CAT Important Topics for Preparation 2025 - Section-wise Key Areas DILR, VARC and QA

CAT Important Topics for Preparation 2025 - Section-wise Key Areas DILR, VARC and QA

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Team Careers360Updated on 04 Sep 2025, 12:39 PM IST

Cat important topics for preparation should be the starting point for any serious CAT 2025 aspirant. By concentrating on these high-yield areas, candidates can prioritise questions that are more likely to appear in the exam. Focusing on cat important topics 2025 allows students to allocate their time efficiently and ensures that weaker sections receive the attention they need. Understanding the CAT 2025 important topics and practising them consistently not only improves speed and accuracy but also builds confidence.

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As per the CAT 2025 marking scheme, candidates will be given three marks for every correct response, and one mark will be deducted for incorrect answers. No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.  

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This Story also Contains

  1. CAT Important Topics for Preparation
  2. CAT 2025 Topic Wise Weightage
  3. Important Topics for CAT Exam 2025
  4. How CAT Topic Weightage Has Shifted Over the Last 5 Years
  5. High-Scoring Topics vs. Time-Consuming Topics in CAT
  6. Topics That Appear Frequently but Carry Low Weightage
  7. Why Focusing on Important CAT 2025 Topics Can Boost Your Exam Score
  8. Proven Strategies to Master CAT 2025 Concepts
  9. Important E-Books for CAT Exam Preparation 2025
CAT Important Topics for Preparation 2025 - Section-wise Key Areas DILR, VARC and QA
CAT important Topics

Read this article to know about:

  • CAT topic-wise weightage

  • Preparation tips to boost your CAT exam score

  • High-scoring and low-scoring CAT topics

  • Best books and ebooks to maximise your performance

CAT Important Topics for Preparation

CAT important topics for preparation can be tricky to pinpoint, as CAT 2025 has no predefined syllabus, making it challenging for candidates to plan effectively. The aspirants should carefully review the CAT previous years’ question papers and solve sample papers to identify the CAT 2025 important topics.

Focusing on the most relevant areas is crucial for success in your CAT preparation. The core sections include Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR). Other key CAT important topics 2025 in DILR include puzzles, seating arrangements, and data interpretation sets.

CAT 2025 Topic Wise Weightage

While it’s essential to prepare all topics in the Quantitative Aptitude section, certain areas carry more weight and appear frequently in exams. Focusing on cat important topics for preparation can significantly improve your score.

Practising cat important topics 2025 ensures that you prioritise areas that appear most often in past papers. Candidates who follow the CAT 2025 important topics have a higher chance of scoring well in high-weightage sections.

Covering important quant/lrdi/rc topics for CAT is crucial for overall exam performance. These form the backbone of cat exam preparation, important areas and help build a strong foundation for tackling questions in all sections.

Quantitative Aptitude

Arithmetic
This area includes problems based on speed, time and distance, work and time, percentages, averages, mixtures, and ratios. Practising these topics ensures coverage of cat important topics for preparation.

Algebra
Solving linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, and sequences falls under Algebra. Mastering these topics is part of cat important topics for preparation.

Number Properties
Rules of divisibility, HCF and LCM, fractions, decimals, and percentages form the core here. Candidates who focus on cat important topics for preparation in Number Properties can attempt questions with greater accuracy.

Working through cat important topics 2025 in Arithmetic, Algebra, and Number Properties ensures candidates are well-prepared for high-weightage sections.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension makes up the majority of the VARC section. Practising passages on science, history, literature, and current affairs ensures you cover cat important topics for preparation.

Para Jumble
Para Jumble questions typically appear 2–3 times in most CAT exams. Working on these consistently will help you master cat important topics for preparation.

Para Summary
Summarising passages and identifying assumptions or inferences is part of cat important topics for preparation. These exercises strengthen comprehension skills and analytical thinking for the VARC section.

Odd One Out
Finding the sentence that breaks the logical flow is an important skill. Practising cat important topics for preparation in Odd One Out questions can improve accuracy and speed.

In addition, aspirants must prioritise CAT 2025 important topics within VARC to improve efficiency in the last months of preparation. Covering important quant/lrdi/rc topics for CAT, like Para Jumbles and Summaries, ensures better performance on exam day.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Tables & Charts (Data Interpretation)
Analysing tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs is crucial. Covering cat important topics for preparation in this area ensures readiness for DI questions.

Caselets (Data Interpretation)
Short passages filled with data, followed by questions, are part of cat important topics for preparation.

Data Comparison (Data Interpretation)
Comparing data from different charts or tables is a core area. Practising cat important topics for preparation in Data Comparison improves speed and accuracy.

Arrangements & Seating (Logical Reasoning)
Placing people or items in order based on rules is essential. Candidates should focus on cat important topics for preparation in this area to strengthen reasoning skills.

Puzzles (Logical Reasoning)
Logic-based puzzles, grids, or letter and number puzzles fall under cat important topics for preparation. Regular practice ensures familiarity with patterns and problem-solving techniques.

Meanwhile, aspirants should also review cat syllabus with high-weightage topics to ensure that no important area is left out. Focusing on most scoring topics in CAT across Quant, VARC, and DI-LR maximises efficiency.

Important Topics for CAT Exam 2025

CAT 2025 candidates must begin their preparation by revising the basic-level topics they are already familiar with. Many aspirants often wonder about the cat important topics for preparation that are most likely to appear in the exam. Below is a section-wise guide of cat important topics 2025, compiled based on an analysis of previous CAT question papers and the latest exam pattern.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Quantitative Aptitude in CAT is a crucial section with both MCQs and TITA questions to be solved in 40 minutes. To score well, candidates must focus on cat important topics for preparation in QA like Arithmetic, Number System, Algebra, and Geometry.

Since QA questions are logic-based, a strong grasp of basic mathematics is essential. Regular practice and solving sample papers ensures mastery of CAT 2025 important topics.

Covering the cat syllabus with high-weightage topics in QA helps candidates attempt questions accurately and efficiently.

CAT topper Lakshya Kumar emphasised mastering basic Arithmetic (like Profit & Loss, Percentage), Number System, and Geometry. He focused on speed, marked key concepts for quick revision, and ensured not to miss any easy or moderate-level questions in mocks and the actual exam. This approach highlights the importance of most scoring topics in CAT for consistent performance.

Check out some of the most important chapters in Quant for CAT. Candidates must primarily focus on important quant/lrdi/rc topics for CAT in this section. These topics are the core of cat exam preparation important areas and often include the highest-yield questions.

Topics

Expected No. of Questions

Difficulty Level

Time and Work

1 to 2 Questions

Difficult

Interest (SI, CI)

1 to 2 Questions

Moderately difficult

Time, Speed and Distance

1 to 2 Questions

Moderately difficult

Probability

1 to 2 Questions

Moderately difficult

Geometry & Mensuration

7 to 8 Questions

Moderately difficult

Number System, Basic Arithmetic

5 to 10 Questions

Moderately difficult

Algebra

6 to 7 Questions

Moderately difficult

Permutation and Combination

1 to 2 Questions

Easy

Profit and Loss and Discounts

1 to 2 Questions

Easy

Trigonometry, Logarithms, and Sets

1 to 3 Questions

Easy

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

As per the CAT exam pattern 2025, the DILR section has 32 questions to be solved in 60 minutes. According to CAT topper Rahul Gupta, this section is both tricky and time-consuming. To excel, candidates should master key topics in Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation and learn shortcut techniques for faster problem-solving. Focusing on cat important topics for preparation can help improve accuracy and speed.

