The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a pivotal examination for aspiring management students in India, particularly for those seeking admission as an MBA into the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other prestigious business schools. Understanding the syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. The CAT 2024 syllabus is divided into three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Below is a detailed breakdown of each section.
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section tests candidates’ proficiency in English through various question types. The emphasis is on comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.
Topics Covered:
- Reading Comprehension (RC)
- Four passages of 600-700 words each
- Questions based on the content, tone, and logical inferences from the passages
- Types of passages: Descriptive, Narrative, Persuasive, and Analytical
- Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging, requiring a good understanding of English and the ability to comprehend complex ideas
- Verbal Ability
- Para Jumbles: Rearranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph
- Sentence Completion: Filling in the blanks in a sentence with the most appropriate word or phrase
- Odd Sentence Out: Identifying the sentence that does not fit with the overall theme or logic of the paragraph
- Para Summary: Identifying the most concise and accurate summary of a given paragraph
- Fill in the Blanks: Selecting the most suitable word or phrase to complete a sentence or paragraph
Weightage:
- RC passages constitute approximately 67% of the VARC section score, while other verbal ability questions make up the remaining 33%.
2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
This section assesses the candidate’s ability to interpret data and solve logical problems. It is crucial for decision-making and analytical skills.
Topics Covered:
- Data Interpretation
- Tables: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in tabular format
- Pie Charts: Interpreting and comparing data presented in pie charts
- Bar Graphs: Analyzing and comparing data presented in bar graphs
- Caselets: Solving problems based on real-world scenarios using data interpretation skills
- Logical Reasoning
- Blood Relations: Solving problems based on family relationships and connections
- Syllogisms: Identifying the conclusion that logically follows from given premises
- Seating Arrangements: Arranging people in a specific order based on given conditions
- Direction Sense: Determining directions and positions based on given information
- Binary Logic and Games & Tournaments: Solving problems involving binary operations and tournament-style competitions
Weightage:
DILR questions generally account for about 30% of the total questions in the CAT exam.
3. Quantitative Ability (QA)
The QA section evaluates mathematical skills and understanding of basic concepts. It covers a wide range of topics typically learned in middle school.
Topics Covered:
- Arithmetic
- Time, Speed, and Distance: Solving problems involving time, speed, and distance
- Time and Work: Calculating the time taken or work done by individuals or groups
- Simple and Compound Interest: Calculating interest earned on investments
- Ratios and Proportions: Solving problems involving ratios and proportions
- Algebra
- Linear and Quadratic Equations: Solving linear and quadratic equations
- Functions and Graphs: Interpreting and analyzing functions and their graphs
- Inequalities: Solving and interpreting inequalities
- Geometry and Mensuration
- Circles, Triangles, and Polygons: Solving problems involving the properties of circles, triangles, and polygons
- Coordinate Geometry: Solving problems involving points, lines, and shapes on a coordinate plane
- Modern Mathematics
- Permutations and Combinations: Calculating the number of possible arrangements or combinations
- Probability: Calculating the probability of events occurring
- Set Theory: Solving problems involving sets and set operations
Weightage:
Quantitative Ability questions make up approximately 34% of the total questions, with a significant focus on arithmetic and algebra.
Exam Pattern and Structure
The CAT 2024 exam will be conducted in a computer-based format over a duration of 2 hours. It comprises a total of 66 questions, divided into the three sections mentioned above:
| Section | Total Questions | MCQs | Non-MCQs |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 20 | 4 |
| DILR | 20 | 14 | 6 |
| QA | 22 | 15 | 7 |
| Total | 66 | 49 | 17 |
- Marking Scheme: Each correct answer awards 3 points, while incorrect answers for MCQs incur a penalty of -1 point. There is no negative marking for non-MCQ questions.
Preparation Strategies
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the topics and their weightage to prioritize your study plan effectively. Identify areas that require more focus based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Practice Regularly: Utilize mock tests and previous years’ question papers to identify strengths and weaknesses. Analyze your performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Time Management: Develop a study schedule that allocates time for each section based on its weightage and your comfort level with the topics. Practice managing time effectively during mock tests and previous years’ question papers.
- Resource Utilization: Use recommended books and online resources that cover the entire syllabus comprehensively. Refer to authoritative sources and seek guidance from experienced mentors or coaching institutes.
- Seek Feedback: Engage with peers or mentors to discuss problem areas and gain insights into effective preparation techniques. Participate in group discussions and mock interviews to improve communication and analytical skills.
- Stay Updated: Keep track of any changes or updates to the CAT syllabus or exam pattern. Regularly check official sources like the CAT website or reputable coaching institutes for the latest information.
- Maintain a Positive Attitude: Approach your preparation with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn. Stay motivated and focused on your goals throughout the preparation process.
What are the weightages of each section in the CAT 2024 Syllabus?
The CAT 2024 syllabus is divided into three sections with the following expected weightages:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) – 34% Weightage
- Reading Comprehension (RC): 67% of VARC score
- Verbal Ability: 33% of VARC score
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) – 32% Weightage
- Data Interpretation: Includes questions based on tables, pie charts, bar graphs, caselets
- Logical Reasoning: Includes questions on blood relations, syllogisms, seating arrangements, direction sense, binary logic, games & tournaments
Quantitative Ability (QA) – 34% Weightage
- Arithmetic: Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Simple & Compound Interest, Ratios & Proportions
- Algebra: Linear & Quadratic Equations, Functions & Graphs, Inequalities
- Geometry & Mensuration: Circles, Triangles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry
- Modern Mathematics: Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory
Summary of Weightages
| Section | Total Weightage | Sub-Topics Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | 34% | RC: 23%, Verbal Ability: 11% |
| DILR | 32% | Data Interpretation: 16%, Logical Reasoning: 16% |
| QA | 34% | Arithmetic: 15%, Algebra: 10%, Geometry & Mensuration: 5%, Modern Mathematics: 4% |
The QA section has the maximum weightage at 34%, followed by VARC at 34% and DILR at 32%. However, the number of questions in each section is not directly proportional to the weightage.The CAT 2024 exam will have a total of 66 questions – 24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, and 22 in QA. So while QA and VARC have equal weightage, QA has fewer questions compared to VARC.Candidates should prepare all sections thoroughly, but focus more on the high-weightage topics within each section. Consistent practice of previous year question papers and mock tests is key to scoring well in the CAT exam.