CAT Exam is known for its challenging and rigorous curriculum being most demanding entrance test among all other management exams, conducted by the IIMs to evaluate and shortlist candidates and provide a gateway for aspiring MBA programs. The CAT 2025 has been scheduled to be held on 30 November 2025 by the IIMs. To cover the CAT 2025 syllabus, this article outlines a section wise approach.
Aspiring candidates targeting CAT 2025 must constantly keep up with the topics and patterns outlined in the CAT 2025 Exam syllabus. To simplify and ease the preparation strategically, below is the most recent CAT 2025 Exam syllabus, divided by part for efficient preparation strategy.
CAT 2025 Syllabus PDF Download
CAT 2025 EXAM SYLLABUS: Plan Your Strategy and Get Started Today!
CAT 2025 Exam Syllabus mainly consists of 3 sections:
- VARC (Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension)
- DILR (Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning)
- QA (Quantitative Ability)
The table below gives a highlight about CAT 2025 exam syllabus and section highlighting the key skills and competencies assessed in each areas:
| CAT 2025 SYLLABUS SECTION | SECTION OVERVIEW |
|---|---|
|
VARC (Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension) |
This section evaluates the competency and skill in the English language. |
|
DILR (Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning) |
This section measures the logical thinking and the ability to interpret the data. |
|
QA (Quantitative Ability) |
This section measures the mathematical ability and aptitude. |
CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Aspiring candidates need to focus and understand CAT 2025 Exam pattern well to get thorough with the topics. The CAT exam includes 3 sections, the number of questions varies across each section. The total time duration is 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allocated to each section.
The table below gives a highlight about CAT 2025 Exam syllabus and pattern:
| SECTION | NUMBER OF QUESTIONS |
|---|---|
|
EXAM DURATION |
2 Hours (120 minutes) |
|
MODE OF EXAM |
Computer Based Test (CBT) |
|
VARC |
24 |
|
DILR |
22 |
|
QA |
22 |
|
TOTAL MARKS |
204 |
|
TOTAL QUESTIONS |
68 |
|
SECTION WISE TIME DURATION |
40 Minutes (each section) |
|
MARKING SCHEME |
+3 for each correct answer |
|
|
-1 for each incorrect answer |
|
|
no negative marking for TITA (Type in the answers questions) |
CAT 2025 Syllabus: Detailed
- Understanding the Syllabus: Getting well-known with the syllabus is crucial for focusing on the important topics.
- CAT Syllabus: The CAT syllabus is derived from the past paper trends as IIM’s do not release an official syllabus
- Section-Wise Topics:
- VARC– Reading Comprehension, Grammar
- DILR- Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Puzzles
- Quants- Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Number System
- Preparation Focus: Identify the strengths and weakness, dedicate extra time to the areas that need more improvement.
- Mock Practice: Regular practice of mocks helps to build accuracy, confidence.
The information below provides a comprehensive breakdown of CAT 2025 Syllabus, covering VARC, DILR and Quants section in detail.
CAT 2025 Syllabus PDF Download
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CAT 2025 Syllabus PDF Download
CAT 2025 Syllabus - VARC
It comprises of two parts: Verbal Ability (VA) and Reading Comprehension (RC).
The CAT 2025 VARC Syllabus is explained below topic and section wise: –
- The RC in CAT includes 16 questions across 4 passages with 4 questions each.
- The VA section has 8 questions 2 each from para jumble, para summary, para-completion and odd -one out.
| CAT 2025 RC SYLLABUS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
READING COMPREHENSION (RC) |
Diverse Topics (Tentative) |
|||
|
History, Philosophy, Psychology, Science and Technology, Biology, Society, Art and Museum, Environment and Ecology, Social and cultural issues. Other sources of RCs; from past CAT papers includes Newspaper, Articles, Journals and magazines, Books, Blogs, and Essays etc. |
||||
| CAT 2025 VA SYLLABUS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
VERBAL ABILITY (VA) |
Diverse Topics (Tentative) |
|||
|
para summary, para jumbles, para completion and odd-one out (out out-of-context sections) |
||||
CAT 2025 VARC Syllabus - Topics
The table below outlines the CAT 2025 VARC Syllabus Important Topics, highlighting key areas such as sentence correction, verbal reasoning, and reading comprehension, which are crucial for excelling in the exam.
| CAT 2025 VARC SYLLABUS TOPICS | |
|---|---|
|
Para Completion |
Reading Comprehension |
|
Odd-Sentence Out |
Jumbled Paragraph |
|
Para Summary |
|
CAT 2025 Syllabus - DILR
The section comprises of two parts: Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR).
