CAT 2025 Syllabus: Download Latest Subject-Wise Detailed PDF, Important Topics

CAT Syllabus 2025

The CAT syllabus 2025 includes Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The VARC section covers English Grammar, Verbal Reasoning, and Critical Reading topics, while the QA segment has basic Mathematical concepts like Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, and Mensuration. The DILR syllabus for the CAT 2025 exam includes topics such as Pie Charts, Puzzles, Tables, and Bar Graphs that necessitate quantitative analysis of the data.

The CAT syllabus is designed to assess your aptitude and preparedness for pursuing management education. It encompasses various topics and concepts that are relevant to business and management studies. The IIMs do not have a fixed syllabus; thus, there is no official syllabus released during the CAT 2025 Notification. The questions are mostly based on basic English and Maths topics. The CAT 2025 syllabus can be considered similar to that of last year since no major changes have been announced. If you are appearing for the exam, find below the detailed CAT exam syllabus PDF and weightage of the topics from each section.

Also Read: Will There Be Any Changes in CAT Syllabus 2025?

CAT 2025 Syllabus Download PDF

You must have all the necessary and correct information when preparing for the exam. The CAT 2025 syllabus is expansive and any mistake in the preparation can lead to disastrous results in their CAT score and overall performance. You must conduct thorough research and cross-reference the information to ensure the accuracy of the syllabus topics you are studying. Here's the direct link to download the CAT 2025 syllabus PDF prepared by MBA experts at CollegeDekho.

CAT Syllabus 2025 Highlights

Check out the major highlights of the syllabus for the CAT exam 2025 provided below.

Related Questions

Ques: Can the CAT syllabus be completed in 30 days?

Ans: Completing the CAT syllabus in 30 days can be challenging, depending on your level of preparation and familiarity with the topics. If you are taking the test for the second or third time and are well-versed in the concepts, you can cover it in 30 days. But being a beginner, dedicating only 30 days to CAT preparation is a bad idea.

Ques: What should be the ideal pace of covering the CAT syllabus?

Ans: There is no defined ideal pace for covering the CAT syllabus; it depends from person to person. If you have a good understanding of the syllabus and clarity in the basics, studying for 4-5 hours daily for 3 months and 7-8 hours in the last month is ideal. However, if you are just beginning your preparation, you should at least spend 3 hours daily in the first 6 months, 5 hours daily in the next 3 months, and 10 hours daily in the last month.

Ques: Does the CAT syllabus change every year?

Ans: Since the CAT syllabus is not fixed, it can be said that it changes every year. The sections in the CAT exam are fixed and if any changes are made, IIMs notify the candidates beforehand. Students can prepare for the topics covered in each section

CAT VARC Syllabus 2025

The CAT VARC section tests your command of the English language and reading skills. The detailed topics in the CAT VARC syllabus 2025 can be checked below.

Topic-wise CAT VARC Syllabus

Reading Comprehension:

Types of RC Questions:

Topics for CAT RC passages are drawn from many different sources including:

• Social Sciences and Humanities – History, Philosophy, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, etc.
• Science and Technology – AI, Robotics, Space Science, Climate Change, etc.
• Business and Economics – Market Trends, Global Economy, Financial Systems, Corporate Strategies
• Current Affairs and Politics – International Relations, Governance, Public Policy
• Literature and Art – Literary Criticism, Classical Literature, Art History

Verbal Ability

CAT Reading Comprehension Passage Topics of Previous Years

You must practice Reading Comprehension passages from the previous year's exams, even though these passages are generally not repeated. The following are the topics of the RC passages from the past few years of the CAT exam:

Related Questions

Ques: What is the syllabus for CAT VARC 2025?

Ans: The CAT VARC syllabus 2025 includes Reading Comprehension passages of 450 to 600 words each comprising 16-18 questions and 6 to 8 questions from Verbal Ability (VA). 4 RC passages will be given that will be based on the main idea, inference, facts, tone, and assumption. VA topics include Fill in the Blanks, Subject-Verb Agreement, Verbal Reasoning, Sentence Completion, Para Completion and Inference, Parajumbles, Different Usages of the Same Word, Idioms, Analogies, Antonyms, Syllogisms, One Word Substitution, Prepositions, Types of Clauses, Parts of Speech, Errors in Tenses, Article Usage, etc.

Ques: Are there any changes in the CAT 2025 VARC syllabus?

Ans: No official changes have been observed in the CAT 2025 VARC syllabus. The key topics from VARC remain Sentence Order, Passage-based Questions, Paragraph Meaning, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Inferences, and Sentence Completion. RC covers 24% and VA covers 10% of the CAT 2025 syllabus.

Ques: What are the Grammar and Vocabulary topics tested in the CAT VARC section?

Ans: The Grammar and Vocabulary topics tested in the CAT VARC section include Fill in the Blanks, Subject-Verb Agreement, Different Usages of the Same Word, Idioms, Analogies, Jumbled Paragraphs, Antonyms & Synonyms, Foreign Language Words Used in English, Syllogisms, Sentence Correction, One Word Substitution, Prepositions, Types of Clauses, Parts of Speech, Phrase Modifiers, Errors in Tenses, and Article Usage.

