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CAT 2025 Topic-Wise Weightage: Section-Wise Marks, Most Important Topics & Trend Analysis
Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 16, 2025 10:14 AM IST | #CAT
CAT Topic-Wise Weightage 2025: CAT ranks among India's most challenging entrance examinations for business schools, making it essential for future managers to develop a strategic study approach based on the relative importance of each topic in CAT 2025. Students planning for CAT 2025 must understand that each section (VARC, QA, and DILR) receives exactly 40 minutes. This article provides comprehensive details about the CAT topic-wise weightage for all sections, including previous year analysis of CAT exams, helping students prepare more effectively and achieve a targeted score this year.
This Story also Contains
- CAT Exam Pattern 2025
- CAT 2025 Marking Scheme
- CAT 2025 Most Important Topics
- CAT 2024 Topicwise Weightage
- CAT 2023 Topic Wise Weightage
- Detailed Chapter-Wise Weightage Analysis (2020-2022)
- CAT 2022 Topicwise weightage
- CAT 2020 topic-wise weightage
- Best Books for CAT 2025 Preparation
Related articles:
CAT Exam Pattern 2025
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 2025 Syllabus here.
Quick Links:
CAT 2025 Marking Scheme
For each correct answer, three marks will be given.
For each wrong answer, one mark will be deducted.
For unanswered questions, no marks will be deducted. Also, there is no negative marking for non-MCQs.
IIM Kozhikode is expected to conduct the CAT exam in November, 2025. The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted as a computer-based test with negative marking for each incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs.
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 equal weightage for DI and LR, with 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
CAT 2025 Section-Wise Marks Distribution
The VARC section in the CAT exam evaluates students' language proficiency, reading comprehension skills, and verbal reasoning abilities. The QA section in CAT 2025 assesses students' mathematical and analytical skills. The CAT DILR section evaluates students' ability to analyse and interpret data, solve complex puzzles, 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 2025 Most Important Topics
Based on topic-wise weightage analysis and expert predictions, specific topics consistently dominate each CAT section and should be your preparation priority. The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the most Important topics across the VARC, DILR, and QA sections, along with their expected weightage, helping you allocate study time strategically for maximum score improvement in CAT 2025.
Quant (QA) | DILR | VARC |
Time & Work | Blood Relation | Para-Summary |
Interest (SI & CI) | Puzzles | Para-Jumbles |
Time, Speed & Distance | Data Sufficiency | Odd Sentence |
Probability | Graphs (Bar, Line, Pie, Mixed) | Reading Comprehension |
Geometry & Mensuration | Seating & Data Arrangement | Sentence Completion & Correction |
Number System & Arithmetic | Tables & Caselets | Vocabulary Usage |
Algebra | Clock & Calendar | Fill in the Blanks |
Permutation & Combination | Assumptions & Binary Logic | |
Profit, Loss & Discounts | Syllogism & Venn Diagrams | |
Trigonometry, Logarithms, and Sets |
Related topics:
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.
Download NowCAT 2024 Topicwise Weightage
The 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
| Section | Dominant Category | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| QA | Arithmetic | 40.91% |
| DILR | Games & Tournaments, QUANT-based LR | 22.73% each |
| VARC | Reading Comprehension | 66.67% |
CAT 2024 Topicwise 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% |
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% |
CAT 2024 Slot 2
| Section | No. of Questions | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| VARC (Verbal Ability & RC) | 24 | 34.29% |
| DILR (Data Interpretation & LR) | 22 | 31.43% |
| QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | 22 | 31.43% |
| Total | 68 | 100% |
CAT 2024 Topicwise Weightage -Slot 2
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
| Category | Sub-topic / Theme | Q. No(s). | No. of Qs | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Flow Diagrams | Network/Path Optimization | 1 – 4 | 4 | 18.18% |
| Linear Arrangements | Ordering and Positioning | 5 – 9 | 5 | 22.73% |
| Quant-Based DI | Rating Distribution (Numeric-based DI) | 10 – 13 | 4 | 18.18% |
| Line & Bar Graphs | Visual DI – Growth over Period | 14 – 17 | 4 | 18.18% |
| Games & Tournaments | Gymnast-Coach Mapping Logic | 18 – 22 | 5 | 22.73% |
| Total | 22 | 100% |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
| Category | Description | No. of Qs | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Games & Tournaments | Matching, rankings, constraints | 5 | 22.73% |
| Linear Arrangements | Classic LR (ordering/sequencing people/items) | 5 | 22.73% |
| Quant-Based DI | Numerical interpretation of data | 4 | 18.18% |
| Line & Bar Graphs | Visual interpretation, growth-related DI | 4 | 18.18% |
| Network Flow Diagrams | Route/path optimizations with constraints | 4 | 18.18% |
| Total | 22 | 100% |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
| Category | Topics Covered | No. of Qs | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Mixtures & Alligations, Ratios & Proportions, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, SI-CI | 8 | 36.36% |
| Algebra | Quadratic Equations, Functions, Inequalities, Modulus, Logarithms, Sequence & Series, Surds & Indices | 8 | 36.36% |
| Geometry | Circles, Triangles, 2D Mensuration | 3 | 13.64% |
| Number System | Integers/Factors, Exponents, Remainders | 2 | 9.09% |
| Modern Maths | Permutations & Combinations | 1 | 4.55% |
| Total | 22 | 100% |
CAT 2024 Slot 3
| Section | Total Questions | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 34.29% |
| DILR | 22 | 31.43% |
| QA | 22 | 31.43% |
CAT 2024 Topicwise Weightage -Slot 3
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
| Question Category | Themes (Passage/Topic) | No. of Qs | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | RC 1: AI’s impact on language and democracy | 4 | 16.67% |
| RC 2: Space exploration vs. planetary protection | 4 | 16.67% | |
| RC 3: Language extinction and preservation | 4 | 16.67% | |
| RC 4: Marketing strategy and risks of Moutai | 4 | 16.67% | |
| Odd One Out | Animal Rights, Neural Development | 2 | 8.33% |
| Para Completion | Humanitarian Crisis, Cost of Living, Vietnam War | 3 | 12.5% |
| Para Summary | Lyric Poetry, Biotech Regulation, Tradwife Roles | 3 | 12.5% |
| Total | 24 | 100% |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
| Category | Set Theme / Context | No. of Qs | % Weightage* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network Flow Diagrams | Cash distribution in a grid‑based ATM network | 5 | 22.73 % |
| Caselets | Temperature variation & AC operations over time | 5 | 22.73 % |
| Line & Bar Graphs | Country‑wise GDP growth comparison | 4 | 18.18 % |
| DI Tables | Nutrient composition (missing‑data analysis) & subscriber usage patterns | 8 | 36.36 % |
| Total | 22 | 100 % |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
| Category | Topics Covered | No. of Qs | % Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Time-Speed-Distance, Mixtures, Time & Work, CI, Ratios | 9 | 40.91% |
| Algebra | Sequences, Functions, Surds & Indices, Modulus, Linear Equations, Logarithms | 8 | 36.36% |
| Geometry | Triangles, 2D Mensuration | 3 | 13.64% |
| Number System | Remainders, Counting-based problems | 2 | 9.09% |
| Modern Maths | — (No questions asked in this slot) | 0 | 0% |
CAT 2023 Slot 1 and Slot 2
Section | Total Questions | Non-TITA (MCQs) | TITA |
VARC | 24 | 20 | 4 |
DILR | 20 | 12 | 8 |
QA | 22 | 15 | 7 |
CAT 2023 Slot 3
Section | Total Questions | Non-TITA (MCQs) | TITA |
VARC | 24 | 20 | 4 |
DILR | 20 | 13-14 | 6-7 |
QA | 22 | 15-16 | 6-7 |
CAT 2023 Topic Wise Weightage
Below, you can find the Topic-Wise Weightage for CAT 2023 question paper. Candidates can divide their CAT 2025 exam preparation time accordingly.
CAT VARC Topic Wise Weightage
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 |
CAT QA Topic Wise Weightage
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 |
CAT DILR Topic Wise Weightage
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 |
Detailed Chapter-Wise Weightage Analysis (2020-2022)
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 are 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 and Logical Reasoning ) | 20 | 60 |
QA (Quantitative Aptitude) | 22 | 66 |
CAT 2022 Topicwise weightage
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% | |
Logarithms and Surds | 1 | 2% |
Maxima-Minima | 3 | 5% |
2 | 3% | |
2 | 3% | |
1 | 2% | |
Set Theory | 1 | 2% |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
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 six questions, suggesting moderate importance.
Parasummary: Consists of 9 questions, which are also significant for preparation.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Reasoning-based DI: Major component with 28 questions, so prioritising this will be beneficial.
Routes and Networks, Scatter Graphs, Bar Graphs, Table-based DI: Each has five questions, indicating a balanced distribution in these areas.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Number Systems: The most important in QA, with 12 questions.
Average and Mixtures: Also significant with nine questions.
Geometry: Includes seven questions, showing its importance.
Ratio and Proportion: Moderately important with 6sixquestions.
Equations and Functions: Each has four questions, so practice is needed.
Time, Speed, and Distance: Includes five questions, also important.
Simple Interest Sequence & Series, Time & Work, Maxima-Minima: Each has three questions, requiring a good understanding.
Permutation and Combination, Profit and Loss Mensuration: Each has two 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.
CAT 2021 chapter-wise weightage
Category | 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% |
Logarithms 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% |
Compound Interest | 2 | 3% |
Time, Speed and Distance | 5 | 8% |
Coordinate Geometry | 1 | 2% |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Reading Comprehension: This section had 47 questions, making it the most critical area to focus on.
Parasummary: Included nine questions, indicating significant importance.
Odd one out/Misfit Sentence: Had five questions, suggesting moderate focus.
Parajumbles: Included 11 questions, showing it is also an important area.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
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 eight questions, showing moderate importance.
Ordering and Sequencing: Included six questions, which are also important.
Games and Tournaments: Had four questions, suggesting lesser but still notable importance.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Number Systems: Most important in QA, nine questions
Percentage: Included six questions, showing significant focus.
