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

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

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Team Careers360Updated on 23 Oct 2025, 12:42 PM IST

CAT Topic Wise Weightage is crucial for effective preparation. It shows which topics in Quant, DILR, and VARC appear more frequently in the CAT Exam 2025, helping aspirants focus on high-scoring areas. Understanding CAT topic wise weightage allows candidates to prioritise practice, allocate time efficiently, and improve accuracy. Following these trends ensures better performance in mocks and the CAT 2025, making preparation smarter and increasing the chances of achieving a top percentile.

This Story also Contains

  1. Importance of Analysing CAT Topic Wise Weightage
  2. Section-Wise CAT Topic Wise Weightage for CAT 2025
  3. CAT 2024 Topic-Wise Weightage: Slot-Wise Analysis
  4. Historical CAT Topic Wise Weightage (2020–2023)
  5. Does Practising CAT Topic Wise Weightage Guarantee 99 Percentile?
  6. CAT 2025 Ebooks by Careers360
CAT Topic-Wise Weightage 2025: Section-Wise & Chapter-Wise Analysis for VARC, DILR, QA
cat topic wise weightage

In this article, we have discussed detailed CAT topic-wise weightage analysis, along with historical data from 2020 to 2024. With this, students can prioritise their study plan, identify recurring questions, and optimise performance in each section.

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.

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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.

Topic

Approx. Weightage

Key Areas

Arithmetic

35–50%

Percentages

Ratios

Profit & Loss

Averages

Time-Speed-Distance

Time & Work

Simple Interest

Compound Interest

Mixtures & Alligation

Algebra

25–35%

Linear Equation

Quadratic Equations

Functions

Sequences & Series

Inequalities

Logarithms

Geometry & Mensuration

10–15%

Triangles

Circles, 2D/3D Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry

Number Systems

5–10%

HCF and LCM, Divisibility, Remainders, Floor Functions

Modern Maths

5–10%

Permutations & Combinations

Probability, Sets, Functions


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.

Topic

Approx. Weightage

Key Areas

Reading Comprehension (RC)

60–70%

Business, Economics, Social Sciences, Technology passages

Para Jumbles

10–15%

Logical ordering of sentences

Para Summary

10–15%

Thematic inference and summarisation

Odd Sentence Out / Para Completion

5–10%

Identifying irrelevant sentences, completing logical sequences

Vocabulary & Critical Reasoning

5–10%

Contextual meaning, assumptions, conclusions


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.

Topic

Approx. Weightage

Key Areas

Puzzles and

Seating Arrangements

50–60%

Linear, Circular, Grid-based, Complex arrangements

Tables & Charts

40–50%

Tabular data, Bar/Line/Pie charts, Mixed sets

Games & Tournaments

10–20%

Round-robin, knockout, scoring systems

Venn Diagrams & Hybrid Sets

5–10%

Set theory, logical deduction

Scheduling & Blood Relations

5–10%

Task allocation, family trees, directional reasoning


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

Section

Dominant Category

Weightage

QA

Arithmetic

40.91%

DILR

Games & Tournaments, QUANT-based LR

22.73%

VARC

Reading Comprehension

66.67%

CAT 2024 Topic-wise Weightage - Slot 1

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Category

Topics Covered

No. of Qs

% Weightage

Reading Comprehension

4 RC Passages × 4 Qs each (Bandicoots, Economics, Craftsmanship, Media)

16

66.67%

Para Summary

Thematic inference-based summaries

3

12.5%

Para Completion

Logical sentence continuation

3

12.5%

Odd One Out

Sentence exclusion from thematic group

2

8.33%

Total


24

100%


Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)


Category

Topics Covered

No. of Qs

% Weightage

Games & Tournaments

Linear Arrangement with Score/Match Logic

5

22.73%

Distribution

Distribution-based Logical Reasoning

4

18.18%

Venn Diagrams

Set-based logic involving country visits

4

18.18%

Line & Bar Graphs

DI set on Candlestick Chart (Bar + Line hybrid)

4

18.18%

QUANT Based LR

Voter logic and campaign-based quantitative reasoning

5

22.73%

Total


22

100%

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Quantitative Aptitude (QA)


Category

Topics Covered

No. of Qs

% Weightage

Arithmetic

Averages, Ratios & Proportions, Percentages, Mixtures & Alligations, Profit & Loss, Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work, SI

9

40.91%

Algebra

Linear & Quadratic Equations, Sequence & Series, Logarithms, Surds & Indices

5

22.73%

Geometry

Triangles, 3D Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry + Inequalities

3

13.64%

Number System

Remainders, Floor Function

2

9.09%

Modern Maths

Permutations & Combinations, Set Theory & Functions

2

9.09%

Total


22

100%

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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.

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

Historical CAT Topic Wise Weightage (2020–2023)

Year

VARC

DILR

QA

2023

RC 68%, Para Jumbles 12%, Para Summary 12%, Para Completion 4%

Tables/Graphs/Arrangements 100%

Arithmetic 41%, Algebra 32%, Geometry 18%, Number System 5%, Modern Maths 5%

2022

RC 67%, Para Jumbles 14%, Para Summary 13%, Para Completion 8%

Reasoning-based DI 47%, Tables/Graphs 53%

Arithmetic/Algebra 35–40%, Geometry 11%, Number Systems 18%, Modern Maths 8%

2021

RC 65%, Para Jumbles 15%, Para Summary 13%, Odd One Out 7%

DI 32%, Tables 35%, Games/Tournaments 7%, Ordering/Ranking 10%, Bar Graphs 13%

Arithmetic/Algebra 35–40%, Geometry 6–8%, Number Systems 14%, Modern Maths 5%

2020

RC 79%, Para Jumbles 11%, Para Summary 11%, Odd One Out 10%

Tables 47%, Reasoning DI 22%, Games/Tournaments 10%, Bar Graphs 8%, Venn 7%

Arithmetic 15%, Number Systems 26%, Geometry/Mensuration 9%, Modern Maths 8%, Algebra 12%, Time & Work 15%

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.

