Do or Die Topics for CAT 2025; High-Weightage Areas to Boost Your Score

Understanding the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Before diving into most topics, it becomes relevant to understand the nature and structure of the CAT exams. The pattern of the CAT exam in CAT 2025 is as follows:

There were a total of 68 questions in the 2024 CAT. Below is the breakdown of the CAT 2024 questions in all 3 slots from each section, along with the type:

Importance of Prioritizing “Do or Die” Topics

Not all CAT topics carry equal weightage; indeed, some are far more scoring. The "do or die" topics are the recurring ones that appear term by term in CAT; hence, they have comparatively a higher weightage. Provided one puts focused attention while preparing for them, no problem.

Focusing on such topics will help you make the most of your marks while optimizing your preparation time.

CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics for VARC

Usually, the deal-maker in CAT is the VARC section, as it not only requires assessment of your language skills, but also the critical part. Around 24 questions that are here are subdivided between reading comprehension and verbal ability.

Reading Comprehension (RC): Comprises about 70% of the segment.

Verbal Ability: Concentrates on sentence formation, grammar, and logic flow.

Do or Die Topics in VARC

1. Reading Comprehension (RC)

RC passages form the body of the VARC section, which provides the maximum marks. The passages are from various subjects like science, philosophy, economics, and politics.

Subtopics to Focus On:

• Questions based on inference.

• Understanding the author’s tone and intent

• Identifying the main idea.

How to Master RC:

Reading newspapers like The Hindu and The Indian Express, exposure to various genres will help one become adaptable and practice 2-3 RC passages daily with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.

2. Para Jumbles (PJ)

Para Jumbles test your ability to sequence sentences in a logical manner. It is a non-MCQ question, so you have to be more careful.

How to Approach:

• Find the introductory sentence as well as key connectors.

• Look for chronological or cause-and-effect relationships.

• Eliminate options systematically.

3. Para Summary

In para summary questions, you are given a paragraph and asked to choose the most concise yet accurate summary of that particular paragraph.

Preparation Tips:

• Identify the major idea and supporting arguments.
• Avoid extreme or unrelated ideas in the options.

4. Odd Sentence Out

These questions are about identifying which sentence does not logically fit within a given paragraph.

Strategies to Solve:

• Look for the sentence that disrupts the main idea of the text.

• Pay attention to sentence tone and context.

This is the breakdown of the CAT 2024 questions from VARC in the three slots,

Reading comprehension consisted of topics from various domains, such as technology, environment, space, etc.

Also read: Detailed syllabus of CAT VARC for 2025

CAT Syllabus 2025 Topics for DILR

The DILR section is the most unpredictable in CAT, where speed and accuracy are the two main requirements. This section is divided equally between DI and LR, which tests your ability to process data and think critically.

What to Expect?

• Mixed sets combining DI and LR are common.
• Both straightforward and tricky questions are included.

Do or Die Topics in DILR

Data Interpretation (DI)

DI questions involve analyzing data presented in the form of tables, graphs, or caselets.

High-Weightage Subtopics:

• Caselets DI with multi-step calculations.

• Combination of Charts, Line Graphs, and Bar Graphs.

• Puzzle-based caselets.

• Tables with missing data points.

Tips for DI Preparation:

• Practice approximation techniques for faster calculations.
• Focus on understanding data trends rather than solving each question individually.

Logical Reasoning (LR)

This part requires critical thinking as well as problem-solving skills.

High-Weightage Subtopics:

• Seating Arrangement

• Order and Ranking

• Games and Tournaments

Preparation Tips:

• Solve puzzles and Sudoku daily to enhance logical thinking.
• Focus on identifying the constraints and working systematically.

Mixed Sets

These are sets that combine elements of DI and LR, making them more complex but rewarding.

How to Prepare for Mixed Sets:

Attempt past CAT papers to get a sense of mixed set patterns.

Practice time-bound problem-solving to improve speed.

There were a variety of questions in the CAT 2024 from the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section. Below is the description of the topics on which questions were asked, along with their number of questions in each slot:

CAT Syllabus 2025 Topics for Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude requires checking your ability to solve mathematical problems. It contributes significantly to the overall percentile for CAT 2025.

Arithmetic and Algebra dominate the syllabus.

Emphasis on conceptual clarity and quick calculations.

Do or Die Topics in QA

Arithmetic

Arithmetic is the most significant portion of the QA section, with questions that are both conceptual and practical.

High-Weightage Subtopics:

• Percentages and Profit & Loss.

• Time, Speed, and Distance.

• Mixtures and Alligations.

• Time and Work

• Ratio and Partnership

Preparation Tips:

• Memorize key formulas and shortcuts.
• Practice real-life application problems to enhance understanding.

You may download: CAT 2025 important concepts and Practice Questions

Also Read:
1. Top 10 Repeated Arithmetic Concepts in CAT
2. CAT 2025 Arithmetic Shortcuts: 1 formula to solve 5 types of Arithmetic questions

Algebra

Algebra tests your ability to work with variables and equations.

