CAT Topic-Wise Weightage 2025: Section-Wise & Chapter-Wise Analysis for VARC, DILR, QA

Importance of Analysing CAT Topic Wise Weightage

Analysing CAT topic-wise weightage is a crucial strategy for aspirants aiming to maximise efficiency and score higher in CAT Exam 2025. Historical data shows that certain topics consistently appear, helping candidates prioritise their preparation. Understanding which areas carry more marks allows focused practice, better time allocation, and improved accuracy, forming a key part of a smart CAT preparation strategy.

Identify High-Frequency Topics

Analysis of CAT 2021–2024 reveals that topics like arithmetic, algebra, and geometry in Quant, RC and para jumbles in VARC, and seating arrangement and puzzles in DILR appear repeatedly. Concentrating on these high-frequency topics ensures aspirants cover 60–70% of questions with targeted preparation. CAT Topic-wise analysis highlights patterns that can reduce wasted study hours.

Plan Effective Study Strategy

Understanding CAT topic wise weightage 2025 allows aspirants to prioritise topics based on marks contribution. For example, in Quant, arithmetic historically accounts for 35–40% of questions. Allocating more time to high-weightage topics while not neglecting moderate-weightage areas ensures a balanced approach, improving both speed and accuracy.

Improve Time Management

CAT 2025 requires solving 66 questions in 120 minutes. Data shows that aspirants who follow topic-wise preparation spend less time on familiar high-weightage topics and avoid time traps in low-frequency areas. This strategic allocation can improve attempts by 10–15% in mocks and exams.

Track Progress and Weak Areas

Analysing CAT topic-wise weightage helps track performance per topic. Mock data indicates that top 1% scorers consistently evaluate strengths and weaknesses in each topic weekly, allowing targeted revisions. This ensures no high-weightage area is left weak, directly contributing to a higher percentile.

Reduce Exam Anxiety

Being aware of topic patterns reduces uncertainty during the CAT Exam 2025. When aspirants know which areas are likely to appear and have practiced them, stress levels drop. Historical data shows that confident topic coverage correlates with a 5–8 percentile boost among top scorers.

Adapt Strategy for Changing Patterns

While CAT topics generally follow trends, difficulty levels and question types can vary. CAT 2023 DILR, for instance, had fewer but tougher sets. Analysing topic-wise weightage trends equips aspirants to adapt quickly, ensuring they don’t miss scoring opportunities due to unexpected pattern shifts.

Section-Wise CAT Topic Wise Weightage for CAT 2025

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Quantitative Aptitude is a scoring section for candidates who practise consistently. Based on past trends in CAT, the topics that are most weighted are Arithmetic and Algebra.

High-frequency QA topics: Arithmetic and Algebra consistently appear in CAT 2020–2024, making them must-practice areas. Geometry and Modern Maths appear less frequently but often involve high-difficulty questions, making them valuable scoring topics.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

VARC accounts for 24 questions per CAT slot and is dominated by Reading Comprehension passages. Understanding CAT verbal topic-wise weightage ensures focused preparation.

Tip: RC passages dominate each slot, so practising comprehension, speed reading, and inference is key.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

DILR includes puzzles, seating arrangements, and charts. It requires a mix of speed, logic, and analytical skills.

High-yield DILR topics like Tables, Puzzles, and Seating Arrangements appear every year, making them essential for focused CAT preparation.

CAT 2024 Topic-Wise Weightage: Slot-Wise Analysis

The CAT 2024 slot-wise analysis reveals slight variations in question distribution, with DILR maintaining an equal focus on the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning components, making historical trend analysis crucial for strategic CAT 2025 preparation.

CAT 2024 Slot 1 Analysis

CAT 2024 Topic-wise Weightage - Slot 1

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

CAT 2024 Slot 2 & Slot 3 Question Paper Analysis

The distribution is largely similar with minor variations:

• VARC: 34.29% weightage per slot

• DILR: 31.43% weightage per slot

• QA: 31.43% weightage per slot

Students are advised to go through the following articles for a detailed analysis of the CAT 2024 Slot 2 and Slot 3 question papers.

• CAT 2024 Slot 2 Question Paper Analysis

• CAT 2024 Slot 3 Question Paper Analysis

Key Takeaway: Reading Comprehension (VARC), Arithmetic & Algebra (QA), and Puzzles/Seating (DILR) are consistently high-yield areas.

Historical CAT Topic Wise Weightage (2020–2023)

How to Use Previous Years’ CAT Topic Weightage for Smarter Practice

Analysing previous years’ CAT topic-wise weightage is one of the smartest ways to plan your preparation. It helps you identify which topics consistently carry more marks, which areas fluctuate, and where your time investment will yield maximum returns. But to make this data truly useful, you must apply it strategically, not mechanically.

Identify High-Consistency Topics First

When you study past papers from CAT 2020 to CAT 2024, you’ll notice that certain areas appear every year, like Arithmetic and Algebra in Quant, Reading Comprehension in VARC, and Caselets in DILR. These are your high-consistency topics. Focus on mastering their concepts and question variations before anything else. If you can score well in these predictable zones, your overall percentile will remain stable even in tougher papers.

Track Changing Trends in Each Section

CAT isn’t rigid; its topic weightage evolves slightly every year. For example, in some years, Logical Reasoning dominates DILR, while in others, Data Interpretation sets are trickier. Similarly, VARC may shift focus from Vocabulary-based questions to Parajumbles and Summary questions.

By reviewing year-wise section analysis, you can forecast possible trends and allocate your revision time wisely. This habit ensures you’re prepared even if the paper’s pattern shifts in CAT 2025.

Create a Balanced Practice Schedule

Once you’ve analysed topic weightage, divide your practice time based on three categories, high-weightage, moderate, and low-weightage topics.
For example:

• Spend 40% of your study time on high-weightage areas like Arithmetic, Algebra, and RC.

• Spend 35% on moderate topics like Geometry and Logical Arrangements.

• Spend 25% on low-weightage but easy-scoring topics like Grammar or Modern Math. This balance helps you improve accuracy and avoid over-reliance on any single section.

Use Weightage Data to Customise Mock Tests

Don’t just practice randomly, design mock tests that mirror real CAT distribution. For instance, if Arithmetic contributes around 30% of QA marks, make sure 3 out of 10 Quant questions in your mock come from it.
Analysing your mock test performance against actual weightage gives a clear picture of where you stand and which areas need more focus before the exam.

Revise Smartly Using Trend Insights

In the final 30 days before CAT, topic weightage helps you prioritise revision. Go back to chapters that appear most often or have given you low accuracy in mocks. For instance, if DI Tables or Reading Comprehension summaries are frequent trouble zones, target them specifically.

Most Important Topics for CAT 2025 Based on Past Trends

Analysing CAT topic-wise weightage trends from 2019 to 2024 reveals clear patterns that can guide 2025 aspirants toward high-scoring areas. The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section continues to favour Arithmetic-based questions, VARC remains dominated by Reading Comprehension, and DILR prioritises logical grouping and puzzle-based sets. Understanding these recurring themes is essential for strategic preparation and percentile maximisation.

Quantitative Aptitude: Dominance of Arithmetic and Algebra

Over the past few years, Arithmetic has contributed around 40–45% of the QA section, making it the most crucial area. Topics such as Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Ratio-Proportion, and Averages frequently appear. Algebra (20–25%) follows closely, focusing on Equations, Inequalities, and Functions. Geometry and Modern Math topics like Permutations & Combinations and Probability appear less frequently but are moderate in difficulty. Mastery of basic arithmetic concepts gives a strong edge in CAT 2025 QA.

VARC: Reading Comprehension and Critical Reasoning Dominance

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is heavily RC-centric, with 70–80% weightage coming from Reading Comprehension passages. Questions test inference, tone, central idea, and vocabulary in context. Verbal Ability contributes the remaining marks through para-jumbles, summary-based questions, and odd-sentence out. The trend shows increasing focus on logical reading and contextual reasoning rather than direct grammar, making consistent RC practice vital for CAT 2025.

DILR: Data Sets, Logical Grouping, and Reasoning Puzzles

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section has evolved into one of the most unpredictable yet scoring parts of CAT. Each year, aspirants face four complex sets, often blending data tables, Venn diagrams, arrangements, and games-based logic. Recent trends indicate an emphasis on multi-layered logical reasoning rather than pure calculation-based sets. Candidates must practice diverse puzzle types under time constraints to excel in this section.

Comparison of CAT Topic Weightage with Other MBA Exams (XAT, NMAT, SNAP)

The CAT exam differs significantly from other MBA entrance tests like XAT, NMAT, and SNAP in terms of sectional structure, topic distribution, and question difficulty level. While CAT emphasizes logical reasoning and data interpretation, XAT includes decision-making, and NMAT focuses on speed and accuracy. Understanding these topic weightage variations helps optimise cross-exam preparation strategy.

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation Weightage Analysis

In CAT, Quantitative Aptitude (QA) holds around 34%–36% weightage, heavily emphasising Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) questions are often set-based and reasoning-intensive, testing analytical depth. In contrast, XAT balances Quant and DI with moderate-level questions, while NMAT and SNAP prioritise speed-based arithmetic and number series, requiring quick mental calculations. Thus, CAT demands conceptual clarity, while NMAT and SNAP reward accuracy under time pressure.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Structure Comparison

CAT VARC primarily tests reading comprehension (RC), which forms nearly 70% of the section, along with para-jumbles and odd-sentence questions. XAT’s verbal section is more language-intensive, covering grammar, vocabulary, and critical reasoning. NMAT includes short RCs, grammar, and fill-in-the-blanks, focusing on speed and contextual accuracy, while SNAP offers direct grammar and vocabulary-based questions. This makes CAT the most comprehension-heavy, while NMAT and SNAP are vocabulary-oriented.

