CAT 2025 Do or Die Topics for VARC, DILR, QA: Slot-wise Weightage, Tips & Strategy

CAT 2025 Do or Die Topics for VARC, DILR, QA: Slot-wise Weightage, Tips & Strategy

Ongoing Event

CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Komal MiglaniUpdated on 17 Aug 2025, 11:33 PM IST

CAT 2025 Do or Die Topics: The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a highly competitive entrance exam for MBA aspirants aiming for admission to IIMs and other top B-schools in India. Achieving a high CAT percentile requires a well-structured preparation strategy. Building a strong foundation, focusing on CAT 2025 do or die topics, and regularly solving CAT sample papers are essential to excel. In this article, we cover important topics for CAT Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and DILR, along with expert preparation tips and a detailed slot-wise analysis to help maximise your CAT 2025 score.

This Story also Contains

  1. Understanding the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
  2. Importance of Prioritising “Do or Die” Topics
  3. How to Identify Do or Die Topics in CAT Quant Section
  4. Strategy to Master Do or Die Topics for CAT 2025
  5. CAT Quant Do or Die Topics for Non-Engineering Students
  6. CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics for VARC
  7. CAT Syllabus 2025 Topics for DILR
  8. CAT Syllabus 2025 Topics for Quantitative Aptitude
  9. CAT Mock Tests and Practice Papers
  10. Detailed CAT 2024 Analysis Slot Wise
  11. How to Stay Motivated During CAT 2025 Preparation
CAT 2025 Do or Die Topics for VARC, DILR, QA: Slot-wise Weightage, Tips & Strategy
CAT 2025 Do or Die Topics

Understanding the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

Before entering into the most important topics for the CAT 2025 preparation, it is important to understand the nature and structure of the CAT exams. The exam details of CAT 2025 are as follows:

Sections

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Marks for a correct answer

+3

Negative marking

-1 for each incorrect answer

(No negative marking for TITAs)

Time duration

2 hours (40 minutes per section)

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:

Section

Total

MCQs

TITA

VARC

24

22

2

DILR

22

12

10

QA

22

14

8

Importance of Prioritising “Do or Die” Topics

Not all CAT topics carry equal weightage in CAT Exam; 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, they will be able to tackle all the different questions asked from the topic and perform well.

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

How to Identify Do or Die Topics in CAT Quant Section

Identifying do or die topics in CAT Quantitative Aptitude is a crucial step for strategic preparation. These topics are the ones that appear frequently, carry high weightage, and are comparatively easier to master with practice. By focusing on them, aspirants can secure a strong base score, boosting their CAT 2025 percentile significantly.

  • Go through at least the last five to six years of CAT Quantitative Aptitude sections and note down topics that consistently appear. For example, Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry have featured prominently in most years, often contributing the highest number of questions.

  • Create a list of topics with the number of questions they typically carry in the exam. This will help you identify which areas dominate the section and deserve more preparation time. Topics with 4–6 questions every year are strong candidates for your do or die list.

  • Identify topics where consistent practice can give you a high accuracy rate in the actual exam. For many students, topics like Percentages, Profit & Loss, and Time-Speed-Distance fall in this category because they are formula-driven and less ambiguous compared to higher-level Algebra or Geometry problems.

  • Some topics can be mastered within a short preparation window but yield significant returns in marks. Prioritising these ensures efficient use of your preparation time. For instance, mastering simple and compound interest or ratios may require less time compared to mastering permutation and combination but still offer good scoring potential.

  • Many toppers and coaching centres release detailed topic-wise analysis of the CAT exam each year. Reviewing these can give you insider insights on which topics to target and how much time to dedicate to each.

Strategy to Master Do or Die Topics for CAT 2025

Scoring well in CAT Quantitative Aptitude do or die topics is all about smart preparation. These topics carry high weightage and often appear in multiple slots. With targeted practice, conceptual clarity, and time-bound solving, aspirants can significantly boost accuracy and speed, ensuring maximum returns on preparation time for the CAT 2025 Quant section.

1. Identify high-weightage topics through past CAT paper analysis
Go through CAT question papers from the last 5–6 years to understand which topics consistently carry the most marks. For example, Arithmetic and Algebra often dominate the Quant section. Prioritising these will ensure your preparation is aligned with the actual exam pattern and weightage distribution.

