic progression, Geometric progression, Harmonic progression |
Conclusion
Preparing for the CAT 2024 exam requires a comprehensive understanding of the CAT syllabus 2024, regular practice, and effective strategies. Candidates should utilize the best resources, such as the best books for CAT 2024, to enhance their preparation and maximize their chances of success. Aspirants looking for strategic preparation for the CAT exam can read our blogs “How to Prepare for the CAT Exam at home without Coaching”.
FAQ’s
Q:1 What is CAT 2023?
Answer: CAT 2023 refers to the Common Admission Test conducted for admission to various management programs.
Q:2 How is the CAT score important?
Answer: Your CAT score is crucial for getting admission into top MBA programs.
Q:3 Where can candidates find the CAT answer key?
Answer: The CAT answer key provides solutions to the questions asked in the exam, helping candidates analyze their performance.
Q:4 What are the topics covered in the CAT?
Answer: Each section of the CAT exam covers various topics in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning.
Q:5 How can candidates apply for CAT 2024?
Answer: Candidates can apply for CAT 2024 through the official website during the registration period.
Q:6 What is the CAT exam syllabus for MBA?
Answer: The CAT exam syllabus for MBA includes topics like quantitative aptitude, verbal ability and reading comprehension (VARC), and data interpretation & logical reasoning.
Q:7 Which entrance exam is conducted for MBA admissions?
Answer: CAT is one of the most prestigious entrance exams conducted for admission to MBA programs in India.
Q:8 What is the CAT 2024 registration process like?
Answer: The CAT 2024 registration process involves filling out the application form online, uploading documents, and paying the registration fee.
Q:9 When will CAT 2024 be conducted?
Answer: CAT 2024 will be held on 24th November 2024 in multiple sessions to accommodate a large number of candidates.
Q:10 What does the CAT exam consist of?
Answer: The CAT exam consists of three sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR).
Q:11 What factors are included in CAT exam preparation?
Answer: Time management and accuracy are crucial factors included in the CAT exam preparation strategy.
Q:12 Where can candidates find the CAT official information?
Answer: The official CAT website provides all necessary information regarding the exam dates, syllabus, and registration details.
Q:13 Why should candidates consider including CAT in their exams?
Answer: MBA aspirants should consider including CAT in their list of competitive exams for management admissions.
Q:14 Where can candidates find the 2024 answer key and response?
Answer: The CAT 2024 answer key and response sheet will be available for download shortly after the exam.
Q:15 What is included in the CAT syllabus for preparation?
Answer: Reading comprehension is a critical skill included in the CAT syllabus under the VARC section.
Q:16 Which section evaluates comprehension skills in the CAT?
Answer: The VARC section in the CAT evaluates candidates’ comprehension and language skills through passages and questions.
Q:17 What are common questions regarding the CAT?
Answer: Candidates often have questions regarding the CAT exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and selection process.
Q:18 When will CAT 2024 be held?
Answer: CAT 2024 will be held in November, as per the usual schedule.
Q:19 What is expected of CAT 2024 exam?
Answer: The CAT 2024 exam is expected to be challenging, testing candidates’ aptitude and analytical skills.
Q:20 What is the second section of the CAT focused on?
Answer: The second section of the CAT focuses on Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), assessing candidates’ ability to interpret data and solve complex problems.
Q:21 Which topics are included in the CAT syllabus?
Answer: Topics included in the CAT syllabus range from arithmetic and algebra to grammar and reading comprehension.
Q:22 What is the first step in CAT 2024 preparation?
Answer: Understanding the CAT 2024 syllabus is the first step towards effective preparation for the exam.
Q:23 What should candidates familiarize themselves with for CAT 2024?
Answer: Familiarize yourself with the CAT syllabus and exam pattern to strategize your preparation effectively.
Q:24 What remains consistent in CAT 2024 syllabus and exam pattern?
Answer: The CAT 2024 syllabus and exam pattern remain consistent to assess candidates’ readiness for MBA programs.
Q:25 Why should aspirants familiarize themselves with CAT?
Answer: Aspirants should familiarize themselves with the CAT exam structure and question types to perform well on the day.
Q:26 Why is CAT considered a tough exam?
Answer: CAT is considered a tough exam due to its competitive nature and challenging question format.
Q:27 Who is eligible to apply for CAT?
Answer: Candidates with a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university are eligible to apply for CAT.
Q:28 Where will CAT 2024 be held?
Answer: CAT 2024 will be conducted in multiple cities across India to ensure accessibility for candidates.
Q:29 How will CAT 2024 be conducted online?
Answer: CAT 2024 will be conducted online, ensuring a seamless experience for all candidates.
Q:30 Which topics should candidates focus on for CAT preparation?
Answer: Candidates should focus on mastering the topics included in the CAT syllabus to score well in the exam.