CAT QA Syllabus 2025

The CAT QA section tests your ability to comprehend numerical problems and solve them accurately. Take a look at some of the important topics in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2025.

Overall Important QA Topics for CAT 2025

• Average, Ratio, Mixture & Alligation
• Profit & Loss, SI CI, Percentages
• TSD & Time and Work
• Geometry
• Quadratic, Polynomials & Simple Equation
• Progression and Series
• Inequalities, Modulus & Functions
• Logarithm, Surds & Indices
• Probability and P&C
• Number System
• Venn Diagrams

Topic-wise Important QA Topics for CAT 2025

Find the important sub-topics for each QA topic in the table below.

CAT QA Syllabus 2025 and Weightage

Find the number of questions asked from each QA topic below.

Related Questions

Ques: What are the Arithmetic topics under the CAT 2025 QA section?

Ans: The Arithmetic topics under the CAT 2025 QA section include Number System, HCF & LCM, Simplification, Age Calculation, Time & Work, Pipes and Cisterns, Percentages, Averages, Profit and Loss, Mixtures and Alligation, TSD, Ratios, Proportions and Variations, Simple Interest, and Compound Interest.

Ques: What are the weightage of different topics under CAT QA?

Ans: Under CAT QA, 8-10 questions will be asked from Arithmetic; 5-7 questions from Algebra; 1-3 questions from Geometry; and 2-4 questions from Modern Maths. Out of a total of 22 questions, Arithmetic has 36.3% weightage; Algebra has 31.8% weightage; Geometry has 12.6% weightage; and Modern Maths has 18.1% weightage.

Ques: I am from a non-Mathematics background. How should I prepare for CAT QA?

Ans: If you are from a non-Mathematics background, you must first clear the basic concepts in Arithmetic by going through NCERT of Class 8–10. You should gain expertise in Arithmetic first and then move on to Algebra, Geometry, Numbers, and Modern Math. Aim to increase your speed and accuracy by solving 4-5 topics daily. After topic-wise practice, you must shift to sectional mocks weekly. Finally, revise important formulas and short tricks regularly to be able to solve maximum number of questions within a sectional time limit of 40 minutes.

Also Read:

CAT DILR Syllabus 2025

CAT DILR syllabus tests your ability to analyze and interpret data, as well as your logical reasoning skills. Find the important topics in the CAT DILR syllabus 2025 below:

Related Questions

Ques: What are the most difficult and easiest topics in CAT DILR?

Ans: Puzzle-based LR, Games & Tournaments, and Venn Diagram sets are the most difficult sections and Seating Arrangements, DI Tables & Graphs, and Binary Logic are the topics that are comparatively easier in CAT DILR.

CAT 2025 Section-wise Weightage

CAT syllabus comprises three major sections, namely Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. The number of questions asked from each section and sub-section is different every year. However, as per the previous year trends, the weightage of each topic in the CAT 2025 syllabus can be estimated. Check the table below for the CAT weightage chart 2025.

QA Topics Weightage

In the QA section, there are a few topics like Arithmetic and Algebra which are extremely important and asked every year. A total of 22 questions are asked out of which 7 are non-MCQs. Take a look at the most important topics in the CAT syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude along with their weightage and difficulty level.

DILR Topics Weightage

The CAT Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation is about Graphs, Tables, Charts, and Series, which require good calculation skills. The section comprises 20 questions out of which 6 are TITA-based questions. Check the topic-wise distribution of the DILR section based on data from the past few years:

VARC Topics Weightage

The CAT VARC section assesses your English Grammar skills. A total of 24 questions are asked out of which 5 are non-MCQs. 66% of the total questions are from the Reading Comprehension part. Some of the important topics for the VARC section along with their weightage and difficulty level are given below:

Note: The number of questions mentioned against each topic is tentative.

Related Questions

Ques: How do I divide the CAT syllabus so that I can complete it in 3 months?

Ans: To divide the CAT syllabus into a 3-month study plan, start by allocating time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses. Dedicate more time to challenging areas while revising easier topics regularly. Take regular mock tests to gauge your progress.

Ques: How many revisions of the CAT syllabus would get me the 99+ percentile?

