Shortcut Tricks for CAT Quant 2025

Bipasha Ray

Updated On: April 20, 2025 09:30 PM | CAT

Excel in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section with shortcut tricks for CAT Quant 2025. Learn time-saving methods for divisibility, percentages, time and work, profit and loss, and more. These tricks can help you save time, boost accuracy, and ace the CAT exam.

Shortcut Tricks for CAT Quant

One of the greatest shortcut tricks for CAT Quant 2025 is multiplication shortcuts that include Vedic Multiplication, multiplication by 5, and multiplication by 11. Learning divisibility rules for numbers like 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 also helps the candidates to answer questions rapidly. Candidates must also be well-versed in percentage calculations, like finding 10%, 20%, 30%, increase/ decrease by a percentage, etc. Learn square tricks for numbers ending in 5 or numbers close to 50 or 100, along with some square root tricks. For Quadratic Equations, use the basic quadratic formula and employ the basic formula for the sum of the first consecutive n positive integers. Approximations, reverse calculation, and unitary methods also prove beneficial for quick calculations.

Candidates are allotted 40 minutes to tackle 22 questions in the Quantitative Aptitude section, leaving them with slightly less than 2 minutes per question. Thus, it becomes crucial to familiarize yourself with key Quantitative Aptitude shortcut techniques to efficiently and effectively handle numerical questions with ease and speed. This article delves into the Dos and Don'ts specific to the Quantitative Ability section of CAT, offering valuable tips and tricks that can greatly enhance your performance in this quantitative aptitude segment. The focus here is on sharing strategies and shortcuts for CAT Quant in the upcoming CAT 2025 exam .

Also Read :

Important Topics for CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude

In the CAT 2025 paper, you can anticipate 26 questions in the quantitative section, which will encompass both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and TITA (Type in the Answer) questions. According to the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus , below are the key topics you should focus on for this section, along with their expected number of questions and difficulty levels.

Topic

Expected No. of Questions

Expected Difficulty Level

Algebra

10-14 Questions

Moderate

Arithmetic

6-8 Questions

Moderate

Number System

2-4 Questions

Moderate

Modern Math

1-3 Questions

Easy

Geometry & Mensuration

3-6 Questions

Moderately Difficult

Also Read:

Shortcuts for CAT Quant 2025

In the CAT exam, the Quantitative Ability (QA) section holds significant importance and is known for its scoring potential. Students who excel in QA often leverage their skills in this section to compensate for weaker performance in the other sections, namely VARC and DILR. This section assesses candidates' numerical and problem-solving skills, with most questions being based on fundamental math concepts taught in middle school. Preparing for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section requires a combination of conceptual understanding and time-saving shortcuts. Here are some shortcut tricks that may help you in the CAT Quant 2025:

  1. Divisibility Rules: Learn the divisibility rules for numbers like 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10. These rules can help you quickly determine whether a number is divisible by another.
  2. Squaring Numbers Ending in 5: For numbers ending in 5, squaring is easy. Just take the non-5 part, multiply it by the next number, and append 25. For example, 25^2 is (2 * 3) with 25 at the end, i.e., 625.
  3. Cubing Numbers: Learn the cube values of numbers from 1 to 15. This can save time in calculations involving cubes.
  4. Percentage Change: When you have to find a percentage change, remember the formula:

