Careers360 Logo
ask-icon
share
    Decoding CAT 2025 Preparation: Exploring PnC, Selections, Syllogism Important PYQs, and Comparison - Day 37

    Decoding CAT 2025 Preparation: Exploring PnC, Selections, Syllogism Important PYQs, and Comparison - Day 37

    Team Careers360Updated on 03 Apr 2025, 10:38 AM IST

    The CAT exam for MBA admissions is expected to take place in November 2025. In this 60-day CAT 2025 preparation guide series by Careers360, we’ll discuss strategies for tackling Permutation and Combination problems on Day 37, helping you prepare effectively and succeed in the CAT entrance test.

    Decoding CAT 2025 Preparation: Exploring PnC, Selections, Syllogism Important PYQs, and Comparison - Day 37
    CAT 2025 Permutation and Combination Problems, Syllogism Tricks With Solutions

    This article covers permutation and combination problems, syllogism questions with answers, and tips for understanding comparison in VARC. Permutation and combination problems are often considered challenging, and many aspirants struggle with them. To aid your preparation, we've included Permutation and Combination examples with answers, as well as previous years' questions (PYQs) for practice.

    CAT Preparation 2025 in 60 days

    Part-1: Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam (Permutation and Combination Aptitude)

    CAT Exam Important Topic: Strategy to Prepare Permutation and Combination (Selection, Grouping and Distribution) and permutation and combination problems.

    Permutation and combination problems

    1. The number of permutations of n distinct items taking r items at a time is

    nPr = n!/n-r!

    1. nPn = n!

    Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026

    Final Application Deadline: 15th March | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025

    ITM Business School MBA Admissions 2026

    400+ Company Visits | Highest CTC Offered: 21 LPA | Average CTC Offered: 8.65 LPA | 100% Placement Assurance

    1. nCr = nCn-r

    CAT 2025 College Predictor
    Use CAT 2025 College Predictor to check your chances for IIM and top MBA calls based on CAT percentile, profile, work experience and cut-off trends.
    Use Now
    1. Out of n given things, the number of ways of selecting any number = 2n -1.

    1. Dividing n items into two groups of p and q items

    = n!/q! p!

    • If p =q and two groups are not identical; a number of groups will be n! /(p!)2

    • If p =q and two groups are identical; a number of groups will be n!/2! (p!)2

    1. The number of diagonals in an n-sided regular polygon = nC2 – n

    1. Divide questions of distributions into the following categories while solving:

    • Identical Objects Identical Places

    • Identical Objects Distinct Places

    • Distinct Objects Identical Places

    • Distinct Objects Distinct Places

    1. Learn all the formulas and understand their applications.

    1. Practice all kinds of Permutation and Combination problems.

    CAT Exam:

    Previous Year CAT Questions on Permutations and Combinations (Selections and Groupings, Distributions):

    Q1. The number of ways of distributing 15 identical balloons, 6 identical pencils and 3 identical erasers among 3 children, such that each child gets at least four balloons and one pencil, is [TITA, CAT 2021 Slot-2]

    Permutation and Combination examples with answers: 1000 ways

    Given that, there are 15 identical balloons, 6 identical pencils, and 3 identical erasers.

    We need to distribute these items among 3 children, such that each child gets at least four balloons and one pencil.

    First, distribute 4 balloons and 1 pencil to each child. Now, we have 3 balloons, 3 pencils, and 3 erasers left with us after distribution.

    Remaining balloons can be distributed in following possible combination;

    (3, 0, 0), (2, 1, 0), (1, 1, 1)

    (3, 0, 0) can be arranged in three ways.

    (2, 1, 0) can be arranged in six ways.

    (1, 1, 1) can be arranged in only one way.

    The total ways of distributing the remaining balloons are 6+ 3+ 1= 10 ways.

    Similarly, we can arrange 3 pencils in 10 ways and 3 erasers in 10 ways.

    Therefore, the total number of ways is 10 x 10 x 10 = 1000 ways

    Permutation and Combination Aptitude

    Q2. In how many ways can 7 identical erasers be distributed among 4 kids in such a way that each kid gets at least one eraser. Still, nobody gets more than 3 erasers? [CAT 2017]

    1. 16

    2. 20

    3. 14

    4. 15

    Permutation and combination examples with answers

    Ans: A

    We have to find by how many numbers of ways the erasers are distributed such that each kid gets at least one eraser but nobody gets more than 3 erasers.

    4 kids are getting a, b, c, d erasers such that a + b + c + d = 7.

    a = p+1

    b = q+ 1

    c = x+ 1

    d = z+1 since each should have at least 1 eraser.

