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The CAT exam for MBA admissions 2026-2028 is expected to be scheduled for 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
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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.
CAT number system questions based on factors are regularly asked in the CAT exam and other MBA entrance examinations.
Questions about factors are of the form of
To find the number of all factors
To find the number of even factors
To find the number of odd factors
To find the number of factors of multiple of some value (Value will be given)
To find the number of factors which are perfect squares/perfect cubes etc
To find the number of Co-prime factors
To find the sum of factors
To find products of all factors etc.
Number of ways of writing a number N as a product of two numbers?
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Important Formula for CAT number system questions
Number of factors:
Do Prime factorization first
N = pa × pb × rc × … where p, q, r are prime numbers; a, b, c are positive integers
The number of factors of N= (a+1)(b+1)(c+1)…
Sum of factors
Do prime factorisation first.
N = pa × qb × rc × … where p, q, r are prime numbers; a, b, c are positive integers
Sum of factors = (pa+1-1/p-1) (qb+1-1/q-1) (rc+1-1/r-1)
Trailing Zeroes and Exponent of a prime number:
Trailing zeroes give the number of zeroes at the end of the number.
For example, 54600 has two trailing zeroes.
In a product, a pair of 2 and 5 forms one trailing zero. This concept is used to find the number of trailing zeroes.
From this topic following types of questions were asked:
The two previous year CAT questions as per the number system CAT Syllabus are given below:
Q1. How many factors of 24 × 35 × 104 are perfect squares which are greater than 1? [TITA- CAT Question Paper 2019]
Solution:
N = 24 × 35 × 104 = 24 × 35 × 24 x 54 = 28 × 35 × 54
Perfect square factors will be formed only for even (including 0) powers of prime factors.
Powers of 2 for which perfect square factors will be found for = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 (5 ways)
Powers of 3 for which perfect square factors will be found for = 0, 2, 4 (3 ways)
Powers of 5 for which perfect square factors will be found for = 0, 2, 4 (3 ways)
Total number of perfect square factors will be = 5 x 3 x 3 = 45
Total number of perfect square factors greater than 1 will be = 45 – 1= 44
So, the answer is 44.
Q2. What is the highest power of 12 that divides 54!
[Based On CAT Question Paper ]
25
26
30
4
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Solution: A
12 = 22 x3, so we need to count the highest power of 2 and highest power of 3 that will divide 54!
The highest power of 2 divides 54! = [54/2] + [54/4] + [54/8] + [ 54/16] + [54/32]
= 27 + 13 + 6 + 3 + 1 = 50, where [x] ? greatest integer function.
Highest powers of 4 that divides 54! = 50/2 = 25
Highest power of 3 that divides 54! = [54/3] + [54/9] + [54/27] = 18 + 6 + 2 = 26, where [x] ? greatest integer function.
So, the highest power of 12 that divides 54! = min (25, 26) = 25.
Prerequisite:
To prepare for the number system for CAT exam according to the number system CAT syllabus, a student must have knowledge of
Tips On CAT Preparation For Number System (Factors and Trailing Zeroes)
In previous articles, we have covered DI based on Bar graphs, Pie charts and Line graphs. In this article, we will deal with data represented in the form of a table for the CAT exam. Data interpretation is a must-come topic in the CAT Exam and other management entrance exams.
In this section, we will discuss the basics of a table chart. The boxes of the table consist of different types of information such as the population of a town, marks of a student, expenses of a company, production data of any industry etc. Table Chart questions are extremely important and have a good weightage as well. Many students sometimes find it difficult to solve these types of questions. Therefore, its recommended for students to practice these questions rigorously.
Sample:
Average marks of students of class 10 of different schools of a city are represented subject wise as shown in table:
Maths | Science | English | Social Science | Hindi | |
St. Marry | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 | 81 |
Elite | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 |
Romex | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 64 |
DPS | 91 | 91 | 91 | 91 | 91 |
Questions On the Line Graph From CAT Previous Year Papers
Answer the questions on the basis of the information given below. A study was conducted to ascertain the relative importance that employees in five different countries being assigned to five different traits in their Chief Executive Officers. The traits were compassion (C), decisiveness (D), negotiation skills (N), public visibility (P), and vision (V). The level of dissimilarity between two countries is the maximum difference in the ranks allotted by the two countries to any of the five traits. The following table indicates the rank order of the five traits for each country. [ CAT Question Paper 2015]
Q1. Which of the following pairs of countries are most dissimilar?
