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    CAT Syllabus 2025 (Section-Wise): Important Topics for VARC, DILR, QA with Weightage

    CAT Syllabus 2025 (Section-Wise): Important Topics for VARC, DILR, QA with Weightage

    Komal MiglaniUpdated on 16 Jun 2025, 11:49 AM IST

    The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 examination will be tentatively conducted in November 2025. Every year, a different IIM is entrusted with conducting the CAT 2025 examination. This year, the CAT 2025 examination will be conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode. IIMs have not released any official syllabus for the CAT 2025 examination. By analysing the CAT previous year question papers, the candidates will be able to shortlist the probable CAT syllabus as well as the most important topics for CAT 2025. Identifying the CAT essential topics 2025 and learning them as a priority will help the candidates to perform well and secure a good CAT 2025 score. The contents of this article will go in-depth about the CAT 2025 important topics for all three CAT sections, verbal ability and reading comprehension, data interpretation and logical reasoning and quantitative aptitude.

    This Story also Contains

    1. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
    2. CAT 2025 Syllabus
    3. CAT 2025 Important Topics
    4. CAT Mock Test 2025
    5. CAT Preparation Books
    6. CAT 2025 Preparation Resources by Careers360
    CAT Syllabus 2025 (Section-Wise): Important Topics for VARC, DILR, QA with Weightage
    CAT Syllabus 2025 (Section-Wise): Important Topics for VARC, DILR, QA with Weightage

    CAT 2025 Exam Pattern

    Before beginning their CAT 2025 preparation, candidates should make sure they have a clear understanding of the CAT exam pattern. This is especially important for all three sections of the CAT 2025 exam, as not knowing the pattern can affect their preparation. To help with this, the CAT 2025 exam pattern has been shared below for reference.

    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

    CAT 2025 Syllabus

    The syllabus for the CAT 2025 is one of the broadest for any examination in the country. The candidates need to go through the entire syllabus and practice CAT sample papers, CAT mock tests and other resources to fully equip them for the CAT 2025 examination. After a thorough analysis of the CAT's previous year question papers, Careers360 has devised a CAT syllabus 2025. The section-wise CAT 2025 syllabus is provided below.

    CAT 2025 Syllabus: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

    The CAT verbal ability questions will be asked from two topics, which are verbal ability and reading comprehension. By comparison, the CAT syllabus for the VARC section is relatively not very vast and can be completed with good practice. The complete CAT VARC syllabus is listed below:

    CAT Verbal Ability Syllabus

    The most important verbal ability CAT 2025 topics are listed below for the reference of the candidates.

    • Para-jumbles

    • Sentence Completion

    • Inferences

    • Odd One Out

    • Syllogism and Analogies

    • One-word Substitution

    • Sentence Correction

    • Para Summary

    • Para Completion

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    CAT Reading Comprehension Components

    The weightage of the CAT RC section is higher than any topic of any section in the CAT examinations. The analysis of the CAT 2024 examination has revealed that questions worth 48 marks were asked only from the CAT RC section. This asserts the importance of prioritising the CAT RC section. Some of the important CAT RC topics 2025 are provided in the table below.

    Category

    Details

    Overview

    Reading Comprehension constitutes the major portion of the VARC section, typically featuring 4 to 5 passages, each followed by multiple questions.

    Passage Sources

    - Humanities (philosophy, history, literature)

    - Social sciences (sociology, economics, psychology)

    - Natural sciences (biology, environmental studies)

    - Contemporary issues (technology, politics, media)

    Question Types

    - Main idea and theme identification

    - Inference-based questions

    - Tone and author’s intent

    - Fact vs. opinion differentiation

    - Contextual meaning of words/phrases

    CAT 2025 Syllabus: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

    The DILR section of the CAT examination has a lot of topics under it. It might be hectic for the candidates to complete the entire CAT 2025 syllabus of the DILR section. Hence, they are strongly recommended to plan well for attempting the CAT DILR questions. The comprehensive CAT DILR 2025 syllabus is provided below:

    Logical Reasoning CAT 2025 Topics

    • Games & Tournaments (Points, Knockouts, Tables)

    • Arrangements – Linear & Circular

    • Scheduling & Sequencing

    • Venn Diagrams

    • Binary Logic

    • Blood Relations

    • Selection & Distribution

    • Team Assignments (Matrix Grids)

    • Routes, Directions & Networks

    • Decision Making / Logical Deductions

    • Analytical Reasoning Puzzles

    • Syllogisms

    • Cubes, Dice, and Visual Puzzles

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    Data Interpretation CAT 2025 Topics

    • Tables

    • Bar Charts

    • Line Graphs

    • Pie Charts

    • Mixed Graphs (Bar + Table, Pie + Line)

    • Spider/Radar Charts

    • Scatter Plots

    • Reasoning-based DI

    • Caselet-based DI

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    CAT 2025 Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude

    The quantitative aptitude section of the CAT 2025 examination is considered one of the most challenging areas of the CAT examination. The expected difficulty level of the CAT quantitative aptitude section is moderate to difficult. One of the major reasons contributing towards the CAT 2025 examination’s difficulty is the vast syllabus of the CAT quantitative aptitude section. The CAT quantitative aptitude questions are divided into subtopics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, modern math and number systems.

    Category

    Topics

    Arithmetic

    Percentages, Profit, Loss & Discount, Averages, Weighted Average, Speed, Time & Distance, Relative Speed, Time & Work, Mixtures & Alligations, Applications of Averages, Boats and Streams, Escalator Questions

    Algebra

    Algebra, Linear and Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Algebraic Identities, Simplification, Surds and Indices, Logarithms, Functions, Constant Product Rule

    Geometry

    Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration, Circles, Triangles, Polygons, Quadrilaterals, Angles, Points, Lines and Planes, Similar Triangles, Graphical Division Geometry

    Modern Math

    Permutation and Combination, Probability, Conditional Probability, Set Theory & Function, Laws in Set Theory, Progressions & Series (AP, GP, HP), Derangement, Application of Power Cycle

    Number System

    Number System, LCM & HCF, Remainder Concepts, Power Cycle, Factorials, Number System Shortcut Techniques

    CAT 2025 Important Topics

    It is important for the candidates to go through the CAT 2025 important topics across all sections. This will help the candidates to have access to a set of key CAT 2025 topics, which will be helpful for the candidates in guiding them in the right direction for their CAT 2025 preparation. Careers360 has conducted an overall analysis of the CAT previous year question papers and shortlisted a set of CAT 2025 important topics.

    Most Important CAT Topics 2025: Verbal Ability and Reading Comphrehension

    After the careful analysis of the CAT's previous year question papers, the following CAT important VARC topics were found. As soon as the candidates begin with their CAT VARC preparation, they should consider these CAT VARC topics 2025 and prioritise them to make the best out of their remaining time. The most important VARC sets for CAT 2025 are:

    Topic

    Description

    Reading Comprehension (RC)

    RC is the most important part of CAT VARC, with 16 out of 24 questions coming from this section in CAT 2024. It covered 23% of the entire paper. Passages are usually 300–500 words and take about 5 minutes to read. Topics often include philosophy, sociology, psychology, history, economics, science & tech, politics, media, and abstract writing.

    Para Summary

    Para summary had strong weightage in CAT 2024 with 3 questions per slot. It continues to be a key topic for CAT 2025. Candidates should start practising this once they finish RC. It tests the ability to capture the main idea of a passage from given options.

    Para Completion

    Another important topic, para completion, also had 3 questions across each slot in CAT 2024. Candidates must practise different types of para completion questions to strengthen their skills in this area.

    Odd One Out

    Each CAT 2024 slot had 2 questions from this section. These are non-MCQs (TITA) that test the candidate’s ability to spot the sentence that doesn’t logically fit with the rest. It requires a good sense of context and logical flow.

    Most Important CAT Topics 2025: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

    As far as the data interpretation and logical reasoning section is concerned, the weightage for the questions asked under each section was almost equal when we performed the CAT 2024 and previous year analysis. The DILR syllabus for CAT 2025 is broad and requires good effort to complete the entire syllabus. But, the candidates are suggested to engage in smart work and identify the CAT 2025 important topics for DILR. The list of key topics in DILR for CAT 2025.

    Section

    Topic

    Description

    Logical Reasoning

    Games and Tournaments

    Frequently asked in the CAT 2024 examination, with 2 full sets from the most important DILR sets for CAT across slots 1 and 2. Questions were of moderate difficulty. Given its recurring presence, this is one of the key topics in DILR for CAT 2025.

    Routes and Networks

    Appeared in slots 1 and 2 with a total of 10 questions. These sets tend to be lengthy, so candidates must practice thoroughly. Likely to be repeated in CAT 2025.

    Logical Arrangement and Ordering

    A high-probability topic for CAT 2025, covering linear/circular arrangements, distribution, selection, and ordering. Due to its variety, this topic should be given top priority in preparation.

    Quant-Based Logical Reasoning

    Combines numerical reasoning with logical thinking. Topics include age problems, time & work, clocks, calendars, and number puzzles. These multi-skill questions are commonly asked, making this a key area for CAT 2025.

    Data Interpretation

    Graphs

    One of the most important DI topics. Asked in all CAT 2024 slots (4 questions per slot). Covers bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, mixed graphs, radar charts, and scatter plots. Mastery can fetch up to 12 marks.

    Table-Based DI

    Appeared in slot 3 of CAT 2024 with 4 questions. While not as frequent as graphs, it still holds importance and should be part of the preparation.

    Quant-Based DI

    Involves analysing numerical data using concepts like percentages, ratios, and averages. Data may appear in tables, charts, or passages. Frequently asked and highly valued for testing quantitative reasoning.

    Most Important CAT Topics 2025: Quantitative Aptitude

    Studying for the CAT quantitative aptitude section might be the hardest for the candidates, given its dynamic and unpredictable difficulty. But one of the best CAT preparation strategies for the CAT quantitative aptitude section is by shortlisting the key topics in QA for CAT 2025 and studying these topics well and in-depth. Some of the most important QA sets for CAT after analysing the previous year's question papers are noted below for the reference of the candidates.

