Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2025
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Extended Application Deadline: 10th Feb 2024
CAT 2024 Exam - Profit & Loss Questions With Solutions, LR & DI | Day 9
Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Sep 20, 2024 01:38 PM IST | #CAT
On the basis of the CAT syllabus we covered in the first seven days, we hope all aspirants have attempted the CAT sample paper (CAT Practice Set 2) we provided in the previous article - day 8 of CAT preparation. After completing each CAT exam practice paper, conduct a self-analysis. This will enable you to monitor your progress, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, and tailor your study strategy. We're back with a strategy for Day 9 of our preparation for the CAT 2024. In this article, we will be discussing strategies for the following topics, including Arithmetic Questions (CAT Profit and Loss questions). Follow the 60-day CAT exam preparation schedule we prepared for you to get a flow, plan, and schedule for your preparation. CAT Profit and Loss questions can be tricky sometimes where they also include percentages, so the candidate should have a thorough go-through of the topic completely.
Part-1: Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2024 Topic: Profit and Loss
Today, we are here with the extended part of percentage, i.e., Profit and Loss . The Percentage is the basic building block of Arithmetic. Profit and Loss CAT questions are one of the most important topics for the CAT Exam. To solve the CAT Profit and Loss questions, you must first understand the basics of Profit and Loss . We can understand the basics well with the help of the profit triangle, as shown below:
The price at which we purchase something is the "cost price" (CP).
The price that we mark or print on the article is the marked price (MP).
The price at which we sell something is its selling price (SP).
Marked Up % = (MP-CP) x100/CP
Discount % = (MP-SP) x100/MP
Profit % = (SP-CP) x100/CP
If SP is less than CP, then profit is loss.
CAT Profit And ’Profit and Loss Type:
Questions involve direct calculation to find profit%, Discount% or Markup%.
Questions in which values are given in terms of profit%, Discount% or Markup%.
CAT 2024 College Predictor
Know Your Chances for getting Calls from IIMs & other Top MBA Colleges through CAT Percentile, based on your category, academic profile, work-ex & CAT result.
Use NowAny two of these are given, and the third one is asked.
Questions on successive discounts.
Questions on actual weight and faulty weights.
Questions based on adulteration.
Questions based on basic formulas only, and many more.
You have to prepare each type of Arithmetic question separately for a better understanding of the concept.
CAT Quant Questions With Solutions / Profit and Loss CAT previous year questions
The two previous year CAT questions on Profit and Loss are given below for a better understanding. The arithmetic section caries one of the greatest weightage in CAT arithmetic questions:
Q1. If a seller gives a discount of 15% on the retail price, she still makes a profit of 2%. Which of the following ensures that she makes a profit of 20%?[CAT Question Paper 2017 Slot 1]
Give a discount of 5% on the retail price
Give a discount of 2% on the retail price.
Increase the retail price by 2%.
Sell at retail price
Ans: D
15 % discount means If MP = 100; SP = 85
2 % profit means If CP = 100; SP = 102
In both SP should be same, so make them equal and we get
SP= 510, CP= 500 and MP = 600.
For 20% profit SP =600 which is equal to MP (Retail Price).
CAT Arithmetic Questions:
Q2. On selling a pen at 5% loss and a book at 15% gain, Karim gains Rs. 7. If he sells the pen at 5% gain and the book at 10% gain, he gains Rs. 13. What is the cost price of the book in Rupees? [CAT Question Paper 2019, Slot 1]
85
95
80
100
Profit and Loss for CAT with solutions
Ans: (3)
Let CP of pen = 100x; CP of book = 100y
Case 1
-5x + 15y = 7
Case 2
5x + 10y = 13
On solving both equations y = 4/5
CP of a book = 100x(4/5) = Rs 80
Prerequisite Before Practising CAT Profit and Loss Questions :
To prepare this topic for the CAT exam, students must have knowledge of
Fractions
Approximation
Tips to Prepare for CAT exam Profit and Loss questions
Learning conversions from Application of Percentage to fractions is important for this topic also.
Practice questions based on Application of Percentage well.
You can use the following tricks to solve the particular type of question:
If two articles were sold at an equal price with a profit of a% on one article while a loss of a% on another. Then, there will always be a loss of a2/100 %.
If n articles were purchased at equal prices and sold at different prices. Then, net profit % is the average of all profit %. Loss % will be treated as negative of profit %.
In the questions of true weight/ false weight, the Selling Price has always been calculated on the reading while the Cost price has always been calculated on actual weight. After that compare the final selling price and final cost price to find profit or loss percent.
In the questions of successive discounts, use the concept of the successive percentage change.
References to Study (Theory):
Arun Sharma: A Quantitative Approach for CAT (7th Edition, Pg No: 235 - 242)
2iim Online Learning Classroom
References to Practice CAT Arithmetic Questions:
Quantitative Aptitude book by Abhijit Guha.
https://iim-cat-questions-answers.2iim.com
CAT previous year papers
Part-2: Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation: Topic: Data Interpretation (Miscellaneous)
Previously, we have discussed general types of data interpretation. In this article, we are going to discuss the miscellaneous types of data interpretations for the CAT exam, like
Multi-Layered Pie Chart
Double Bar Graphs
Logic Based DI (most common in recent years)
Combination of two or more types of graphs in a single DI
i.e. table with a pie chart, line graph with bar graph, etc.
Such graphs are used to represent more data on a single graph.
In the CAT Exam and other management entrance exams, data interpretation is a must-come topic.
Preparing DI involves three basic steps:
Understanding Charts and Graphs
Understanding the logic or concept (More required in multi-layered DI and Caselet DI)
Be good at calculations.
Questions Based On Data Interpretation From CAT Previous Year Papers Comprehension:
The multi-layered pie-chart below shows the sales of LED television sets for a big retail electronics outlet during 2016 and 2017. The outer layer shows the monthly sales during this period, with each label showing the month followed by the sales figure of that month. For some months, the sales figures are not given in the chart. The middle-layer shows quarter-wise aggregate sales figures (in some cases, aggregate quarter-wise sales numbers are not given next to the quarter). The innermost layer shows annual sales. It is known that the sales figures during the three months of the second quarter (April, May, June) of 2016 form an arithmetic progression, as do the three monthly sales figures in the fourth quarter (October, November, December) of that year. [CAT Question Paper 2018]
Q1. What is the percentage increase in sales in December 2017 as compared to the sales in December 2016?
22.22
38.46
50.00
28.57
Solution: (4)
Sales in December 2017 = (500 – 150 -170) = 180
Sales in Q4 of 2016 is in AP:
Sales in October 2016 = 100; Sales in November 2016 = 100 + x; Sales in December 2016 = 100 +2x;
So, 100 + 100 + x + 100 + 2x = 360
X = 20
Sales in December 2016 = 100 +2x20 = 140
Increase in sales in December 2017 as compared to december 2016 = 40x100/140 = 28.56%
Q2. In which quarter of 2017 was the percentage increase in sales from the same quarter of 2016 the highest?
Q1
Q3
Q2
Q4
Ans: (1)
2016 | 2017 | %age increase | |
Q1 | 240 | 380 | 140*100/240 = 58.33% |
Q2 | 150 | 200 | 33.33% |
Q3 | 250 | 220 | -12% |
Q4 | 360 (calculated in Question 1) | 500 | 46.66% |
Prerequisite:
To prepare for data interpretation for the CAT exam, a student must have an understanding of
Average, ratios and percentages at fingertips
Pie graph, table graph, and other forms of data interpretation
Venn diagram
Tips To Solve Di (Misc.) For CAT Preparation
Read the graphs carefully.
Interpret the data from each kind of graph separately and then use them.
Solve small calculations mentally.
Examine each question separately and solve the easy one first.
Practice questions that involve more than 2 graphs in a single DI.
Shortcuts in calculations using Vedic math
References To Study (Theory):
LRDI for CAT and GMAT by Nishit K Sinha.
‘CAtKing.in’ (YouTube Channel)
References To Study (Practice):
https://www.mockat.com/ (free Mock Test)
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma (8th Edition)
CAT previous year papers
Part-3: VarcTopic: Strategy To Improve Reading Skills
Reading- is a term with which everyone is familiar. Reading can have multiple senses.
For some, reading means reading a newspaper. For some other people, it can be reading technical books, reading novels, etc. To read in an effective way, one must improve one’s reading skills.
Why Reading Skills Are Important?
Reading is an essential and basic building block for learning.
In daily life, the need to read things such as street signs or prescriptions proves reading is also an important life skill.
To reduce stress.
To read a long passage of 1000- 1500 words in 2–3 minutes (less time) and deduce important information from it.
Reading skills help someone to distinguish between important and not much important information.
To build confidence.
How Do Reading Habits Help You?
In increasing your vocabulary
In lowering stress
It will enhance your imagination and help you to solve long passages and LRDI sections.
Suggestions To Improve Reading Skills:
The first step to improving your reading skills. The reading ability questions for CAT exam are to develop reading habits by reading any of the following:
Newspapers
Magazines
Novels from good writers
Fiction and Non-Fiction books
Read the book of your interest.
