Parul University MBA Admissions 2025
Registrations Deadline- 12th June | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package
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 2025. 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.
Related articles:
The topic wise weightage of CAT 2025 analysis is given below. The candidates are requested to go through the analysis and understand the various important CAT topics. This topic-wise weightage shows the candidates all the important topics that the candidates should prepare for the examination.
Section | Topic | Total Questions | Weightage |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension | 16 | 66.67 |
Para Summary | 3 | 12.5 | |
Odd One Out | 2 | 8.33 | |
Fill in the Blanks | 1 | 4.17 | |
Missing Sentence | 2 | 8.33 | |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Games and Tournaments | 5 | 22.73 |
Bar Graph (DI) | 8 | 36.36 | |
Candlestick Chart | 4 | 18.18 | |
Decision Making (18) | 5 | 22.73 | |
Quantitative Aptitude | Time, Speed, and Distance | 1 | 4.55 |
Relations and Functions | 1 | 4.55 | |
Geometry | 1 | 4.55 | |
Percentage | 1 | 4.55 | |
Ratio and Percentage | 1 | 4.55 | |
AP & GP | 1 | 4.55 | |
Simple Interest (SI) | 1 | 4.55 | |
Logarithm | 1 | 4.55 | |
Quadratic Equations | 2 | 9.09 | |
Number System | 4 | 18.18 | |
Ratio & Proportion | 2 | 9.09 | |
Profit and Loss | 1 | 4.55 | |
Exponents | 1 | 4.55 | |
Mensuration | 1 | 4.55 | |
Inequality | 1 | 4.55 | |
Average | 1 | 4.55 | |
Time and Work | 1 | 4.55 |
IIM Calcutta was scheduled to conduct the CAT exam on November 24, 2025. CAT exam 2023 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;
Registrations Deadline- 12th June | India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | 2200 Recruiters | 45.98 Lakhs Highest Package
Highest CTC: Rs 18.33 LPA | Average CTC: Rs 7.39 LPA | Experiential Learning | Classes by Industry Professionals | Alumni Mentorship Program
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 2025 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 | 22 | 40 Minutes | Moderate |
QA | 22 | 40 Minutes | Moderate- Difficult |
Total | 68 | 120 Minutes | Moderate |
NOTE: Sectional time-limit for PwD category - 53 minutes and 20 seconds
Check out the CAT syllabus 2025 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.
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% |
Time, Speed and Distance | 4 | 6% |
Inequality | 2 | 3% |
Percentage | 6 | 9% |
Sequence & Series | 3 | 5% |
Equations | 5 | 8% |
Logarithm and Surds | 3 | 5% |
Permutation and Combination | 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% | |
Time, Speed and Distance | 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 and 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% |
Logical Deductions and Connections Reasoning | 6 | 10% |
Reasoning based DI | 13 | 22% |
Order and Ranking | 6 | 10% |
Games and Tournaments | 6 | 10% |
Venn Diagram | 4 | 7% |
Subject: Quantitative Aptitude | ||
10 | 15% | |
Functions | 2 | 3% |
Simple Interest | 3 | 5% |
Geometry | 4 | 6% |
Number Systems | 17 | 26% |
Mensuration | 6 | 9% |
Ratio and Proportion | 4 | 6% |
Exponent and Surds | 5 | 8% |
Mixture and Alligation | 5 | 8% |
Profit and Loss | 3 | 5% |
Equations | 8 | 12% |
Sequence & Series | 1 | 2% |
Percentage | 4 | 6% |
Inequality | 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.
People also search for -
When preparing for the CAT 2025 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.
Hi aspirant,
You can refer to the link attached above for more information on the same.
All the best!
Hi aspirant,
You can refer to the link given above for more information on the same.
All the best!
Hello dear,
The CAT exam requires a significant amount of time for preparation, including brushing up on basic concepts and practicing advanced problem-solving. Starting too early can feel overwhelming and may not be sustainable with other academic commitments.
The CAT exam requires a level of focus and maturity that is not always present in class 9. Starting preparation at this stage can be challenging to maintain. At class 9, you're primarily focused on learning foundational concepts. So you just need to boost your fundamentals by practicing more and more at class 9 because the Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT syllabus includes all the topics of Mathematics from Class 9 to 10 such as Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry and Mensuration.
Start Preparation 12 Months Prior:
Identify Weak Sections:
I hope you got your answer, That's all Thank you.
IIFT CAT Cutoff 2024
IIFT Delhi
General: 95–98 percentile
OBC: 90+
SC: 85–95
ST/PwD: 75–93
IIFT Kolkata
General: 85–95 percentile
OBC/SC/ST: 50–95 (varies)
Note: Final selection also includes WAT, GD, PI, academics, and work experience.
To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive company growth. They generate leads, build client relationships, develop sales strategies, and analyse market trends. Collaborating with internal teams, they aim to meet sales targets. With experience, they can advance to managerial roles, playing a key role in expanding the company’s market presence and revenue.
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.
A Sales Manager leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.
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.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
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.
NAAC A+ Grade | Ranked No.1 Private University in India (QS World University Rankings 2025)
Amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings)
NAAC A+ Grade | Among top 100 universities of India (NIRF 2024) | 40 crore+ scholarships distributed
Deadline: 30th May'25 | MBA @ DES Pune University | Top Ranked B-School | 100% Placement Assistance
Ranked #41 amongst institutions in Management by NIRF | 100% Placement
International Tie Ups | Project Based Learning | State of the art infrastructure | Applications Closing Soon!