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The CAT 2025 exam remains one of the most competitive and unpredictable MBA entrance tests in India. Although the likelihood of encountering the exact same questions from previous years is minimal, CAT often tests candidates on recurring concepts and frequently repeated topics. These high-value areas spanning Quantitative Aptitude, DILR, and VARC, form the backbone of many question sets. By strengthening these core concepts, aspirants can improve problem-solving speed, boost accuracy, and secure a higher CAT percentile. With the exam date approaching, focusing on these important CAT topics can deliver maximum returns in the final months of preparation.
The section-wise weightage in CAT 2025 is expected to be similar to the last few years, allowing aspirants to prepare according to topic importance. This estimated distribution covers all three sections, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), along with topic-wise question trends.
Section | Expected Weightage (%) | Key Topics |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | ~34% | Reading Comprehension (RC), Para Jumbles, Summary Writing, Odd Sentence Out |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | ~32% | Data Tables, Charts, Graphs, Caselets, Logical Puzzles |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | ~34% | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, Modern Maths |
The difficulty level analysis of previous CAT exams helps aspirants understand question trends, section-wise challenges, and time management needs. Based on CAT 2024 difficulty level, VARC was moderate, DILR was the toughest section, and QA was of moderate to high difficulty, requiring strong conceptual clarity and quick problem-solving skills.
Topic | Difficulty Level | Remarks |
Reading Comprehension (RC) | Moderate | Longer passages with inference-based questions; manageable with good reading speed. |
Para Summary | Moderate | Required precise understanding of key ideas. |
Para Jumbles | Moderate to Difficult | Some sets had multiple plausible arrangements. |
Odd One Out | Easy to Moderate | Mostly direct but required logical flow detection. |
Topic | Difficulty Level | Remarks |
Data Interpretation – Tables & Charts | Moderate | Solvable with careful data reading; required quick calculations. |
Data Interpretation – Caselets | Moderate to Difficult | Multi-layered data; time-consuming without proper approach. |
Logical Reasoning – Puzzles | Difficult | Heavy on logic with multiple constraints. |
Logical Reasoning – Games/Arrangements | Moderate | Required step-by-step elimination and accuracy. |
Topic | Difficulty Level | Remarks |
Arithmetic | Easy to Moderate | Dominated section; quick scoring opportunity. |
Algebra | Moderate to Difficult | Concept-heavy and calculation-intensive. |
Geometry & Mensuration | Moderate | Needed formula recall and visualisation. |
Number System | Moderate | Trickier than usual; required conceptual clarity. |
Modern Maths | Moderate | Mostly probability and permutation-combination; manageable with practice |
The best way to maximise your score in repeated CAT question types is to identify high-frequency topics, practise them strategically, and focus on accuracy over guesswork. Analysing the CAT previous year papers reveals consistent patterns in VARC, DILR, and QA, enabling candidates to strengthen their weak areas and score higher with targeted preparation.
1. Analyse CAT Previous Year Question Papers Thoroughly
Go through at least the last 5–7 years of CAT papers to spot patterns. Identify recurring topics in VARC (Reading Comprehension, Para Summary), DILR (Table-based DI, Logic Puzzles), and QA (Arithmetic, Algebra). Note which question types appear in almost every paper and make them a top priority.
2. Focus on High-Weightage Topics First
Since not all topics carry equal marks, direct more effort towards high-weightage areas. For example, Reading Comprehension dominates VARC, Arithmetic rules QA, and DI sets carry big scoring potential in DILR. Strengthening these first will give you a major percentile boost.
3. Practise Topic-Wise Question Sets Regularly
Instead of jumping between topics, dedicate practice sessions to one topic at a time. Solve at least 20–30 questions from the same topic in one go. This builds topic mastery and ensures repeated CAT question types become automatic to solve.
4. Take Timed Sectional Mocks
Solving sectional mock tests under a timer helps simulate real exam pressure. Analyse your performance after every mock, note common errors, and adjust your preparation plan accordingly. This is the fastest way to improve speed, accuracy, and time management in CAT.
5. Revise Formulas and Shortcuts for QA
Maintain a quick-reference formula notebook. Revise it at least twice a week and immediately apply shortcuts while solving. This habit makes you faster in CAT Quantitative Aptitude, especially for time-consuming topics like Algebra and Geometry.
6. Develop Strong RC and Puzzle-Solving Strategies
For RC, practise skimming, scanning, and quickly identifying keywords. For puzzles in DILR, use grid-based solving and elimination techniques to cut down on unnecessary work. These strategies will make repeated CAT question formats easier and quicker to crack.
The CAT exam pattern is expected to be the same as the previous year. Due to the fact that every year, a different IIM conducts the CAT examination, the chances of finding CAT repeated questions are less, while the candidates can find out the CAT repeated concepts. Listing those important CAT topics with high weightage and practising those questions will help the candidates to score well in the CAT examination. The first step in enhancing the candidate’s CAT 2025 preparation is to understand the CAT exam pattern. This year, the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode, will be conducting the CAT examination.
Particulars | CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus |
CAT exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) & (160 Minutes for PwD) |
Name of the Section | - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) - Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Section-wise CAT exam time duration | - 40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA) - 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section |
Number of Questions | 68 |
Total Marks | 204 |
Mode of the CAT 2025 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme | - For every right answer, +3 will be awarded - For every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted - No negative marks for Non-MCQs |
It is essential for the candidate to devise a possible yet comprehensive CAT timetable for completing the CAT 2025 syllabus. The candidates should cover the complete CAT syllabus, which includes all the concepts from the CAT sections, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Having a good understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025 is the first step in segregating the CAT repeated questions. While there is no official syllabus of CAT 2025 available, the candidates can refer to the CAT previous year question paper and list the important topics to find out the comprehensive CAT 2025 syllabus. The complete CAT syllabus for 2025 is provided below.
Section | Important & Repeated Topics (in bullet points) |
---|---|
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Arithmetic
|
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Logical Reasoning
|
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension (RC)
|
One of the major misconceptions related to the CAT repeated questions is that the CAT repeated questions mean the exact replica of a CAT question from a previous year gets asked in another CAT question paper. When we analyse the previous year's CAT question paper, it can be understood that the possibility of the same question being asked twice in the CAT examination is very minimal. A few points about the CAT repeated questions that the candidates should keep in mind are:
CAT repeated questions do not mean the repetition of the same CAT question in another question paper; it means that the question was asked from the same CAT topic of the previous year's question paper.
CAT repeated questions also mean the presence of similar question types, CAT questions that follow the same format as previous year CAT questions.
In some cases, while the same question is not repeated, a similar question with a few changes in the wording or the values may be asked.
One important point that the candidate should note is that, while CAT questions do not get repeated within themselves, a lot of CAT questions are directly asked in other entrance examinations, such as XAT, TANCET, etc. Hence, practising using the CAT previous year questions can be extremely helpful for the other MBA entrance examination preparation of the candidates.
While analysing the CAT previous year question papers, it can be noted that there exist a few important CAT topics that the candidates should prioritise during their CAT 2025 preparation. This is an important CAT preparation strategy shared by the CAT toppers. The candidates can find that most of the CAT repeated questions are also asked from these topics. After conducting a thorough analysis of the CAT's previous year question papers, the most commonly repeated CAT questions are asked from the following topics in the CAT examination.
As far as the CAT VARC questions are concerned, the greatest weightage is given to the reading comprehension section. As per the CAT 2024 exam analysis, 16 questions were asked solely from this section under the CAT VARC section. This constitutes almost 67% of the total CAT VARC weightage. The verbal ability topics will consist of topics such as para summary, para completion, odd one out and so on. The important topics from which the candidates can expect the CAT repeated topics under the verbal ability and reading comprehension sections are:
Topic | Description |
Reading Comprehension (RC) | Reading Comprehension is the most important part of the CAT VARC section. In CAT 2024, 16 out of 24 VARC questions were from RC, covering 23% of the overall paper. Passages are around 300–500 words and take about 5 minutes to read. Topics often include philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, economics, science and tech, politics, media, and abstract themes. |
Para Summary | This topic had 3 questions per slot in CAT 2024, making it highly important. It remains a key focus for CAT 2025. Candidates should practise it after RC, as it tests the ability to choose the option that best captures the main idea of a short passage. |
Para Completion | Para Completion also had 3 questions in each CAT 2024 slot. It's important for CAT 2025, and candidates should practise various formats to improve their logical flow and understanding of paragraph structure. |
Odd One Out | Featuring 2 TITA (non-MCQ) questions per CAT 2024 slot, this topic tests the ability to identify the sentence that doesn’t fit logically with the others. It requires a good grasp of context and coherence. |
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning questions of late have shown an increased difficulty. The analysis of the CAT 2024 examination had suggested that CAT DILR questions were more tricky and time-consuming when compared to the previous year. Hence, CAT DILR preparation with the help of CAT mock tests and CAT sample papers is at an all-time high. The candidates should focus on studying the CAT DILR previous year questions to shortlist the various important CAT repeated questions, which will help the candidates to score better in the CAT examination.
