Maths is an important part of the syllabus prescribed for the CAT exam. The fact that someone can get into IIM without maths is impossible. The main reason for that is the criteria of the sectional cutoff. The IIMs have sectional cutoffs that are mandatory to clear for satisfying the eligibility criteria. Also, Maths is required to attempt the quantitative aptitude, data interpretation, and logical reasoning sections of the CAT exam. Almost 60–70% of the CAT exam is based on different mathematical concepts. IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT 2025 exam on November 30, 2025.
This Story also Contains
Maths holds significant weightage in the CAT exam and IIM selection process as well. The 66 marks out of 198 total are from the Maths (QA section). A total of 22 questions out of 66 will be in maths. Neglecting maths is not a wise choice for any candidate wishing to go into IIMs. The weightage of maths is explained in the table below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
CAT Exam Section | Quantitative Aptitude |
Total Math Questions | 22 |
Total Marks | 66 |
Marking Scheme |
|
The CAT syllabus for maths is not defined. It has a wide array of topics that a candidate must study to excel in this section of the CAT exam. Concepts from arithmetic, trigonometry, and geometry are a few to state the important ones. The important topics that a candidate should keep on their checklist while preparing for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section are mentioned in the table below.
CAT Exam Section | CAT Math Syllabus Important Topics |
Quantitative Aptitude |
|
The importance of maths as a subject and also as a skill is utmost in the IIM. The IIM requires its students to be extraordinary when it comes to number crunching skills and using mathematics for interpreting large data sets to produce useful insights. IIM has maths as a core subject in its curriculum. MBA specializations like finance require extensive mathematical abilities, as these students will in turn be working with asset management organisations and banks. Therefore, Maths is the ultimate subject one needs to be good at to successfully navigate through IIMs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Clearing CAT will be a difficult task if a candidate is weak in maths. Being good in maths is very important for qualifying for the CAT exam as well as clearing the sectional cutoff for the Quant section for different IIMs.
Qualifying CAT and sectional cutoffs are required for IIM so it makes maths essential for IIM. Having your way with numbers and mathematical ability surely adds up to the overall profile of a candidate applying for IIM.
The level of math in the CAT exam is somewhere between moderate to difficult. To score well candidate needs to be good with the fundamental concepts of the subjects. It will require rigorous practice along with regular analysis through mock tests.
Most of the mathematical concepts used to formulate questions in the quant section of the CAT exam are the ones taught in the 10th, 11th, and 12th standard mathematics. The level of the questions however remains a bit inclined towards the advanced level.
On Question asked by student community
If by B-category you mean management/private quota MBBS seats, the cutoff is very different from government-quota MBBS.
In Tamil Nadu, management-quota MBBS seats are available in self-financing/private medical colleges through the state counselling process. The closing rank varies significantly between colleges and counselling rounds. The 2025 counselling data shows that
Hello Student,
With a CAT 2025 percentile of 98.25, you have a good chance of receiving calls from several IIMs, particularly newer IIMs. However, IIM Ahmedabad , Bangalore , Calcutta , and Lucknow generally require higher percentiles for General-category candidates. Calls also depend on sectional percentiles, academics, work experience, and
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, you can access CAT preparation resources, including mock tests, practice questions, previous-year papers, and study material. Explore the CAT preparation resources and test series using the link below:
https://bschool.careers360.com/download/ebooks-and-sample-papers?exam=45
Hope this Helps!
Hello CAT Aspirant!
If you mean the CAT ( Common Admission Test) EWS certificate, the important point is whether the certificate is valid and issued in the prescribed format, rather than simply the language used on it.
Yes, a Hindi EWS certificate can generally be accepted for CAT, provided it
Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 18 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2026
75+ years of legacy | #1 Entrance Exam | Score accepted by 250+ BSchools
6-Hour Masterclass to help you score 99+ percentile in CAT 2026
Test centres are available in 70+ cities across India | 75,000+ aspirants apply for the NMAT exam | Accepted by 58+ institutions like NMIMS, KJSIM, ISB, SPJIMR and Great Lakes.
Registration Start: 3 August 2026 | Last Date to Apply: 15 September 2026 (till 5 PM)
AACSB Accredited | 40 LPA-Highest CTC | Scholarships worth 10 CR