Check the list of important DILR topics for CAT 2025 below to guide your preparation. Here, we have provided some of the important LR topics for CAT along with DI. With regular practice of the below-mentioned important DILR topics for CAT, candidates can score well in this section. Consistently working on cat 2025 important topics in DILR ensures that aspirants strengthen their problem-solving skills and perform confidently in the exam.

Topics

Expected No. of Questions

Difficulty Level

Blood Relation

2 to 3 Questions

Moderate

Puzzle

1 to 2 Questions

Moderate

Data Sufficiency

3 to 5 Questions

Moderate

Graphs Related

5 to 8 Questions

Moderate

Seating Arrangement and Data Arrangement

5 to 6 Questions

Moderately difficult

Tables and Caselets

3 to 5 Questions

Moderately difficult

Clock & Calendar

1 to 2 Questions

Moderately Easy

Assumption and Binary Logic

1 to 2 Questions

Easy

Syllogism and Venn Diagram

1 to 2 Questions

Easy

Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

According to CAT topper Ankit Desai, candidates should solve as many RCs as possible in the first 40 minutes, followed by Verbal Ability in the next 10 minutes. Since the difficulty level of VARC is unpredictable, it's essential to devote sufficient time to both RC and VA during preparation. For those wondering how to prepare for CAT VARC (Verbal and Reading Comprehension), practising diverse RCs and VA questions regularly is crucial.

Niranjan, another CAT topper, shared, “To build confidence in VA, I bought a couple of books online from Amazon. I referred to Arun Sharma’s book on VARC, which is detailed and includes lots of questions, enough for solid practice.” His strategy shows that choosing the right resources early can boost confidence.

For aspirants aiming for CAT, often wonder when and how to start CAT preparation is a common concern. Starting early, ideally 9–12 months before the exam, and focusing on consistent practice in VARC can give you a strong edge.

Topics

Expected No. of Questions

Difficulty Level

Para-Summary

2 to 3 Questions

Moderate

Para-Jumbles

2 to 4 Questions

Moderate

Odd Sentences

1 to 2 Questions

Moderate

Reading Comprehension Passages

24 Questions

Moderately difficult

Sentence Completion and Correction

2 to 3 Questions

Moderately Easy

Word Usage (Vocabulary)

1 to 2 Questions

Easy

Fill in the Blanks

1 to 2 Questions

Easy

How CAT Topic Weightage Has Shifted Over the Last 5 Years

Over the past five years, the CAT exam topic weightage has seen noticeable changes. While Quantitative Aptitude consistently dominates, shifts within Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry highlight evolving exam patterns. Focusing on cat important topics for preparation helps candidates align with these trends. Know more about the changes that we have seen in the CAT exam structure in the last five years.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Arithmetic maintained the highest share at 40–50%, especially Percentages, Ratio-Proportion, and Averages. These form part of cat important topics 2025 that candidates must prioritise. Algebra increased from 20% to nearly 30%, with Quadratic Equations and Progressions gaining weightage.

Practising these CAT 2025 important topics ensures candidates are prepared for high-weightage questions. Geometry and Mensuration reduced from around 20% to 10–12%, making it less dominant than before. Focusing on the CAT syllabus with high-weightage topics in QA helps aspirants cover the most scoring topics in CAT effectively.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Reading Comprehension (RC) grew from 65% to nearly 80% of the section, making it the single most crucial area. Candidates should cover important quant/lrdi/rc topics for CAT systematically. Para Jumbles and Summary Questions, though reduced in number, still test grammar, inference, and logical flow. These remain essential cat exam preparation important areas for scoring well in VARC.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Shift from calculation-heavy DI sets to reasoning-driven puzzles. Practising cat important topics for preparation in DI-LR helps aspirants improve speed and accuracy.

In recent years, LR-based sets have formed almost 60% of the section. Topics like Games & Tournaments, Arrangements, and Venn Diagrams are more frequent than traditional Tables and Graphs, making them part of most scoring topics in CAT.

