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CAT Topic Wise Weightage 2023: CAT is considered one of the toughest management entrance exams in India. So it is important to formulate a CAT preparation strategy according to the topic wise weightage in CAT 2024. According to the CAT exam pattern, the question paper is expected to have a total of 66 questions with 3 sections (VARC, QA, DILR) to be attempted in 2 hours. Read this article carefully to know in-depth details about CAT topic-wise weightage for all sections.
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IIM Calcutta is scheduled to conduct the CAT exam on November 24, 2024. CAT exam 2024 will be conducted as a computer-based test with negative marks for each wrong answer. There is no negative marking for Non-MCQs. This article focuses on CAT chapter-wise weightage distribution so that you know which CAT topics require more focus than others.
CAT subject-wise weightage for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning is provided here.
As per last year’s CAT quantitative aptitude topic wise weightage, Arithmatical Problems & Algebra covered about 65% of the section.
According to the CAT DILR topic wise weightage, the section provides an equal weightage for DI & LR - 2 sets each.
In the CAT VARC section, the weightage of Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability is in the ratio of 2:1.
Check out How to Prepare for the CAT Exam: Important Tips and Tricks, Study Plan
The VARC section in the CAT exam evaluates student’s language proficiency, reading comprehension skills, and verbal reasoning abilities. The QA section in CAT 2023 assesses students’ mathematical and analytical abilities. The CAT DILR section evaluates students’ ability to analyse and interpret data, solve complex Puzzle , and make logical decisions. Here you can see the expected CAT subject wise weightage of VARC, QA, and DILR in the exam based on trends.
CAT Section | CAT Important Topics | CAT Exam Topic Wise Weightage |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Geometry, Algebra, Mensuration, Arithmetic, Number System | 34% |
Data Interpretation | Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram | 16% |
Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism And Caselets | 16% | |
Verbal Ability | Para jumbles, Para summary, Inferences and Sentence Completion | 10% |
Reading Comprehension | Order of sentences, questions based on passages, and para meaning. | 24% |
Related topics;
Section | Total Questions | Non-TITA (MCQs) | TITA |
VARC | 24 | 20 | 4 |
DILR | 20 | 12 | 8 |
QA | 22 | 15 | 7 |
Section | Total Questions | Non-TITA (MCQs) | TITA |
VARC | 24 | 20 | 4 |
DILR | 20 | 13-14 | 6-7 |
QA | 22 | 15-16 | 6-7 |
Below you can find the CAT Topic Wise Weightage for last year’s CAT question paper. Candidates can divide their CAT exam preparation time accordingly.
Slots | CAT VARC Topic | No. of Questions | Weightage (%) |
Slots 1, 2 and 3 | Reading: Comprehension Passages | 16 | 68 |
Para Jumbles | 3 | 12 | |
Para Summary | 3 | 12 | |
Para Completion or Odd Sentences Out | 2 | 4 |
Slots | CAT QA Topics | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
Slot 1 | Algebra | 8 | 36 |
8 | 36 | ||
Geometry and Mensuration | 3 | 14 | |
Modern Maths | 2 | 9 | |
Number Systems | 1 | 5 | |
Slot 2 and Slot 3 | 9 | 41 | |
Algebra | 7 | 32 | |
Geometry and Mensuration | 4 | 18 | |
Number Systems | 1 | 5 | |
Modern Maths | 1 | 5 |
Slots | CAT DILR Topics | Number of Questions |
Slot 1 | Graph | 5 |
Token Value | 5 | |
Linear Arrangements | 5 | |
DI- Metro Lines | 5 | |
Slot 2 | Diagram-based LR Set- Widget Supplies | 5 |
LR- Salesmen + 4 Companies | 5 | |
DI- Cosmetic Sales | 5 | |
DI- Company Revenue and Cost | 5 | |
Slot 3 | LR- Arrangements/ Rankings/ Team Formation | 5 |
LR- Games and Tournament- 4 People | 5 | |
DI Based on Graph- Gender + Colour | 5 | |
DI- Ratio based | 5 |
The exam pattern for CAT 2024 remains the same as last year's CAT paper pattern. It will help the candidates to understand the CAT question paper structure and marking scheme.
Sections | Total Questions | Sectional time limit | Difficulty level |
VARC | 24 | 40 Minutes | Moderate |
DILR | 20 | 40 Minutes | Moderate |
QA | 22 | 40 Minutes | Moderate- Difficult |
Total | 66 | 120 Minutes | Moderate |
NOTE: Sectional time-limit for PwD category - 53 minutes and 20 seconds
Check out the CAT syllabus 2024 here
For each correct answer, 3 marks will be given.
For each wrong answer, a 1 mark will be deducted.
For unanswered questions, no marks will be deducted. Also, there is no negative marking for Non-MCQs.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) has seen variations in the topic-wise weightage over the years. However, some trends have remained relatively consistent. The CAT exam is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).
The candidates must understand that all the questions from each slot of the CAT exam is considered while designing the analysis
CAT exam section | Number of questions asked in each slot | Total number of questions |
VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) | 24 | 72 |
DILR (Data Interpretation andLogical Reasoning ) | 20 | 60 |
QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | 22 | 66 |
Chapter Names | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
Subject: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | ||
Reading Comprehension | 48 | 67% |
Parajumbles | 10 | 14% |
Para Completion | 6 | 8% |
Parasummary | 9 | 13% |
Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | ||
Reasoning based DI | 28 | 47% |
Routes and Networks | 5 | 8% |
Scatter Graphs | 5 | 8% |
Bar Graphs | 5 | 8% |
Table based DI | 5 | 8% |
Subject: Quantitative Aptitude | ||
3 | 5% | |
Sequence & Series | 3 | 5% |
Equations | 4 | 6% |
Average and Mixtures | 9 | 14% |
Number Systems | 12 | 18% |
5 | 8% | |
Functions | 4 | 6% |
6 | 9% | |
Geometry | 7 | 11% |
1 | 2% | |
2 | 3% | |
3 | 5% | |
Logarithm and Surds | 1 | 2% |
Maxima-Minima | 3 | 5% |
2 | 3% | |
2 | 3% | |
1 | 2% | |
Set Theory | 1 | 2% |
Reading Comprehension: Dominates the VARC section with 48 questions, indicating that it's the most crucial part to focus on.
Parajumbles: Has 10 questions, showing it’s an important area to practice.
Para Completion: Includes 6 questions, suggesting moderate importance.
Parasummary: Consists of 9 questions, also significant for preparation.
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Reasoning based DI: Major component with 28 questions, so prioritizing this will be beneficial.
Routes and Networks, Scatter Graphs, Bar Graphs, Table based DI: Each has 5 questions, indicating a balanced distribution in these areas.
Number Systems: The most important in QA with 12 questions.
Average and Mixtures: Also significant with 9 questions.
Geometry: Includes 7 questions, showing its importance.
Ratio and Proportion : Moderately important with 6 questions.
Equations and Functions: Each has 4 questions, so practice is needed.
Time, Speed and Distance : Includes 5 questions, also important.
,Simple Interest Sequence & Series, Time & Work, Maxima-Minima: Each has 3 questions, requiring good understanding.
Permutation and Combination Profit and Loss Mensuration: Each has 2 questions, indicating lesser but still notable importance.
Application of Percentage , Logarithm and Surds, Inequalities, Set Theory: Each has 1 question, suggesting minimal focus but not to be ignored.
In summary, for CAT 2022, prioritize Reading Comprehension in VARC, Reasoning based DI in DILR, and Number Systems in QA, while ensuring balanced preparation across other topics.
Chapter Names | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
Subject: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | ||
Reading Comprehension | 47 | 65% |
Parasummary | 9 | 13% |
Odd one out/Misfit Sentence | 5 | 7% |
Parajumbles | 11 | 15% |
Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | ||
Ordering and Sequencing | 6 | 10% |
Bar Graphs | 8 | 13% |
Reasoning based DI | 19 | 32% |
Table based DI | 21 | 35% |
Games and Tournaments | 4 | 7% |
Subject: Quantitative Aptitude | ||
Number Systems | 9 | 14% |
4 | 6% | |
2 | 3% | |
6 | 9% | |
Sequence & Series | 3 | 5% |
Equations | 5 | 8% |
Logarithm and Surds | 3 | 5% |
3 | 5% | |
Average and Mixtures | 5 | 8% |
Profit and Loss & Discount | 4 | 6% |
Mensuration | 5 | 8% |
Ratio and Proportion & Variation | 1 | 2% |
Geometry | 4 | 6% |
Functions | 2 | 3% |
2 | 3% | |
5 | 8% | |
Coordinate Geometry | 1 | 2% |
Reading Comprehension: This section had 47 questions, making it the most critical area to focus on.
