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CAT Quant Syllabus 2023: Download PDF, Check Important Topics

Check out the detailed CAT Quant Syllabus 2023 including the important topics like Number Systems, Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry, and Mensuration.

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The CAT Quant syllabus 2023 includes all the Math topics of Class 9th and 10th, such as Arithmetic, Number Systems, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Mensuration. The CAT syllabus 2023 covers three sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). Although the IIM doesn’t formally release the CAT syllabus, one can get an idea of the topics and questions asked in the exam from the CAT previous year question papers.

CAT 2023 has been held on November 26, 2023, in 155 test cities in India. MBA aspirants can have a look at the detailed CAT 2023 Quantitative Aptitude syllabus to gain a better understanding of the questions they will come across in the exam.

Also Read:

CAT Quant Syllabus 2023: Important Topics

The Quantitative Aptitude section comprises the final part of the CAT 2023 exam. Candidates are required to complete the QA section in the final 40 minutes of the exam. Here are some important topics from the CAT Quant syllabus 2023:

CAT Quant Syllabus 2023

Number Systems

Profit, Loss, and Discount

LCM and HCF

Speed, Time and Distance

Percentages

Time and Work

Ratio and Proportion

Averages

Quadratic Equations & Linear Equations

Complex Numbers

Simple and Compound Interest

Logarithm

Sequences and Series

Inequalities

Probability

Surds and Indices

Set Theory & Function

Permutation and Combination

Mixtures and Alligations

Trigonometry

Coordinate Geometry

Geometry

Mensuration

Partnership (Accounts)

Square Root and Cube Root

Geometric Progression

Binomial theorem

Mean, Mode, Median

Trigonometry

Algebra

In-equations Quadratic and linear equations

Work and Time

Triangles

The CAT exam syllabus 2023 should be further divided into manageable sections due to the large number of topics it includes. The following are the subdivisions of the Quantitative Aptitude syllabus for CAT 2023:

  • Arithmetic

  • Geometry

  • Trigonometry

  • Commercial Maths

  • Alligations and Mixture

  • Sequences and Series

Chapter-wise Topics Under CAT Quant Syllabus 2023

The table below lists the crucial chapters included under the CAT Quant syllabus 2023. The following syllabus must be used as the foundation for the quant preparation of the CAT 2023 aspirants.

Important Arithmetic Topics under CAT Quant Syllabus 2023

Averages

Percentages

Ratio and Proportion

Mean Median Mode

Profit and Loss

Simple and Compound Interest

Mixtures and Allegations

Time and Work

Time, Speed, and Distance

Important Algebra Topics under CAT Quant Syllabus 2023

Linear Equations

Problems on ages

Number of integer solutions

Quadratic Equations

Finding out roots

Maxima and Minima

Higher Degree Equations

Descartes's Rule of Signs

Inequalities

Logarithm

Modifications of Graphs

Smallest Value in a Maximum Function

Important Number System Topics under CAT Quant Syllabus 2023

Basics of Numbers

Properties of Numbers

Divisibility Rules

Divisibility and Factors

Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple

Finding Out the Last Digit

Finding Out Last Two Digits

Number of Trailing Zeroes

Finding out Remainders based on

  • Basic divisibility rules

  • Binomial Theorem

  • Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors)

  • Fermat’s Theorem

  • Wilson’s Theorem

  • Euler’s Theorem

  • Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders

Base Systems

  • Conversion of Bases

  • Addition/subtraction/multiplication in different bases

         - 

           -

Important Geometry Topics under CAT Quant Syllabus 2023

Lines and Angles

Area, Angles

Triangles – Basic Concepts

Similar Triangles

Polygons

Circles

Solids / Mensuration – 3D Geometry

Trigonometry

Coordinate Geometry

Important Modern Math Topics for CAT 2023

Sequence and Series

Binomial Theorem

Set Theory

Probability

Permutation and Combination

  - 

Expected Topics and Number of Questions under CAT Quant Syllabus 2023

The expected number of questions and difficulty level of the topics asked under the CAT quant syllabus 2023 are provided below.
CAT Quant Syllabus 2023 Topic NameExpected No. of QuestionsDifficulty Level
Number System, Basic Arithmetic5-10 QuestionsModerate
Geometry & Mensuration7-8 QuestionsModerately Difficult
Algebra6-7 QuestionsModerate
Permutation & Combination1-2 QuestionsEasy
Probability1-2 QuestionsModerate
Time, Speed, and Distance1-2 QuestionsModerately Difficult
Trigonometry, Logarithms, and Sets1-3 QuestionsEasy
Profit, loss, and Discounts1-2 QuestionsModerately Easy
Interests (SI, CI)1-2 QuestionsModerately Difficult
Time and Work1-2 QuestionsDifficult