CAT Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

High-Scoring Topics vs. Time-Consuming Topics in CAT

The CAT exam tests both speed and accuracy. Some topics allow aspirants to score quickly with minimal effort, while others demand more time and complex problem-solving. By identifying high-scoring areas and recognising time-consuming ones, students can maximise attempts and improve their overall CAT percentile.

Section

High-Scoring Topics

Time-Consuming Topics

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio, Averages), Number Systems

Geometry, Mensuration, Algebra (Functions, Complex Equations)

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Factual Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles (logical flow)

Inference-based RCs, Critical Reasoning

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Tables, Bar Graphs, Linear Arrangements

Games & Tournaments, 3-set/4-set Venn Diagrams

Topics That Appear Frequently but Carry Low Weightage

The CAT exam often includes questions from topics that appear almost every year but contribute very little to the overall CAT topic weightage. Many aspirants waste valuable preparation time on these areas, expecting higher returns. Recognising these “low-yield but recurring” topics is critical for an effective CAT 2025 preparation strategy.

Number Systems

  • Appears almost every year, but is usually limited to 1–2 questions.

  • Advanced concepts like Base Systems or Remainder Theorems require extra effort but rarely impact the overall percentile.

Modern Mathematics

  • Topics such as Set Theory, Probability, and Permutation & Combination show up consistently.

  • Despite their presence, they collectively form less than 5% of QA weightage.

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Grammar-Based VA Questions

Questions on odd-one-out, sentence correction, and vocabulary occasionally appear in VARC, but they carry very low weightage compared to Reading Comprehension.

Calculation-Heavy DI Sets

Purely numerical DI sets (like complex percentage tables or ratio-heavy charts) show up but contribute little to overall DILR marks, since reasoning-based sets dominate the section.

Why Focusing on Important CAT 2025 Topics Can Boost Your Exam Score

The CAT exam is highly competitive, and aspirants often wonder how to maximise their preparation in limited time. Focusing on cat important topics for preparation is one of the most effective strategies to improve performance and score 99 percentile in CAT. By prioritising high-yield areas, candidates can strengthen their fundamentals, save time, and boost accuracy.

  • Understanding the cat syllabus with high-weightage topics helps aspirants plan their study schedule efficiently. Concentrating on most scoring topics in CAT allows candidates to attempt questions with confidence and score maximum marks in each section. High-weightage areas in Quant, VARC, and DI-LR often form the backbone of successful scores.

  • In the Quantitative Aptitude section, focusing on important quant/lrdi/rc topics for CAT such as Arithmetic, Algebra, and Number Properties can significantly increase accuracy. Similarly, in the VARC section, practising Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, and Summaries ensures mastery of the cat important topics for preparation required to tackle the majority of questions efficiently.

  • The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section is another area where focusing on cat exam preparation important areas like seating arrangements, puzzles, tables, and charts pays off. Candidates who prioritise these topics find themselves able to solve sets faster and with higher accuracy, directly impacting their overall score.

  • Regular practice on cat important topics for preparation not only builds familiarity but also improves time management under exam conditions. Aspirants can focus their efforts on cat important topics 2025 and cat 2025 important topics, while also reviewing most scoring topics in CAT to ensure that no crucial concept is missed.

CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages
Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Download Now

Proven Strategies to Master CAT 2025 Concepts

Cracking CAT 2025 requires not only consistent effort but also a focused approach on high-yield areas. By concentrating on cat important topics for preparation, aspirants can ensure they cover the concepts that matter most and optimise their study time effectively.

  • Creating a study plan based on the cat syllabus 2025 with high-weightage topics is key. Allocate more time to most scoring topics in CAT, while maintaining practice on other areas to avoid surprises. Regular revision of these topics reinforces memory and improves problem-solving speed.

  • In Quant, focus on important quant/lrdi/rc topics for CAT such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Number Systems, Geometry, and Mensuration. Solving topic-wise question sets and mock tests helps in understanding concepts deeply and applying them efficiently under time pressure.