Parasummary: Included 9 questions, indicating significant importance.
Odd one out/Misfit Sentence: Had 5 questions, suggesting moderate focus.
Parajumbles: Included 11 questions, showing it is also an important area.
Reasoning based DI: Had 19 questions, indicating a major focus area.
Table based DI: Included 21 questions, making it a significant component.
Bar Graphs: Had 8 questions, showing moderate importance.
Ordering and Sequencing: Included 6 questions, also important.
Games and Tournaments: Had 4 questions, suggesting lesser but still notable importance.
Number Systems: Most important in QA with 9 questions
Percentage : Included 6 questions, showing significant focus.
Equations, Averages and Mixtures, Mensuration, Time & Work: Each had 5 questions, making them important areas.
Time, Speed and Distance Profit and Loss , Geometry: Each had 4 questions, indicating moderate importance.
Sequence & Series, Logarithm and Surds, Permutations and Combinations: Each had 3 questions, suggesting good understanding needed.
Compound Interest Inequality : Each had 2 questions, requiring less but necessary preparation.
Ratio and Proportion , Coordinate Geometry: Each had 1 question, indicating minimal focus needed but not to be ignored.
In summary, for CAT 2021, prioritize Reading Comprehension in VARC, Reasoning based DI and Table based DI in DILR, and Number Systems in QA, while ensuring balanced preparation across other topics.
Chapter Names | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
Subject: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | ||
Reading Comprehension | 57 | 79% |
Parajumbles | 8 | 11% |
Parasummary | 8 | 11% |
Odd one out/Misfit Sentence | 7 | 10% |
Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | ||
Table based DI | 28 | 47% |
6 | 10% | |
Reasoning based DI | 13 | 22% |
6 | 10% | |
6 | 10% | |
4 | 7% | |
Subject: Quantitative Aptitude | ||
10 | 15% | |
2 | 3% | |
Functions | 2 | 3% |
3 | 5% | |
Geometry | 4 | 6% |
Number Systems | 17 | 26% |
Mensuration | 6 | 9% |
4 | 6% | |
5 | 8% | |
5 | 8% | |
3 | 5% | |
Equations | 8 | 12% |
Sequence & Series | 1 | 2% |
4 | 6% | |
1 | 2% | |
Set Theory | 1 | 2% |
Surds and Indices | 1 | 2% |
Coordinate Geometry | 3 | 5% |
Reading Comprehension: This section had 57 questions, making it the most critical area to focus on.
Parajumbles and Parasummary: Each had 8 questions, indicating significant importance.
Odd one out/Misfit Sentence: Included 7 questions, showing moderate importance.
Table based DI: Major component with 28 questions, so prioritizing this will be beneficial.
Reasoning based DI: Included 13 questions, making it important.
,Logical Deductions and Connections Reasoning Ordering and Sequencing, Games and Tournaments: Each had 6 questions, suggesting moderate focus.
Venn Diagram : Had 4 questions, indicating lesser but still notable importance.
Number Systems: Most crucial in QA with 17 questions.
Time, Speed and Distance : Significant with 10 questions.
Mensuration: Important with 6 questions.
Mixture and Alligation Exponent and Surds : Each had 5 questions, indicating good focus needed.
Geometry, Proportions and Variations : Each had 4 questions, showing moderate importance.
Equations: Included 8 questions, making it a key area.
Interest, Profit and Loss & Discount, Coordinate Geometry: Each had 3 questions, suggesting a good understanding is needed
Time and Work , Functions: Each had 2 questions, requiring less but necessary preparation.
Sequence & Series ,Inequality Set Theory, Surds and Indices: Each had 1 question, indicating minimal focus needed but not to be ignored.
In summary, for CAT 2020, prioritize Reading Comprehension in VARC, Table based DI in DILR, and Number Systems in QA, while ensuring balanced preparation across other topics.