    So, p + q+ x+ y = 3

    number of ways of distribution = n+rCr-1; here n =3, r = 4(number of variables)

    So, the number of ways of distribution = 6C3 = 20 ways

    If one kid a, gets 4 erasers the other kids b, c, and d can get each one respectively such that 4, 1, 1, 1 or 1, 1, 1, 4 or 1, 4, 1, 1 or 1, 1, 4, 1 so there are chances of 4 ways.

    So, required ways = 20 – 4 = 16 ways

    CAT entrance exam: Pre-requisite to permutation and combination problems

    CAT permutation and combination questions

    1. Vedic Maths

    2. Factorial

    3. Fundamental Principle of counting

    CAT study material: References to Study (Theory)

    Permutation and Combination problems:

    1. NCERT Class 11 Maths

    2. CAT Funda (YouTube, Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=509qwiX-3qY)

    3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsKl5GbBcHU

    Study material: References to Practice CAT Permutation and Combination Questions (Syllogism)

    1. How to prepare quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma.

    2. CAT Funda (YouTube, Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAOTFT1_Ynk)

    Part-2: CAT 2025 Preparation Tips: CAT DILR tips (Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation)

    CAT 2025 Syllabus Topic: Strategy to prepare “Syllogism through PYQs” (Part-2) and syllogism reasoning questions and Syllogism examples with answers

    CAT Exam:

    Previous Year CAT Questions on Syllogism from CAT/ MBA Entrance Exam:

    Q1. The following question is given by 3 statements and 2 conclusions numbered I and II. Choose the right answer from the given options. [MAHCET MBA 2024]

    Statements:

    I. No Box is a Book.

    II. Few cups are books.

    III. Only a few knives are Boxes.

    Conclusions:

    I. Some Knives being a book is a possibility.

    II. All Cups being a Book is a possibility.

    1. If only conclusion I follows

    2. If only conclusion II follows

    3. If either I or II follows

    4. If neither I nor II follows

    5. If both conclusions follow

    Solution: [E]

    Cat Tips for syllogism 1: Draw Venn Diagram first

    Cat Tips for syllogism 2: ‘A few’ means ‘some’

    Cat Tips for syllogism 3: Go through Conclusions.

    Conclusion 1: Some Knives being a book is a possibility.

    Some Knives are there which are not certain to be either Boxes or Books. Therefore, Some knives can be book. So, first will follow.

    Conclusion 2: All Cups being a Book is a possibility.

    All cups can be inside Book. So, this is a possibility. Therefore, II will follow.

    Syllogism examples with answers

    Q2.

    Statements

    i) Some Cubes are Circles.

    ii) No Circle is a Triangle.

    iii) No line is a Cube.

    Conclusions:

    i) All Cubes can never be triangles.

    ii) Some lines are Circles.

    iii) No triangle is a cube.

    iv) No line is a circle.

    1. All follows

    2. I, II and III follow

    3. I, IV and III follow

    4. II, IV and III follow

    5. None of these

    Solution: (E)

    Cat Tips for syllogism 1: Draw Venn Diagram first

    Cat Tips for syllogism 2: Go through Conclusions.

    i) All Cubes can never be triangles: Some cubes are Circles. So, definitely, some cubes are there which can never be Triangle.

    Therefore, (i) will follow.

    ii) Some lines are Circles: Not a definite conclusion; it will not follow.

    iii) No triangle is a cube: Not a definite conclusion; it will not follow.

    iv) No line is a circle: Not a definite conclusion; it will not follow.

    Clearly, the third statement will follow.

    CAT entrance exam: Prerequisite to syllogism reasoning questions

    1. Set Theory

    2. Venn Diagram

    3. Concept of Syllogism

    References to Study (Theory syllogism questions for CAT

    1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by B S Sijwali

    2. CAT Handa (YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N8qsbClYpA)

    References to Practice syllogism questions for CAT

    1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R S Agrawal.

    2. MBA Entrance Exams Previous years Papers.3. ELITES GRID (YouTube; Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn_k4q6BHxk)

    Part-3: CAT Exam Preparation 2025: CAT exam tips for VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

    CAT Exam Important Topic: Strategy to Prepare “Comparison (Comparatives and Superlatives)” for CAT-2025.

    CAT Important Concepts

    • Comparative Adjectives and Superlative Adjectives Fast?Faster (Comparative)?Faster (Superlative)

    • Comparative Adverbs and Superlative Adverbs

    • Negative Comparatives

    CAT Previous Years' Questions on Comparison (Comparatives and Superlatives).

    Q1: My daughter is__________ than my wife

    1. more taller

    2. more tall

    3. taller

    4. tall

    Ans: [C]

    Here is a comparison between two persons.

    Q2. This is the ____________chocolate I have ever had.

    1. best

    2. better

    3. good

    4. well

    Ans: [A]

    ‘best’ is best suited because comparison is with all time.