  • For VARC, concentrate on Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Summaries, and Odd-One-Out questions. Mastering these cat important topics for preparation ensures that you can tackle most of the section confidently, improving both accuracy and speed.

  • In DI-LR, prioritise cat exam preparation important areas like seating arrangements, puzzles, tables, charts, and caselets. Consistent practice with mock tests and previous year questions enables aspirants to develop pattern recognition and quick decision-making skills.

  • Another effective strategy is to combine topic-wise study with regular full-length CAT mock tests. This helps in evaluating strengths and weaknesses, and allows aspirants to revise the cat important topics 2025 in a time-bound manner. Tracking performance on cat 2025 important topics ensures no high-weightage concept is left uncovered.

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Important E-Books for CAT Exam Preparation 2025

E-books are essential for CAT 2025 preparation as they offer flexibility, accessibility, and up-to-date content. Careers360 has compiled a valuable set of e-books for CAT 2025 preparation, covering all key subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. These e-books offer practice questions, and strategic tips, making them a flexible and accessible resource for focused, subject-wise exam preparation.

eBook Title

Download Links

3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder

Download Here

500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases

Download Here

300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs

Download Here

Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions

Download Here

Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions

Download Here

CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics

Download Now

CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material

Download Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the most important topics for CAT 2025?
A:

Candidates should focus on cat important topics for preparation across Quant (Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, Geometry), VARC (RC, Para Jumbles, Summaries), and DILR (puzzles, seating arrangements, tables, charts).

Q: How can I identify high-weightage topics in the CAT syllabus?
A:

Analysing previous year papers helps in spotting cat important topics 2025. High-frequency and repeated questions indicate the cat 2025 important topics to prioritise.

Q: Should I study all CAT topics equally?
A:

No. Focus first on cat important topics for preparation, then revise lower-weightage topics. Prioritising high-scoring areas ensures better results.

Q: What are the most important topics for CAT Quantitative Aptitude?
A:

The most important QA topics are Arithmetic (Percentages, Ratio, Averages, Time-Speed-Distance), Algebra (Equations, Progressions, Inequalities), and Geometry. Arithmetic usually carries the highest weightage.

Q: Which topics should I focus on in VARC for CAT?
A:

In VARC, Reading Comprehension (RC) is the most important, making up around 70–80% of the section. Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd One Out are also frequently asked.

Q: How should I prioritise topics for CAT preparation?
A:

Focus first on high-weightage topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, and Reading Comprehension. Cover the basics of low-weightage topics to avoid surprises but don’t spend too much time on them.

Q: How should I start preparing for the CAT 2025?
A:

Begin by understanding the CAT syllabus, assessing your strengths, creating a study plan, and starting with the basics of Quant, VARC, and DILR.

Q: How can I improve my DILR performance for CAT 2025?
A:

To excel in DILR, practice solving different types of logical puzzles, data caselets, and interpretation sets. Time-bound practice, solving previous CAT papers, and taking sectional mock tests will help enhance problem-solving speed and accuracy.

Q: Is it necessary to attempt all questions in CAT 2025?
A:

No, accuracy is more important than attempting all questions. Since CAT has negative marking, focus on solving easy and moderate questions correctly first before attempting the tougher ones.

Q: How do I analyze previous years’ CAT papers effectively?
A:

Start by identifying frequently asked topics, difficulty levels, and question trends. Solve past question papers in a timed manner and review mistakes to understand common pitfalls and improve accuracy.

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Hello

The CAT 2025 exam is a national-level MBA entrance test for IIMs and top B-schools in India. It will be held on 30th November 2025 in computer-based mode across ~170 cities.
The registration is open from 1st August to 13th September 2025 on iimcat.ac.in .
Admit cards will be available from 5th November 2025 onward.
Graduates with at least 50 marks (45 for SC/ST/PwD) are eligible to apply.
The exam tests English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude in three timed sections.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects