For CAT 2025 Quant preparation, first focus on building the fundamentals in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number system. Start with basics and gradually move towards advanced level. Consistent practice and mock attempts are key to improving accuracy and speed. Analyse your mistakes and revise concepts multiple times, focus in fundamental and weak areas to boost overall performance.
Explore more for CAT preparation tips for quants 2025 to boost up the preparation scale strategically and systematically.
| PARTICULARS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
|
Total Questions in QA
|
22
|
|
Total time allotted
|
40 Minutes
|
|
No. of MCQs
|
14
|
|
No. of TITA
|
8
|
|
Marking
|
+3 for right answer
-1 for wrong answer
No-negative marking
|
CAT 2025 QA Syllabus
- QA section mainly focuses on Algebra, arithmetic, geometry, number systems and modern maths (like Permutations and Combination, Probability and set theory).
- Arithmetic topics such as profit and loss, percentages, time-speed-distance, and time & work have maximum questions making it more important to master the section.
- CAT focuses on measuring the candidates understanding of core concepts, and ability to apply concepts practically.
- The level of questions ranges from moderate to difficult, requiring a very strong base to solve the questions.
Also read, CAT Exam Syllabus 2025
CAT 2025 QUANTS FOCUS AREAS
- The QA section of CAT measures the candidates mental and aptitude ability, problem-solving skills.
- Conceptual clarity is highly required to check the logical approach, and application of the concepts into the questions.
- Arithmetic continues to dominate the sections with maximum number of questions, making it is a topic of high weightage.
- Accuracy is more important than speed, be careful with the calculations and make sure to avoid minimal calculations with pen, practice mental maths.
- Consistent practice is important along with mocks practice to improve speed and accuracy.
Here is an overview of CAT 2025 Quants Exam pattern:
| TOPICS | QUESTION NUMBERS | DIFFICULTY LEVEL |
|---|---|---|
|
Arithmetic
|
8-10
|
Moderate
|
|
Algebra
|
4-6
|
Moderate to Difficult
|
|
Geometry
|
3-4
|
Moderate
|
|
Number System
|
2-3
|
Easy to Moderate
|
|
Modern Maths
|
2-3
|
Moderate to Difficult
|
|
Total |
22
|
Moderate to Difficult
|
CAT Preparation Tips for Quants 2025
Preparing for Quants sections requires consistent effort, smart practice, strategic mindset etc. Below are the most important preparation tips to strengthen quants section:
Understand the exam pattern
Begin with familiarizing yourself with the CAT quant section structure- number and type of questions (MCQs and TITA), level of difficulty, marking scheme.
Master the fundamentals first
A strong base is highly essential to crack the quants section. Focus on developing the core concepts in algebra, arithmetic, number system, modern maths, and geometry. Don’t rush into shortcuts- clear the basics before moving into short cuts or tricks.
Target Frequently Asked Topics
Analyse trends from past papers to identify topics carrying high weightage like percentages, time-speed-distance, ratios, geometry and liner equations and low weightage topics. Prioritize high weightage topics during preparation to score more and practice them thoroughly.
Practice smart and not just hard
Practice is not just about solving thousands of problems randomly but to analyse them and identify areas of improvement. Maintain a notebook to track the mistakes and avoid repeating them.
Time Management and Speed Building
Develop a habit of solving the problems in defined time frame and make sure not to spend too much time on one question. Practice builds speed and accuracy, therefore, practice more. Learn to skip tough questions and attempt next rather than wasting time on one. If time permits, revisit the question again and try to solve.
Work on Calculation speed and mental maths
Being quick in basic mathematics calculations can realty save a lot of time. Practice approximation, learn multiplication tables on tips, squares, cubes, percentages conversions to improve efficiency.
Solve Previous Year papers
Go through past 8-10 years CAT papers to get real feel of the exam and understand the type of questions being asked. Observe patterns, logics behind tricky questions and maintain the time limit.
Take Mocks test regularly
Mocks help in stimulating actual tests environment. Attempt as many as full-length mocks tests before actual exam. Post mocks analysis is highly crucial to identify areas where you are losing marks.
CAT 2025 Quants Topics
Arithmetic
- One of the most crucial topics of CAT Quants section, comprising of 7-8 questions in CAT paper.
- Includes topics like percentages, ratios, mixtures, averages, speed-time-distance, profit & loss, time & work, pipes and cisterns, races etc.
- As is focuses on calculations and logic, it serves as a foundation for sections of DILR.
Algebra
- Another key area after arithmetic is algebra comprising of variables and equations.
- Many students struggle in this with where to begin preparation with, so it is highly important to grab the fundamentals and solve past papers.
- Topics include, linear and quadratic equations, functions, inequalities, polynomials, and progressions.
Number System
- Usually, 2-3 questions form this section is observed in CAT exam.
- Covers HCF, LCM, multiples, remainders, factorials, and base system.
- To master this concept, it is important to have strong foundation in number theory with regular practice.
Geometry and Mensuration
- This section comprises of coordinate geometry, trigonometry, contributes almost 6-8 questions.
- Focus on understanding core concepts, formulas, theories.
- Start with 2-D shapes and then gradually moves towards 3D geometry, visualization and symmetry help in solving faster.
- Past CAT papers are very helpful in mastering mensuration.
Modern Maths
- Covers permutation and combination, set theory, probability.
- Usually less prominent in CAT (0-2 questions) are observed, but important for other management entrance tests (OMETS).
- The section is still worth to build a well-rounded quants skills set.
CAT 2025 QA Best Resources
QA is the last section of CAT exam paper and requires mental stamina to solve tricky questions through intensive calculations. The more you practice for quants sections the better you will perform. You need to have conceptual clarity of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and number system.
| CAT Books for QA | Author |
|---|---|
|
NCERT Maths Books (Class IX-X)
|
NCERT
|
|
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
|
Arun Sharma
|
|
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT
|
Sarvesh Verma
|
|
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
|
Nishit Sinha
|
|
Quantitative Aptitude
|
R S Aggarwal
|
Also, you can access to:
SCALE UP QA Course (By Arun Sharma)
- Focuses on conceptual clarity and application-based learning
- Covers all key concepts: Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Number System, etc.
- Includes live classes, doubt clearing sessions, and mentorship
- Teaches shortcuts, smart techniques, and time-saving approach
- Mocks tests structured like the actual CAT exam
- Covers all level of pattern, difficult questions, and type of questions.
- In-depth analysis after every test (time, accuracy, strengths, weakness)
- Post mocks strategy sessions to improve
- Boosts confidence and builds temperament
CAT preparation tips for quants 2025: Key Points
- For effective preparation, candidates should refer to How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2025 by Arun Sharma, Quantitative Aptitude by Nishit Sinha, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijith Guha and Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma.
- Since this section mainly focuses on understanding basic concepts, students need to dedicate almost 3-4 months for full-fledged preparation.
- Self-study is quite effective with the help of expert recommended books like How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2025 by Arun Sharma, along with regular practice of mocks and sample papers and previous years.
- CAT QA section comprises of 22 questions. Each correct answer earns 3 marks, while each incorrect answer MCQs results in deduction of 1 mark. Non-MCQ (TITA) do jot carry negative marks.
- To score 99+ percentile in QA section, candidates need to score between 32-34 marks. This means candidates need to attempt 10=12 questions correctly with accuracy.
- It is highly important to memorize the arithmetic formulas and it is a high weighted section along with geometric theorems. Candidates should be well-versed in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
Conclusion
- QA preparation demands a unique strategy-focused more on aptitude skills and critical thinking, reasoning, and mental maths.
- Engaging in mocks, sample papers, topic-wise tests help in refining reasoning and aptitude skills.
- Ultimately, success in QA comes for conceptual understanding rather than memorizing.
| Top Articles for CAT Preparation | |
|---|---|
FAQS CAT Preparation Tips for QA 2025
CAT QA is considered challenging due to its conceptual depth and time pressure. The questions test logical application rather than rote formulas, making strong fundamentals essential. However, with consistent practice and clarity in basics, it becomes manageable and even scoring.
To get 99 percentile in QA, focus on mastering core concepts, especially in algebra and arithmetic, and practice rigorously with previous years and mocks. Prioritise accuracy over speed and aim tom correct around 10-12 correct attempts with minimal errors.
Yes, QA section of CAT is considered to be bit challenging due to its conceptual depth and time pressure. The questions judges’ core fundamental understanding, logical application However, with consistent practice one can score well.
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma is best book for QA.