2. Build strong fundamentals before attempting complex problems
Don’t jump into tricky CAT-level problems right away. Start by revising school-level basics for each topic, including formulas, definitions, and standard methods. A strong conceptual base ensures that you can tackle unconventional or application-based CAT questions confidently.

3. Practise at least 30–50 questions per topic with increasing difficulty
Begin with simple problems to strengthen your basics, then move on to moderate and advanced-level CAT-style questions. Gradual progression in difficulty will help you adapt to the complexity of actual exam questions without feeling overwhelmed.

4. Analyse previous year CAT questions for recurring patterns
Identify common question types and traps used in past papers. This will help you predict the kind of problems you might face and prepare accordingly. Understanding these patterns also allows you to save time in the actual exam.

5. Attempt timed sectional mocks to improve speed and accuracy
Solving sectional tests within a strict 40-minute CAT time limit trains your brain to work under pressure. This also helps you improve question selection skills, ensuring you pick the right problems to maximise your score.

CAT Quant Do or Die Topics for Non-Engineering Students

For non-engineering students, CAT Quantitative Aptitude can be daunting due to less exposure to advanced maths. Focusing on do or die topics that are conceptually simpler yet high in weightage can significantly improve scores. With consistent practice and smart selection of topics, non-engineering aspirants can maximise their CAT 2025 percentile in the Quant section.

Topic Area

Key Subtopics

Arithmetic

Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Ratios & Proportion

Number Systems

Factors, Multiples, LCM & HCF, Divisibility Rules, Basic Modular Arithmetic

Algebra Basics

Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Simple Progressions (AP/GP)

Geometry Fundamentals

Triangles, Circles, Basic Mensuration formulas

Data Interpretation with Quant Basics

Simple tables, bar graphs, and pie charts using arithmetic concepts

CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics for VARC

Usually, the deal-maker in CAT is the VARC section: as it not only requires an assessment of your language skills but is also a critical part of the CAT 2025 examination. A total of 24 questions that are here are subdivided between reading comprehension and verbal ability.

Section

Key Focus Areas

Reading Comprehension (RC)

Makes up approximately 70% of the segment, emphasising comprehension skills.

Verbal Ability

Focuses on sentence formation, grammar, and logical flow.

Do or Die Topics in VARC

Focus on do or die topics such as Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, and Summary-based questions is essential while making a CAT 2025 VARC preparation strategy. These high-weightage areas appear consistently in the exam and demand strong reading habits, vocabulary skills, and logical analysis to maximize accuracy and boost overall percentile in CAT 2025.

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.

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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 logically. 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-effect relationships.

  • Eliminate options systematically.

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Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
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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.

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4. Odd Sentence Out

The odd sentence out 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.

Topic Wise Weightage in Different Slots of CAT 2024

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

Verbal Ability

Odd one out 2(TITA)

Para Completion 3(MCQ)

Short Summary 3(MCQ)

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

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.

  • 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 analysing data presented in the form of tables, graphs, or caselets.

High-Weightage Subtopics:

  • Pie Charts, Line Graphs, and Bar Graphs.

  • Caselets requiring multi-step calculations.

  • 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:

Pro Tips:

  • Solve puzzles and Sudoku daily to strengthen logical reasoning skills, a key component of the CAT 2025 LRDI section. These activities enhance pattern recognition and structured problem-solving ability.

  • Focus on identifying constraints and solving systematically, which is crucial for tackling complex mixed sets that combine elements of data interpretation and logical reasoning.

  • Understand Mixed Sets as high-weightage question types in the CAT 2025 LRDI syllabus. These sets test both data handling and analytical thinking in a combined format.

  • Practice CAT previous year papers to familiarise yourself with the structure, logic flow, and complexity of mixed sets commonly featured in recent exams.

  • Attempt CAT 2025 LRDI practice sets and mock test regularly to build speed and accuracy.

Topic Wise Weightage in Different Slots of CAT 2024

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

Topic

No. of questions

Stock Market

4

Games and Tournaments

4

Graph-based

4

Sum Based

5

Rating concerned with 8 gymnasts

5

6 firms and their profitability

4

A logical Reasoning question on Schematic diagram of

walkways - Lake

4

1 to 10 numbers to be

arranged in 10 slots with

conditions

5

E-commerce rating distribution

-cumulative

4

App subscription

4

Room temperature based on line graph

5

ATMs based question on Network of roads and

4

Proteins-Carbohydrates in

food items

5

The GDP of 10 countries

4

CAT Syllabus 2025 Topics for Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude plays a crucial role in evaluating a candidate’s ability to solve mathematical problems accurately and efficiently. It contributes significantly to the overall percentile in CAT 2025, making it one of the most important sections of the exam. The CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude syllabus is dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra, which form the foundation of most questions.

Do or Die Topics in QA

The Quantitative Ability (QA) section of CAT Syllabus requires a thorough understanding and focused preparation of critical topics that significantly impact the overall score. Key do or die topics are Number Systems, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Arithmetic.

Arithmetic

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

High-Weightage Subtopics:

Pro Tip: Memorising key formulas and shortcuts is essential for quick problem-solving. While practising real-life application problems helps improve practical application skills, both of which are vital for excelling in the CAT 2025 exam.

Algebra

Algebra tests your ability to manipulate variables and solve equations, forming the foundation for many advanced mathematical concepts. Mastering algebraic formulas is essential for solving diverse problems efficiently, making it a crucial component of the CAT 2025 Quantitative Ability section.

High-Weightage Subtopics:

  • Linear and Quadratic Equations.

  • Exponents

  • Inequalities and Modulus.

  • Functions and Graphs.

Pro Tip: Strengthen your algebra skills for CAT 2025, focus on understanding graphical representations of equations, as they provide valuable insights into the behaviour of functions. Additionally, solving practice questions that involve multiple algebraic concepts will enhance your problem-solving ability

Geometry and Mensuration

Geometry and Mensuration are do-or-die topics for CAT 2025, essential for scoring well in the Quantitative Ability section. These areas focus on understanding the properties, measurements, and relationships of various shapes and figures. Mastering these topics is crucial for CAT 2025 aspirants to solve questions accurately and efficiently, giving them a competitive advantage.

High-Weightage Subtopics:

Pro Tip: To improve accuracy in Geometry for CAT 2025, revise key theorems such as the Pythagoras theorem and properties of tangents regularly. Additionally, practice visualizing problems to develop a clearer understanding of geometric relationships, which helps in solving questions more efficiently and confidently.

Number Systems

Number systems often involve conceptual questions that explore the fundamental properties and operations of different types of numbers. These questions test a candidate’s understanding of how numbers behave under various arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

High-Weightage Subtopics for Number System:

Pro Tip: It is essential to practice unconventional problems that challenge traditional problem-solving approaches. Additionally, focusing on mastering modular arithmetic can significantly enhance your ability to tackle a wide range of number theory questions with high accuracy.

Topic Wise Weightage in Different Slots of CAT 2024

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

Area

Total(22) in each slot

Slot 1

Arithmetic

9-10

(Ratios and Proportions-1

Profit & Loss -1

Time, Speed & Distance- 1)

Algebra

6-8 (Logarithms- 1

Average- 1)

Geometry

2

Modern Math

2-3

(Permutations and Combinations- 1

Sets-1

Sequence & Series (1-2))

Slot 2

Arithmetic

8 (number system, profit loss, ratio and mixtures ,time and work, speed, distance)

Algebra

5(GP, log,functions, inequalities)

Modern Math

3 (Permutations and Combinations)

Geometry

3 (Circles and triangles)

Numbers

3

Slot 3

Arithmetic

8 (average-1, time distance-1, profit loss-1)

Algebra

4

Modern Math

4

Geometry

3 (chords-1)

Numbers

3 (remainder theorem-1)

Time Management Tips During CAT 2025 Preparation

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 practising 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.

CAT Mock Tests and Practice Papers

CAT mock tests and practice papers play a crucial role in effective exam preparation. It helps to get real-time insight into the examination and helps aspirants improve time management and accuracy. Regular practice with CAT sample papers allows candidates to identify strengths and weaknesses, refine strategies, and build confidence. Using both mock tests and CAT practice papers in your study plan ensures better familiarity with question patterns and difficulty levels. Eventually, it boosts your chances of success in the competitive CAT examination.

How to Prioritise 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.

  • Identify topics with consistently low accuracy and allocate more time to strengthen those areas.

  • Prioritise topics that carry more questions but where you show some understanding to improve quick gains.

  • Dedicate limited time to strong topics to retain speed and accuracy without compromising weaker areas.