Section | Topic | |
Logical Reasoning | Games and Tournaments | In 2 slots of the CAT 2024 examinations, one question on games and tournaments worth 15 marks was asked. Following the similar trends in the CAT 2025 examination, the candidates can expect repeated questions in the CAT DILR section from this topic. |
Routes and Networks | Similar to the games and tournaments topic, the candidates can also expect CAT repeated questions from the topic of routes of networks. The CAT 2024 routes and networks questions were lengthy, but doable. Hence, more practice is required. | |
Logical Arrangement and Ordering | Questions based on the seating arrangement (circular or linear) or the order of events are one of the most repeated CAT questions. The candidates can expect at least one question of this sought in any one of the CAT 2025 slots. | |
Quant-Based Logical Reasoning | The DILR section of the CAT question paper is getting more complex as the year passes. Now the examiners are setting questions from the topics that require applications of multiple concepts, such as the quant-based logical reasoning topics, which would require the candidates to write on combining their knowledge in both quantitative aptitude and logical reasoning. | |
Data Interpretation | Graphs | In the history of CAT repeated questions, questions on the graphs are the most asked in almost all of the CAT question papers. Questions on various types of graphs, such as the line, bar, pie chart, and combined charts, are one of the prominent CAT repeated questions. |
Table-Based DI | There has been a surge in the number of questions asked under the table-based DI has increased. This means that the questions from the topic, table-based DI, have a good probability of offering a lot of CAT repeated questions. | |
Quant-Based DI | The quantitative aptitude-based data interpretation questions are asked regularly in at least one slot of the CAT question papers, meaning that the candidates can expect CAT repeated questions from this section. |
The quantitative aptitude section is considered to be the most challenging section of the CAT examination, with a lot of candidates complaining about the length of the CAT quantitative aptitude questions as well as the limited time to solve them, making it more challenging. The CAT quantitative aptitude syllabus of the CAT examination is also very broad and demands complete conceptual clarity. While analysing the previous year's question papers, it can be observed that a lot of topics are repeated under the quantitative aptitude section of the CAT question paper. The candidates can expect repeated CAT questions from the following CAT quantitative aptitude topics:
Section | Topic |
Arithmetic | Mixtures and Alligations |
Time, Speed and Distance | |
Ratio and Proportion | |
Time and Work | |
Percentages | |
Algebra | Surds and Indices |
Logarithms | |
Linear & Quadratic Equations | |
Sequence and Series | |
Geometry | Triangles |
Coordinate Geometry | |
Modern Maths | Permutations and Combinations |
Number Systems | Remainders |
Factors and Exponents |
How to Find and Practice Repeated Questions? This is one of the most commonly asked questions by the candidates in the CAT examination. There are various sources from which the candidates can note down the list of the most repeated CAT topics. Below are a few techniques that the candidate can use to successfully find the CAT repeated questions and practice accordingly.
The previous year's CAT question papers are the best source for the repeated CAT questions. The candidates should not just solve the CAT previous year questions; they should also perform a proper analysis of the CAT previous year question papers, which will help the candidates to note down the important CAT concepts from which the most questions get repeated in the CAT question paper.
The candidates should also attempt as many CAT mock tesfts and solve a lot of CAT sample papers as soon as they are done with their CAT syllabus. This is because such CAT preparation materials are designed using the actual previous year CAT questions. This will provide the much-needed exam practice for the candidates, along with identifying the CAT repeated questions, which will help the candidates to cover a good chunk of their CAT important topic preparation.
There are a lot of benefits that practising with the CAT repeated questions can offer to the candidates. A few are mentioned below.
Helps identify high-weightage, low-effort topics.
Builds confidence as patterns become familiar.
Improves speed and accuracy through targeted practice.
Increases efficiency in revision.
Reduces surprises in the actual exam by covering familiar formats.
Strengthens conceptual understanding through repetition.
Aids in better time management by focusing on commonly asked areas.