Ans: If you have a strong command of the basics, then 1-2 revisions of the CAT syllabus would be enough to get the 99+ percentile. It is recommended to take as many mock tests as possible as it is the best way to revise what you have studied so far

How to Cover CAT 2025 Syllabus for MBA

If you adhere to the strategies provided below, you may be able to cover the most important segments of the CAT syllabus 2025 for MBA:

• First of all, become acquainted with the CAT syllabus 2025. QA, VARC, and DILR are the three main sections of the CAT syllabus that should be divided into separate segments for the effective preparation of the candidates. Prepare for each section by making a list of the topics that will be covered and begin your preparation.
• Depending on the time available for the CAT 2025 exam, develop a detailed study plan that allocates specific time slots for each section and topic.
• Begin your preparation by making the basic concepts clear and building a strong foundation. Understanding the fundamental principles of quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning is essential to perform efficiently in the CAT 2025 exam. The best CAT 2025 books, online platforms, and coaching materials will help you cover the CAT syllabus 2025 effectively. 
• Make the CAT 2025 mock test a significant part of your preparation strategy. Take a mock test to gauge your level of preparation at the beginning of your preparation. Try to take a mock exam every two weeks to develop the habit of solving questions; don't wait until the CAT syllabus 2025 is finished. Appear for full-length mock tests or practise more and more questions from each CAT section to assess your strengths and weaknesses. In this way, you will be able to evaluate which areas require additional attention.
• Focus on improving your speed and accuracy by solving more questions under time constraints and developing effective time management skills. 

Also Read:

How to Prepare for Different Sections of CAT Syllabus?

CAT is an exam that is taken by over 2.5 lakh candidates every year. You must ensure to know how to prepare for the CAT exam effectively if you wish to achieve a high score. The CAT 2025 syllabus is divided into three broad categories, each requiring different approaches during exam preparation. Check out the CAT 2025 preparation tips for all three sections of the CAT syllabus below.

CAT VARC Preparation Tips

The VARC section can be an easy and high-scoring section of the exam if you prepare for it well. However, many aspirants often neglect this section and consider it easier than it is, leading to a lack of performance. That being said, here's how to prepare for the CAT VARC section:

• While answering questions and passages, you must select the ones you are most familiar with. Avoid questions requiring critical thinking if you are competent in dealing with factual information.
• Since the Reading Comprehension section makes up most of the VARC component, you must practice reading rapidly. You should read fact-rich books, novels, journals, and reports to improve your understanding of what you are reading.
• The most effective resource for verbal ability preparation is CAT sample papers. Practice answering a wide range of questions to become competent in verbal ability.

QA Preparation Tips

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning is the toughest CAT section for the last two years. Since there is no defined syllabus for CAT DILR, it is challenging to prepare for this portion of the exam. Nevertheless, take a look at the pointers below to understand how to prepare for CAT DILR section:

• Numerous calculations are carried out in the DILR section. You must increase your calculation speed, accuracy, and ability to decode patterns and spot small details. Sometimes, the calculations become confusing, and you must know the right method. Practise more and more tables, graphs, charts, and series.
• Regular practice is the key to preparing for the DILR section. You should treat mock tests with the same seriousness as the CAT. You can learn how to approach a paper, what to solve, what to skip, and what strategies to implement by taking mock tests. It is ideal for you to take one mock test per week while you are getting prepared.
• Your ability to read charts quickly can help you do better on the DILR section of the CAT. Reading through the topics in this section several times is advised because it's common to misunderstand complex reasoning questions.

DILR Preparation Tips

Quantitative Aptitude can be a scoring component of the CAT exam if you are well-versed in the topics and concepts included in this section. Since QA mostly focuses on mathematical concepts taught at the school level, you should not find it difficult to prepare for this section. Check out below how to prepare for the CAT QA section:

• It is critical to boost problem-solving skills and increase calculation speed. At this point, it is possible to examine the various tips and techniques to determine which ones are effective for the candidate and should be avoided.
• Once the fundamentals have been clear, utilize the NCERT books for Classes 10 and 12 to practice the level of questions asked in the CAT exam to advance your preparation to the next level. The candidate should appear for as many mocks as possible in the final phase. 
• Understanding the equivalents of fractions up to 25%, cubes up to 20, and tables up to 40 can help speed up complex calculations. Additionally, memorising as many significant formulas as possible is crucial to solving many questions in CAT 2025.

Related Questions

Ques: Is the CAT syllabus similar to MAH MBA CET?

Ans: The sections covered in CAT syllabus and MAH MBA CET syllabus are somewhat similar; however, the questions asked in them are quite different. MAH MBA CET covers Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Logical & Abstract Reasoning. CAT syllabus includes Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.

Ques: I am done with the CAT syllabus. How do I revise it?

Ans: If you are done with the CAT syllabus, start solving as many mock tests and previous years’ question papers as possible. This way you will be able to revise all the concepts. Moreover, you will be able to identify your strong and weak areas and work accordingly.

Best Books for CAT Preparation 2025

A crucial component of your CAT preparation is reading the top books. All of the chapters and topics necessary for thorough preparation are included in CAT 2025 best books. Additionally, the CAT books consist of important shortcut tricks and formulas to score well on the exam. You should always study from the most recent book editions for the most up-to-date CAT study material. That being said, we have mentioned some of the best CAT books available for preparation below:

Latest Changes in CAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern

The CAT syllabus has witnessed modifications over time. However, the CAT 2024 syllabus remains unaltered, offering consistency and familiarity to aspirants. This unchanging syllabus assures candidates that their preparation efforts align seamlessly with the anticipated paper pattern. Check the table below to learn about changes in the CAT exam syllabus and exam pattern: