Difference Between CAT and GMAT Syllabus

Understanding the difference between the CAT and GMAT syllabus requires you to know all about the syllabus for both these exams since both these exams are quite similar in terms of exam pattern and syllabus. For instance, the Data Insights section of GMAT includes two-part analysis questions which are rarely included in the CAT syllabus. Also, there are key differences in the syllabus for both the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and the Common Admission Test (CAT) since reasoning questions in the CAT are mostly included in the DILR section while reasonig questions are a part of every section of GMAT.

If you are waiting to make a decision of which test to take for MBA admission, you must understand both these exams thoroughly. Therefore, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the differences in the syllabus to make a dedicated choice between the two exams and prepare accordingly.

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Difference Between CAT and GMAT Syllabus: An Overview

The key difference between the CAT syllabus and the GMAT syllabus is in the topics covered and the type of questions asked in each of these exams. Both exams cover topics from Mathematics, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and English Language. However, the major difference lies in the fact that in CAT, each section of the exam is subject-oriented, where questions are asked mostly related to the major topic, like grammar and reading skills are tested in the CAT VARC section, and Mathematical skills are tested in the Quantitative Aptitude section. However, in GMAT, each section has various types of questions that test different types of skills in students. For instance, the two-part analysis questions in the Data Insights section test quantitative, verbal, or a combination of both skills.

Now, let's delve deeper into the specific topics included in both the CAT and GMAT syllabus.

Section-wise GMAT Syllabus Analysis

The GMAT syllabus for 2025 encompasses over 50 topics from the Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, and Data Insights sections. Previously, the exam also had an Analytical Writing Assessment, but the same was omitted after the 10th edition of the exam. These sections are further divided into sub-sections, such as Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension in the Verbal Section, and Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency in the Data Insights Section.

Check the GMAT syllabus in the table below:

In the Verbal Section, these topics are divided into sub-sections such as Critical Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Similarly, in the Quantitative Section, the topics are further classified into Algebra and Arithmetic.

GMAT Quantitative  Reasoning Syllabus 2025

The GMAT Quant section consists of 21 multiple-choice questions that assess a range of skills. Those taking the test have a time limit of 45 minutes to complete this section. Below is the table of Quantitative Reasoning topics for GMAT:

GMAT Verbal Reasoning Syllabus 2025

The GMAT 2025 Verbal Reasoning section includes 23 multiple-choice questions that focus on reading comprehension and critical reasoning. You are allocated 65 minutes for this section. Below is the table of Verbal Reasoning topics included in the GMAT exam syllabus:

GMAT Data Insights Syllabus 2025

The GMAT Data Insights section includes 20 multiple-choice questions that cover diverse question types such as two-part analysis, multi-source reasoning, graphic interpretation, and table analysis.

Below is the table of Integrated Reasoning topics included in the GMAT exam syllabus:

Also Read: GMAT vs GRE

CAT Syllabus: A Section-wise Analysis

The CAT syllabus for 2025 consists primarily of three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Aptitude (Quant)

A thorough understanding of the CAT exam syllabus is essential as it forms the foundation and vital starting point for preparing for the prestigious IIM entrance examination.

Note: The table provides an overview of the CAT Exam Syllabus for the year 2025, including the number of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs in each section, along with the total number of questions and details about the topics covered in each section.

• The CAT Syllabus for 2025 includes the VARC section, which encompasses various topics related to Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and English Grammar.
• The CAT DILR syllabus comprises topics that involve the analytical interpretation of data presented through Pie Charts, Puzzles, Bar Graphs, and Tables.
• The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the CAT syllabus comprises mathematics topics from classes 9 and 10, which include Algebra, Arithmetic, Trigonometry, and Mensuration.

CAT VARC Syllabus

The VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section is the first section of the CAT exam, and candidates have 40 minutes to complete it. This section holds significant importance, with approximately 36% weightage of the total score. The CAT VARC syllabus for 2025 encompasses the following topics:

CAT DILR Syllabus 2025

The DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section is the second section of the CAT exam, and it is relatively less defined compared to other sections in the CAT Exam Syllabus. The CAT DILR syllabus for 2025 includes two subsections:

Data Interpretation: Data will be presented in the form of graphs, charts, or other visualizations, and candidates will be required to solve questions based on the provided information.

Logical Reasoning: In this subsection, candidates may be given information in a non-structured manner and will need to structure it and derive outcomes to solve the given questions. Here's a brief overview of the topics covered in the CAT DILR syllabus:

The number of questions in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning sub-sections is generally equally distributed. This means that students who are more comfortable in one of the sub-sections can still clear the cut-off if they perform well in that particular part of the CAT 2025 Paper.

However, it's worth noting that the CAT DILR Section has been evolving slightly in recent years. The questions now combine Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning rather than being strictly segregated into separate DI and LR questions as before.

CAT Quant Syllabus

The CAT Quant Syllabus for 2025 covers a comprehensive range of mathematical concepts studied in school. It comprises several important topics, including:

Arithmetic: This topic often accounts for a significant number of questions in CAT exams, making it crucial for all students to prepare thoroughly.

Algebra: With the second-highest weightage in terms of question frequency, a solid understanding of algebraic concepts is essential for success in the CAT exam.

Numbers: Regularly tested in the CAT exam, candidates should possess a clear understanding of basic number concepts to ensure they don't miss out on easy marks.

Geometry: Includes sections on Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, and Mensuration. Acquiring a firm grasp of these topics will equip aspirants with the ability to tackle various questions with confidence in the examination.

Topics for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus as shown in the table below

Is There a Difference in the CAT and GMAT Exam Patterns?

There are several fundamental differences between the exam patterns of these exams. Please refer to the table below to see a few distinctions between the GMAT and CAT exam pattern in 2025:

In a nutshell, it is clear that while both exams assess skills in quantitative ability and reasoning, they have unique section-wise patterns and structures. We hope the above article helped you understand the differences between the CAT and GMAT syllabus to help you make an informed decision for the upcoming exams.

For further inquiries and the latest updates related to CAT or GMAT, drop your queries in the QnA section or give us a call at 1800-572-9877.

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