A comprehensive understanding of the CAT exam syllabus is essential for effective exam preparation. The official CAT notification has provided information on the paper pattern, test process, and the CAT exam date. To succeed in the CAT entrance test this year, candidates should acquaint themselves with the CAT syllabus for 2023.
CAT, or the Common Admission Test, is for candidates who want to attend management programs at the post-graduation level. The CAT 2023 exam will take place on November 26 (tentatively). The first week of August will see the launch of registration for the CAT exam 2023 at iimcat.ac.in. Candidates will need to create a login ID, complete the application form, and pay the exam cost in order to register for the CAT in 2023. In the final week of July 2023, the IIM that is hosting the exam will formally announce the CAT 2023 exam date.
The CAT syllabus includes three different sections and several topics under each. It is important to score well in every section to get a good percentile.
CAT Syllabus 2023
CAT 2023 exam syllabus include 3 subjects i.e., Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Aptitude. The Quantitative Ability section of the CAT syllabus covers the topics of mathematics up to class 10/12 such as arithmetic, numbers, geometry, algebra, and mensuration, while the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section covers the important topics of verbal reasoning and reading comprehension. Under the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning syllabus, the topics like tables, bar graphs, puzzles and reasoning-based data will be concluded.
Download CAT Syllabus PDF –
As usual, CAT 2023 will be a CBT, that is, a computer-based test. CAT has changed its pattern many times which includes the number of questions, total time duration, total marks, number of sections, sectional time limit etc. In CAT 2021, the sections had an individual time limit of 40 minutes.
Check the complete overview in the below-provided table
Total Questions | 66 |
Section-wise Questions | Quantitative Aptitude: 22 Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation: 20 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: 24 |
Time allotted per section | 40 minutes each |
Mode of Examination | Computer-based |
Medium of Examination | English |
Quick Links:
CAT Question Papers | Best Books for CAT Preparation | CAT Result |
CAT 2021 Question Paper | CAT 2022 Eligibility Criteria | CAT 2022 Exam Pattern |
CAT 2020 Question Paper | CAT Mock Test | CAT Question Paper 2019 PDF |
CAT Syllabus: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) is an essential section in the CAT syllabus, and you will get 40 minutes to answer the questions. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) questions are moderately difficult. The section on Reading Comprehension has the maximum weightage and therefore requires more focus.
VARC Topics | No. of Questions in CAT Exam | Difficulty Level |
Reading Comprehension | 16 | Moderate to Difficult |
VA-Parajumbles | 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
VA-Odd Sentence | 2 | Easy to Moderate |
VA-Summary | 3 | Easy to Moderate |
Total | 24 | Moderate to Difficult level |
In CAT, there are questions that are summary-based, odd sentences and para jumbles. Over the past few years, there have been changes in the number of questions in each set. Currently, there are a total of 24 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) questions.
The detailed syllabus is listed below.
Grammar | One-word substitution | Verbal reasoning |
Sentence completion | Idioms | Syllogisms |
Fill in the blanks | Preposition | Parts of speech |
English Usage | One word substitution | Phrases modifiers |
Synonyms and Antonyms Vocabulary | Types of clauses | Subject-verb agreement |
Jumbled paragraphs | Articles usage | Foreign language words used in English |
Sentence correction | Errors in tenses | Analogies |
Verbal logic | Para jumbles | Different usage of same word |
CAT Syllabus: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section has questions that will test your ability to read and analyse visual representations of data. It will also test your ability to think logically. You may well also need to structure data that appears unstructured. The entire Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section is quite difficult. This is because the questions can be varied, covering a broad range of topics and the section requires the candidate to have sound skills in logical reasoning and data representation.
DILR Sections | No. of Questions | Level of Difficulty |
Data Interpretation | 4 | Easy |
Data Interpretation | 4 | Moderate |
Logical Reasoning | 6 | Moderate to difficult |
Logical Reasoning | 6 | Easy to Moderate |
Total | 20 | Moderate to Difficult level |
The questions can be on Data Arrangement, Number based reasoning, Missing Data, Set theory, Games and Tournament, Abstract Data etc.
There have been recent changes on the number of questions in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). CAT 2021 had 20 questions in 4 LRDI sets – 2 sets of 4 questions each and 2 sets of 6 questions each. The LRDI questions can come from the following topics:
Clocks and Calendars | Series | Syllogism |
Statements | Blood Relations | Venn Diagram |
Data Arrangement | Proposition | Data Structures |
Family Tree | Direction Sense | Tables |
Binary Logic | Coding-Decoding | Pie Charts |
Seating Arrangement | Assumptions | Data Sufficiency |
Sets & Caselets | Puzzles | Bars & Line Graphs |
CAT Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
This is an extensive section in the CAT syllabus. The questions in the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section vary from moderate to high difficulty levels. The question will be from the following categories: Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration, Algebra, Modern Mathematics, and Number Systems. For the last few years, the Arithmetic section has the highest weightage while Modern Mathematics and Number Systems have the lowest. In recent years, there have been changes to the total number of questions in the entire Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section. Candidates will now have only 22 questions.
