Most Important Topics for CAT 2024: DILR, VARC and QA Sections

CAT aspirants must know what to study and what not to study while preparing for the IIM entrance exam. Candidates do not waste their time studying unnecessary topics. It is best to study only the important topics that will be asked in the CAT exam. To crack the exam with a good score, candidates must be aware of important CAT 2024 topics. This article of Careers360 provides in detail section-wise important topics for CAT 2024, best tips on how to study, resources for CAT preparation, etc.

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This Story also Contains

1. CAT 2024: Important Topics for Preparation
2. CAT Exam Pattern 2024
3. Previous Year's CAT Question Paper
4. How to boost CAT percentile with CAT exam important topics
5. Important Topics for CAT Exam 2024
6. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
7. CAT chapter-wise weightage
8. Preparation tips for Quantitative Ability Section -
9. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
10. Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
11. Best books for CAT 2024 exam preparation

CAT 2024: Important Topics for Preparation

As usual, CAT 2024 has no predefined syllabus, making it hard for candidates to prepare for the entrance exam. To know CAT important topics, candidates are advised to look at the previous questions, understand the past trends, and solve sample papers. Analyzing previous CAT question trends is a time-consuming and tedious chore. To make it easy, Careers360 in this article brings to you, CAT 2024 important topics for preparation.

Thus, to solve this dilemma, this article brings to you the most important topics to prepare for the entrance exam. CAT 2024 important topics will be extremely helpful in scoring a good percentile in the IIM CAT. If a candidate is looking for CAT DLIR important topics, they can directly go to that section, as the CAT important questions are given section-wise. In addition to that, candidates will learn important CAT exam tips and tricks to prepare for the Common Admission Test (CAT).

CAT Exam Pattern 2024

Before heading straight onto the important CAT topics, let us first have a look at the CAT 2024 exam pattern. This will give you an overview of the structure of the exam, such as the duration of the CAT exam, the marking scheme, sections, the sectional time limit, and so on. Candidates are also encouraged to check the previous year CAT question paper and give a CAT mock test as this will help them understand all the CAT important questions, difficulty level, type of question, etc.

Previous Year's CAT Question Paper

How to boost CAT percentile with CAT exam important topics

Now let us understand the benefits of studying important topics for CAT 2024.

High Weightage: Certain CAT topics consistently appear in the exam and carry significant weight. Focusing on these areas can help you score higher.

Efficiency: Time is limited, and knowing which CAT important topics are essential allows you to allocate your study time more effectively. This targeted approach ensures that you cover the most relevant material thoroughly.

Confidence Boost: Mastering CAT 2024 important topics can boost your confidence during the exam, as you are more likely to encounter questions you are well-prepared for.

Better Performance: By concentrating on CAT most important topics, you can improve your overall performance and increase your chances of achieving a high percentile.

Balanced Preparation: Understanding the important topics for CAT 2024 helps in balancing your preparation across all sections of the CAT, ensuring that no section is neglected.

Important Topics for CAT Exam 2024

CAT 2024 candidates must brush up their skills by starting with the basic level topics with which they are already familiar. Everyone wants to know the important topics for CAT from which questions are expected in the exam. To score good marks in the CAT 2024 entrance exam, aspirants must practice CAT most important topics along with covering all previously asked CAT important questions thoroughly. Check below the most important topics for CAT 2024, compiled based on an analysis of the previous CAT questions paper and the latest exam pattern.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Quantitative aptitude is one of the most important sections that asks a good number of questions in the CAT exam. The QA will have both MCQs and TITA questions, and candidates will have 40 minutes to answer. To score well in this section, candidates are required to refer to some important topics in quant for CAT.

Mathematical questions in the QA section are based on common logic theories, and therefore candidates are advised to practice more of the basic mathematics to gain clarity in this section. Candidates must also focus on and practice all the important topics in the CAT quant section regularly. If possible, candidates must solve sample papers of CAT to help them understand the basics.

CAT topper Lakshya Kumar said, “My approach was to practice a lot of basic arithmetic questions (profit and loss, percentage, etc.), number systems, and geometry, as these have been the key areas of focus for the CAT exam. This, combined with quick calculation speed (developed over 6 months), helped me ace the exam.

The advice from my seniors to mark important questions and concepts so that a quick revision is possible helped me a lot during the final leg. I did coaching books of quant twice. My focus during mock and actual CAT was on the fact that I shouldn’t miss out on any easy or medium question, and hence I deliberately left the difficult question for the last.”. Some of the topics that the aspirants must focus on under this section, and from which most questions are asked, are:

CAT 2024 Important Topics for QA

Check out some of the most important chapters in Quant for CAT. Candidates must primarily focus on these important topics in the CAT Quant section given below.

CAT chapter-wise weightage

All the important topics for CAT 2024 can be determined after careful analysis of the previous year’s official CAT question papers. The candidates focusing on these CAT most important topics can ensure that they enhance their CAT preparation by making the most out of their CAT preparation time by emphasising studying the CAT 2024 important topics.