Percentage Change = New Value - Old Value/Old Value  ×100

  1. Multiplying Numbers Close to 100: If you need to multiply numbers close to 100, it may be quicker to use the difference method. For example, to multiply 97 by 104, subtract the difference from one of the numbers (e.g., 3 from 97) and add it to the other (e.g., 4 to 104).
  2. Finding Square Roots: Learn the methods for finding square roots quickly, especially for perfect squares. For example, the square root of 144 is 12.
  3. Ratio and Proportion: Understand how to use the ratio and proportion concept for solving problems. This is a fundamental concept in many quantitative aptitude questions.
  4. Profit and Loss: Understand the basic formulas related to profit and loss, such as profit percentage, loss percentage, cost price, and selling price.
  5. Time and Distance: Learn the shortcut methods for time and distance problems, such as relative speed and the concept of average speed.
  6. Sum of Natural Numbers: The sum of the first 'n' natural numbers is given by n(n+1)/2. This formula can be handy in certain types of problems.
  7. Area and Perimeter Formulas: Memorize basic formulas for the area and perimeter of common geometric shapes like squares, rectangles, circles, etc.
  8. Practice Mental Calculation: Practice mental calculation regularly to improve your speed and accuracy in solving problems without using a calculator.

Also Read:

Other Important Shortcuts for CAT Quant 2025

CAT Quant is all about speed and accuracy. Here are some more quick shortcut tricks for CAT Quant 2025:

Divisibility Rules

  • If the last digit is even.
  • If the sum of digits is divisible by 3.
  • If the last two digits form a multiple of 4.
  • If the last digit is 0 or 5.
  • If it's divisible by both 2 and 3.
  • If the sum of digits is divisible by 9.

Percentage Increase/Decrease

  • To find a percentage increase, multiply by (1 + r/100).
  • To find a percentage decrease, multiply by (1 - r/100).

Time and Work

  • If A can do a piece of work in x days, then A's one day's work = 1/x.
  • If A is twice as efficient as B, their ratio of work rates is 2:1.

Profit and Loss

  • Profit % = (Profit / Cost Price) * 100.
  • Loss % = (Loss / Cost Price) * 100.

Ratio and Proportion

  • If A:B = C:D, then (A+B) : (A-B) = C:D.

Speed, Time, and Distance

  • Speed = Distance / Time.
  • Relative speed = Sum of speeds if they move in the same direction the difference of speeds if they move in opposite directions.

Quadratic Equations

  • For any quadratic equation ax^2 + bx + c = 0, the sum of roots = -b/a, and the product of roots = c/a.

Also Read : CAT 2025 Profit and Loss Questions and Answers

Why are Shortcut Tricks for CAT Quant 2025 Important?

Some might wonder why CAT Quant shortcuts are crucial. Here's why shortcut tricks for CAT 2025 Quant are important:

  • Shortcut tricks in CAT Quant 2025 can be crucial because they help you save time and solve problems more efficiently.
  • Shortcut tricks, which may be used for a variety of issues, are adaptable. With that flexibility, you have the ability to address a range of types of questions with confidence and ease.
  • The Quantitative Aptitude section carries a significant weightage in the CAT exam. It's important that you score well in this area if you want to get the highest overall percentile. Shortcut tricks can help you maximize your score in this section.
  • CAT is renowned for its time constraints. It is essential that we have the ability to solve problems quickly and accurately. The shortcuts will help you to deal with a problem more effectively, saving time on your exam.
  • Shortcut tricks aren't just about speed; they also contribute to accuracy. These tricks can help to reduce errors in calculation and improve the chances of selecting an appropriate answer if they are used correctly.

The Quantitative Ability (QA) section in the CAT exam is an important section that can significantly impact your overall performance. As students often use their strength in QA to compensate for weaker sections, the importance of excelling in this segment cannot be overstated. Given the weightage of the Quantitative Aptitude section in the CAT exam and the time constraints, these shortcuts offer a competitive edge. They contribute not only to speed but also to accuracy, reducing calculation errors and enhancing your chances of selecting the correct answer when applied correctly.

It's important to remember that these shortcuts are tools that work best when grounded in a solid understanding of the basics. Keep in mind that shortcuts are your allies, helping you navigate the path to CAT success with skill and precision. Therefore, practice remains the key to mastering these techniques.

Related Links:

We hope the above article was helpful in providing guidance for QA preparation. For any further queries, you can drop your questions in our Collegedekho QnA section or call our toll-free number 1800-572-9877.

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

news_cta

FAQs

Can CAT Quant tricks be used in other sections of CAT?

