CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024, Topic-wise Weightage
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024: The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most competitive and challenging exams for MBA aspirants in India. On top of that, the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section is highly important. It tests your mathematical, problem-solving, and logical reasoning skills. Moreover, this section tests you on a vast syllabus.
Having said that, it is important to remember that there is no official syllabus for the CAT exam. No website has ever updated an official syllabus for this Quantitative Aptitude. But, worry not! In this blog, we'll provide a detailed overview of the CAT 2024 Quantitative syllabus, along with book recommendations, practice questions, exam pattern, and more.
Also Read, CAT Syllabus 2024
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024
The Quantitative aptitude section in CAT primarily focuses on the following topics:
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024
| Arithmetic | Algebra | Modern Maths | Geometry |
| Averages | Maxima and Minima | Venn Diagram | Circles |
| Ratios and Proportion | Linear Equations | Factors and Multiples | Coordinate Geometry |
| Percentages | Quadratic Equations | HCF and LCM | Mensuration (2D & 3D) |
| SI and CI | Inequalities | Remainders | Polygons |
| Profit and Loss | Arithmetic Progression | Base Systems | Quadrilaterals |
| Mixture & Alligation | Geometric Progression | Permutations and Combinations | Triangles |
| Time and Work, Pipes & Cisterns, | Functions and Graphs | Probability | Trigonometry |
| Time, Speed, Distance | Logarithms | Sequence and Series | Lines and Angles |
CAT Quantitative Syllabus Preparation Order
Based on the weightage and CAT Quantitative difficulty level of topics, we have prepared an order in which you can finish your syllabus one after the other, these 3 topics will cover 90% of the CAT quant syllabus.
- Arithmetic: Many people prepare for the Arithmetic section first. It includes topics like Averages, Percentages, Ratio Proportion Variation, Simple Interest Compound Interest, Profit and Loss, etc. These topics also come in handy a lot of times while you solve other topics.
- Algebra or Number System: These two topics hold the second highest weightage in the CAT. While some students find it easy to solve number systems questions, some might find algebra questions easy. you can choose your topic since both have an almost equal weightage.
- Geometry: Geometry questions need you to memorize all the important formulas. Moreover, there are a lot of formulas while the number of questions asked is slightly on the lesser side.
Books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation
Recommendations: Choosing the right resources and study material is crucial for effective preparation. Here's a list of highly recommended and widely popular books for CAT Quant Syllabus self-preparation:
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma - This book is a boon for you if you are a beginner, haven't studied mathematics. or need to brush up the basics, because it explains each and every quant concept very well. It is considered a bible for CAT Quant preparation, covering all variety of quant questions.
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K. Verma
- The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
Apart from the books mentioned above, you can also refer to free YouTube videos. CAT 2023 toppers highly recommend
Number of Quants Questions for Daily Practice
In the first half of your preparation journey, it is recommended to solve at least 30 to 40 CAT Quant questions daily. However, during the last leg of the preparation, it is recommended to solve at least 45 to 50 quants questions everyday.
Having said that, it is important to note that the number of questions one needs to solve everyday is not set in stone. Moreover, you can adjust that as per your level too.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks Per Question | Negative Marking (Only for MCQs) |
| VARC | 24 | 3 | -1 |
| DILR | 20 | 3 | -1 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22 | 3 | -1 |
| Total | 66 | 198 |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions is generally moderate to high. This section is often referred to as the most challenging after the DILR section. The application of the most fundamental mathematical ideas that were taught to us in high school forms the foundation of this entire section. However, students may find it more difficult to think coherently due to the format of the questions and the shortened time restriction. To score 40 or above on the quantitative aptitude test, a great deal of strategic preparation with appropriate questions is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
The CAT exam is known to add some or the other surprise element in the exam every year. Moreover, the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is a section that is usually moderately difficult in the CAT. However, having said that, IIM Calcutta will be conducting the CAT this year in 2024. IIM Calcutta is known for setting highly difficult Quant questions in CAT. So, it will be better to sharpen your axe at the earliest. It is imprtant to keep in mind that if the QA section is difficult, the cut offs will also be lower comparatively.
In order to get a 99 percentile plus in your Quantitative Ability section, you should solve at least 16 questions correctly in that section.
A score anywhere between 104 to 108 is considered as a good score in the QA section of the CAT. A score of 120 plus will take you to the top 10 percent candidates.
CAT preparation usually takes 6 months minimum. However, a lot of CAT toppers are still able to finish all the CAT preparation and syllabus within just 3 months with strategic planning, focused attention, and discipline.
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