CAT Maths Syllabus 2025: Topics, Weightage, Important Chapters in Quantitative Aptitude

CAT Maths Syllabus 2025: Topics, Weightage, Important Chapters in Quantitative Aptitude

Team Careers360Updated on 21 Aug 2025, 03:47 PM IST

The CAT Maths syllabus includes the mathematical topics to be asked for in the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT exam. The CAT math syllabus covers various topics and concepts that test the candidates' mathematical skills and number-crunching Aptitude. CAT math syllabus covers topics like logarithms, work and time, percentage, probability, profit and loss, ratios and proportions and others. The CAT Maths syllabus discussed here is prepared based on the previous year's CAT question paper pattern. The CAT exam body gives no pre-defined specific CAT maths syllabus. The CAT math syllabus is based on general and advanced mathematics concepts. Strong command and rigorous practice of the important concepts are necessary to score well in the Quantitative Aptitude section.

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CAT Maths Syllabus 2025: Topics, Weightage, Important Chapters in Quantitative Aptitude
CAT Maths Syllabus

CAT Maths Syllabus weightage in Exam

The weightage of maths in CAT through the Quantitative Aptitude section is significant. The Quantitative Aptitude section contains 22 out of the 66 questions holding a total of 66 marks out of 198. The CAT-accepting institutes such as IIMs have specified sectional cutoffs required for eligibility purposes. The detailed weightage of the maths in the CAT syllabus is given in the table below.

CAT Exam Section

Quantitative Aptitude

Total Math Questions

22

Total Marks

66

Marking Scheme

  • 3 marks for every correct answer.
  • -1 mark for every incorrect answer.

CAT Maths Syllabus Important Topics

The CAT math syllabus is not defined. It has a wide array of topics that a candidate must study to excel in this section of the CAT exam. Concepts from arithmetics, trigonometry, and geometry are a few to state the important ones. The important topics that a candidate should keep on their checklist while preparing for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section are mentioned in the table below.

Weightage of different areas of CAT Maths Syllabus

The CAT math syllabus can be broadly divided into four areas given below.

  1. Arithmetic
  2. Geometry
  3. Modern Maths
  4. Algebra
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All these four areas of mathematics have their weightage in the quant section of the CAT exam. The weightage of these areas according to past CAT papers and candidate feedback has been mentioned in the table below.

Areas of CAT Maths Syllabus

Weightage

Arithmetic

45.5%

Geometry

13.6%

Modern Maths

18.2%

Algebra

22.7%

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there a calculator allowed in CAT?
A:

The use of a calculator is strictly prohibited in the CAT exam. Candidates found with any restricted electronic item during the CAT exam will get their candidature terminated immediately. They might also be banned from appearing for future CAT exams.

Q: Is CAT math difficult?
A:

Overall, CAT maths has a moderate difficult level, but sometimes it turns easy for candidates who start their preparation early and practice all three sections. 

Q: What is the syllabus of maths in CAT?
A:

The syllabus of maths in CAT comprises four different parts namely, arithmetic, geometry, modern maths, and algebra. Out of the four, the arithmetic part accounts for most of the questions followed by algebra, modern maths, and geometry.

Q: Does CAT have 11 and 12 maths?
A:

Most of the mathematical concepts used to formulate questions in the quant section of the CAT exam are the ones taught in the 10th, 11th, and 12th standard mathematics. The level of the questions however remains a bit inclined towards the advanced level.

Q: Does IIM require maths?
A:

Qualifying CAT and sectional cutoffs are required for IIM so it makes maths essential for IIM. Having your way with numbers and mathematical ability surely adds up to the overall profile of a candidate applying for IIM.

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For a raw score of 56 in CAT 2025 Slot 3, your expected overall percentile is likely to be in the range of the 90th-95th percentile. The exact percentile can vary slightly on the final normalization process and the process and performance of all test-takers. In this article you'll find more about the CAT result.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,
With a projected CAT percentile of 87% but not clearing sectional cutoffs, your chances at top IIMs are limited because they require both overall percentile and sectional minimums. However, you still have a good shot at other reputed management institutes and non-IIM B-schools. Consider colleges like NMIMS, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and other well-ranked private or state-level B-schools that accept CAT scores and weigh your profile holistically. Your academic record, BSc in Animation with 80%, and 5 years of work experience at Ubisoft India are strong points and may help in institutes that value work experience in their selection process. Also, explore institutes that accept XAT, MAT, or CMAT, where your profile can be competitive.
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NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.

Thank You.

If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.


And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means you won’t get the EWS benefit.


So yes — you can still go for General category posts and Professor recruitment. Just don’t try to submit a fake/invalid certificate; that will get you disqualified.

Hello,
If your CAT admit card shows your surname first followed by your first name as entered in the form, it is correct. You do not need to worry about this format as long as it matches the details you provided. Ensure all other information on the admit card is accurate and carry it to the exam along with the required identification documents.
Hope this helps you.