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Understanding high-weightage topics in CAT 2025 is essential for aspirants aiming for a top percentile. The exam is divided into three sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), each with recurring high-scoring topics. Focusing on these areas allows proper preparation, improves accuracy, and boosts speed under exam pressure. Analysing previous years’ trends, practising mock tests, and refining weak topics strategically ensures efficient revision for CAT 2025.
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In this article, we will discuss about:
CAT 2025 high weightage topics
Time Consuming topics for CAT exam
Best resources to prepare CAT topics
Focusing on CAT 2025 High Weightage Topics in VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude is crucial for smart preparation. These areas appear frequently in the exam and carry maximum marks, helping students improve accuracy and speed. Understanding CAT topic-wise weightage allows aspirants to prioritise their study, allocate time efficiently
CAT 2025 High Weightage Topics | |
Topic | Approx. Weightage (%) |
Reading Comprehension | 40–45 |
Para Jumbles | 10–15 |
Critical Reasoning | 10–15 |
Summary / Odd Sentence | 5–10 |
CAT 2025 High Weightage Topics | ||
Topic | Subtopics | Approx. Weightage (%) |
Puzzles & Seating Arrangements | Linear, Circular, Floor, Complex Puzzles | 20–25 |
Tables & Caselets | Data Tables, Case Studies | 15–20 |
Bar / Line / Pie Graphs | Single / Multi-set Graphs | 15–20 |
Venn Diagrams & Set Theory | Overlapping Sets, Relations | 5–10 |
Combination / Miscellaneous | Mixture, Probability, Misc. | 10–15 |
CAT 2025 High Weightage Topics | ||
Topic | Subtopics | Approx. Weightage (%) |
Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, SI/CI, Averages | 25–30 |
Algebra | Linear / Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Progressions, Functions | 15–20 |
Geometry & Mensuration | Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, 3D Geometry, Mensuration | 15–20 |
Number System | Divisibility, HCF-LCM, Remainders, Modular Arithmetic | 10–15 |
Modern Math | Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory, Logarithms | 10–15 |
Miscellaneous | Mixtures, Ages, Ratios, Work & Wages | 5–10 |
Focusing on high-weightage topics in CAT 2025 improves efficiency, speed, and accuracy, but it does not guarantee a high score alone. While VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude carry maximum marks, aspirants also need conceptual clarity, regular practice, time management, and strategic planning to excel in the CAT Exam 2025.
Preparing high-weightage topics helps aspirants attempt the maximum-scoring questions confidently. However, questions may vary in difficulty, and relying solely on these topics cannot ensure a top percentile in CAT 2025.
Even if you cover all high-weightage topics, lack of strong conceptual understanding can lead to mistakes. Mastery of concepts in VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude is crucial to convert preparation into actual high scores.
Repeated practice of CAT 2025 questions and full-length mock tests builds speed and familiarity with different question patterns. High-weightage CAT topics alone won’t improve accuracy unless aspirants practice consistently for CAT 2025.
Strategic time allocation during the CAT exam ensures that high-weightage questions are attempted correctly without compromising other sections. Even with strong topic knowledge, poor time management can reduce overall CAT 2025 scores.
High-weightage CAT 2025 topics form the backbone of preparation. But the exam evaluates problem-solving, logical reasoning, and adaptability. A combination of topic focus, strategy, and practice is essential to achieve a high score.
Not all CAT 2025 topics offer the same return on effort. Some demand lengthy calculations or complex reasoning, while others allow quick attempts with higher accuracy. Knowing the difference helps aspirants manage time better and balance their overall attempt strategy.
Category | QA Topic | DILR Topic | VARC Topic |
High-Scoring Topics | Percentages Ratios Averages | Bar Graphs Simple Tables | Para-Jumbles Odd Sentence Out |
Time-Consuming Topics | Geometry Probability, Permutations | Complex Puzzle Sets Venn Diagrams | Long RC Passages Critical Reasoning |
Focusing on high-weightage topics has a significant effect on a candidate’s overall CAT percentile. These areas are consistently tested across Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and DILR and form the backbone of most question sets. Mastery over these topics allows aspirants to attempt more questions accurately, reduce errors, and optimise their time management, all of which collectively contribute to a higher percentile.
High-weightage topics, such as Arithmetic in QA, Reading Comprehension in VARC, and Puzzles or Tables in DILR, account for a substantial portion of the paper. By prioritising these areas, candidates can secure a significant number of marks without expending unnecessary effort on low-yield topics, giving them a strong foundation for a competitive score.
