CAT Exam Result 2024: Everything About Score Card, Download Link, & A Lot More Here!

CAT 2024 is important for MBA admissions to 21 IIMs and other top B-schools like SPJIMR, IMT, Great Lakes, TAPMI, MDI Gurgaon, and IITs. The CAT exam syllabus is prescribed by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and is renowned as the toughest among MBA entrance exams in India. The CAT 2024 question paper will cover three main sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

The CAT syllabus includes 66 questions in total, with approximately 20 questions per section. The VARC section tests comprehension and verbal skills, while DILR evaluates data analysis and logical reasoning. The QA section focuses on mathematical and quantitative skills.

Cracking the CAT exam is challenging due to the high difficulty level and intense competition, with only 0.02% of candidates securing a spot in IIMs. To achieve a 90+ percentile, candidates need a well-planned preparation strategy spanning at least 3-4 months. The cut-offs for IIMs typically range from 95 to 99+ percentile. A thorough understanding of the CAT syllabus and diligent preparation are essential to succeed in this highly competitive exam.

List of Sections in the CAT Exam

The CAT exam comprises 3 sections which include – Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section examines the potential of the candidate in different aspects. For instance, the VARC section examines the candidate’s English Grammar, Verbal Reasoning, & Reading Comprehension. Similarly, the QA Section identifies the mathematical ability. On the other hand, the DILR section covers questions related to data interpretation in the form of Puzzles, Pie Charts, Tables, and Bar Graphs.

Section Wise Syllabus of CAT Exam

The official CAT 2024 syllabus PDF has not yet been released. However, candidates can prepare based on past years’ questions. The Quantitative Aptitude section includes Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic, Mensuration, Trigonometry, and Modern Math. The Data Interpretation section covers Data Structure, Data Sufficiency, Tables, Pie Charts, and Graphs. Logical Reasoning focuses on Series, Coding-Decoding, Family Tree, Blood Relations, Seating Arrangement, and Assumptions. Lastly, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section includes Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Para Jumble, Para Completion, Vocabulary, and Grammar.

Let’s have a closer look at the syllabus of each section. 

Syllabus for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Section

The CAT exam’s Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is the first section candidates encounter. It needs to be completed within 40 minutes and is divided into two sub-parts: Verbal Ability (VA) and Reading Comprehension (RC). The RC section tends to dominate, with the VA section comprising questions like para jumbles, para completion, odd sentences, and similar types. 

Important Topics in CAT VARC Syllabus 2024

Reading Comprehension

• Comprises a significant portion of the VARC section.

• Includes passages with questions to test comprehension, interpretation, and analytical skills.

Verbal Ability

 

CAT VARC Syllabus: Important Topics & Weightage

The VARC section typically includes four major sub-topics: Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Verbal Ability, and Sentences. Although grammar-based questions are rare, understanding grammar rules is crucial for tackling other types of questions effectively. Below is the weightage and difficulty level of the VARC section based on the previous year’s CAT exam:

Reading Comprehension (RC):

• 16 questions

• Moderate to difficult level

• Key skills: comprehension, analysis, and interpretation

Verbal Ability (VA):

• Para jumbles: 3 questions (Moderate to Difficult)

• Odd Sentence: 2 questions (Easy to Moderate)

• Summary: 3 questions (Easy to Moderate)

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Syllabus 

The DILR section in CAT consists of 20 questions to be solved in 40 minutes. It is further divided into two sub-sections: Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR), each comprising 10 questions. Understanding the syllabus and preparing strategically is key to performing well in this challenging section.

The CAT DILR syllabus for 2024 includes a wide range of topics designed to assess candidates’ analytical and logical reasoning skills:

Data Interpretation (DI)

• Bar Graphs

• Caselets

• Line Graphs

• Pie Charts

• Tables

Logical Reasoning (LR)

• Binary Logic

• Blood Relations

• Clocks and Calendars

• Coding-Decoding

• Direction Sense

• Puzzles

• Seating Arrangement

• Series

• Statements and Assumptions

• Syllogism

Weightage and Difficulty Level

The difficulty level of questions in CAT DILR varies within each sub-section:

• Data Interpretation: This section typically includes questions presented in the form of tables, graphs, and charts. The difficulty ranges from easy to moderate, requiring candidates to quickly analyze and interpret data accurately.

• Logical Reasoning: Questions in this section cover a diverse range of topics including both verbal and non-verbal reasoning. While some questions are standalone, others are presented in sets, testing candidates’ ability to solve complex logical puzzles and reasoning problems.

Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Section

The Quantitative Aptitude section in CAT is the final part of the exam, to be completed in the last 40 minutes. It primarily focuses on Arithmetic and Algebra, with occasional questions from Geometry. Mastery in this section requires a strong foundation in fundamental mathematical concepts.

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Overview

The CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus covers a wide range of topics essential for success in the exam:

Arithmetic

• Averages

• Mean, Median, Mode

• Percentages

• Ratio and Proportion

• Simple and Compound Interest

• Profit and Loss

• Mixtures and Allegations

• Time and Work

• Time, Speed, and Distance

Algebra

• Basics of Algebraic Formulae

• Linear Equations

• Quadratic Equations

• Inequalities

• Logarithms

• Functions

• Progressions (AP, GP)

• Permutations and Combinations

Geometry

• Lines and Angles

• Triangles

• Circles

• Polygons

• Mensuration (Area, Volume)

• Coordinate Geometry

• Trigonometry

Modern Maths

• Sequence and Series

• Set Theory

• Binomial Theorem

• Probability

Important Topics and Weightage in CAT Quantitative Aptitude

The CAT Quantitative Aptitude section typically consists of 22 questions, each varying in difficulty:

 

The CAT Quantitative Aptitude section demands both mathematical proficiency and strategic thinking. By mastering the syllabus and practicing consistently, candidates can enhance their chances of scoring well in this challenging section of the CAT exam.