China and Japan
India and China
Malaysia and Japan
Thailand and Japan
Ans: (4)
Difference in ranks skills-wise is shown as below:
C | N | D | V | P | |
China and Japan | 3-2 =1 | 2-1 =1 | 4-1 =3 | 5-4 =1 | 5-3= 2 |
India and China | 2-1= 1 | 3-1 =2 | 5-4 = 1 | 5-4 = 1 | 3-2 =1 |
Malaysia and Japan | 4-3 =1 | 5-2 =3 | 2-1= 1 | 4-1 = 3 | 5- 3 =2 |
Thailand and Japan | 3-2 =1 | 3-2 =1 | 5-1 =4 | 4-1 =3 | 5-4=1 |
Thailand and Japan should be the answer since these countries show the maximum difference in ranks (i.e., 4) on the basis of decisiveness.
No other countries show a difference of 4.
Q2. Which of the following countries is least dissimilar to India?
Ans: (1)
Difference between the ranks on the basis of given traits of other countries with India is calculated.
Traits | China | Japan | Malaysia | Thailand |
C | 2-1=1 | 5-1=4 | 4-1=3 | 2-1=1 |
P | 3-2=1 | 4-2=2 | ||
N | 3-1=2 | 3-3=0 | ||
V | 5-4=1 | 4-2=2 | ||
D | 5-4=1 | 5-5=0 |
India and China show a maximum difference of 2 for 1 time.
India and Japan show a difference of greater than 2 (Compassion), so it cannot be least dissimilar and we need not to calculate differences for other traits.
Similar is the case with Malaysia.
With Thailand, the difference of 2 appeared twice. Therefore it can not be least dissimilar. The answer is China.
Q3. Which amongst the following countries is most dissimilar to India?
Solution: (2)
since China is the least dissimilar, as discussed in the previous question. So, China cannot be the answer, and we will not find the differences for China in this case.
Traits | Japan | Malaysia | Thailand |
C | 5-1=4 | 4-1=3 | 2-1=1 |
P | 5-2 =3 | 3-2=1 | 4-2=2 |
N | 3-2=1 | 5-3=2 | 3-3=0 |
V | 4-4=0 | 4-1=3 | 4-2=2 |
D | 3-1=2 | 5-2=3 | 5-5=0 |
Clearly, Japan shows the maximum difference in ranks, So Japan is most dissimilar in ranks with India
Prerequisite:
To prepare Data Interpretation (Line Graph) for the CAT exam, a student must learn
References to Study (Theory):
References to Study (Practice):
1. Sample Papers
2. Question bank from CAT-Holic
3. How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
4. CAT previous year papers
Conjunctions are used to connect more than two words or phrases. It defines the connection between the joined sentences.
Examples:
He likes to eat both Noodles and Pizza.
The tulips and orchids are flowers.
Until next month, I can’t afford to travel.
Conjunctions are useful as well as convenient. Conjunctions are extremely common.
There are three types of English conjunctions:
Coordinating: for, not, yet, so etc
Subordinating: Although, though, while, if, until etc.
Correlative: Neither/ Nor, Whether/ Or, Either/ Or etc.
Interjections are used to express emotions in a sentence. Also, interjections are grammatically independent of the words around them.
Examples:
Greeting: Hey! After such a long time, I am seeing you.
Joy: Oh my gosh! What is happening there?
Surprise: Ah! Finally you clear your CAT Exam!
Approval: Yes! you are hired!
Attention: Listen, you are fired.
Sorrow: Oh dear, I really wanted to marry you.
Questions On Conjunction and Interjection from CAT Previous Year Papers/ CAT practice questions on conjunctions
Direction: Choose the part which requires correction. [Based on Previous Years Questions]
Q.1 As soon as (1) / he got the (2) / courier, at once (3) / he started. (4) / No Error (5)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Ans: C
The conjunction 'as soon as is used to show two simultaneous actions. So, in the third part, the use of ‘at once’ is incorrect
Q2. I will either (1) / go for an interview (2) / else play (3) / Cricket. (4) / No Error (5)
1
2
3
4
5
Ans: C
With “Either’, ‘Or’ comes.
So, (3) contains error. ‘else’ should be replace by ‘or’.
Q3. Be kind (1)/ not only in words (2) / and also (3) / in behavior. (4) / No Error (5)
1
2
3
4
5
Ans: C
The correct conjunction to be used is ‘but’ in place of ‘and’.
Prerequisite:
Use of the comma when a coordinating conjunction is joining two independent clauses.
When a conjunction joins two words in a sentence, then the sentence cannot be separated in two independent sentences.
Learn all the conjunctions and their uses separately with the help of examples.
References to Study (Theory):
Advanced English grammar by Wren and Martin
2iim YouTube Channel
References to Study (Practice):
Question Bank from iquanta.com
CAT previous year papers
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT by Meenakshi Upadhyay and Arun Sharma (9th Edition)
We will be back with Day-6 strategy. Do practice and be 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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A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
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The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
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