Below is the detailed explanation of key topics of CAT 2025 DILR Syllabus topic and section wise: –
- The DILR section consists of 22 questions in total.
- The DI section comprises of 1-2 sets and LR includes 3-4 sets.
Additionally, few individual questions being provided unrelated to any problems but purely on other logical reasoning concepts.
| CAT 2025 LR SYLLABUS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
LOGICAL REASONING (LR) |
Diverse Topics (Tentative) |
|||
|
Set theory, Games and tournaments, Grid/Matrix, Cubes/Cuboids, Letter/Number coding, Binary logic, Table/Bar graphs/Pie charts/Radar graphs/Line graphs/ Number logic based/Road & Street intersection, Route based (Airline route/Pipeline material/car), Number based logic |
||||
| CAT 2025 DI SYLLABUS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DATA INTERPRETATION (DI) |
Diverse Topics (Tentative) |
|||
|
Line Graphs, Combination graphs, Train and flight time table, Different diagrams: Boxes, Radar, Traffic Tolls, Candlesticks, Triangular |
||||
CAT 2025 DILR Syllabus - Topics
The table below provides the CAT 2025 DILR syllabus Topics, covering essential areas such as logical reasoning, puzzles, and data interpretation to help prepare effectively for exam:
| CAT 2025 DILR SYLLABUS TOPICS | |
|---|---|
|
Bar and Line graphs |
Data arrangement |
|
Data Sufficiency |
Data Structures |
|
Routes and Networks |
Sets and Caselets |
|
Blood Relation |
Pie-charts |
|
Venn Diagrams |
Coding and Decoding |
|
Puzzles and Tables |
Family Tree |
|
Binary Logic |
Seating Arrangements |
|
Series |
Clocks and Calendars |
|
Syllogisms |
Proposition |
| SECTIONS | CASELETS | Topics | PIE CHART | BAR GRAPH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
DATA INTERPRETATION (DI) |
Text Based Data Interpretation |
Line Graph |
Flight Time Table and Train |
Different Diagrams; Radar, Boxes, Traffic, Candlesticks |
|
LOGICAL REASONING (LR) |
Games and Tournaments |
Set Theory and Venn Diagram |
Cubes / Cuboids |
Rankings and Team Formation |
|
Arrangement (Linear and Circular) |
Crypt Arithmetic |
Route Based, Number Logic Based, Train / Fight Time Table |
Generic Puzzles, Quantitative Reasoning, Scheduling, Truth Table |
|
CAT 2025 Syllabus - QA
This CAT 2025 section tests the Quantitative Aptitude through 22 questions covering portions of Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry, Modern and Miscellaneous maths.
CAT 2025 Syllabus - Quants Arithmetic
- The number of questions in the QA section generally ranges from 8 to 9 questions, depending on the exam pattern for that particular year.
The table below shows the CAT 2025 Quants syllabus especially arithmetic:
| CAT 2025 QUANTS SYLLABUS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ARITHMETIC |
Diverse Topics (Tentative) |
|||
|
Ratio and Proportions, Averages, Time, Speed and Distance, Simple interest and Compound Interest, Time and Work, Profit and Loss, Mixture and Allegations, Percentages |
||||
CAT 2025 Syllabus - Quants Algebra
- QA section typically includes 4-5 question, varying according to the exam pattern each year.
The CAT 2025 Quant Syllabus especially Algebra has been explained below:
| CAT 2025 QUANTS SYLLABUS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ALGEBRA |
Diverse Topics (Tentative) |
|||
|
Polynomials, Functions, Greatest Integer Function, Sequence and Series, Linear and Quadratic Equations, Word Problems, Modulus, Maxima and Minima, Inequalities, Exponents and Powers, Logarithm |
||||
CAT 2025 Syllabus - Quants Geometry
- The number of questions in the QA section generally ranges from 4 to 5 questions, depending on the exam pattern for that particular year.
The table highlight the CAT 2025 Quants Syllabus especially the geometry part:
| CAT 2025 QUANTS SYLLABUS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
GEOMETRY |
Diverse Topics (Tentative) |
|||
|
Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Mensuration (2D and 3D), Lines and Angles, Coordinate Geometry |
||||
CAT 2025 Syllabus - Quants Number System
- The number of questions in the QA section generally ranges from 2 to 3 questions, depending on the exam pattern for that particular year.
The table below outlines the CAT 2025 Quants syllabus quants focusing number system:
| CAT 2025 QUANTS SYLLABUS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
NUMBER SYSTEM |
Diverse Topics (Tentative) |
|||
|
Properties of number, Factors, Divisibility, HCF, LCM, Remainders, Base System Conversions |
||||
CAT 2025 Syllabus - Quants Modern Math
- The number of questions in the QA section generally ranges from 2 to 3 questions, depending on the exam pattern for that particular year.
The table below highlight the CAT 2025 syllabus quants especially number system:
| CAT 2025 QUANTS SYLLABUS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MODERN MATHS |
Diverse Topics (Tentative) |
|||
|
Probability, Set Theory, Series and Progressions, Permutations and Combination, Venn Diagrams |
||||
CAT 2025 Syllabus - Quants Miscellaneous Math
- This section though separate from arithmetic, algebra and geometry but is sometimes appears in the CAT exam.
The table below highlights the CAT 2025 syllabus quants particularly for miscellaneous maths:
| CAT 2025 QUANTS SYLLABUS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MISCELLANEOUS MATHS |
Diverse Topics (Tentative) |
|||
|
Data Sufficiency, Trigonometry |
||||
CAT 2025 Quant Syllabus - Topics
The table provides a comprehensive combined list of all the important topics that are likely to appear in the CAT 2025 QUANTS section.
| CAT 2025 QUANTS SYLLABUS TOPICS | |
|---|---|
|
Geometry |
Surds and Indices |
|
Algebra |
Square Root and Cube Root |
|
Profit and Loss |
Number System |
|
Simple and Compound Interest |
Speed, Time and Distance |
|
Geometric Progressions |
Work and Time |
|
Logarithms |
Inequations |
|
Mensuration |
Ratio and Proportions |
|
Percentage |
Trigonometry |
|
Inequalities |
Mean, Mode, Median |
|
Partnership (Accounts) |
Quadratic and Linear Equations |
| SECTIONS | Topics | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arithmetic |
Average |
Ratio and Proportion |
Percentage |
Alligation and Mixtures |
|
Profit and Loss |
Time, Speed and Distance-Average speed, Relative speed, linear races, boats and scream, escalators, circular races, clocks |
Time and Work, Pipes, Cisterns and wages, Efficiency |
Simple Interest and Compound Interest |
|
|
Algebra |
Polynomials |
Inequalities |
Binomial |
Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Higher degree equations, Word problems |
|
Functions, Greatest Integer functions |
Exponents and Powers |
Logarithm |
Modulus |
|
|
Graphs |
Coordinates Geometry |
Maxima and Minima |
|
|
|
Numbers |
Numbers |
Divisibility rules |
Factors |
HCF & LCM |
|
Fractions |
Digits |
Base system |
Calendars |
|
|
Factorials |
Surds and indices |
Cyclicity and Remainders |
Sequence, Series and Progressions |
|
|
Geometry |
Points/Lines/Angles/ Parallel |
Triangles-Angle, Equilateral, Isosceles, Rights triangle, other triangle properties, properties of centroid |
Circles-Radius/ diameter, chord, tangents |
Quadrilaterals-Rectangle, square, rhombus, trapezium, polygons, hexagon, etc |
|
Mensuration |
2-D-Area of Circle, Triangle, Square, Rectangle, Parallelogram, Trapezium, Quadrilateral, etc. |
3-D-Cube, Cone, Cylinder, Cuboid, Prism, Pyramid |
Circle, Triangle, Rectangle, Rhombus, Trapezium, Parallelogram |
Coordinate Geometry |
|
Trigonometry |
Trigonometric identities |
Heights and distances |
|
|
|
Modern Maths |
Set Theory-Sets, 2 sets, 3 sets |
Permutations and Combinations-Distribution and Grouping, Roots, Arrangements, Letter and Geometric |
Probability-General, Base theorem |
|
CAT 2025 Syllabus- Section Wise to Important Topics with Weightage
Understanding the major CAT 2025 Syllabus topics and their importance that relatively help candidates to organise their strategy for preparation and to maximise the scores.
| CAT 2025 SYLLABUS WEIGHTAGE AND important TOPICS | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SECTION |
IMPORTANT TOPICS |
EXPECTED WEIGHTAGE |
||||
|
Quants (QA) |
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Math |
34% |
||||
|
Verbal Ability (VA) |
Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Sentence Completion, Odd One Out |
10% |
||||
|
Reading Comprehension (RC) |
Passage Based Questions, Paragraph Meaning, Inferences |
24% |
||||
|
Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR) |
Line Graphs, Combination graphs, Train and flight time table, Different diagrams: Boxes, Radar, Traffic Tolls, Candlesticks, Triangular, Set theory, Games and tournaments, Grid/Matrix, Cubes/Cuboids, Letter/Number coding, Binary logic, Table/Bar graphs/Pie charts/Radar graphs/Line graphs/ Number logic based/Road & Street intersection, Route based (Airline route/Pipeline material/car), Number based logic |
33% |
||||
CAT 2025 VARC Syllabus - Topic Wise Weightage
The VARC section mainly focusses on Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles and Verbal Ability.
The table below shows expected CAT 2025 VARC topic-wise weightage:
| CAT 2025 VARC TOPIC-WISE WEIGHTAGE DISTRIBUTION | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOPICS |
NO. OF QUESTIONS |
EXPECTED WEIGHTAGE |
||||
|
Reading Distribution |
16 |
66.60% |
||||
|
Para Jumbles |
3 |
12.50% |
||||
|
Summary |
3 |
12.50% |
||||
|
Odd-Sentence |
2 |
8.33% |
||||
|
Total |
24 |
100% |
||||
CAT 2025 QA Syllabus - Topic Wise Weightage
The table below shows expected CAT 2025 QA topic-wise weightage:
| CAT 2025 QA TOPIC-WISE WEIGHTAGE | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOPICS |
NO. OF QUESTIONS |
EXPECTED WEIGHTAGE |
||||
|
Arithmetic |
8-10 |
36.30% |
||||
|
Algebra |
5-7 |
31.80% |
||||
|
Geometry |
1-3 |
12.60% |
||||
|
Modern Math |
2-4 |
18.10% |
||||
|
Total |
22 |
100% |
||||
CAT 2025 DILR Syllabus - Topic Wise Weightage
DILR topics are expected to receive the following weightage in CAT 2025 as shown in the table below:
| CAT 2025 DILR TOPIC WISE WEIGHTAGE | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOPICS |
NO. OF QUESTIONS |
EXPECTED WEIGHTAGE |
||||
|
Logical Reasoning (Easy to Moderate) |
6 |
27.27% |
||||
|
Logical Reasoning (Moderate to Difficult) |
6 |
27.27% |
||||
|
Data Interpretation (Easy to Moderate) |
5 |
22.72% |
||||
|
Data Interpretation (Moderate) |
5 |
22.72% |
||||
|
Total |
22 |
100% |
||||
Key Benefits of Understanding CAT 2025 Syllabus Before Exam
- Clear understanding of the exam: This helps to have a clear understanding of the CAT 2025 most relevant topics and sections to prepare, eliminating the risk of studying the irrelevant material.
- Prioritization of the topics: This helps in identifying high scoring topics and weightage of the specific sections thus enable the candidate to focus on the most relevant topics.
- Personalized Study Plan: This helps the candidate to create a roadmap for themselves thus focusing on their strengths and weaknesses and dedicate time accordingly.
- Better Understanding of the topic and section weightage: The CAT 2025 syllabus provides important highlights about the different topics, helping in focusing on the most important weightage sections of VARC, DILR and Quants.
- Improved Accuracy and Speed: Deep understanding of CAT 2025 syllabus helps the candidates to practice questions accordingly and thus improving speed, accuracy and boost up the confidence.
CAT 2025 Syllabus - Preparation Strategy Section Wise
CAT 2025 Preparation strategy should be done section-wise to get optimal results. A well-structured section wise approach, combined with regular mock practice can boost up the performance and high scores in CAT 2025.
Below are the most common preparation tips for each section VARC, DILR and QA which is important for aspiring candidates to prepare strategically.
CAT 2025 VARC Syllabus - Preparation Tips
Understanding VARC syllabus
- For Reading Comprehension (RC), practice a variety of passages on diverse topics and questions based on inference, tone, main, idea etc.
- For Verbal Ability (VA), focus on strengthening grammar, para jumbles, sentence correction and other important topics.
Build a reading habit
- Read newspapers, magazines, articles, and books of diverse topics to improve reading speed and comprehension.
Improve Vocabulary
- Target to learn few new words daily and focus on contextual usage.
Master grammar, sentence corrections and para jumbles
- Review the grammar rules and practice sentence correction and para jumbles regularly to be comfortable with the structure and pattern.
Take Regular Mock Test
- Try to practice regular mock test by stimulate exam conditions and review the areas of improvement. Mock tests help to identify logical flaws, assumption, and conclusions.
Analyse the test papers
- Analyse the past test papers and try to understand the trends, key patterns and structure that are being followed.
CAT 2025 DILR Syllabus - Preparation Tips
Understand the DILR syllabus
- Focus on the major key topics like puzzles, caselets, tables, charts, and arrangements.
Practice Regularly
- Practice and solve variety of DILR sets (easy to difficult level) daily to improve accuracy and speed.
Time Management
- Prepare yourself to solve a set withing 10 to 15 minutes through constant practice and analysis.
Focus on reasoning and logic
- Focus in developing logical and reasoning skills by practicing a variety of sets, puzzles and brain teasers.
Take Regular Mock Test
- Try to practice regular mock test by stimulate exam conditions and review the areas of improvement. Mock tests help to identify areas of improvements.
Prioritize accuracy
- Start the practice slow and then increase the level gradually. Get confident with accuracy try to manage time effectively for each question which will gradually develop through proper practice.
Solve Mixed Sets
- Try to solve mix sets for logical reasoning and data interpretation for better adaptability.
CAT 2025 QA Syllabus - Preparation Tips
Understand the QA syllabus
- Focus on the major key topics like algebra, arithmetic, geometry, number system and modern maths.
Strengthen core fundamentals
- Build fundamentals and master concepts and formulas.
Practice Regularly
- Practice and solve variety of QA (easy to difficult level) daily to improve accuracy and speed.
Time Management
- Target an aim to solve each question in 1-2 minutes and focus on quicker problem-solving strategies and practice mental calculations to save time in exam.
Take Regular Mock Test
- Try to practice regular mock test by stimulate exam conditions and review the areas of improvement. Mock tests help to identify areas of improvements.
Regular revision of formulas
- Keep revising important formulas and shortcuts for faster calculations
Analyse mistakes
- Review mock tests and learn from the mistakes and try no to avoid them in actual exams.
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CAT 2025 SYLLABUS FAQ’s
The CAT 2025 syllabus includes topics from VAR, DILR and QA. The detailed description of the CAT 2025 syllabus section, topic-wise is provided above.
MBA aspirants targeting CAT 2025 and wish to join IIMs or non-IIMs for the year 2025 can start their preparation a year before CAT 2025 exam date.
CAT 2025 application fee for the general and OBC category will likely to be INR 2500, while for ST/SC/PwD candidates, the fees will be INR 1250.
Its always good to start as early as possible. To complete CAT 2025 syllabus depends on one’s preparation level. Beginners may need around 6-8 months with 3-4 hours daily, while the intermediate can manage within 4-5 months with 2-4 hours daily and advanced candidates can prepare in 2 to 3 months by focusing on mocks and weak areas.
There is no fixed syllabus for CAT 2025. There is a generalized syllabus that is being followed by all the aspirants throughout India which remains same throughout.