Repeated practice of frequently tested concepts improves familiarity and reduces the likelihood of errors. Confidence grows when candidates recognise patterns and question types, which in turn allows them to approach complex problems with a calm and structured mindset, minimising guesswork and careless mistakes during the exam.
CAT requires aspirants to meet sectional cut-offs in QA, VARC, and DILR. Excelling in high-yield topics ensures that minimum scores are met in each section, even if time runs short or unexpected, difficult questions appear. This strategic focus prevents one weak section from affecting the overall percentile significantly.
High-weightage topics are often faster to solve for prepared candidates, allowing more time for challenging or unfamiliar questions. Efficient handling of these areas ensures that aspirants do not waste precious minutes on problems that contribute less to the overall score.
Scoring consistently in high-return topics amplifies overall performance in a competitive exam environment. Since CAT uses percentile-based scoring, even small improvements in these core areas can substantially elevate rank, particularly when combined with accuracy and balanced performance across all sections.
Many aspirants lose valuable marks in CAT 2025 due to avoidable mistakes such as poor time management, ignoring high-weightage topics, and inadequate mock test analysis. By identifying these errors early and following structured preparation, candidates can boost accuracy, optimise speed, and improve their chances of securing a top CAT percentile.
One of the biggest errors candidates make is spending too much time on low-priority areas while ignoring high-yield topics. Arithmetic, Algebra, Reading Comprehension, and DILR puzzles consistently carry the highest weight in CAT. By focusing preparation on these repeated concepts, aspirants can secure more marks with less effort and strengthen their chances of clearing sectional cut-offs.
Attempting numerous mock tests without analysis limits improvement. The real value lies in reviewing solutions, identifying recurring mistakes, and tracking time spent per section. Detailed analysis highlights weak areas, helps refine strategies, and builds exam temperament. Candidates who integrate mock reviews into their preparation often see consistent gains in both speed and accuracy.
Time pressure is a defining feature of CAT, and poor allocation across sections often leads to rushed answers and missed easy questions. Aspirants must practise with strict time blocks for QA, VARC, and DILR, ensuring balanced attempts. Effective time management not only reduces stress during the exam but also maximises overall accuracy and score.
Shortcuts and tricks may appear useful, but depending solely on them undermines accuracy in tougher questions. CAT often frames problems in ways that test conceptual depth, not just quick methods. Building strong fundamentals ensures flexibility in approaching questions, while judicious use of shortcuts helps save time without compromising reliability in high-stakes situations.
Focusing heavily on one section while neglecting others is a common mistake that harms overall performance. Since CAT has sectional cut-offs, candidates must strike a balance across QA, VARC, and DILR. Even moderate strength in all three sections is more valuable than excelling in one while underperforming in others, especially for top B-school aspirations.
To score well in CAT 2025, it’s important to focus on topics that carry more marks in Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). Practising the CAT mock test 2025 smartly helps you spot weak areas, improve accuracy, manage time, and gain confidence for the exam day.
Begin each mock test with topics that appear most often in past exams. For example, practice Arithmetic and Algebra in QA, Reading Comprehension in VARC, and Data Interpretation sets in DILR. This ensures you cover the sections that can give you maximum marks.
Decide how much time to spend on each section and stick to it. Don’t spend too long on one section, or you might run out of time for others.
After finishing a mock, check all your answers. See which questions you got wrong, note repeated patterns, and find topics that need more practice.
Try to take mocks in a quiet place and at the same time as the real exam. This helps you get used to the exam environment and reduces stress.
Write down your scores and track how you do in each important topic. This helps you see progress, know which areas still need work, and plan your preparation better.
Studying the CAT high-weightage topics is necessary for candidates to score well in the CAT examination. By analysing the previous year's question papers, the candidates will be able to shortlist the topics from which the maximum number of questions can be potentially asked on the CAT exam day. The candidates are strongly advised to consider these topics as the most important CAT 2025 topics and structure their CAT 2025 preparation accordingly.
As far as the CAT VARC section is concerned, the high weightage topic under this section is the CAT reading comprehension section. Approximately 66% of the CAT VARC sample questions are asked directly from this section, making it one of the most important CAT topics. In the CAT 2025 examination, the candidates can expect at least 16 questions out of the 24 CAT VARC questions from the reading comprehension section.
According to the CAT 2024 analysis, the next two important CAT VARC topics are para summary and odd one out. In all three slots of the CAT 2024 examination, these two topics were given almost the same weightage.