Yes, some CAT quant tricks can be used in the CAT DILR section if the question requires calculations. However, CAT quant tricks are meant for solving questions from the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section only. You may learn tricks and techniques specific to each section of the CAT exam to enhance your overall performance and increase your percentile score.

How many CAT quant practice questions should I attempt before the exam?

There is no fixed number of CAT quant practice questions you can attempt before the exam. CAT quant preparation will become better with the increasing number of questions you solve before the exam. Practice as many questions as possible from each topic from the CAT quant section to ensure you understand all the concepts clearly.

Is Vedic Maths important for CAT QA?

Yes, Vedic maths is important for CAT QA since it helps candidates tackle complex calculations and questions easily. Candidates must learn Vedic mathematics during their CAT QA preparation to enhance their performance and accuracy.

Is the CAT Quant section difficult?

Yes, the CAT Quant section is difficult for various reasons. Without a background in mathematics, the CAT Quant section can be challenging. But if you prepare well, you should have no trouble tackling this section. You can also use shortcuts and other strategies to improve your performance in this section. However, if you do not prepare for this section effectively and improve all the necessary skills like time management and accuracy for CAT QA, then this section can be tough to crack.

How long does it take to prepare for CAT Quant 2025 section?

A different amount of time is needed to prepare for the CAT Quant section for everyone. Students who have already familiarised themselves with the CAT Quant syllabus will require less time to prepare for this section, while those who must start from scratch will require several weeks to finish their CAT Quant preparation. Also, if you have a background in Mathematics, you require significantly less preparation time than those without any prior experience in Mathematics.

/articles/shortcut-tricks-for-cat-quant/
View All Questions

Related Questions

I want to pursue MBA from LPU. If I did not appear for any entrance exam like CAT, MAT or XAT then can I get admission?

-Narain sharmaUpdated on May 11, 2025 08:26 PM
  • 111 Answers
samaksh, Student / Alumni

Hello, Lovely Professional University (LPU) is an excellent choice for pursuing an MBA, offering a comprehensive and industry-focused curriculum with specializations in Finance, Marketing, HRM, International Business, and Business Analytics. The program is designed in collaboration with industry experts, incorporating case studies, simulations, internships, and live projects for practical learning. LPU also provides global exposure through exchange programs with international universities. The MBA program has a strong placement record, with top companies like Amazon, HDFC Bank, KPMG, and Tech Mahindra hiring graduates. Placement packages range from ₹5 to ₹8 LPA, with the highest exceeding ₹18 LPA. LPU’s dedicated placement support …

READ MORE...

Did we get admission at Pondicheery University through management if the cuet score is poor

-fathima hiba kmUpdated on May 08, 2025 11:54 AM
  • 1 Answer
Himani Daryani, Content Team

Pondicherry University does not offer admission through a management quota or any alternative route if your CUET score is poor. Admission to most undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including popular programs like MBA, MCA, MTech, and others, is strictly based on CUET (UG or PG) scores, followed by the university’s counselling and merit list process. There is no mention of a management quota or donation-based seats in the official admission process or eligibility criteria. 

READ MORE...

What is the fee for MBA program and placement ratio at St. Andrews Institute of Technology and Management?

-Adarsh RajUpdated on May 08, 2025 03:34 PM
  • 1 Answer
Aarushi Jain, Content Team

Dear Student, 

If you are thinking about the MBA program at St. Andrews Institute of Technology and Management (SAITM) Gurgaon, the overall cost of the MBA program is INR 2,64,000 for the two-year duration. Also, if you decide to stay in the hostel, the cost will be INR 1,15,000, making the overall cost around INR 3.75 lakh. SAITM also provides a Global MBA program at a higher fee of INR 3.5 lakh for two years, without hostel fees. When it comes to placements, SAITM has a good record. The average placement is between 80-90%, and some of the top recruiters …

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent Articles

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Top 10 Management Colleges in India

View All