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CAT 2025 Success Formula: Surfing through Escalators, Venn Diagrams Puzzle Questions, and Participles - Day 34
Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jun 18, 2025 05:21 PM IST | #CAT
Ongoing Event
CAT Application Date : 01 Aug' 2025 - 13 Sep' 2025
Mastering escalator problems, Venn diagram puzzles, and participle questions can significantly boost your CAT preparation and overall score. On Day 34 of the Careers360 60-day guide, we focus on important Time, Speed, and Distance questions from the Quantitative Aptitude section, complex logical reasoning through Venn diagrams in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and essential participle questions in Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. In this article, we will discuss topics that help sharpen your problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and accuracy, all crucial for cracking the CAT 2025 successfully.
This Story also Contains
- CAT Preparation 2024 in 60 days
- Free PDFs for CAT 2024 preparation
- Tips and Tricks to Solve Venn Diagrams
CAT Preparation 2024 in 60 days
Preparing for CAT 2024 in 60 days requires a focused and strategic approach. With disciplined study, regular practice, and smart revision, you can strengthen key concepts, improve speed, and boost accuracy.
Part-1: Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam
Important Concept/Formula Used in Time, Speed and Distance escalator problems
Time speed distance escalator problems:
Moving ‘with’ the escalator means one has to climb fewer steps on one’s own. (Similar to downstream)
Moving ‘against’ the escalator means one has to climb more steps on one’s own. (Similar to upstream)
Types of Escalator based problems:
Length-related questions
Time-related questions
Steps-related questions
Speed-related questions
CAT Exam:
Previous Year CAT Questions On Time, Speed and Distance (Escalator):
Q1. Rakesh takes 45 seconds on an escalator which is moving down when he walks down but takes 35 seconds when he runs down. He takes 25 steps when he walks whereas he takes 35 steps when he is running. What is the total number of steps in the escalator? [TITA, Based on CAT]
Common escalator problems and solutions:
Let the speed of the escalator be ‘x’ steps per second.
tsd CAT Questions Escalator Trick: The distance covered in going down in both cases should be the same.
Distance covered when he is walking = 25 + 45x (45x is covered by escalator)
Distance covered when he is running = 35 + 35x (35x is covered by escalator)
=> 25 + 45x = 35 + 35x
=> x = 1
Total number of steps = 25 + 45(1) = 70 steps
Time speed distance escalator problems
Q2. Amit and Sumit are climbing on a moving escalator that is going up. Amit takes 40 steps to reach the top whereas Sumit takes 45 steps for the same. Sumit takes 5 steps whereas Amit can take only 4 steps in one second. What is the total number of steps in the escalator? [TITA, Based on CAT]
Common escalator problems and solutions:
tsd CAT Questions Escalator Trick 1: First find the time taken by both to reach the top
For Amit, t = 45/5 = 9 seconds
For Sumit, t = 40/4 = 10 seconds
Let the escalator move with a speed of x steps per second.
tsd CAT Questions Escalator Trick 2: The distance covered in going down in both cases should be the same.
=> 9(5 + x) = 10(4 + x)
=> x = 5 steps per second
Number of steps in the escalator = 9(5 + 4) = 81 steps
Prerequisite for Escalator Questions For CAT
Relative speed
Upstream and downstream
Basics of Time, speed and distance
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 NowCAT Exam Important Topic: Strategy to Prepare “Escalators (Time, speed and Distance) and Escalator Questions For CAT
Time, Speed and Questions for CAT (Escalator)
The height of each step does not matter.
Distance is measured in terms of steps.
The total steps by a person and the escalator are equal to the number of visible steps.
CAT study material: References to Study (Theory) Escalator Concepts
Escalator Questions For CAT
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (7th Edition; Pg No 335 to 339)
Rodha (YouTube, Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzLtv86sWgI)
References to Study (Practice)Escalator Questions For CAT
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT – Sarvesh Verma.