High-Weightage Subtopics:

• Linear and Quadratic Equations.

• Exponents

• Inequalities and Modulus.

• Functions and Graphs.

Preparation Tips:

Focus on understanding graphical representations of equations.

Solve practice questions that involve multiple algebraic concepts.

Geometry and Mensuration

Geometry is often considered a high-scoring area in QA.

High-Weightage Subtopics:

• Properties of Triangles and Circles.

• Polygons and Quadrilaterals

• Mensuration formulas for areas and volumes.

Preparation Tips:

Revise key theorems like the Pythagoras theorem and properties of tangents.

Practice visualizing problems for better accuracy.

Number Systems

Number systems often involve conceptual questions about properties and operations on numbers.

High-Weightage Subtopics:

• Probability

• Time, Speed, Distance

• Ratio and Proportion

Preparation Tips:

Practice unconventional problems to gain an edge.

Focus on mastering modular arithmetic.

This section takes a lot of concentration while solving and in the computations, and is quite hard compared to other sections. Below are the topicwise weightage which you can refer from the CAT 2024:

Optimizing Time Based on Weightage

By allocating your preparation time in proportion to the weightage of each section, you can enhance your overall efficiency. For instance:

• Spend 60% of your time on high-weightage sections: For example, RC in VARC and arithmetic in QA.

• Dedicate 30% of your time to practicing medium-weightage topics: This includes para jumbles, puzzles in DILR, and algebra in QA.

• Use the remaining 10% for practice on miscellaneous and low-weightage topics.

Mock Tests and Practice Papers

It may be the case that learning concepts is important, but mock tests are equally or perhaps even more important for preparation in CAT. Regular mock tests, CAT Exam previous year papers and CAT sample papers will help you strengthen your strategy and improve scores.

Strategy for Mock Test Preparation:

• Regular Mock Tests: One mock test a week should be taken in the initial preparation phase, and increase it to 2-3 mock tests a week during the last few weeks of preparation.

• Mistakes to be Analyzed: Take ample time for analyzing each mock test done. In this way, you would understand your weak points and prevent making such mistakes in your future tests.

• Simulate Exam Conditions: While taking mock tests, simulate actual exam conditions as much as possible. This includes adhering to the time limits for each section and taking the test without any breaks.

How to Prioritize CAT Topics Based on Strengths and Weaknesses?

Knowing your strong and weak areas is crucial for proper preparation. One can identify what one lacks by taking practice tests or topic-wise analysis regularly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid While Preparing for CAT

Most aspirants make the wrong decision by neglecting a few topics while overestimating the possibility of solving heavily complex questions. One should never skip high weightage topics while concentrating on creating a balanced approach to preparation.

Ebooks by Careers 360

Ebooks work as a great online resource to give an edge to your preparation, in order to master questions, both in chapterwise and sectionwise format, helping you level up your overall preparation for the CAT exam.

Analysis of CAT 2024

The Careers 360 CAT 2024 analysis encompasses the complete examination process, which can provide insights into how difficult it was, any trends followed, and overall sectional performance. Their review is very useful for analyzing key aspects of the examination and strategizing further attempts. Below are the slotwise analysis by the team:

How to Stay Motivated During CAT 2025 Preparation

The hardest part of CAT 2025 preparation is keeping up the motivation, especially on long study hours. Still, consistency in motivation leads to success. Here are some practical strategies that will keep you on track:

1. Set Clear Goals

Having clear, achievable goals will give something concrete to work toward. Break the long-term goals, which may be something like "achieve a high percentile," into smaller, more short-term goals, which may include completing a number of mock tests or mastering a topic each week.

2. Create a Routine

Having a routine with study will help maintain uniformity. Allocate time to all sections-VARC, DILR, and QA-and include regular breaks so that you do not exhaust yourself. A routine maintains minimal distractions and keeps you disciplined at work.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Monitor your progress and celebrate minor milestones, like finishing up a tough topic or acing a mock test. Rewards can work to reinforce motivation and encourage further positive movement.

4. Join a Study Group

Being in a study group or community can offer motivation through peer support. Resource sharing, discussing concepts, and working on problems with others keep the learning process interesting and accountable.

5. Focus on Self-Care

Maintaining motivation requires a good amount of physical and mental well-being. Sleep sufficiently, exercise regularly, and take short breaks during study sessions to recharge your mind.

6. Visualize Your Success

Seeing at the end of it, a picture of a student like you cracking CAT to emerge in one of the leading business schools may continue to motivate you. A reconnect to "why" each so often keeps the end game of your goals into sharp focus.

CAT 2025 is not about hard work but smart work. Focusing on the "do or die" topics as mentioned above will make all the difference to increase the probability of topping percentiles. Do not forget to balance your preparation and keep practicing regularly.