1. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Objective

To assess your mathematical aptitude, ability to solve numerical problems, and apply logic to quantitative data under time constraints.

Core Areas and Subtopics:

A. Arithmetic (High-weightage)

• Percentages
• Profit, Loss, and Discount
• Ratio and Proportion
• Averages and Mixtures
• Time, Speed, and Distance
• Time and Work
• Simple and Compound Interest

Why important? Real-world business problems often involve arithmetic concepts, so this is critical.

B. Algebra

• Linear & Quadratic Equations
• Inequalities
• Functions
• Logarithms
• Progressions (AP, GP, HP)

C. Number System

• Divisibility Rules
• Factors & Multiples
• HCF & LCM
• Base Systems
• Remainders, Euler’s Theorem
• Cyclicity

D. Geometry and Mensuration

• Lines, Angles, Triangles
• Circles, Polygons
• Coordinate Geometry
• Area and Volume of 2D/3D figures
• Trigonometry (very basic)

E. Modern Mathematics

• Set Theory
• Probability
• Permutations and Combinations
• Binomial Theorem

How Questions are Framed:

• Direct formula-based
• Application of multiple concepts
• Word problems and business-oriented contexts
• Non-MCQs (TITA – Type In The Answer)

Preparation Tips:

• Foundation First: Master NCERTs (Class 9–11) or any basic quant book (e.g., R.S. Aggarwal).
• Conceptual Clarity: Focus on why behind formulas, not just memorization.
• Practice Daily: Mix easy and difficult problems to build speed and depth.
• Mock Tests: Solve CAT-level mocks and analyze thoroughly.
• Time Management: Learn when to skip a time-consuming question.

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Objective

To test analytical reasoning, pattern recognition, and your ability to make data-driven decisions.

Data Interpretation (DI):

Common Formats:

• Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts
• Tables and Cross Tables
• Venn Diagrams
• Caselets (descriptive paragraph with embedded data)

Skills Needed:

• Calculations: Averages, Percentages, Ratios, Growth rates
• Approximation techniques
• Comparisons & inferences from charts

Logical Reasoning (LR):

Common Topics:

• Seating Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Complex)
• Puzzles (Mathematical & Logical)
• Binary Logic (Truth-tellers and Liars)
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense
• Coding-Decoding
• Games and Tournaments (Round-robin, Knockouts)
• Grouping & Conditional Selection

Note: CAT LR often combines logic with a DI-style tabular format, making it more analytical than traditional “reasoning” questions in other exams.

How Questions are Structured:

• Usually 4–6 sets of 4 questions each
• Mixed DI-LR sets (e.g., a logic puzzle with numerical constraints)
• Non-MCQs (TITA format without options)

Preparation Tips:

• Solve Sets, Not Just Questions: Focus on improving set-wise solving speed.
• Past CAT Papers: Essential for understanding the pattern and difficulty.
• Work Under Pressure: Time-bound practice helps build endurance.
• Visual Thinking: Learn to sketch tables, grids, and possibilities to simplify logic puzzles.
• Flexibility: Choose the easiest 2–3 sets to attempt first during the exam.

3. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Objective

To assess your grasp of English language, comprehension, and ability to interpret and analyze written material.

Reading Comprehension (RC)

Key Elements:

• Main idea and tone identification
• Inference-based questions
• Specific detail questions
• Assumption and conclusion-based questions
• Vocabulary in context

Types of Passages:

• Abstract Philosophy / Psychology
• Economics / Business
• History / Politics
• Science / Technology
• Literature and Culture

Note: Around 70% of VARC comes from RCs. CAT passages are dense, inferential, and not straightforward.

Verbal Ability (VA)

Common Types:

• Para-jumbles (PJ): Reordering jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
• Para-summary: Choosing the best summary for a paragraph.
• Odd Sentence Out: Finding a sentence that doesn’t fit in a paragraph.
• Sentence Completion & Grammar (Rare): Seen occasionally.

Question Format:

• RCs: 4-5 passages, 3-5 questions each.
• VA: Mostly TITA (Type in the Answer), especially para-jumbles and odd-one-out.

Preparation Tips:

• Read Every Day: Editorials, journals, academic essays, fiction, and non-fiction.
• Practice RCs with Analysis: Don't just answer—review why each option is right or wrong.
• Vocabulary in Context: Focus more on understanding than rote memorization.
• Grammar Rules: While not directly tested, they help in para-jumbles and summaries.
• Time Management: Start with RCs or VA based on your strength; don’t spend too long on a single RC.

CAT Exam Pattern Summary

Final Tips for All Sections:

• Sectional Strengthening: Work on your weakest area every alternate day.
• Mocks + Analysis: Analyze why you got a question wrong or slow, not just what.
• TITA Management: Attempt them, but don’t spend excessive time—no negative marking.
• Revision Plan: Maintain notes or error logs and revise frequently.