CAT 2022 chapter wise weightage

• When the CAT 2022 question paper from all the sets is analyzed, it can be understood that 66.6% of the total VARC questions had come from the Reading Comprehension topic alone. It is followed by the parajumbles section with 13.8% weightage, Para Completion with 8% weightage and Parasummary with 12.5% weightage.

• While the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section is analyzed, it can be comprehended that almost 46% of the questions were asked only from the Reasoning-based DI question types. Topics such as Routes and Networks, Scatter Graphs, Bar Graphs and Table-based DI had a weightage of 8%. From here the candidates can recognise the important DILR topics for CAT exam.

• The Quantitative aptitude section has 18% of questions asked from the number systems topic, followed by 13% from Averages and Mixtures 10% from Geometry, 9% from Ratio, Proportion & Variation and 7% from Time, Speed & Distance,

From the analysis, it can be concluded that candidates can put emphasis on learning the concepts of Reading comprehension, Reasoning-based DI and number systems to enhance their CAT preparation as it is deemed to be the most important topics.

CAT 2021 chapter wise weightage

• When the CAT 2021 question paper from all the sets is analyzed, it can be understood that 65.3% of the total VARC questions had come from the Reading Comprehension topic alone. It is followed by the Parajumbles section with 15.3% weightage, Parasummary with 12.5% weightage, and Odd One Out/Misfit Sentence with 6.9% weightage.

• While the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section is analyzed, it can be comprehended that almost 31.7% of the questions were asked only from the Reasoning-based DI question types. Topics such as Table-based DI had a weightage of 35%, Bar Graphs with 13.3%, Ordering and Sequencing with 10%, and Games and Tournaments with 6.7%. From this analysis, the candidates can identify the important DILR topics for CAT exam.

• The Quantitative Aptitude section has 13.6% of questions asked from the Number Systems topic, followed by 9.1% from Percentages, and 7.6% each from Equations, Averages and Mixtures, Mensuration, and Time & Work. Other significant topics include Geometry and Profit, Loss & Discount with 6.1% each, and Time, Speed and Distance, Logarithm and Surds, Permutations and Combinations, Sequence & Series ranging from 4.5% to 6.1%. The least weightage was given to Functions, Interest, Inequalities with approximately 3%, and Ratio, Proportion & Variation, and Coordinate Geometry with approximately 1.5% each.

From the analysis, it can be concluded that candidates should emphasize learning the concepts of Reading Comprehension, Reasoning-based DI, and Number Systems to enhance their CAT preparation, as these are the most important topics.

CAT 2020 chapter wise weightage

• When the CAT 2020 question paper from all the sets is analyzed, it can be understood that 79.2% of the total VARC questions had come from the Reading Comprehension topic alone. It is followed by the Parajumbles and Parasummary sections, each with 11.1% weightage, and Odd One Out/Misfit Sentence with 9.7% weightage.

• While the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section is analyzed, it can be comprehended that almost 46.7% of the questions were asked only from the Table-based DI question types. Topics such as Reasoning-based DI had a weightage of 21.7%, while Logical Deductions and Connections, Ordering and Sequencing, and Games and Tournaments each accounted for 10%. Venn Diagrams comprised about 6.7% of the DILR questions. Hence the important DILR topics for CAT exam are reasoning-based DI Logical Deductions and Connections and Ordering and Sequencing.

• The Quantitative Aptitude section has 25.8% of questions asked from the Number Systems topic, followed by 15.2% from Time, Speed and Distance, and 12.1% from Equations. Other significant topics include Mensuration with 9.1%, Logarithm and Surds and Averages and Mixtures each with 7.6%, and Geometry, Ratio, Proportion & Variation, and Percentages each with 6.1%. Least weightage was given to Coordinate Geometry, Profit, Loss & Discount, and Interest each with 4.5%, and Functions, Time and Work with 3%. The least weightage topics, including Sequence & Series, Inequalities, Set Theory, and Surds and Indices, each accounted for approximately 1.5%.

From the analysis, it can be concluded that candidates should emphasize learning the concepts of Reading Comprehension, Table-based DI, and Number Systems to enhance their CAT preparation, as these are the most important topics.

Preparation tips for Quantitative Ability Section -

The weightage of each topic must be checked by candidates to decide how much time they wish to devote to that particular topic. It is recommended that candidates focus more on the basic topics of the number system and geometry, as they hold a good amount of weightage in the IIM entrance exam. Candidates must practice basic CAT questions to clear their concepts and then move on to the other important topics in the CAT quant section, ranging from moderately difficult to difficult.

Not only CAT but other top b-school entrance exams also cover most of these topics from the QA section. When candidates are done with the basic concepts, they should also pick up past year question papers and practice them thoroughly.

Also Read - How to prepare for CAT

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

As per the exam pattern, this section of DILR contains 32 questions in total. According to CAT topper Rahul Gupta, Data interpretation and logical reasoning questions are tricky and time-consuming as well. Hence, to excel in this section, candidates must know important topics in Logical Reasoning for CAT and shortcut methods and tricks to solve them.

DILR section aims to test a candidate's decision-making ability as well as speed using limited input in a restricted time of 60 minutes. The logical reasoning section aims to test the understanding of candidates concerning the hidden hints in the question. Candidates must indulge in brainstorming sessions, such as solving Sudoku, riddles on blood relations, crossword puzzles, family trees, etc., along with other moderate to difficult important topics in LRDI for CAT to score well in this section. Candidates can check the next section mentioning all the Data interpretation and logical reasoning important topics for CAT, to help them prepare well for the exam.

CAT topper Rohit Banerjea said, “For DILR, I proceeded set-by-set, studying each of them and understanding which topic the set belonged to. If it fell in my wheelhouse of comfort, I'd attempt it immediately before proceeding to the next. If not, I'd skip it for later. I also decided to skip the novel set in the section because of the variables involved, which proved to be the right decision.” Some of the topics given below must be checked by candidates:

CAT 2024 Important Topics for DILR

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.

Preparation tips for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

For this section, practice as many important logical reasoning important topics for CAT as you can. One can never predict the question of DILR as it varies widely. However, the base setup of questions remains the same. Practice from past-year question papers for CAT, covering all the DI and LR important topics for CAT.

Attempt as many CAT 2024 mock tests as possible. The more candidates practice the questions from DI & LR the better the outcome will be. The DI questions in the paper are calculation-intensive and require good-speed calculations. For this on-screen calculator, the option is available in CAT.

Quick Link-

• How to prepare for CAT DI & LR
• Best Books for CAT Preparation

Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

According to CAT topper Ankit Desai, Candidates must solve as many RCs as possible in the first 40 minutes. After that for the next 10 mins solve Verbal Ability. Since the difficulty is never known for the VARC Section before solving the paper, devote sufficient time to both RCs and VA while preparing.

Niranjan, one of the CAT toppers, said, “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, which is enough for practice. This helped me get a good hold on VARC.”

Quick link -

• How to prepare for CAT VARC (Verbal and Reading Comprehension)
• CAT 2024: When and how to start preparation

CAT 2024 Important Topics for VARC

Preparation tips for Verbal and Reading Comprehension

Experts suggest that to excel in this section of the VARC of the CAT exam 2024, candidates should focus more on grammar and try to learn new words daily along with synonyms and antonyms. Adopting this practice will help candidates score well in this section. Candidates must ensure that they practice this section for at least 3 hours daily. Reading as much as possible is an addition to this VARC section.

Candidates must prepare the CAT most important topics section-wise to score well in their CAT 2024 entrance exam.

Best books for CAT 2024 exam preparation

For CAT 2024 exam preparation, focus on acquiring study materials that cover the quantitative ability, verbal ability and reading comprehension, and logical reasoning and data interpretation sections comprehensively. Look for resources that offer clear explanations of fundamental concepts, ample practice questions with varying difficulty levels, and strategies for time management and problem-solving. Online platforms, CAT 2024 mock tests, and past year papers are also valuable resources to familiarize yourself with the exam format and assess your readiness

Top Books for Quantitative Ability (QA):

This section tests the problem solving approach of the aspirants. With high difficulty level,

QA covers topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Mathematics and other questions related to Higher Maths. The top books to prepare for this section

of CAT are,

1. Arun Sharma’s ‘How to prepare for Quantitative Ability for CAT’, published by Tata McGraw Hill-

This book is most recommended for CAT aspirants to prepare for QA section. The book follows the latest pattern of CAT with focus on one of the most important components of the CAT exam is Quantitative Aptitude. Each chapter has questions at the end that have been split up into three sections, based on the level of difficulty. Mock papers are also available in this book.

2. Arun Sharma’s The Complete CAT Digest, by Tata McGraw-Hill,

It is a must-have for any CAT aspirant, covering the basics of the CAT entrance examination with a strong focus on the QA section.

3. How to Prepare for the CAT Common Admissions Test by Muhamed Muneer, published by Om Books,

It is another book that is simple and easy to understand, and has mock tests and solved CAT papers from previous years.

4. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (Tata McGraw-Hill)

This book has a comprehensive step-by-step problem solving guide.

5. Quantitative Aptitude for CAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams by Trishna Knowledge Systems (Pearson)

This CAT preparation ebook has many practice exercises in increasing difficulty for a gradual transition.

Top Books for Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VRC):

This section basically tests the English language skills of the test takers. The question types are

divided in 2 parts, Reading Comprehension and English Usage. The English Usage questions canbe further classified into Vocabulary, Grammar and Verbal Reasoning. The books to prepare are,

1. How to Prepare for the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay (Tata McGraw-Hill) is a workbook with practice questions and tips based on previous CAT papers.

2. Nishit Sinha’s The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (Pearson) covers a wide range of topics explained in an easy-to-understand manner.

3. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.

4. Barron’s Pocket Guide to Vocabulary

Top Books for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR):

The questions from this area are mainly in the form of caselets. The test takers have to analyze

the data given in various ways and answer the questions. The topics covered in this area are Data Arrangement, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations, Bar Graphs, Data Sufficiency etc. The books to prepare are,

1. How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT (Tata McGraw-Hill) by Arun Sharma covers all the fundamental concepts of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.

2. Trishna's Verbal Ability And Logical Reasoning For The CAT And Other MBA Examinations by TIME Publisher: Pearson

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