Preparation Tips for CAT Quant Syllabus 2023

Mathematics is covered in the CAT 2023 exam's Quantitative Ability portion. Typically, 10th and 12th-grade curriculum questions are covered. Refer to the points mentioned below to prepare for the quant syllabus for CAT 2023:

  • Despite the substantial length of the Quantitative Aptitude section, applicants should strengthen their knowledge of the foundational concepts for each subject. Do not overlook fundamental concepts that speed up calculations and so save time. The most crucial of these concepts, which you shouldn't overlook, include the unitary method, cube, and square root, percentage conversion ratios, tables up to 25, cubes up to 20, and squares up to 35.

  • To answer questions quickly and efficiently, candidates must employ the proper methods and formulas. Applicant's understanding of the formulas will increase as they apply them more frequently.

  • Practice previous year's question papers, take mock exams and focus on improving your weak areas.

  • Regular practice, revision of formulae, shortcut learning, and development of quick calculation speed are all recommended.

  • Practice basic math fundamentals like number systems, geometry, and arithmetic problems (profit and loss, percentage, etc.).

Best Books to Prepare for CAT Quant Syllabus 2023

Due to its heavy emphasis on calculations and the use of mathematics, the QA component of the CAT exam is regarded as the most difficult. The best books for CAT 2023 for Quantitative Aptitude are listed here along with their main features:

Name of the CAT QA Book and Author

Basic Features

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma

It explains the fundamentals in a simple and understandable way. With five exam papers and three levels of difficulty for each topic, this book helps applicants prepare for questions of all levels, from easy to challenging.

Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal

It is the oldest QA reference book that dates back to 1989. It includes over 5500 practice questions and answers and covers every topic.

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha

It serves as an excellent guide for preparing for quantitative sections of MBA entrance exams as well as competitive exams other than the CAT as well.

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma

Students who don't have a math background or who struggle with QA should definitely read this book by Sarvesh Sharma. The book is highly recommended because of its simple linguistic flow and more than 4000 questions with answers.

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha

It is the best resource for understanding complex concepts and applications. The book covers five online mock tests and more than 4000 solved problems.

NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10)

For students without a science background, NCERT Mathematics books are a great resource for mastering fundamental aspects and theorems to solve advanced-level quantitative problems.

CAT 2023 DILR and VARC Syllabus

Click on the links provided in the table below to know the syllabus for CAT DILR and VARC.

Download CAT Previous Year Question Papers

Downloading the PDFs of previous year CAT papers would enable MBA aspirants intending to take the CAT 2023 exam to assess their present level of preparation. The PDFs of CAT previous year question papers with solutions have been provided below:

Previous Year CAT Question Papers

CAT Previous Years’ Question Papers Download Link

CAT 2022 Shift 1 Question Paper

Download Here

CAT 2022 Shift 2 Question Paper

Download Here

CAT 2022 Shift 3 Question Paper

Download Here

CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 1 

Download Here

CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 2

Download Here

CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 3

Download here

CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1 

Download Here

CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2

Download Here

CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3

Download Here

CAT 2019 Question Paper PDF

Download Here

Download CAT 2018 Slot 1 Question Paper PDF

Download Here

Download CAT 2018 Slot 2 Question Paper PDF

Download Here

CAT 2017 Slot 1 Question Paper PDF

Download Here

CAT 2017 Slot 2 Question Paper PDF

Download Here

Key Points Related to CAT Quant Syllabus 2023

The most important points related to the CAT Quant 2023 syllabus have been provided below:

  • The CAT exam QA section will include 22 to 24 questions approximately.

  • In the QA section, there are both MCQ and non-MCQ questions. There will be 14 to 16 MCQs and 8 non-MCQs.

  • If candidates answer an MCQ incorrectly, there is a negative marking of -1 mark. However, no marks are deducted for non-MCQ questions.

  • Due to the limited number of problems and the straightforwardness of the required formulas, commercial math preparation is comparatively simple.

  • A very fundamental and simple understanding of arithmetic enables the candidates to answer questions accurately. The key to most math problems is to solve them as soon as you can with accuracy since most are from Class 10.