Rodha (YouTube, (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHflaojKVlI)
Part-2: CAT 2024 Preparation Tips: CAT DILR tips (Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation)
CAT 2024 Syllabus Topic: Strategy to prepare “Venn Diagram” (Part-2) and Venn Diagram Questions
CAT Exam:
CAT Previous Year Questions on Venn Diagram :
Q1. A club has 256 members of whom 144 can play football, 123 can play tennis, and 132 can play cricket. Moreover, 58 members can play both football and tennis, 25 can play both cricket and tennis, and 63 can play both football and cricket. If every member can play at least one game, then the number of members who can play only tennis is?
32
38
43
45
Venn Diagram Questions with Solution: ANS. (3)
According to the information given in the question
Considering that all those who play all their games as X as shown in the above Venn diagram, we will consider Student’s playing football and cricket both as 63-x, Student’s playing football and tennis both will be 58-x and student’s playing cricket and tennis both as 25-x.
Venn Diagram Trick: Firstly, as we know each student is playing at least one game so the addition of all players playing must be equal to the total number of students.
Secondly, as we know student playing game is clearly given in question
So, solution would be like
Only football would be 144-(63-x + x + 58-x) =23+x
Similarly, only tennis would be 123-(58-x+x+25-x) =40+X
Venn Diagram Trick: Students playing all the games must be equal to 256
256= Cricket + only football + only tennis + both football and tennis
256 = 132 + 23+x + 40+x + 58-x
On solving we get
X = 3
So, they have asked for only tennis so we would put x=3 in 40+x
So, answer would be = 40+3=43
Q2. Out Of 60 students in a class, anyone who has chosen to study maths elects to do physics as well. But no one does maths and chemistry, 16 do physics and chemistry. All the students do at least one of the three subjects and the number of people who do exactly one of the three is more than the number who do more than one of the three. What are the maximum and the minimum number of people who could have done Chemistry only?
Venn Diagram Questions with Solution:
Trick for Venn Diagram: According to given information, draw Venn diagram as shown below:
All students studying at-least one subject so
P + M+ C +(P&C) = 60
P+M+C+14 = 60
P+M+C = 44
Trick for Venn Diagram: Apply the given condition in equations formed
The number of people who do exactly one of the three is more than the number who do more than one of the three => Only P + only C must be greater than P&M + 16
So,
Only P + Only C > P&M + 16
The Question needs the answer for maximum and minimum for only C
Since they are asking for maximum and minimum of Only C
The trick is for minimum Put only C as 0 and if this equation holds then minimum would be zero
For maximum put only C as 44 and then check for equation hold or not
So, by putting only C as zero we get
Only P+0 > P&M + 16
Now we can easily see that equation will hold, we can find many values for only P and P&M
Similarly, if we put only C as 44 which is maximum value still the equation will hold so the answer would be
Max = 44 and Min = 0
CAT entrance exam: Prerequisite to Venn Diagram Questions
Set Theory
Venn Diagram Basics
CAT syllabus 2024: References to Study (Theory) Venn Diagram Concepts
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (7th Edition: Page No 744- 748)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHXQiDwicRon0tRuWj6r9HA (Rodha Youtube Channel)
CAT Exam:
References to Study (Practice) Venn Diagram Questions
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (7th Edition: Page No 749- 764)
CAT Previous years Papers and Sample Papers.
Part-3: CAT Exam Preparation 2024: CAT exam tips for VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
CAT Exam Important Topic: Strategy to Prepare “Participles” for CAT-2024
CAT Important Basic Concept
Participles are forms of verbs that can be used as nouns, modifiers, and compound verbs.
CAT Previous Years' Questions on Participles
Find the error in the underlined part:
Question: Due to the slow-moving nature of tectonic plate movement, the oldest ocean crust is thought to date from the Jurassic period, formed from huge fragments of the Earth’s lithosphere and lasted 200 million years. [CAT PYQ]
formed from huge fragments of the Earth’s lithosphere and lasted 200 million years.
forming from huge fragments of the Earth’s lithosphere and lasting 200 million years.
forming from huge fragments of the Earth’s lithosphere and lasted 200 million years.
formed from huge fragments of the Earth’s lithosphere and lasting 200 million years.
