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The CAT exam for MBA admissions 2026-2028 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.
CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant: MCQs & Weightages | Chapter-wise MCQs
CAT 2025 Study Material: VARC | Quantitative Aptitude | 60 Days Study Material by Experts
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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.
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
The number of permutations of n distinct items taking r items at a time is
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nPr = n!/n-r!
nPn = n!
nCr = nCn-r
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Out of n given things, the number of ways of selecting any number = 2n -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
The number of diagonals in an n-sided regular polygon = nC2 – n
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
Learn all the formulas and understand their applications.
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
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]
16
20
14
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
Vedic Maths
Factorial
Fundamental Principle of counting
CAT study material: References to Study (Theory)
Permutation and Combination problems:
NCERT Class 11 Maths
CAT Funda (YouTube, Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=509qwiX-3qY)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsKl5GbBcHU
Study material: References to Practice CAT Permutation and Combination Questions (Syllogism)
How to prepare quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma.
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.
If only conclusion I follows
If only conclusion II follows
If either I or II follows
If neither I nor II follows
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.
All follows
I, II and III follow
I, IV and III follow
II, IV and III follow
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
Set Theory
Concept of Syllogism
References to Study (Theory syllogism questions for CAT
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by B S Sijwali
CAT Handa (YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N8qsbClYpA)
References to Practice syllogism questions for CAT
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R S Agrawal.
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
more taller
more tall
taller
tall
Ans: [C]
Here is a comparison between two persons.
Q2. This is the ____________chocolate I have ever had.
best
better
good
well
Ans: [A]
‘best’ is best suited because comparison is with all time.
CAT 2025:Prerequisite
Sentence Structure
Adjectives and Adverbs
Comparative and Superlative Degrees
Tips and Tricks for CAT Exam
Learn comparative and superlative adjectives.
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.
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
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
Comparative adjectives: using much, a lot, far, etc.
Comparative adjectives: using than
Comparative adjectives: -er and -er, more and more
Comparative adjectives: the -er, the -er and the more …, the more …
Use than, not that or as to introduce a clause after a comparative adjective or adverb
CAT exam: References to Study (Theory)
Wren and Martin
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpQbmdKkNFs)
CAT exam: References to Study (Practice)
Verbal Ability for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay.
CAT Previous years Papers and Sample Papers.
(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!
CAT 2023 Official Question Paper and Answer Key (Slot 1) | |
CAT 2023 Official Question Paper and Answer Key (Slot 3) |
The CUSAT CAT previous year question papers are available on the Careers360 website. You can find question papers from 2012 to 2023, which can be downloaded in PDF format HERE
Additionally, the official website of Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) also provides previous year question papers. To access them, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the CUSAT official website - admissions.cusat.ac.in.
- Click on the resources tab from the homepage.
- Select the previous year's question papers from the drop-down menu.
- Select the Common Admission Test (CAT) question papers link.
- Now click on the B.Tech course.
By practicing with these previous year question papers, you can get familiar with the exam pattern, identify important topics, and improve your time management skills.
Hey Shathvika,
Let's dive deep into MBA Entrance Exams (Other than CAT)
1. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: XLRI, Jamshedpur
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Decision Making, Verbal & Logical Ability, Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Marks: No negative marking for General Knowledge.
Key Highlights:
- The Decision-Making section tests analytical and situational judgment skills.
- General Knowledge is evaluated during interviews, not for percentile calculation.
Official Website: https://xatonline.in
---
2. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: Symbiosis International (Deemed) University
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: General English, Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning.
- Duration: 1 hour.
- Marks: Total 60 marks (MCQs).
Key Highlights:
- Specifically for admission to Symbiosis institutes like SIBM Pune and SCMHRD.
- Easy-to-moderate difficulty level.
Official Website: https://snaptest.org
---
3. CMAT (Common Management Admission Test)
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- Duration: 3 hours.
- Marks: 400 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Accepted by over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutes.