The candidates can attempt the official mock test designed by Careers360 for enhancing their CAT 2025 preparation. This online mock test is designed to assess the current preparation level of the candidates. This computerised CAT mock test comes with a lot of features such as the overall attempts summary, the topic-wise analysis of the candidates, score analysis and also includes the complete answer key written by the experts of Careers360. The link to attempt the CAT mock test 2025 is provided below.
Title | Mock Test |
CAT Mock Test 2025 |
Due to the availability of a lot of books for the CAT preparation, candidates often get confused about which books to choose from during their CAT preparation. Careers360 has performed an extensive analysis of all the books available and listed out the necessary books for the CAT 2025 preparation. The list is provided below for the reference of the candidates.
CAT Section | Book Name | Author Name |
Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma | |
NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 9–10) | NCERT | |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma | |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | |
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha | |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha | |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
Careers360 offers a comprehensive collection of ebooks perfect for CAT 2025 preparation, covering all essential topics like Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Verbal Ability, and Reading Comprehension. These ebooks provide in-depth theory, practice questions, and previous year papers, making them ideal for focused self-study.
eBook Title | Download Links |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | |
Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions | |
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions | |
CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics | |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | |
CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material |
While exact questions rarely repeat in the CAT exam, many are often based on the same concepts. Recognising these repeated concepts, especially in areas like reading comprehension, graphs, and arithmetic, can significantly boost your score.
The CAT 2025 syllabus covers three key areas: VARC, DILR, and QA. Among these, high-weightage topics include Reading Comprehension in VARC, Graphs and Logical Arrangements in DILR, and Arithmetic and Algebra in QA.
Each section—VARC, DILR, and QA—is given 40 minutes, with PwD candidates receiving about 53 minutes per section. Managing time well in each section is essential due to the exam’s adaptive and sectional format.
In VARC, Reading Comprehension (RC) is the most repeated and high-weightage topic, followed by Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd One Out. RC typically accounts for around two-thirds of the section’s marks, making it essential for scoring well.
In QA, Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Ratios) appears in almost every paper. Algebra, Geometry, and Number System also feature regularly and carry significant marks.
DILR often includes Table-based Data Interpretation, Bar/Line Graphs, Caselets, and Logical Puzzles such as arrangements, seating plans, and games. These question types have been consistently present in CAT papers over the years.
The best approach is to solve at least 5–7 years of CAT previous year papers, focus on high-frequency topics, practise topic-wise question sets, and take timed sectional mocks to improve speed and accuracy.
No, the exact questions are never repeated in CAT. However, question types and topic patterns are highly consistent. Understanding these patterns helps in predicting the kind of problems you’re likely to face and preparing more efficiently.
Hello Divya,
Yes, candidates with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT provided that the degree is from a recognized (UGC approved in India or accredited abroad) institution. The leading B-schools in both India and abroad do not look down upon online degrees as long as the degree is from a recognized body, they will mostly be looking at your test scores, academic performance, work experience, and profile holistically. What matters is the legitimacy of the institution and how you showcase your abilities, not whether your degree was obtained online or in-person.
Yes, someone with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT, provided the degree is from a UGC recognized university. Top B-schools in India (like IIMs) and abroad generally accept online degrees if they are valid, and you won’t be marked down just because it’s online. What matters more is your entrance exam score, academic record, work experience, and overall profile.
Important topics for NIFT CAT are mostly based on your creativity, observation, design thinking, and visual communication skills. So here's list of important topics you should focus on:
- Observation and drawing skills: Human figures & gestures, nature & Scene drawing are important
- Creative Visualisation: In this you'll have to convert 2d shapes into 3d, making imaginary scenes from a theme, and story illustration from given situations.
- Design & Concept Development: You'll be making logo, posters with creative slogans, book cover design and many more designs.
- Color theory, creative use of texture & patterns.
- Imagination & Innovation: merging two object to make new thing, designing eco friendly or festive based products
Hello Aspirant,
On the CAT form, you should put your name exactly as it is on your class 10 marksheet, as that will be the official educational record. Then during document verification, you can bring a Gazette notification or affidavit for name change so that documents can match your Aadhaar.
Hello aspirant,
The CUSAT CAT 2025 inaugural real-time spot admission will take place at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) from August 4–6. For admission to a variety of undergraduate (B.Tech) and graduate (MSc) programs, the Common Admission Test, or CUSAT CAT, is an entrance exam. Every year, it features sections in mathematics/biology, chemistry, and physics.
For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:
https://www.careers360.com/exams/cusat-cat
Thank you
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