CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus: Topics, MCQs, Books & Slotwise Analysis PDF

CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus: Topics, MCQs, Books & Slotwise Analysis PDF

Ongoing Event

CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Alen Tom ShajiUpdated on 07 Jul 2025, 12:40 PM IST

CAT Quant Syllabus 2025: While the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) don’t officially release a defined CAT 2025 Quant syllabus, analysis of past CAT papers helps identify important topics. The Quantitative Aptitude section in CAT 2025 is likely to include around 22 questions covering Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number Systems. This CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2025 helps aspirants pinpoint challenging areas. Candidates can prioritise high-weightage topics and plan a focused study strategy to enhance speed and accuracy in the QA section of CAT 2025. In this article, we have discussed, CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus, important MCQs, expected topics and best books.

This Story also Contains

  1. CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
  2. CAT Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude
  3. Important QA MCQs for CAT Exam Preparation 2025
  4. Topics for CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
  5. CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude Slotwise Analysis
  6. Best Books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2025
  7. CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus: High-Yielding Topics
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus: Topics, MCQs, Books & Slotwise Analysis PDF
CAT 2024 Quant Syllabus

CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

Candidates who will appear for the Common Admission Test must be well versed in the CAT exam syllabus for IIM, especially for the Quantitative Aptitude section. There is no syllabus available on the official CAT 2025 syllabus website. Moreover, while trying to cover the syllabus of quantitative aptitude, candidates can also check what the best books are for them. Also, the candidates must be aware of the CAT exam pattern. Read the full article to know all the details related to the CAT syllabus, quantitative aptitude topics to be covered, how many questions are likely to be asked in CAT 2025, and what are the best books and preparation tips.

Overview of CAT 2025 Quant Syllabus

Aspect

Particulars

Section

Quantitative Aptitude

Number of questions

22

Type of questions asked

MCQ and TITA (Non-MCQs)

Sectional time limit for QA

40 minutes (53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates)

Marking scheme

  • +3 for every correct answer

  • -1 for every wrong/incorrect answer

CAT Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude

The quantitative ability syllabus for CAT 2025 consists of numerical-based questions to assess the candidate’s mathematical skill and accuracy. The CAT quantitative aptitude syllabus includes questions related to elementary and basic mathematics. This section consists of a time limit of 40 minutes (53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates). On the basis of the questions asked in CAT previous year question papers, let’s have a look at the important topics of the CAT 2025 quant syllabus.

Important QA MCQs for CAT Exam Preparation 2025

Master Quantitative Aptitude (QA) with these important QA MCQs tailored for CAT preparation. These CAT-focused multiple choice questions help improve speed, accuracy, and conceptual clarity. Boost your CAT 2025 score with high-quality QA practice questions designed to match the latest exam pattern.

Topics for CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

The CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude syllabus covers essential math topics that form the backbone of the exam. From Arithmetic to Algebra, mastering these concepts is key to cracking the CAT QA section. Get a detailed breakdown of the CAT 2025 QA syllabus to maximise your score.

Coordinate Geometry

Mensuration

LCM & HCF

Set Theory & Function

Probability

Quadratic and Linear Equations

Number System

Averages

Complex Numbers

Ratio, Proportion & Variation

Speed, Time and Distance

Geometry

Compound Interest

Profit, Loss and Discount

Algebra

Trigonometry

Permutation and Combination

Progressions and Series

Quantitative Aptitude Questions

Quantitative Aptitude Shortcut Techniques for CAT

Number System Shortcut for CAT

Shortcuts in Averages

Remainder Concepts

Circles

Factorials

Power Cycle

Relatives Speed

Arithmetic Progression

Polygons

Harmonic Progression

Quadrilaterals

Points, Lines and Planes

Circles

Angles

Geometric Progression

Weighted Average

Graphical Division Geometry

Similar Triangles

Derangement

Applications of Averages

Conditional probability

Application of Power Cycle

Constant Product Rule

Laws in Set Theory

Properties of Ratio

Triangles

Boats and Streams for CAT

Escalator Questions for CAT

Also Read:

Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026

Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024

IBSAT 2025-ICFAI Business School MBA/PGPM 2026

IBSAT 2025-Your gateway to MBA/PGPM @ IBS Hyderabad and 8 other IBS campuses | Scholarships worth 10 CR

CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude Slotwise Analysis

To help CAT 2025 aspirants understand the latest trends in the Quant section, we’ve provided a detailed slot-wise analysis of the CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude paper. This breakdown highlights important topics, difficulty levels, and the types of questions asked across all three slots—offering valuable insights for strategic preparation and topic prioritization.

Slot 1

Category

No. of Questions

Arithmetic

9

Algebra

6

Geometry

3

Modern Maths

2

Number System

2

Slot 2

Category

No. of Questions

Algebra

8

Arithmetic

7

Geometry

3

Number System

2

Modern Maths

1

Slot 3

Category

No. of Questions

Arithmetic

9

Algebra

7

Geometry

3

Number System

2

Best Books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2025

Preparing for the CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude section requires the right set of books that cover the complete syllabus with conceptual clarity and ample practice questions. Candidates can refer to some of the important books for the CAT quant syllabus section as mentioned below:

CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Books

Title

Name of the author

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams

Trishna Knowledge Systems (Pearson)

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

Abhijit Guha (Tata McGraw-Hill)

The Complete CAT Digest, by Tata McGraw-Hill

Arun Sharma

CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus: High-Yielding Topics

Maximise your score with these CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude syllabus high-yielding topics. Focus on concepts that consistently carry more weight in the CAT exam, like Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. Strengthen these scoring areas to boost accuracy, speed, and your overall CAT 2025 QA section performance.

Section

Most Asked Topics

Arithmetic

Time, Speed & Distance, Mixtures and Alligations, Profit & Loss, Ratios & Proportions, Time & Work

Algebra

Quadratic Equations, Surds & Indices, Linear & Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Functions

Geometry

Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Circles, 2D & 3D Mensuration

Number System

Remainders (Modular Arithmetic), Integers & Factors, Floor Functions

Modern Maths

Permutations & Combinations, Set Theory & Functions


Arithmetic remains the most dominant section, so focus strongly on concept clarity and calculation speed in this area. Algebra is a close second and includes a wide variety of topics, many of which require strong equation-solving skills. Geometry and Number System are moderately represented and should be revised strategically. Modern Maths appears occasionally but often includes tricky applications, so familiarity is crucial.

Tips and Strategies to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude

Students must follow the following tips and strategies suggested by experts and toppers while preparing for CAT quantitative aptitude.

People Might Be Interested In-

Focus on Basics

  • Pick a topic and start solving various questions until you are clear

  • Practice each concept one by one and gradually move to difficult questions or topics

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 Now

Prepare Time Table

  • Go through the CAT 2025 quant syllabus and exam pattern

  • Identify the topics that are uncovered

  • Assess the time needed to cover each topic

XAT- Xavier Aptitude Test 2026

75+ years of legacy | #1 Entrance Exam | Score accepted by 250+ BSchools | Apply now

Symbiosis MBA - SNAP 2025

1 Exam accepted by 17 Top Symbiosis Institutes for 29 MBA programmes.

Take Mock Tests

  • Familiarise with the type of questions asked in the exam by solving mock tests or previous-year question papers

  • Helps you give exam environment and prepare you for D-day

  • Analyse your performance and weak and strong areas.

Practice As Per Sectional Time Limit

  • A sectional time limit of quantitative aptitude is 40 minutes, follow the time pattern while solving mock test

  • Assign time for each question. Don’t waste time over a question

Focus On Weak Areas

Short Tricks to Solve CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions

Boost your CAT 2025 score with these smart, time-saving short tricks to solve CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions. These shortcuts improve speed and accuracy, especially in Arithmetic, Algebra, and Number systems. Know more about the basic CAT Quantitative Aptitude short tricks below:

1. Percentage to Fraction Conversion:
Memorise common conversions (e.g., $25\% = \frac{1}{4}, 33.33\% = \frac{1}{3}$) to solve percentage-based questions without calculations quickly.

2. Using the Allegation Rule (Mixtures):
Apply the cross-method for mixtures and allegations to save time over traditional weighted average formulas.

3. Unit Digit Shortcut (Number System):
For powers, use cyclicity of unit digits (e.g., $2^4 = 6$ → cycles every 4 steps: $2, 4, 8, 6$).

4. Smart Substitution (Algebra):
Substitute easy values (like $x = 1$ or $2$) in algebraic expressions to test options or simplify equations quickly.

5. Ratio Method for Time & Work:
Use inverse ratios of efficiencies to solve Time & Work problems faster (e.g., A is twice as efficient → $A:B = 2:1$).

6. Right Triangle Pythagorean Triplets (Geometry):
Memorise common triplets like $(3,4,5), (5,12,13), (7,24,25)$ to solve geometry problems without complex calculations.

Browse Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score: Location-Wise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will CAT 2025 be easy?
A:

CAT 2025 is unlikely to be easy. It typically ranges from moderate to difficult, with at least one section being relatively tough. However, the difficulty level changes year to year. Consistent practice and strategic preparation are essential to crack CAT exam with high marks.

Q: Which IIM is preparing CAT 2025?
A:

The IIM conducting CAT 2025 hasn’t been officially announced yet. It rotates annually among older IIMs. Recent years saw IIM Bangalore, Ahmedabad, and Lucknow as exam-conducting bodies.

Q: How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude section for CAT 2025?
A:

Quantitative aptitude requires a lot of practice, and to save time to practice, one should follow all the small and simple tricks to increase his practice and reduce errors. He would often have to provide pseudo-tests and go through different research materials and books of different sizes to strengthen the basic concept and basics.

Q: What are the topics in quantitative aptitude?
A:

Following are the most crucial topics to prepare for CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude Test.

  • Permutations and Combination
  • Probability
  • Time and work
  • Percentages
  • Profit and loss
  • Simple and compound interest
  • Ages
  • Averages
  • Calendar and clock (not too imp)
  • Time, speed and distance
  • Number systems
Q: Which are the best books for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section?
A:

Previous year’s papers are the best to practice and check your CAT preparation. Practice and practice because it will make you perfect. Candidates can refer to some of the best books for CAT 2024 like Arun Sharma, Abhijeet Guha, NCERT, etc.

Q: Is Quant difficult in CAT?
A:

Most of the candidates for the CAT 2024 exam believe Quantitative Aptitude to be the hardest section. 

Articles
|
Next
Certifications By Top Providers
Corporate Law
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Online MBA
Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Anna University, Chennai
Online MBA Business Analytics
Via Centre for Distance and Online Education, Anna University, Chennai
The Science and Business of Biotechnology
Via Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Strategic Management
Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Marketing Management
Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
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 ?

Hello

As you said you by mistakenly done that,  you don't need to get worry regarding that ,

Just inform the help desk and carry the correct certifications , the state certificate will not disqualify you .

The steps you can follow is -

1. You can check if the correction window is available or not

2. Contact the CAT desk immediately.

Hope this helps

In CAT registration, you cannot create a new user ID with the same mobile number, even if you use a different email ID. Each mobile number and email can be linked to only one account. If you already registered once, the system will not accept a duplicate with that number. To register again, you must use a new mobile number and new email ID. If you lost your old login, you can recover it through the forgot password/user ID option on the CAT portal.



Yes, you can fill the CAT form even if you currently have a backlog. CAT eligibility requires you to be in your final year of graduation or already graduated backlogs don’t stop you from applying.

While filling the form:

  • Enter the aggregate percentage/CGPA of marks you have obtained up to the latest semester for which results are declared (in your case till 4th semester).

  • There will be an option to mention that you have a backlog.

  • If you clear the backlog later, you’ll just need to show the updated marks during admission.

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, you can apply for the CAT exam as a final-year student. You must declare your backlog on the online application form. You do not write about it on the final-year student certificate; that document is to certify your enrollment status. You must clear all backlogs before the final admission process to any MBA college.

Hello,

Thank you for your question!

KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).

CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.

CAT vs other exams: CAT is toughest (IIMs + top B-schools), while MAT/CMAT/ATMA are relatively easier and accepted by many mid-level private universities.

Hello it will clear your doubt!