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

Ongoing Event

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

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.

LiveCAT 2025 Registration LIVE: IIM Kozhikode to close application window today; IIM admission criteriaSep 13, 2025 | 7:27 AM IST

IIM Kozhikode to close CAT 2025 registration window today, September 13. 

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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

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.
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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 Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

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

Download Now

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

Download Now

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

Download Now

CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers

Download Now

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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Hello Aspirant,

Since your payment status shows "S" , it means your payment is successful. The "payment unsuccessful" message on the form is likely a temporary system error or a delay in updating.

Do not make another payment.

Making a second payment could cause a double debit, which is difficult to get a refund for. You should:

  1. Wait 24-48 hours for the status to update automatically.

  2. Download and save a copy of your form and a screenshot of the "S" payment status as proof.

  3. Check your bank statement to confirm the money has been debited.

  4. If the issue is not fixed after 48 hours, contact the official CAT helpdesk immediately with your transaction details.

Hello

The CAT 2025 exam is a national-level MBA entrance test for IIMs and top B-schools in India. It will be held on 30th November 2025 in computer-based mode across ~170 cities.
The registration is open from 1st August to 13th September 2025 on iimcat.ac.in .
Admit cards will be available from 5th November 2025 onward.
Graduates with at least 50 marks (45 for SC/ST/PwD) are eligible to apply.
The exam tests English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude in three timed sections.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects