What is the CAT Exam Official Syllabus? Latest Changes in CAT Syllabus for MBA

What is the CAT Exam Official Syllabus? Latest Changes in CAT Syllabus for MBA

Hey, we mentioned the importance of a CAT syllabus several times. Forget about CAT; you can’t crack any exam if you are unaware of its syllabus.

The CAT syllabus 2025 provides a framework for MBA candidates to plan their preparation journey. Understanding the CAT syllabus is critical for securing placements at top business schools.

The CAT exam syllabus consists of three sections:

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Knowing the sections of the CAT syllabus 2025 is critical for developing a strategic preparation plan. It also assists candidates in identifying their strengths and weaknesses to prepare for the CAT exam 2025.

We have provided a detailed CAT syllabus for 2025, broken down by sections. So, let’s go ahead and check the CAT exam official syllabus-

CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics for DILR

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section of the CAT exam contains 22 questions. Last year, two questions were added to this section. Previously, the DILR section included 20 questions. This section is divided into two parts, data interpretation (DI) and logical reasoning (LR), each with ten questions. The questions are generally divided into three or four sets, with a few stand-alone questions on LR topics.

This section is more practical than studying. Candidates' logical reasoning abilities and their interpretation of data in various formats are tested.
The following topics should be focused on from the CAT syllabus 2025 for DILR:

Bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, tables, data sufficiency, puzzles, cubes and dice, and numerical series.

For DILR, more practice with the topics listed above from the CAT syllabus 2025 will help you score well. To achieve high scores, candidates must improve their problem-solving speed, analytical abilities, and deduction skills. Hence, the CAT syllabus 2025 for DILR must be practiced well.

Preparation tips for CAT DILR

Set aside 30 minutes to an hour daily to practice DILR sets.

After practicing a set, go over the answer and try again on sets you did not get right.

Set a time limit for attempting sets. It will help you gain speed and accuracy.

Reviewing previous years' papers will help you become familiar with the topics covered in the CAT.

CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics for VARC

The VARC section of the CAT exam contains 24 questions. This section is divided into two major categories: verbal ability and reading comprehension. In general, reading comprehension (RC) accounts for a significant portion of this section, with approximately 12-14 questions, while the remaining 10-12 questions are about verbal ability (VA).

CAT VARC Topics

Here's a proper table categorizing the topics for VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) in the CAT exam:

Remember that last year, Para-Jumble topics were completely removed from the CAT 2023 exam paper. As a result, the CAT 2025 conducting body is expected to do the same this year. Candidates should study and practice Para-Jumble topics.

Preparation Tips For CAT VARC

Start reading regularly to improve your speed and vocabulary.

Make it a daily habit to learn new words and review grammar guidelines.

Mocks can help you improve your time management skills and identify areas for improvement.

Improve your test-taking strategy based on your mock-testing experiences.

CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics for QA

The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section includes the most difficult questions on the CAT. To perform well in this section, candidates must have a solid understanding of key mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and mensuration.

Preparation Tips for CAT QA

The papers from last year provide valuable insights into the section's structure and key topics.

Do not try to prepare the entire syllabus; practice the most frequently asked topics.

In MCQs, shortcuts are used to estimate answers rather than calculate precise ones.

Try mocks to reinforce concepts and formulas while increasing speed and accuracy.

How many days does it take to complete the CAT exam syllabus?

The CAT exam syllabus for MBA admission can be completed in 150 days. Generally the syllabus is covered in just 100 days and then you need to ramp up your preparation with mock tests, etc.

What is the expected pattern for CAT 2025?

The CAT 2025 exam pattern is expected to be similar to last year's. No changes are expected, as a minor change was implemented in CAT 2025 (an increase in the number of DILR questions from 20 to 22).

Thus, the CAT exam format for 2025 is expected to be:

Total Questions: 68
Total Duration: 120 minutes
Marking Scheme: 3 marks for each correct answer, 1 mark deduction for wrong answers
Which book is the best for preparing for the CAT 2025?

A comprehensive study plan, relevant books and study materials, a manageable timetable, and the CAT mock test series should all be part of your CAT exam preparation.

Some students prefer to study using CAT preparation books, while others prefer to study at coaching centers, which provide comprehensive guidance and the best study materials. Whatever approach you take, the most important thing is to refer to study materials, which include previous years' CAT question papers, mock tests, sample test papers, and practice sets.

CAT Exam Syllabus 2025: Summary

The CAT exam syllabus is essential for preparation; aspirants should be familiar with all of the topics covered in the syllabus. The CAT is divided into three sections: VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude; to pass the exam, candidates must work on their reading skills, logical reasoning, and basic mathematical concepts.

Candidates can use tools like speed math to increase their calculation speed. Regular practice, including solving previous years' papers and taking mock tests, will help you improve your accuracy and speed. Furthermore, focusing on weak areas and implementing smart strategies like shortcuts can improve performance. To increase your chances of success, stay consistent, stick to a structured study plan, and practice regularly.

Sambhavi Prakash