    CAT 2025:Prerequisite

    1. Sentence Structure

    2. Adjectives and Adverbs

    3. Comparative and Superlative Degrees

    Tips and Tricks for CAT Exam

    1. Learn comparative and superlative adjectives.

    2. Learn the pronunciation of these comparatives and superlatives:

    • long /lɒŋ/ longer /lɒŋgə(r)/ longest /lɒŋgəst/

    • strong /strɒŋ/ stronger /strɒŋgə(r)/ strongest /strɒŋ gəst/

    • young /jʌŋ/ younger /jʌŋgə(r)/ youngest /jʌŋgəst/Put structurally equivalent verbs in the same form.

    1. Some one-syllable adjectives have irregular comparative and superlative forms:

    • bad, worse, worst far, farther/further, farthest/furthest

    • good, better, best old, older/elder, oldest/eldest

    1. Two-syllable adjectives

    Two-syllable adjectives ending in -y change y to i and take the -er and -est endings:

    • busy, busier, busiest

    • happy, happier, happiest

    • easy, easier, easiest

    • funny, funnier, funniest

    1. Comparative adjectives: using much, a lot, far, etc.

    1. Comparative adjectives: using than

    1. Comparative adjectives: -er and -er, more and more

    1. Comparative adjectives: the -er, the -er and the more …, the more …

    1. Use than, not that or as to introduce a clause after a comparative adjective or adverb

    CAT exam: References to Study (Theory)

    1. Wren and Martin

    2. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpQbmdKkNFs)

    CAT exam: References to Study (Practice)

    1. Verbal Ability for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay.

    2. CAT Previous years Papers and Sample Papers.

    3. (youTube; Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pm9fq1MbR_I)

    Day 37 will be posted tomorrow, so practice and stay focused.

    Thank you!

    All the Best!

    Free PDFs for CAT Preparation 2025

    CAT 2023 Official Question Paper and Answer Key (Slot 1)

    Click here to download

    CAT 2023 Official Question Paper and Answer Key (Slot 3)

    Click here to download




    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Does CAT repeat questions from previous years?
    A:

    CAT does not directly repeat questions, but the same type of questions and ideas are asked annually. Number Systems, Algebra, Logical Puzzles, and Reading Comprehension topics often crop up in other forms. Working on previous year papers makes it easier for aspirants to realize the pattern of the exam and come up with improved strategies.

    Q: Are mock tests important for CAT 2025 preparation?
    A:

    Yes, mock tests are crucial for CAT 2025 preparation since it helps the candidate, to carefully analyse their weakness and strength.

    Q: What is the duration of CAT 2025 paper?
    A:

    The time duration for the CAT 2025 exam paper is two hours i.e. 120 minutes. The exam is conducted in different slots for the exam day.

    Q: How to register for the CAT Exam 2025?
    A:

    To register for the CAT exam 2025, the candidate must visit the official website of the CAT. Create a login profile using e-mail ID, mobile number, and other necessary details and upload the documents required. Then finally submit the registration fees and the process is completed.

    Q: When will the CAT 2025 registration start?
    A:

    CAT registration will start around August 2025. Candidates can start registering for the CAT exam on the official website of the CAT. 

    Articles
    |
    Upcoming Bschool Exams
    Ongoing Dates
    VITBEE Application Date

    31 Oct'25 - 12 Apr'26 (Online)

    Ongoing Dates
    PU MET Application Date

    3 Dec'25 - 28 Mar'26 (Online)

    Certifications By Top Providers
    Online MBA
    Via Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida
    Corporate Law
    Via National Law University, New Delhi
    Strategic Management
    Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
    Online BBA
    Via Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida
    Management of Commercial Banking
    Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
    Management of Inventory Systems
    Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
    Udemy
     703 courses
    Edx
     467 courses
    Swayam
     236 courses
    Emeritus
     231 courses
    Explore Top Universities Across Globe
    University of Essex, Colchester
    Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
    Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
    Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UK
    Northumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
    Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST
    Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
    Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB
    University of Reading, Reading
    Whiteknights PO Box 217 Reading Berkshire RG6 6AH
    Bristol Baptist College, Bristol
    The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJ

    Questions related to CAT

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to CAT ?

    FMS Udaipur admission for 2026 is not open. The MBA 2026 admission will likely commence in May 2026. You can keep checking the official website of FMS.

    Hi admission to the courses offered at CUSAT is based on the CUSAT CAT results, relative performnace of the students and the number of applications for each course. Please check CUSAT CAT cutoff 2025 to know in detail about the cutoff score for Electrical and Electronic branch in previous years.

    Yes, it is possible. If you have received a PI call from IIM Sambalpur with a 75 percentile in CAT, you have a chance to convert the call. However, the final selection will depend on multiple factors such as your personal interview performance, academic record, and overall profile.

    All the