  • Target specific subtopics causing difficulty rather than the entire topic to improve precision.

  • Regularly reassess your strengths and weaknesses after each test to dynamically update your study plan.

Ebooks by Careers 360

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

Book Title

Download Link

CAT 2024 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant

Download Now

Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages

Download Now

CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers PDF

Download Now

CAT DILR Questions with Solutions

Download Now

CAT VARC Study Material

Download Now

Detailed CAT 2024 Analysis Slot Wise

This detailed CAT 2024 slot-wise analysis provides an in-depth review of exam patterns, difficulty levels, and question distribution across different slots. It also helps to highlight topics and questions that are asked repeatedly in either of the slots. Go through the table below to check out slot wise analysis of CAT 2024.

CAT Slot 1 Analysis

Read Now

CAT Slot 2 Analysis

Read Now

CAT Slot 3 Analysis

Read Now

How to Stay Motivated During CAT 2025 Preparation

Staying motivated during CAT 2025 preparation can be challenging. However, adding unique strategies into your study routine helps to maintain the focus. With that, here are some go to tips to keep you motivated during CAT exam preparation:

  • Create a point system for completing tasks, and reward yourself with fun activities or treats when you reach milestones.

  • You can use a visual board with images and quotes that inspire you. Place it where you study to keep your goals in sight.

  • Partner with someone preparing for a different exam and exchange study techniques.

  • Dedicate specific days to study particular topics. You can listen to music or do any other recreational activity to make learning more enjoyable.

  • Add short mindfulness or meditation sessions to your study schedule to refresh your mind and enhance 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 in increasing the probability of topping percentiles. Do not forget to balance your preparation and keep practising regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will CAT 2025 be tough?
A:

CAT 2025 is expected to be moderately to highly difficult, testing conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy under time constraints.

Q: What topics are important for CAT 2025 QA?
A:

The most important topics in QA for CAT 2025 are Arithmetic, Algebra, Number Systems, Geometry, and Modern Math, namely Probability, Permutation, and Combination.

Q: How to prepare for CAT 2025?
A:

Start early, focus on fundamentals, practice mock tests regularly, analyse performance, and revise high-weightage topics systematically for best results.

Q: Will CAT 2025 be tough?
A:

CAT 2025 is expected to be moderately to highly difficult, testing conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy under time constraints.

Q: How to prepare for CAT in 3 months?
A:

Yes, it is absolutely possible to prepare for CAT in 3 months if effort is put in correctly along with strategic planning.

Q: What is the CAT 2025 syllabus?
A:

The VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude in CAT 2025 have various topics listed under them. You may refer to the official website.

Q: When should I begin preparing for CAT 2025?
A:

You should at least 6-8 months prior to the CAT 2025 exam start studying for CAT 2025.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello,

Thank you for your question!

KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).

CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.

CAT vs other exams: CAT is toughest (IIMs + top B-schools), while MAT/CMAT/ATMA are relatively easier and accepted by many mid-level private universities.

Hello it will clear your doubt!

Hello Aspirant,

  1. I saw a cat. The cat found an old map inside a drawer of the king's palace.

Here's why:

  • "a cat": It's the first time we mention the cat, so it's indefinite.

  • "The cat": Now we're talking about that specific cat we just mentioned, so it's definite.

  • "an old map": It's the first time we mention a map, and "old" starts with a vowel sound, so "an."

  • "a drawer": It's one of possibly many drawers, not a specific one known to us yet.

  • "the king's palace": This is a specific, unique place, so "the."

Hello Kapish

You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.

Here's the link: CAT Previous Year Papers by CAREERS360
Sample paper of DILR: CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360

Thank You!!!


Hello Divya,

Yes, candidates with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT provided that the degree is from a recognized (UGC approved in India or accredited abroad) institution. The leading B-schools in both India and abroad do not look down upon online degrees as long as the degree is from a recognized body, they will mostly be looking at your test scores, academic performance, work experience, and profile holistically. What matters is the legitimacy of the institution and how you showcase your abilities, not whether your degree was obtained online or in-person.

Yes, someone with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT, provided the degree is from a UGC recognized university. Top B-schools in India (like IIMs) and abroad generally accept online degrees if they are valid, and you won’t be marked down just because it’s online. What matters more is your entrance exam score, academic record, work experience, and overall profile.