  • Finding the most important geometric principles will enable the candidates to deal with these problems as rapidly as possible. Geometry has numerous principles, thus this is a challenge.

  • Trigonometry may be practiced in combination with other subjects.

  • The problems on Sequence & Series and Alligations & Mixture can be simply resolved with practice.

Most test-takers believe that the CAT Quant syllabus is challenging. Candidates with engineering backgrounds tend to find this part easier and hence have an advantage when it comes to problems requiring quantitative ability. However, students who come from backgrounds or streams where math was not a major subject or whose courses did not require fundamental math and calculations find it challenging to handle the stress. Without a doubt, the applicant needs to devote a lot of time and practice to the quantitative analysis section.

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FAQs

How long is the Quant section in CAT?

The duration of the CAT quant section is 40 minutes. Strengthening the basic foundational mathematical concepts, sound knowledge of the mathematical formulas and equations, constant practice, and revision are crucial to improve the speed at which mathematical problems are solved.

Is CAT Quant syllabus difficult?

For a large number of test-takers, the CAT Quant syllabus is one of the more difficult sections to prepare. The overall number of equations, theorems and techniques involved in attempting different types of questions can make the CAT Quant section difficult for many. However, a proper dedicated preparation strategy will help students find the section much easier.

What are the important topics under CAT Quant syllabus?

The CAT Quant syllabus outlines a number of important topics that need to be covered in order to get a high percentile. Some of these topics include Number Systems, Quadratic Equations, Geometry, Algebra, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Averages, Trigonometry, Simple and Compound Interest, Sequences and Series, Square and Cube Root, Mensuration, Binomial Theorem and much more.

What are the arithmetic topics in CAT Quant syllabus?

Being an expansive subject in the section, some of the arithmetic topics in CAT Quant syllabus that you should prepare include Averages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Mixtures and Allegations, Ratio and Proportion, Mean Median Mode, Time, Speed, and Distance, Time and Work and Percentages and many other similar topics relating to arithmetics.

What Algebra topics are important in CAT Quant syllabus?

When completing the CAT Quant syllabus for your test this year, be sure to cover the following Algebra topics to improve your chances of scoring high in the section. Some of the topics include Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Modifications of Graphs, Linear Equations, Number of integer solutions, Higher Degree Equations, Smallest Value in a Maximum Function, Finding out roots, Number of integer solutions, Logarithms and many others.

Does CAT Quant syllabus also include Modern Math topics?

Yes, the CAT Quant syllabus also includes topics related to Modern Mathematics. Some of the modern mathematics topics in the section include Probability, Permutation and Combination, Set Theory, Binomial Theorem and Sequence and Series. For many, these will be the easier of all the topics in the section, therefore, the amount of time that needs to spent preparing these topics should not be a lot.

What are the important Geometry topics in CAT Quant syllabus?

When preparing for the section, it is important to make a note of all the important geometry topics in CAT Quant syllabus. Some of these topics include Coordinate Geometry, Lines and Angles, Solids / Mensuration – 3D Geometry, Area, Angles, Circles, Trigonometry, Triangles – Basic Concepts, Polygons, Similar Triangles and many other topics related to geometry.

Which is the best book for CAT Quantitative Aptitude?

Out of the hundreds of books that can be used to enhance your mathematical aptitude for CAT Quant Syllabus, it is recommended to use books like How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma, Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha, Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma, Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha among many others.

How long do I need to prepare for CAT Quant section?

While there is no definite time period that students should prepare the CAT Quant section, it is advisable to dedicate a large portion of the preparation time for this section. If the CAT Quant section is a weak section for you, then it is extremely important to dedicate as much time as possible or even get professional tuition to ensure you get the best score in the section.

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Related Questions

Instead of my first name, I wrote my full name in CAT 2024 application form. Can I face any problem due to this?

-lekhika patidarUpdated on September 13, 2024 02:18 PM
  • 1 Answer
Subhashri Roy, Content Team

Dear Aspirant,

Writing your full name instead of your first name in the 'First Name' field on the CAT 2024 application form is unlikely to cause a significant problem unless there are spelling errors. IIMs don't allow candidates to make changes to their names once the application form is submitted. During the CAT application form correction, you can only edit your test city preferences, photograph, and signature. It's always recommended to follow the specific instructions provided by the exam authority. As per the CAT 2024 registration guidelines, the candidate's name should be the same as mentioned on the 10th/SSC …

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