Read the articles of interest.
Once the reading habit is developed, half of the work is done. Now start to analyse the information.
Always get an idea of every passage. Try to find out the keywords.
Always underline the important words or the words that are new to you.
Learn the underlined words and try to find an alternate for these words.
Try to find the uses of idioms and phrases while reading a novel or a book.
Try to avoid non-useful information while reading.
Such practices will lead to improved reading skills.
Some Suggestions To Read
The Secret- by Rhonda Byrne
Everything happens for a reason: and other lies I`ve loved- by Kate Bowler
Tomorrow, we will return with a plan for Day 10. Put in the work and pay attention.
Thank You
All the best.
Articles
Certifications By Top Providers
Post Graduation Programme in Digital Marketing
Via Indian Institute of Digital Education MBA Finance
Via Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Digital Banking Business Model
Via State Bank of India Management of Commercial Banking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur MBA Business Analytics
Via Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Accounting with Tally ERP9
Via NIIT Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQQueen Mary University of London, London
Mile End Road, London E1 4NSUniversity of Strathclyde, Glasgow
16 Richmond St, Glasgow G1 1XQOxford Brookes University, Oxford
Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UKNorthumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8STCardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YBLOR Full Form in Education - Letter of Recommendation
5 min ⋆ Oct 24, 2024 11:10 AM ISTTop 10 Easiest Countries To Go To Study Abroad In 2025
7 min ⋆ Dec 31, 2024 10:12 AM ISTMagister Jurisdiction
4 min ⋆ Mar 18, 2023 16:03 PM ISTCheapest and Affordable Universities in Ireland in 2025
15 min ⋆ Dec 31, 2024 03:12 AM ISTGMAT Exam Dates 2025: City Wise Test Schedule in India
13 min ⋆ Dec 31, 2024 03:12 AM ISTLetter of Recommendation: How to Write LOR, Samples and Format
9 min ⋆ Dec 31, 2024 03:12 AM ISTPopular Courses and Specializations
List of colleges accepting CAT
Browse Bschool Colleges by State
Questions related to CAT
Have a question related to CAT ?
Hello there,
With a 53 percentile in CAT , the chances of receiving a call from XISS (Xavier Institute of Social Service) may be limited, as their typical cutoff for CAT is generally higher than this, especially for their flagship programs like MBA or PGDM .
However, admission depends on several factors such as:
-
Academic Profile
: Your
10th (67.8%)
,
12th (82.5%)
, and
graduation SGPA (7.5)
are decent, and they can contribute positively to your application.
-
Work Experience/Extra-curriculars
: If you have any relevant work experience or strong extra-curricular achievements, it might improve your chances.
- Overall Application Strength : XISS also considers your overall profile, including your statement of purpose (SOP) and interview performance .
Though the
CAT percentile
is a key factor, you might still be considered based on your overall profile if you apply to their
PGDM programs
. It's always worth checking with the college directly for the specific eligibility criteria and cutoffs for the year you're applying.
I would recommend you to use CAT College Predictor Tool by Careers360 to get the list of possible colleges you can get with your rank.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 24 January,2025
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam in India for admission to prestigious management programs like the MBA, primarily at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. It tests a candidate's aptitude in areas such as quantitative ability, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. CAT is valuable for students aspiring to build a career in business, management, or entrepreneurship, as it opens doors to world-class education, exceptional networking opportunities, and lucrative career prospects. Excelling in CAT demonstrates analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership potential, essential qualities for success in the corporate world.
Tanya Gupta 23 January,2025
Hello there,
With a 77.38 percentile in CAT and sectionals of 61/89/67 , it may be challenging to secure admission to NIT Tiruchirappalli for an MBA, as their cutoff tends to be higher. However, there are still some possibilities, and you could consider these steps:
-
NIT Tiruchirappalli (MBA): Generally, the cutoff for NIT Trichy’s MBA program is around 85-90 percentile, depending on the year and category. Your chances might be slim, but it’s always good to check with the college directly for their specific cutoff.
-
Other Colleges to Consider:
-
IMT Ghaziabad (Consider their sectional cutoffs):
Known for its management programs, IMT could be a good option with your profile.
-
XIME Bangalore:
This college has a more accessible cutoff and offers a good ROI.
-
UPES Dehradun:
If you're looking at newer or specialized MBA programs, UPES could be another option.
-
KIIT School of Management, Bhubaneswar:
They accept CAT scores and have reasonable cutoffs.
-
IIMs (if in lower percentiles in the category, check IIMs like IIM Jammu, IIM Bodh Gaya, or IIM Kashipur).