QA Sections | No. of Questions | Level of Difficulty |
Arithmetic | 10 | Moderate |
Algebra | 5 | Moderate |
Geometry | 3 | Moderate |
Modern Maths | 4 | Moderate |
Total | 22 | Moderate Level |
Here is the syllabus for exam preparation:
Geometry | Ratios and Proportion | Inequalities |
Trigonometry | In-equations Quadratic and linear equations | Work and Time |
Algebra | Surds and Indices | Percentages |
Mensuration | Time-Speed-Distance | Logarithms |
Partnership (Accounts) | Number System | Square Root and Cube Root |
Profit & Loss | Geometric Progression | Probability |
Mean, mode, median | Binomial theorem | Simple interest and compound interest |
Latest Changes in CAT Exam Syllabus
Over the last couple of years, there have been certain changes in CAT. These changes have been in the exam pattern and syllabus. You will find the latest changes in the table below.
Syllabus and Exam Pattern | Changes (2019-2020) | Changes (2020-2021) |
Total Number of Questions | Reduced to 76 from 100 | Reduced to 66 from 76 |
Raw Score | Reduced to 228 from 300 | Reduced to 198 from 228 |
Total Number of VARC Questions | Reduced to 26 from 34 | Reduced to 24 from 26 |
Total Number of DILR Questions | Reduced to 24 from 32 | Reduced to 20 from 24 |
Total Number of QA Questions | Reduced to 26 from 34 | Reduced to 22 from 26 |
CAT Exam Syllabus Weightage: Learning from Past Trends
Check the CAT Exam syllabus weightage as per the previous year trends –
Sections | Sub-Sections | No. of Questions | Weightage % |
Quantitative Aptitude | Arithmetic | 8 | 36 |
Geometry and Mensuration | 4 | 18 | |
Algebra | 6 | 28 | |
Modern Mathematics | 2 | 9 | |
Number Systems | 2 | 9 | |
Verbal Ability, & Reading Comprehension | Reading: Comprehension Based Questions | 16 | 68 |
Odd Sentences | 1 | 4 | |
Para-Summary | 3 | 12 | |
Para-Jumbles | 3 | 12 | |
Others: (Sentence Completion or Correction, Fill in the blanks, Vocabulary Based, etc.) | 1 | 4 | |
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (It previously came in three slots: The first slot includes: Arranging People into Countries & Categories, Bar Graph – Percentages, Table – Girls making a smoothie, and Table- Relationships.
The second slot included: Rating, Games and Tournaments, Bar Graph – Stacked Horizontal, and Number Based Reasoning.
The third slot included: Games and Tournaments (Javelin), Mixtures, Gantt Chart, and Content Creation. |
Arranging People into Countries & Categories | 6 | 30 |
Bar Graph – Percentages | 4 | 20 | |
Table – Girls making a smoothie | 6 | 30 | |
Table- Relationships | 4 | 20 | |
Rating | 6 | 30 | |
Games and Tournaments | 4 | 20 | |
Bar Graph – Stacked Horizontal | 4 | 20 | |
Number Based Reasoning | 6 | 30 | |
Games and Tournaments (Javelin) | 6 | 30 | |
Mixtures | 4 | 20 | |
Gantt Chart | 4 | 20 | |
Content Creation | 6 | 30 |
CAT Exam Pattern
Sections | Questions | Time | Marks |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | 20 | 40 min | 60 |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | 24 | 40 min | 72 |
Quantitative Ability | 22 | 40 min | 66 |
Important Topics of CAT
The following are the key themes for the CAT syllabus 2023, from which the most question was asked in recent years.
Subject | Important topics | Weightage |
Reading Comprehension | Questions based on passages, order of sentences, para meaning. | 24% |
Verbal Ability | Para summary, Para jumbles, Inferences and Sentence Completion | 10% |
Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement, Blood Relation, Syllogismand Caselets | 16% |
Data Interpretation | Tables, Pie Charts, Graphs, Venn Diagram | 16% |
Quantitative Aptitude | Geometry, Arithmetic, Algebra, Mensuration, Number System | 34% |
Quick Links:
CAT Question Papers | Best books for CAT Preparation | CAT Result |
CAT 2021 Question Paper | CAT 2022 Eligibility Criteria | CAT 2022 Exam Pattern |
CAT 2020 Question Paper | CAT Mock Test | CAT Question Paper 2019 PDF |
How to Prepare for CAT VARC, DILR and QA?