    Section

    Topic

    Summary

    Arithmetic

    Mixtures and Alligations

    Frequently asked (4 questions in total from all the slots of CAT 2024). It deals with mixing items with different values to get a desired average using shortcut techniques like allegation.

    Time, Speed and Distance

    Seen in every CAT 2024 slot. Includes boats and streams, trains, and basic motion problems. Usually more straightforward and less formula-heavy.

    Ratio and Proportion

    A key concept that connects with other topics like DI, percentages, and averages. Essential for foundational understanding and fast calculations.

    Time and Work

    Always has at least one question in the CAT under the ratio and proportion topic. Also includes pipes and cisterns. Important due to its presence in all slots consistently. It is one of the key topics in QA for CAT 2025.

    Percentages

    Applies across multiple topics like profit and loss, averages, and DI. A very foundational topic and widely asked in both QA and DI sections.

    Algebra

    Surds and Indices

    CAT 2024 had 5 questions from this topic. Candidates must be comfortable simplifying and working with irrational numbers and exponents.

    Logarithms

    One question from each CAT 2024 slot was related to logarithms. Questions from this section were considered moderately tough, so deep understanding is important.

    Linear & Quadratic Equations

    Appeared 3 times in CAT 2024. Highly likely to be repeated. The candidates should have a good understanding of the formulas and methods are essential.

    Sequence and Series

    Questions are often based on AP, GP, and HP. Generally moderately difficult, but important for the overall score.

    Geometry

    Triangles

    One of the most asked geometry topics in CAT. Covers types and properties of triangles, Pythagoras' theorem, and applications. The candidates can expect at least one question from this topic..

    Coordinate Geometry

    Regularly appears in CAT papers, making it a CAT important topic under the data interpretation section. Involves basics like distance formula, slopes, and line equations on the coordinate plane.

    Modern Maths

    Permutations and Combinations

    Dominates the modern maths portion. Focus on arrangements, selections, and restrictions. It was the only modern maths topic asked in the CAT 2024 examination.

    Number Systems

    Remainders

    2 questions were asked under the remainders topic in CAT 2024. It involves modular arithmetic, division rules, and cyclicity. I

    Factors and Exponents

    Covers HCF, LCM, number of factors, and simplifying expressions with exponents.

    CAT Mock Test 2025

    Once the candidate completes their CAT syllabus 2025, they should analyse their preparation by engaging in a comprehensive CAT mock test. Careers360 has designed an online mock test for the overall assessment of the candidate’s preparation. It is equipped with advanced data analytics and helps the candidates to understand their strong and weak areas, compare their sectional performance, time taken for answering and accuracy level and much more. The link to the CAT mock test by Careers360 is provided below.

    Title

    Mock Test Attempt Link

    CAT Mock Test by Careers360

    Attempt Now

    CAT Preparation Books

    Throughout the candidate’s CAT 2025 preparation using the complete CAT syllabus 2025, the candidates should also seek guidance from the best CAT preparation books. These books will help them to gain conceptual clarity, provide much more insight into the concepts and also will come with a lot of practice questions, which can help the candidates gain much-needed practice to score well in the CAT examination.

    CAT Section

    Book Name

    Author Name

    Quantittaive 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

    CAT 2025 Preparation Resources by Careers360

    The candidates can download the various CAT preparation resources designed by Careers360 using the links given below.

    eBook Title

    Download Links

    3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder

    Download Here

    500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases

    Download Here

    300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs

    Download Here

    Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions

    Download Here

    Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions

    Download Here

    CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics

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    Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages

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    CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant

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    CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers

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    CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT

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    CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material

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    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Why are mock tests and books important for CAT preparation?
    A:

    Mock tests help identify strengths and weaknesses and simulate the real exam environment. Careers360’s mock tests offer insights into accuracy, speed, and section-wise performance. Books by Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, and R.S. Aggarwal provide both conceptual clarity and valuable practice.

    Q: How should I tackle the QA section, and which topics matter most?
    A:

    Start with Arithmetic topics like percentages, time-speed-distance, and ratios as they form a large portion of the section. Algebra (surds, equations, logs) and Geometry (especially triangles) are also heavily tested. A strong grasp of basics and consistent practice is key.

    Q: What should I focus on in the DILR section?
    A:

    For DILR, games and tournaments, logical arrangements, and route-based puzzles are frequently tested and must be practised thoroughly. In Data Interpretation, bar graphs, mixed charts, and table-based questions are common and are scored. Quant-based reasoning questions, combining logic with numbers, are also essential.

    Q: Which topics are most important in the VARC section?
    A:

    Reading Comprehension dominates VARC, making up nearly two-thirds of the section, with passages from humanities, science, and current affairs. Para summary, para completion, and odd one out are other key areas. Focus on inference and tone-based questions for best results.

    Q: What is the format of the CAT 2025 exam?
    A:

    CAT 2025 will be a 2-hour computer-based test with 40 minutes allotted to each of the three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. There will be 68 questions in total, and the marking scheme includes +3 for correct answers and -1 for wrong MCQs. Time management is critical as sections are time-bound and non-switchable.

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