-
Symbiosis Pune (SIBM):
They have slightly more flexible cutoffs, depending on their intake.
-
IMT Ghaziabad (Consider their sectional cutoffs):
Known for its management programs, IMT could be a good option with your profile.
-
Other Entrance Exams: You could also look at other entrance exams like XAT, NMAT, or SNAP to apply to colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur, NMIMS Mumbai, or Symbiosis Institutes.
Additionally, considering your strong sectional score in DILR (89), you could focus on colleges with a more flexible approach to sectionals and percentile aggregation.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 23 January,2025
Hello there,
With a 65 percentile in CAT and belonging to the General category , getting admission to USMS (University School of Management Studies) can be challenging, as their cutoffs are generally higher, typically around 85-90 percentile or more. However, admission can depend on factors like:
-
Category-wise cutoff : Sometimes, the cutoff for the General category can be higher, but you may still apply as there might be specific reservation relaxations or fluctuations based on the number of applicants.
-
Interviews and GD : Even if you meet the minimum cutoff, interviews and group discussions are a mandatory part of the selection process. They assess your communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall fit for the program.
Recommendations:
-
Check the official cutoff
for USMS for your specific year.
-
Prepare for interviews
: It is likely that you will have to appear for the next rounds if you qualify. Preparing well for the interview is important, as it can make a difference in your selection.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
kumardurgesh1802 21 January,2025
Top MBA colleges based on CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT scores include some of India’s best institutions. For CAT, the IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) and FMS Delhi are highly regarded. XAT results in prestigious colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur and XIMB. SNAP is known for Symbiosis Institutes, such as SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. NMAT scores open doors to NMIMS Mumbai, SPJIMR Mumbai, and ISB Hyderabad. Each exam has unique eligibility requirements, and their cutoffs vary, so it's important to research the specific criteria and select based on your preferences and strengths.
Ankit 17 January,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
Explore Career Options (By Industry)
Marketing Director
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
4 Jobs Available
Business Development Executive
A Business Development Executive (BDE) is a professional responsible for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance a company's market position. Typically, a BDE conducts market research, analyses industry trends, and identifies potential clients or business prospects. He or she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
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.
3 Jobs Available
Content Marketing Specialist
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.
3 Jobs Available
Sales Manager
A sales manager is a revenue-generating source for a company. Any organisation or company which sells a commodity or service requires sales to generate revenue. A Sales manager is a professional responsible for supervising the sales team. An Individual as a sales manager works closely with salespeople, assigns sales territories, sets quotas, mentors the members of the sales, assigns sales training, and builds a sales plan.
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.
2 Jobs Available
Business Analyst
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
2 Jobs Available
Marketing Manager
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
2 Jobs Available
SEO Analyst
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
2 Jobs Available
Digital Marketing Executive
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
2 Jobs Available
MBA/PGDM Admissions OPEN
Great Lakes PGPM & PGDM 2025
ApplyAdmissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Extended Application Deadline: 10th Feb 2024
ISBR Business School PGDM Admissions 2025
ApplyLast Date of Applications- 28th January | 250+ Companies | Highest CTC 16 LPA | Average CTC 8 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
IMS Ghaziabad PGDM Admissions 2025
ApplyHighest CTC 35 LPA | Median CTC 9.27 LPA | 172+ Recruiters
IFMR Graduate School of Business MBA Admissions 2025
ApplyFINAL Deadline: 30th January'25 | No more Deadlines | UGC Approved Programs | 100% Placement Record | Up to 100% Scholarships | Highest CTC 21.74 LPA
NIBM, Pune PGDM Admissions 2025
ApplyAverage CTC 15.22 LPA | Ranked 91 by NIRF in Management Category 2024 | Highest Stipend – 1.2 Lakhs | Average CTC 15.22 LPA
Atlas SkillTech University MBA Admissions 2025
ApplyIndia’s first Urban Multidisciplinary University | Case-based pedagogy
News and Notifications
January 06, 2025 - 05:56 PM IST :
January 06, 2025 - 05:55 PM IST :
January 23, 2025 - 07:45 AM IST
January 19, 2025 - 02:21 PM IST
January 16, 2025 - 02:32 PM IST
January 13, 2025 - 10:45 AM IST
January 10, 2025 - 04:28 PM IST
IIM Calcutta: Names of shortlisted candidates for personal interview out; MBA selection process 2025
January 09, 2025 - 05:15 PM IST
January 07, 2025 - 07:23 PM IST
Stay up-to date with CAT News
Back to top