Preparation for Quantitative Ability
CAT aspirants should start with the Number System part, then go on to Algebra, Permutation and Combination, and finally the other topics.
- Concentrate more on the themes. Because you cannot address complicated problems if your fundamentals are unclear
- Learn tables up to 40, square up to 30, cubes up to 20, and fraction % equivalents up to 25. This will help you save time
- Put all crucial formulae in the formula notebook and review them regularly
- Try to answer each question in under 2 minutes
- You must answer more questions in very little time throughout the exam. So it is preferable to spend time answering three simple questions rather than one complex question
Preparation for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
The DILR has been the most challenging of the three portions over the last two years. This topic is more challenging because there is no established syllabus. As a result, only one way to be successful is to practise. Here are some pointers to consider when studying for DILR:
- Candidates should focus more on the Syllogism because it is a high-scoring portion. Venn diagrams may also be used to answer critical questions
- Candidates should solve questions based on inequalities. Public methods questions involving arrangements should begin by solving problems with a limited number of variables and eventually progress to questions with more variables
- Candidates are prone to misinterpreting queries with complicated reasoning. As a result, it is advised to re-read the topics in this section several times
Preparation for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
VARC is the component that many applicants find difficult and so fearful. This part thoroughly assesses your command of the English language. It includes the following questions:
- Candidates should choose the questions and paragraphs from the unseen passages segment they are most familiar with. If an individual is typical with fact passages, then they should avoid queries that require critical thought
- Candidates should employ a two-step approach. They must divide the VARC portion into two sections: one for Reading Comprehension and one for the rest of the subject
- Don’t rely on speculation or answer grammar-related questions haphazardly. Just based on inference, ensure that an informed deduction is made. If a topic is too complicated, go on to the next one. Don’t squander your time on a single inquiry
- Even as deductive logic necessitates reasoning and para jumbles, candidates can travel between the topics to make the best accurate decision
- When trying the Reading Comprehensions part, read through the questions before reading the passage
- Candidates scoring at or above the 85% level should concentrate more on Vocabulary and Grammar, Deductive Logic, Sentence Completion, Critical Reasoning, Para Jumbles, Para-Completion, and Summary Questions
Preparation Tips to Complete CAT Exam Syllabus
Here are some more key CAT preparation ideas for hopefuls to consider. Some simple techniques are as follows:
- Analyse and grasp
Before devising a strategy for how to study for CAT 2023, aspirants should first review the test pattern for CAT. Examining the number of sections, themes, and sub-topics covered in prior years’ exams. Before taking any examinations, go through these points and try to find your primary areas, which topics need work on, and so on. The analysis is performed not only before the CAT 2023 preparation but also during and after your CAT preparation.
- Time Management
Candidates must design a plan to answer all questions in the 40 minutes given to each segment. Candidates who manage their time can put their efforts into productive outcomes. Divide the 24 hours so that you may practise each portion every day.
- Take the Mock Test
Almost all top scorers admit that their achievement was influenced in some way by the CAT mock test they took. Giving CAT Mock tests is one of the most excellent methods for preparing for CAT since they provide applicants with a simulated exam setting. The benefits of the mock test include time management, self-assessment, accuracy in answering questions, and recognising the level of anxiety on exam day.
- Practice all you’ve learned
CAT experts encourage applicants to put their words into action. Regularly practising what you know can help you access what else is needed throughout CAT preparation. Each item should be studied and practised periodically to keep it fresh in your memory.
- Focus on the Concepts
You must be clear about the various topics under each category. Understand the basics of these topics before moving on to problem-solving.
- Practice Previous Years’ Questions
This is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam. Solve as many questions as possible from at least ten previous question papers. The patterns may have changed, but you can still find some common concepts.
- Time Management
When preparing, time yourself to see how long you are taking to complete certain sections. This will help you understand which areas you need to improve your speed.
- Clear Doubts
It is normal to have doubts when studying topics for CAT. But you need to clear them as soon as possible. Talk to your tutors and interact with peers to address your doubts. This will ensure that no topic is confusing to you, and you will have a better chance of scoring high.
Conclusion
The Common Admission Test, or CAT, is the most challenging entrance test, and only the best will be admitted to IIMs and other top CAT-accepting B-schools in India. When the prior CAT is examined, the result rate is relatively low. Only 2% of individuals who take the admission test get contacted by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). As a result, following the curriculum is essential.