Common Mistakes Students Make While Following CAT Topic Weightage

Many aspirants study only the high-weightage areas, thinking that’s the fastest route to a top percentile. But this approach often backfires. Understanding weightage is useful only when balanced with accuracy, conceptual clarity, and time management. Let’s look at the most common mistakes students make and how to avoid them during CAT 2025 preparation.

Ignoring Low-Weightage Topics

A common error is skipping topics that seem less important based on past trends, like Grammar in VARC or Geometry in QA. However, CAT is known for surprises. Even low-weightage areas can contribute a few easy questions that boost your score. A balanced approach ensures you don’t lose marks in areas others neglect.

Treating Topic Weightage as Fixed Every Year

Many students assume the CAT topic-wise weightage remains constant. In reality, it changes slightly every year. For example, DILR sets may shift from logical arrangements to graph-based problems. Reviewing the last 3–4 years’ CAT papers helps you see patterns rather than relying on one year’s data. Adaptability is key to consistent performance.

Focusing Only on Quantity and Ignoring Accuracy

Weightage data often leads students to over-practice certain sections, like Arithmetic or Reading Comprehension, without improving accuracy. But CAT scores depend on percentile, not attempts. It’s better to attempt fewer questions with high accuracy than to attempt more with guesswork. Regular mock tests and analysis help you identify your weak areas early.

Neglecting Conceptual Clarity

Some aspirants memorise shortcuts just to score in high-weightage topics. This method may work in easy mocks but fails in actual CAT exams, where questions are application-based. Strengthen your basics, ratios, percentages, logical reasoning, and comprehension before applying tricks. Clear fundamentals help you handle unexpected question twists confidently.

Ignoring Sectional Balance

CAT doesn’t reward sectional imbalance. Even if Quant has more high-weightage chapters, neglecting VARC or DILR can lower your overall percentile. Each section has a cutoff, so distribute your preparation time fairly. Weekly rotation among sections and periodic mixed mock tests can help maintain balance and boost your overall score.

Does Practising CAT Topic Wise Weightage Guarantee 99 Percentile?

Scoring 99 percentile in CAT is not just about practising topics based on weightage. While topic-wise preparation helps in smart planning, the 99 percentile mark demands speed, accuracy, and consistency across all sections. Analysis of the past five CAT exams shows the approximate question distribution: Quantitative Ability (QA), 22–26 questions, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), 20–24 questions, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), 24–26 questions.

Topic-wise preparation helps aspirants cover 70–75% of high-frequency concepts, increasing efficiency. For example, in Quant, algebra, arithmetic, and geometry form over 60% of questions historically.

Balancing Accuracy with Strategic Attempts

Scoring 99 percentile in CAT Exam 2025 requires both accuracy and strategic question selection. For instance:

• Quant: 14–16 correct attempts with minimal negative marking

• VARC: 18–20 accurate answers across RC and VA

• DILR: 10–12 correct sets with logical precision

Simply practising popular CAT topics is not enough; top scorers focus on both high-frequency and moderately weighted topics to maximise total score.

CAT Sectional Cut-offs and Weightage

CAT 2023 data reveals that even if a candidate scores exceptionally in Quant, failing to meet sectional cut-offs in VARC or DILR can prevent a 99 percentile. Around 30% of aspirants with high Quant scores lost top ranks due to underperformance in one section. This shows that topic-wise preparation must be balanced across all sections.

Importance of CAT Mock Analysis

Analysing full-length CAT mock test 2025 is very important. Data indicates aspirants who review mocks thoroughly improve their percentile by 15–18 points over those relying solely on weightage practice. CAT 2025 Mock analysis highlights weak areas, including low-weightage but high-risk questions, helping aspirants fine-tune time management and accuracy, which are key for achieving 99 percentile in CAT 2025.

Adapting CAT Exam Strategy

CAT exam pattern 2025 evolve every year. For example, CAT 2023 DILR had fewer sets but higher difficulty, reducing average correct attempts per set to 8–10. Candidates relying only on historical weightage trends struggled, proving that flexible strategy and adaptability are essential. Aspirants must adjust their focus dynamically during CAT Exam 2025 to ensure a high percentile despite pattern shifts.

CAT 2025 Ebooks by Careers360

The CAT ebooks are a helpful resource that helps candidates prepare for the examination. These ebooks cover different sections of the subjects relevant to the examination. Candidates must use these ebooks and prepare for the examination accordingly. Refer to the table below to get the download links for the CAT 2025.