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Section | Topic | Total Questions | Weightage |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension | 16 | 66.67 |
Para Summary | 3 | 12.5 | |
Odd One Out | 2 | 8.33 | |
Fill in the Blanks | 1 | 4.17 | |
Missing Sentence | 2 | 8.33 |
The high-weightage topics of the CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning topics include routes and networks from the CAT logical reasoning and graphs topics from the CAT Key Data Interpretation topics.
The questions on routes and networks were commonly asked in slot 1 and slot 3 of the CAT 2024 examination, and following the previous year's trends, the routes and networks questions are expected to be repeated in the CAT 2025 exam as well.
Analysing the CAT 2024 question paper revealed that the candidates were asked a few questions from the games and tournaments topics as well. This also makes it a high-weightage topic in the CAT 2025 examination.
The other highly probable topics under the CAT DILR section include caselets, Quant-Based DI and Linear Arrangements. The candidates should ensure to prioritise these topics in their CAT DILR preparation.
Section | Topic | Weightage (%) |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Routes and Networks | 20.45 |
DI Tables | 18.18 | |
Bar Graph (Line & Bar Graphs) | 18.18 | |
Linear Arrangements | 11.36 | |
Games and Tournaments | 11.36 | |
Caselets | 11.36 | |
Quant-Based DI | 9.09 |
The candidates are often seen to be facing the most difficulty under the CAT quantitative aptitude section due to the presence of complex questions which can only be solved in a very limited time frame. Hence, it is important for the candidates to shortlist the high-weightage CAT topics to cover the CAT quantitative aptitude syllabus in a short period of time.
Another high-weightage CAT topic 2025 is the algebra section. The candidates can also expect a minimum of 6 questions to be answered from this section alone.
The list of the most important CAT quantitative aptitude topics that the candidates should prioritise during their CAT quantitative aptitude preparation is listed below.
CAT Section | Topic | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
Quantitative Aptitude | Averages, Percentages, Ratios and Proportions | 9 | 13.64% |
Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Mensuration) | 9 | 13.64% | |
Functions and Graphs (Modulus, Sets, etc.) | 8 | 12.12% | |
Surds, Indices and Logarithms | 7 | 10.61% | |
Time, Work and Distance (TSD, Time & Work) | 6 | 9.09% | |
Profit, Loss and Interest (SI, CI, P&L) | 6 | 9.09% | |
Number System (Remainders, etc.) | 6 | 9.09% | |
Inequalities and Linear Equations | 3 | 4.55% | |
PnC and Probability (Counting, P&C) | 4 | 6.06% | |
3 | 4.55% | ||
4 | 6.06% | ||
Progressions and Series (AP, Sequences) | 2 | 3.03% |
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is crucial for focused CAT 2025 preparation. It helps prioritise topics, optimise practice sessions, and improve overall accuracy. By analysing mock tests, sectional performance, and time management patterns, aspirants can identify areas that need reinforcement and leverage strong sections to boost their percentile.
Instead of just checking your overall score, go through each CAT 2025mock test question by question. Note which questions you answered correctly, which ones you guessed, and which ones you got wrong. Also, observe the type of errors, did you make calculation mistakes, misread the question, or run out of time? This step helps you understand exactly where your preparation is strong and where it needs work.
Keep track of how long you take on each section, VARC, DILR, and QA. Compare it with the number of questions you solved correctly. If you are fast but making many mistakes, you need to slow down and focus on accuracy. If you are slow and losing marks, it could mean your concepts are weak, or you need more practice with shortcuts and strategies.
Break your mocks down into individual topics. For QA, separate arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. For DILR, track sets on puzzles, tables, and charts. For VARC, monitor RC comprehension and verbal ability questions. See which CAT 2025 topics consistently bring low scores. Focusing on these weak areas for daily practice can significantly improve your overall performance.
Write down topics and question types where you consistently score high. Knowing your strengths helps you plan your exam strategy. For example, in QA, if you are strong in geometry, attempt those questions first in the actual CAT 2025 exam. Using your strong sections to secure easy marks ensures you can manage time better and reduce pressure on tougher areas.
Once you know your strengths and weaknesses, design a simple daily or weekly CAT study plan. Spend more time on weak topics, but also revise your strong areas to maintain confidence. Include timed practice sets and track your improvement over time. Gradually, you will notice not only better scores but also faster problem-solving skills and smarter exam strategies.
Covering CAT 2025 High Weightage Topics requires focused practice and the right study approach. Using different categories of resources helps students learn concepts, revise formulas, and attempt questions efficiently. By combining books, online lessons, practice sessions, and previous year exercises, aspirants can target high-frequency areas and improve speed, accuracy, and confidence in Quantitative Aptitude, DILR, and VARC for CAT 2025.