- Includes an optional Innovation & Entrepreneurship section.
Official Website: https://cmat.nta.nic.in
---
4. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: All India Management Association (AIMA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Language Comprehension, Mathematical Skills, Data Analysis & Sufficiency, Intelligence & Critical Reasoning, and Indian & Global Environment.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
- Marks: 200 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Held multiple times a year in PBT, CBT, and IBT modes.
- Accepted by more than 600 MBA colleges in India.
Official Website: https://mat.aima.in
---
5. NMAT (NMIMS Management Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with 50% marks.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Language Skills, Quantitative Skills, and Logical Reasoning.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Marks: 360 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Allows three attempts, with the best score considered.
- Accepted by NMIMS and partner universities worldwide.
Official Website: https://www.mba.com/exams/nmat
---
6. IIFT (Indian Institute of Foreign Trade)
Conducted by: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (final-year students can also apply).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Quantitative Analysis, Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation, and General Knowledge.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Marks: 300 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Specifically for IIFT’s flagship MBA in International Business.
- General Knowledge plays a significant role in shortlisting.
Official Website: https://iift.nta.nic.in
---
7. TISSNET (Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test)
Conducted by: Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: English Proficiency, Mathematics & Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness.
- Duration: 100 minutes.
- Marks: 100 marks.
Key Highlights:
- Focused on social sciences, HRM, and public policy programs.
- General Awareness is crucial (with emphasis on current affairs).
Official Website: https://admissions.tiss.edu
---
8. MICAT (MICA Aptitude Test)
Conducted by: MICA, Ahmedabad
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree and a valid CAT/XAT/GMAT score.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Psychometric Test, Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, General Awareness, Divergent-Convergent Thinking, and Descriptive Test.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
Key Highlights:
- Psychometric Test is a qualifying section.
- Specifically for MICA’s flagship PGDM-C program in Strategic Marketing and Communications.
Official Website: https://www.mica.ac.in
---
9. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Conducted by: Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC)
Eligibility: No specific eligibility; bachelor’s degree recommended.
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning.
- Duration: 3 hours 7 minutes.
- Marks: 800 (scaled score).
Key Highlights:
- Globally recognized for MBA programs.
- Popular for Indian B-schools like ISB, SPJIMR, and Great Lakes.
Official Website: https://www.mba.com
---
10. MAH-CET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test)
Conducted by: Maharashtra State CET Cell
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
Exam Pattern:
- Sections: Logical Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension.
- Duration: 2.5 hours.
- Marks: 200 marks (MCQs).
Key Highlights:
- Accepted by top Maharashtra B-schools like JBIMS, SIMSREE, and PUMBA.
- Known for its speed-intensive nature with 200 questions in 150 minutes.
Official Website: https://cetcell.mahacet.org
Let me know if you have any doubts regarding a specific exam or any other query.
Have a nice day !!
Hello Ayush,
K.R. Mangalam University utilizes a blend of MCQs, descriptive formats, and practical assessments to evaluate student performance. The continuous evaluation system ensures that students are assessed regularly throughout the semester, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of their academic progress.
Hello,
Here are some simple tips to prepare for the CUSAT CAT exam:
1. Focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Maths (PCM).
2. Give equal time to all subjects.
3. Use NCERT Books as they are best for basics.
You can refer to following study materials for better practice :-
Hope it helps !
Hello there,
Yes, you can apply for CAT examination after completion of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) .
The Common Admission Test (CAT) has no restrictions regarding your educational background thus allowing you to submit your application following your completion of a Pharm. D degree.
The Common Admission Test permits candidates to take the exam after completing any undergraduate degree without any restrictions to the area of study. The professional doctoral degree of Pharm. D (Doctor of Pharmacy) functions as an equivalent to bachelor's level for CAT eligibility recognition.
Therefore, Candidates who received their Pharm. D degree can pursue the CAT exam application process based on their qualification standards.
Hope this will help!
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