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

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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