CAT Books and reference guides explain important concepts with examples and practice questions. They cover high-frequency areas in Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, and Verbal Ability. By practising from books, students strengthen problem-solving skills and get familiar with types of questions that appear repeatedly in CAT 2025.
Online video lessons provide topic-wise explanations in an easy-to-understand format. Students can visualise complex concepts, learn shortcuts, and follow step-by-step solutions. Watching videos multiple times helps memorise formulas, understand question patterns, and revise high-weightage topics efficiently during CAT 2025 preparation.
CAT Mock tests and practice sets help students simulate exam conditions and track performance. Full-length and sectional tests show which high-frequency topics require more focus. Regular practice improves speed, accuracy, and time management, aligning preparation with CAT topic wise weightage 2025.
CAT Study notes and formula sheets summarise all important formulas, shortcuts, and key points. Students can quickly revise high-weightage topics without going through lengthy chapters. Using notes daily strengthens memory retention and ensures readiness for both mocks and the final CAT 2025 exam.
Solving CAT previous year question papers allows students to identify recurring patterns and high-frequency topics. It helps understand the difficulty level, exam style, and section-wise trends. Practising past papers is essential to focus preparation on CAT 2025 High Weightage Topics and maximise exam scores.
Flashcards and mobile apps allow quick revision of formulas, concepts, and problem-solving steps anytime. Daily short sessions using these resources improve recall and understanding of high-frequency topics. This approach is very useful for last-minute CAT 2025 preparation and strengthening memory retention.
Candidates looking to boost their CAT preparation can explore the specially designed resources from Careers360. Each CAT 2025 study material, crafted by experts, offers comprehensive guidance, practice material, and strategies to help aspirants tackle the toughest questions and overcome challenges in the CAT examination effectively.
eBook Title | Download Links |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | |
Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions | |
CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The VARC section mainly focuses on Reading Comprehension passages, para jumbles, and critical reasoning questions. Regular practice on these CAT 2025 topics improves comprehension speed and accuracy. High familiarity with passage types ensures better percentile in VARC.
In DILR, sets on tables, charts, puzzles, and caselets have the highest weightage. Practicing different types of logical reasoning and data interpretation improves both speed and accuracy.
Quantitative Aptitude emphasizes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. Mastery of these areas ensures quick problem-solving during the exam. Practicing CAT 2025 topic-wise questions boosts confidence and helps manage sectional time effectively.
Identify topics that appear frequently in previous years’ papers and where you make fewer mistakes. Allocate more time to high-weightage CAT exam sections while maintaining a revision schedule for weaker areas. This focused approach improves efficiency and overall percentile.
The VARC section is largely driven by Reading Comprehension, which usually contributes around 70% of the marks. Alongside RC, important topics include Para Jumbles, Odd Sentence Out, and Para Summary, all of which test reading and logical connection skills.
The DILR section is best prepared by mastering Caselets and Data Interpretation sets involving tables, graphs, and charts. Logical Reasoning puzzles such as arrangements, Venn diagrams, and games are also frequently seen and carry high weightage.
High-weightage QA topics include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. These areas form the majority of the section and appear regularly in the exam. Focusing on them improves calculation speed and concept clarity for CAT 2025.
Knowing high-weightage topics allows students to prioritise preparation and allocate time efficiently. It reduces wasted effort on low-frequency areas and strengthens accuracy. This targeted approach increases the likelihood of attempting more questions correctly in CAT 2025.
Focusing on high-weightage topics is crucial but not sufficient alone. Students also need to practice mock tests, revise formulas, and manage time effectively. Combining high-frequency topic mastery with consistent practice maximises the chance of achieving a top percentile.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
Here are Documents Required for CUSAT CAT (NRI Quota):
To know more access below mentioned link:
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/cusat-cat-application-form
Hope it helps.
You can get the previous year's CUSAT CAT papers in pdf format sample papers from careers360 article. Follow the link given below from careers360 to get the the CUSAT CAT previous years question papers.
Link- https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/cusat-cat-sample-papers
Hello,
Since the CAT application form correction window is closed, you must contact the CAT help desk immediately to explain the situation, as you can't edit a wrong date of birth after submission. If it's a major error like date of birth, you may need to go to the exam center with proof and the correct admit card, although getting it corrected before the exam date is the most important first step.
I hope it will clear your query!!
Hi there,
You have to apply separately for each symbiosis college, like SIBM Pune, as they as not automatically included. The CAT form automatically includes many IIMs, but the SNAP exam is a separate test that is given for admission to Symbiosis Institute, which requires its own separate application and fee.
Hope it helps!!!
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