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When preparing for the CAT 2024 exam, having the right books is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the concepts tested in the exam. These books are vital as they provide detailed explanations of topics, covering both basic and advanced levels, which are crucial for mastering the Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning sections.
Book Title | Authors |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Meenakshi Upadhyay, Arun Sharma |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha |
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashish |
CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri |
PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Dr. Wilfred Funk, Norman Lewis |
The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
To improve performance in the CAT entrance exam, students should focus on regular practice, work on time management, solve previous years' CAT papers and mock tests, and analyze their performance to identify their weaknesses.
CAT Topic wise weightage refers to the distribution of CAT questions between different topics in the IIM MBA exam. It provides insights into the relative importance of each topic in three categories: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).
The total duration of the CAT 2023 is 2 hours (120 minutes). Each section has an individual time limit of 40 minutes. For the PwD category, the sectional time limit is 53 minutes and 20 seconds.
In the CAT exam, VARC has maximum weightage i.e. 24 questions and 72 marks.
No, CAT does not offer candidates the flexibility to choose the order of CAT sections as per their choice. Students should start with the VARC section followed by DILR and QA respectively.
Yes, CAT has a negative marking scheme. For each wrong answer, one mark will be deducted for MCQ-type questions only.
The student cannot join the postgraduate MA program directly in the second year of the MA after completing the MBA.
Universities generally expect students to begin the first year of a masters' program even though they had qualifications at the level of a bachelor's degree. The university's curriculum along with the courses are planned to give an in-depth knowledge of the subjects.
But you could opt for:
Postgraduate Studies:
Research Career: In case research interests you, then you can pursue a Ph.D. in your specific interest.
Specialized Master's Programs: Find any specific master's course that supports the career goal.
Professional Certifications:
Make a professional certification in CFA, CA, or FRM to enhance the professional skills and better opportunities in the career field.
Job Entry via MBA
After gaining an MBA from a renowned institution, it's possible to get entry into the corporate world where the diversity in the career field is assured.
In the end, it would depend on what you would like and what you are particularly interested in. It will be better if you take a suggestion from your academic advisor or career counselor.
Hello Pratik,
If your family income exceeds 8 LPA, it will affect your eligibility for the NC-OBC category under the CAT reservation rules. The NC-OBC category requires that the family income should be below 8 LPA to qualify. If you anticipate that your income will exceed this threshold, you should update your status and notify the CAT authorities .
Here's what you can do:
Email the CAT authorities
: Inform them about the potential change in your income status and request to be considered under the
General
category, if applicable. You should do this before the examination or any further processing, as your eligibility for the OBC category depends on the income criteria.
Documents and Proof
: Make sure you have a valid
OBC certificate
and any relevant documentation regarding your family income, in case they require verification. Also, be aware that if your income exceeds 8 LPA, you might need to apply under the
General
category, as the OBC-NC reservation is no longer applicable.
General Category Consideration : If your application is accepted as General, you will be evaluated based on the General category criteria, including cutoffs and ranking.
To summarize, notifying the CAT authorities is the correct approach to avoid discrepancies later, and if your income is above the threshold, you will be treated as a General candidate for the admissions process.
For more details about CAT exam you can check out an article by Careers360 whose link is given below:
Link: https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/cat
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hi Shreya ,
Having a tattoo on your wrist should not create a problem during the CAT exam as long as it does not contain any content that violates exam rules , such as communication-related symbols , unauthorised messages or any text resembling formulas or answers .
For a safe side , it is recommended :
1. Inform the Invigilators : Let them know about your tattoo during the identification check , so there are no misunderstandings .
2. Follow the Guidelines : Ensure you follow all instructions regarding permissible items and dress code on the exam day .
Hope this helps you .
ALL THE BEST .
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Hello,
Yes, you can also join IIMs two years after graduation, depending upon the justification in interviews and your performance in entrance exams. If you are not sure about CAT, try those other management exams less hard:
Common Management Admission Test: Easier than CAT; 4-5 months of continuous preparation will suffice.
MAT : Much easier and takes place thrice a year.
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): A bit easier than CAT, apt for Symbiosis Institutes.
Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT : Hence, easier than CAT but the unique decision-making section.
Use exams like CMAT and MAT as a challenge to be competitively prepared. This can be given about 4-5 months, along with a few rounds of mock tests and smart studying.
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Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
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The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
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In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
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