Solution: [D]
The “oldest ocean crust” was “formed” in the past during the Jurassic period and is currently still around (since the word ‘oldest’ directed towards its presence, otherwise the word ‘oldest’ would not have been used). We need the past tense/participle verbs to be used correctly.
Option (A): The ocean crust was “formed” in the past” but if “lasted” is past tense then the oldest ocean crust is no longer around.
If you chose (B) or (C), “forming” implies the ‘oldest ocean crust is still being formed. and that part is no longer continuing to form but was formed at some point during the Jurassic period.
Option D is correct.
CAT 2024:
Prerequisite
Verb
Tenses and Sentence Verb agreement
Tips and Tricks for CAT Exam
To figure out which role a participle is playing, find the core of the sentence.
Try to spot the participle in this sentence.
Present participles always end in “-ing”
Past participles are generally identical to the past tense form of the verb.
CAT exam: References to Study (Theory)
Wren and Martin
Bodhee Prep CAT Preparation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diPZrBHQ7rM)
CAT exam: References to Study (Practice)
Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT by Ajay
CAT Previous years Papers and Sample Papers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ql5ipQILsKM
Free PDFs for CAT 2024 preparation
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Tips and Tricks to Solve Venn Diagrams
Venn Diagram questions in the CAT exam appear frequently in the DILR section, testing your ability to understand and organise data involving overlapping sets. With the right techniques and regular practice, you can solve these questions accurately and within time limits.
1. Understand Set Terminology
Tip: Know what union (A ∪ B), intersection (A ∩ B), complement (A′), and subsets mean.
Example: If 40 students like Math (M) and 30 like English (E), A ∪ B = those who like at least one = M + E – M∩E.
2. Start with the Innermost Set
Tip: Begin solving from the part common to all sets (triple intersection in 3-set problems), then move outward.
Example: If 10 students like all three sports—Cricket, Football, and Hockey—place 10 in the intersection of all three circles first before filling other sections.
3. Use Variables for Unknowns
Tip: Assign variables to unknown segments and use given totals to form equations.
Example: If 100 people were surveyed, x like only A, y like A and B, z like all three, create equations:
Total = x + y + z + other regions = 100.
4. Draw Neat, Labelled Diagrams
Tip: Keep the diagram clean with labels for each region (Only A, A∩B, A∩B∩C, etc.).
Example: For a 3-set Venn diagram, label 7 distinct regions. It avoids confusion when plugging in values or solving equations.
5. Practice Common Set Patterns
Tip: Know standard expressions like “Only A” = A – (A∩B + A∩C – A∩B∩C).
Example: If 50 like A, 30 like both A and B, and 10 like all three, then "only A" = 50 – (30 – 10) (A∩C – A∩B∩C).
6. Use Total = A + B + C – (Pairwise Intersections) + (All Three)
Tip: Apply the inclusion-exclusion principle.
Example: If:
A = 60
B = 70
C = 50
A∩B = 30
B∩C = 20
A∩C = 25
A∩B∩C = 15
Then Total = 60 + 70 + 50 – (30 + 20 + 25) + 15 = 120
7. Use Complementary Information Wisely
Tip: Subtract people outside the sets from the total to focus only on those involved.
Example: Out of 200 students, 40 like none of the three subjects. So, only 160 belong inside the Venn Diagram.
Practice and remain focused; Day 35 will be posted tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I solve escalator-based CAT questions efficiently?
Visualise escalator problems as relative speed problems. Use the formula: Relative Speed = Speed of person ± Speed of escalator, depending on direction. Practice varied types to build speed and confidence.
2. What’s the best approach to tackle 3-set Venn Diagram puzzles in CAT?
Start from the intersection of all three sets, then fill outward. Use variable substitution for unknowns and apply the inclusion-exclusion principle for accurate calculations and logical deductions.
3. How are participles tested in CAT VARC, and how should I prepare?
Participles aren't tested directly, but knowing them improves grammar and sentence structure understanding. Practice identifying participles in RCs and para jumbles to improve comprehension and sentence flow.
4. Can escalator problems appear as Data Interpretation questions in CAT?
Yes, escalator or TSD-based logic may feature in DI sets. Recognise patterns, extract data efficiently, and apply logical formulas to solve them in time-sensitive environments.
5. Why is mastering participles important for VARC precision?
Participles help identify verbals, clarify sentence intent, and avoid modifier errors in para jumbles and sentence rearrangement. Mastery ensures you spot structural flaws in options with greater accuracy.
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Have a question related to CAT ?
Hello aspirant,
The CUSAT CAT 2025 inaugural real-time spot admission will take place at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) from August 4–6. For admission to a variety of undergraduate (B.Tech) and graduate (MSc) programs, the Common Admission Test, or CUSAT CAT, is an entrance exam. Every year, it features sections in mathematics/biology, chemistry, and physics.
For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:
https://www.careers360.com/exams/cusat-cat
Thank you
Sajal Trivedi 03 August,2025
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, if your caste is listed under Central OBC and you come under the category of Non-Creamy Layer, then you shall be eligible for the OBC-NCL reservation in the CAT exam and IIM admissions, irrespective of its being categorized as OEC in Kerala. Remember to get a valid OBC-NCL certificate obtained as per the format prescribed by the Government of India.
gopi 30 July,2025
Hey Vijay:)
Thanks for reaching out!
OEC,(Other Eligible Communities) is a state-specific reservation category used in Kerala,and it is not recognised as a separate category in central-level exams like the CAT.
For Central govt exams candidates must choose from the recognised categories: General,SC,ST,OBC-NCL,EWS or PwD.If your community is listed under OEC-SC or OEC-ST in Kerala,you should check whether it falls under SC or ST in the central list and apply accordingly.
Similarly,If your OEC community is in the central OBC list and you meet the non-creamy layer(NCL)rules,you can apply as OBC-NCL, otherwise you need to apply under the general category.
You can verify caste's status in the central list on the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) website.
Hope this clears your doubt!
Taabia Fathima 30 July,2025
You can easily get CAT previous year question papers online in PDF format, with solutions too. Websites like CollegeDunia, Careers360, SelfStudys, Cracku, and Aglasem have papers from CAT 2024, 2023, 2022… even back to the 1990s.
Ankur Mehta 01 August,2025
Hi dear candidate,
The score of your CAT exam is valid for one year from the date of exam.
For example: If your CAT exam was held on 24th November 2024 then your score is valid till 31st December 2025 meaning that you can take admission in the academic year 2025 - 27.
BEST REGARDS
Aryan 27 July,2025
Popular CAT Questions
Directions for question :
M/s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, one of the top four audit and accounting firms in the world with headquarters at London, UK, and with an operational presence in 153 countries, hires Management Trainees (MT) from all the premier management institutes of India thrice every year, in the months of January, May and September.
Each new group of Management Trainees (MT) have to go through a four month rigorous training schedule, after which they have to pass through a test consisting of a written assessment and a case-analysis. The top hundred ranked Management Trainees (MT) based on the performance in the test are confirmed as Management Executives (ME). The rest are given the opportunity of undergoing the training for four months one more time along with the next batch of Management Trainees (MT) and then passing through the subsequent test consisting of the written assessment and case-analysis. The Management Trainee (MT) who fails to get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the second time is fired.
The scatter-graph below depicts the number of Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte taking the tests from January 2020 till May 2022, and the vis-à-vis hired Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte who were fired :
It is also known that for the month of September 2019 at Deloitte, 96 hired Management Trainees (MT) failed to be confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the first time, and that 36 hired Management Trainees (MT) were fired.
Question :
In which test did the minimum number of Management Trainees (MT) get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) in the second attempt ?
Option: 1
September 2020
Option: 2
May 2021
Option: 3
January 2021
Option: 4
January 2022
Directions for question:
The bar-graph given below shows the foreign exchange reserves of Nepal (in million Rupees) from 2014 to 2021. Answer the following questions based on the graph :
Question:
What was the percentage increase (rounded to the nearest integer, if deemed necessary) in the foreign exchange reserves in 2020 over 2016 ?
Option: 1 None
Option: 2 None
Option: 3 None
Option: 4 None
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