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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.

eBook Title

Download Links

3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder

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Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions

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CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics

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CAT Mock Test Series - 20 Sets, Questions with Solutions By Experts

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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

Download Now

CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers

Download Now

CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT

Download Now

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

Download Now


Understanding the CAT topic-wise weightage is crucial for a focused, high-scoring preparation strategy. By analysing trends from 2020–2024, students can prioritise high-frequency topics, track performance through mock tests, and allocate study time effectively.

A balanced preparation covering Quant, VARC, and DILR, reinforced by previous year papers and targeted practice, will enhance accuracy, speed, and confidence for CAT 2025. Use this guide, past year analyses, and mock tests to craft a strategic study plan and maximise your CAT percentile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How often do CAT topics repeat?
A:

Data from the past five years shows several topics consistently appear. For example, arithmetic, algebra, puzzles, seating arrangements, and RC passages are high-frequency areas. Tracking trends allows smart prioritisation in preparation.

Q: How can CAT topic wise weightage improve mock performance?
A:

Focusing on high-weightage topics during mocks increases correct attempts and reduces time spent on unfamiliar areas. It also highlights weak topics needing more practice, boosting both confidence and percentile in CAT 2025.

Q: Should I ignore CAT low-weightage topics completely?
A:

No, low-weightage topics may appear in tricky questions that can make a difference in top percentiles. A balanced approach, prioritising high-weightage while revising moderate topics, ensures better overall performance and reduces risk.

Q: What is CAT topic wise weightage?
A:

CAT topic wise weightage shows how many questions come from each topic in Quant, DILR, and VARC sections. Analysing it helps aspirants focus on high-frequency areas. This strategy improves time management and accuracy in CAT Exam 2025.

Q: Does practising CAT 2025 high-weightage topics guarantee a 99 percentile?
A:

No, practising only high-weightage topics helps cover most questions but doesn’t ensure top percentile. Accuracy, speed, and sectional balance are also crucial. Low-frequency but tricky questions can impact overall scores if ignored.

Q: Which quant topic has the highest weightage in CAT?
A:

 In CAT Quant, Arithmetic holds the highest weightage, followed by Algebra and Geometry. It consistently dominates the section with the most questions across past papers.

Q: What is the weightage for CAT verbal topic wise?
A:

In VARC, Reading Comprehension carries around 70% weightage, while Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd Sentence Out make up the remaining share.

Q: Which topic is most difficult in the CAT exam?
A:

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) is often considered the most difficult section. Within it, complex puzzle-based and arrangement sets trouble most aspirants.

Q: What are the main sections in the CAT exam?
A:

It identifies high-frequency topics where mistakes occur, allowing aspirants to focus on critical scoring areas for maximum impact.

Q: Which QA topics appear most frequently in recent CAT exams?
A:

Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance) consistently forms 35–40% of QA, while Algebra appears in 25–30% of questions.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

HELLO,

I am providing you the link below through which you will be able to download the previous 10 years CAT question papers

Here is the link :- CAT Previous year Question papers

Hope this Helps!

The three key formulas that can solve almost all Profit & Loss problems are:

  1. Profit/Loss % = (Profit or Loss / Cost Price) × 100%, where CP is the cost price.

  2. Discount % = (Discount / Marked Price) × 100%, where MP is the marked price.

  3. Mark up % = (Mark up Value / Cost Price) × 100%, where CP is the cost price.


These formulas can be adapted for problems involving discounts, marked price, or successive gains/losses.

For detailed examples and variations, you can from the article

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/profit-and-loss-for-cat-2025-only-3-formulas-needed-for-all-variations

With a 70 percent in CAT Examination, you can go for various B-Schools or private collages. The S. K. Patel Institute of Management in Gandhinagar is an option for those who score 70-80 percent in their CAT examination or The Gujarat Institute of Management (GIM) in Goa with a cutoff of 60-80 percentage. These are the collages you can look for in Gujarat or nearby.

Collage in other regions: BA Colleges Accepting 70-80 Percentile in CAT 2025

Thank You.

Hello dear candidate,

NO. your application for CAT will not rejected for wrong gender small mistake in the OBC NCL certificate. You will be considered as an OBC candidate.

you just need to get your OBC certificate corrected and need to inform the CAT helpdesk about this error.


Hello,

Here are some top MBA colleges in India with fees under Rs. 2 lakh and their exam/cutoff details:

  • SIMSREE, Mumbai – Fee around Rs. 1.3–1.4 lakh for 2 years. Accepts CAT, CMAT, MAH-CET, MAT, ATMA. Cutoff is very high, usually 99+ percentile in CAT/CMAT.

  • PUMBA (Dept. of Management Sciences, Savitribai Phule Pune University) – Fee around Rs. 1.2–1.3 lakh. Accepts CAT, CMAT, MAH-CET, ATMA. Cutoff approx. 75+ percentile in CAT, 90–95+ percentile in CMAT, high scores in MAH-CET.

  • TISS, Mumbai (MA HRM & other management-related programmes) – Fee around Rs. 1.7–1.9 lakh. Accepts CAT for some courses. Qualifying cutoff is around 60–70 percentile, but final selection cutoffs are higher.

These are the main government institutes where the full MBA/PG programme fee is within Rs. 2 lakh. Cutoffs vary slightly each year and by category, but SIMSREE and PUMBA generally need high scores, while TISS has its own process along with CAT shortlisting.

Hope it helps !