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

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

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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.

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 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: 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.

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: 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.

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Questions related to CAT

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Hello,

To get admitted to the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), BHU, for an MBA in 2026, you must clear the CAT entrance exam. For that you need to fill out the application form of the CAT in August 2026, which you can get on the Official CAT website

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello

You can get all the papers on the Careers360 website. To access the paper and download it for practice, just visit here:

https://design.careers360.com/articles/nift-cat-2024-question-paper-with-solutions

Hope it will help you!!

Hello dear candidate,

Yes, you have a very good chance of getting a BPT seat with 488 out of 600 and TS EAMCET rank of 14,000 under the ST category.

As the cut off of BPT for ST category students are generally between 25,000 to 45,000 ranks, depending upon the college and you have TS EAMCET rank of 14,000.

Thank you.

If you got 802 marks in Telangana Intermediate and belong to the ST category, you have a fair chance to get admission in a BPT course in 2025, but it depends on the college and cut-off. Most BPT colleges in Telangana ask for 12th marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and some also use the TS EAMCET rank for admission. The cut-off for ST students is usually lower than for general students, but it changes every year. It is better to check the previous year’s cut-offs of the colleges you want to apply to.

Hello, Getting shortlisted for IIM Lucknow or IIT Bombay (SJMSOM) with your profile is challenging, primarily due to your 58% in Class 10th, which significantly impacts the composite score calculation for both institutes. While your 98 percentile CAT score is excellent, and your 24 months of work experience, B.Com (Hons) background (providing academic diversity, especially for IIM-L), and KVS National player status are valuable additions, top IIMs and IITs heavily weigh consistent academic performance. Your 74% in 12th is also on the lower side. IIM Lucknow places substantial weight on 10th and 12th marks, making a call quite difficult despite your strengths. You likely have a relatively better, though still uncertain, chance at IIT Bombay, as their weighting might be slightly less penalizing for past academics compared to IIM-L, and your high CAT score is a major factor. However, the low 10th score remains a significant hurdle for both prestigious institutions.

I hope you found this information helpful and for study related queries you can ask in careers360 app, Have a great day and!