The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most prestigious entrance exams in India for MBA aspirants. Conducted every year by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis, CAT is the gateway to premier management institutes, including the IIMs, FMS, MDI, SPJIMR, and several others. For 2025, IIM Kozhikode is the conducting body, and the exam is scheduled to be held on 30 November 2025. The official portal for registration and updates is iimcat.ac.in.
Since CAT does not release an official syllabus, aspirants rely on past exam papers and expert analysis to identify the recurring topics. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the CAT Syllabus 2025, exam pattern, and weightage to help candidates plan their preparation effectively.
📊 CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
- Mode of Exam: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Total Duration: 120 minutes (40 minutes per section)
- Sections:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
- Question Types: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs (TITA – Type in the Answer)
- Marking Scheme:
- +3 marks for every correct answer
- −1 mark for incorrect MCQ
- No negative marking for non-MCQs
The number of questions usually varies between 64 and 66 but is distributed across the three sections.
🔑 CAT Syllabus 2025: Section-Wise Key Topics & Weightage
| Section | Important Topics | Approx. Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Sentence Completion, Inferences | 10% |
| Reading Comprehension | Passages on Politics, History, Society, Literature, Science, Environment, Abstract, Mythology, Technology, Culture | 24% |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Graphs, Venn Diagram | 16% |
| Logical Reasoning | Caselets, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism | 16% |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration | 34% |
1️⃣ Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section is always the first in the exam and has a 40-minute sectional limit. It is divided into Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension.
Topics to Cover:
- Grammar & Sentence Correction
- Reading Comprehension (RC) passages from diverse subjects such as politics, science, history, society, literature, culture, and abstract ideas
- Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Para Completion
- Sentence Completion & Fill in the Blanks
- Contextual Vocabulary, Word Usage, Antonyms, One-word Substitution
- Verbal Reasoning, Analogies, Idioms, Inference-based questions
Preparation Tip: Reading speed, comprehension, and inference skills play a bigger role than grammar rules.
2️⃣ Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
The second section of CAT, DILR, also has a 40-minute sectional limit. It is divided into Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR).
Data Interpretation Topics:
- Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts
- Caselets & Combination of Graphs
- Data Sufficiency Problems
Logical Reasoning Topics:
- Seating Arrangements (linear & circular)
- Blood Relations, Family Tree
- Syllogism & Venn Diagram
- Binary Logic
- Constraint-based Puzzles, Matching Puzzles
- Statements & Propositions
- Clocks and Calendars
Preparation Tip: DILR is less about formulas and more about pattern recognition, logical thinking, and time management.
3️⃣ Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Quantitative Aptitude is the final section, with a 40-minute sectional limit. It carries the highest weightage in CAT.
Arithmetic:
- Number System, HCF, LCM
- Ratio & Proportion
- Simplification & Percentage
- Averages, Profit & Loss, Mixtures & Alligations
- Time & Work, Speed, Distance, Age Problems
Algebra:
- Equations (Linear & Quadratic)
- Inequalities & Functions
- Sequences & Series
- Permutation & Combination
Geometry & Mensuration:
- Triangles, Circles, Lines & Angles
- Areas & Volumes (Squares, Rectangles, Cones, Cubes, Spheres, Pipes & Cisterns)
Advanced Topics:
- Trigonometry (Ratios, Heights & Distances)
- Calculus (Functions, Maxima & Minima)
Preparation Tip: Focus heavily on Arithmetic and Algebra, as these dominate the QA section.
✅ Final Preparation Strategy
- First 4 weeks – Build fundamentals: Arithmetic in QA, practice basic puzzles in DILR, and solve at least one RC daily.
- Next 6–8 weeks – Focus on mocks and sectional tests; analyze errors thoroughly.
- Last 4–6 weeks – Fine-tune exam strategy, take official mock tests, and strengthen accuracy in familiar topics.
Daily Routine Suggestion: 1 RC + 20 QA problems + 1 DILR set.
📌 Key Resources
- Official Website: iimcat.ac.in – official notification, registration, and mock test.
- Previous Year Papers: Available on the CAT portal.
- Trusted Prep Sources: IMS, Cracku, iQuanta, and Testbook for mock tests and topic-wise practice.
📝 Conclusion
The CAT syllabus 2025 is vast but predictable once broken into manageable parts. VARC focuses on comprehension and reasoning, DILR demands puzzle-solving speed, while QA tests numerical and analytical ability. With thoughtful planning and consistent practice, aspirants can maximize their performance and secure a top percentile.