Equations, Averages and Mixtures, Mensuration, Time & Work: Each had five questions, making them important areas.Time, Speed, and Distance, Profit and Loss, and Geometry: Each had four questions, indicating moderate importance.
Sequence & Series, Logarithm and Surds, Permutations and Combinations: Each had three questions, suggesting a good understanding was needed.
Compound Interest and Inequality: Each had two questions, requiring less preparation but still necessary.
Ratio and Proportion, Coordinate Geometry: Each had 1 question, indicating minimal focus needed but not to be ignored.
In summary, for CAT 2021, prioritise Reading Comprehension in VARC, Reasoning-based Data Interpretation (DI) and Table-based DI in DILR, and Number Systems in QA, while ensuring balanced preparation across other topics.
CAT 2020 topic-wise weightage
Chapter | 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 | ||
Time and Work | 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% |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Reading Comprehension: This section had 57 questions, making it the most critical area to focus on.
Parajumbles and Parasummary: Each had eight questions, indicating significant importance.
Odd one out/Misfit Sentence: Included seven questions, showing moderate importance.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Table-based DI: Major component with 28 questions, so prioritising this will be beneficial.
Reasoning-based DI: Included 13 questions, making it a significant component.
Logical Deductions and Connections, Reasoning, Ordering and Sequencing, Games and Tournaments: Each had six questions, suggesting a moderate focus.
Venn Diagram: Had four questions, indicating lesser but still notable importance.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Number Systems: Most crucial in QA, with 17 questions.
Time, Speed and Distance: Significant with 10 questions.
Mensuration: Important with six questions.
Mixture and Alligation, Exponents and Surds: Each section had five questions, indicating a need for good focus.
Geometry, Proportions and Variations: Each had four questions, showing moderate importance.
Equations: Included eight questions, making it a key area of focus.
Interest, Profit and Loss, and Discount, as well as Coordinate Geometry: Each had three questions, suggesting that a good understanding is needed.
Time and Work, Functions: Each had two questions, requiring less preparation but still necessary.
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, priority could be 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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Best Books for CAT 2025 Preparation
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I improve my CAT performance?
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.
2. What is CAT Topic-wise Weightage?
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).
3. What is the duration of CAT exam?
The total duration of the CAT 2025 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.
4. Which topics in CAT hold more weightage?
In the CAT exam, VARC has maximum weightage i.e. 24 questions and 72 marks.
5. Can we choose which section to attempt first in CAT?
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.
6. Is there any negative marking in the CAT?
Yes, CAT has a negative marking scheme. For each wrong answer, one mark will be deducted for MCQ-type questions only.
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Questions related to CAT
Have a question related to CAT ?
GIBS Business School in Bangalore accepts multiple national and state-level entrance exam scores for admission to its PGDM program. You can apply using scores from exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, or various state-level CETs.
The admission process typically considers your entrance exam score along with your academic record, performance in the group discussion and personal interview, and any work experience you may have. For the BBA program, admissions are generally based on your Class 12 marks and do not require entrance exam scores.
If you're planning to apply, it's a good idea to keep your exam score, academic documents, and personal statement ready for the selection rounds.
OISHEE BANERJEE 24 June,2025
If your son’s first preference is CSE, then Amrita Bangalore clearly leads among the three, simply because CSE opens more doors in terms of placements, internships, and future-proof careers. Amrita is also NAAC A++ and has a strong reputation, especially for CSE. Category 2 is also manageable fee-wise compared to higher categories.
VIT Chennai is a decent campus, and their ECE program is solid, but Category 5 means much higher fees and very low chance of branch upgrade later. CSE at VIT Chennai would have been more competitive here — but ECE at that fee tier is not as strong a deal unless your son has a strong interest in core electronics.
Manipal Bangalore (MIT Bengaluru campus) is a newer campus. ECE there is still developing in terms of placements and faculty compared to the main Manipal campus. Unless your son strongly prefers Bangalore or is getting some advantage here like scholarships or internship access, it doesn't stand out above Amrita.
So, recommendation: Go with Amrita Bangalore CSE (Category 2). It balances a strong branch with a decent campus and better long-term potential in the tech industry. If your son is open to core electronics and you’re okay with the higher cost, VIT Chennai is fine, but still comes second to CSE at Amrita.
All the best!
OISHEE BANERJEE 22 June,2025
hi,
Yes, with a NEET score of 317 and being from Bihar with OBC category, you still have chances to get a seat. For BDS, getting a government seat may be difficult because the cutoffs are usually higher. But you can try for private BDS colleges, especially in the mop-up and spot rounds.You can get a seat in private BAMS colleges in Bihar, and maybe in semi-government colleges if cutoffs drop this year.
Kishan Bhakat 20 June,2025
Hi aspirant,
The IIM admissions procedure is multifaceted .
- You must excel in the CAT exam, aiming for a high percentile (often 98-99+ for the top IIMs, though this varies by category and institute).
- Your academic profile, which includes your 10th, 12th, and graduation results, is important in addition to the CAT.
- Many IIMs also evaluate academic diversity (giving preference to non-engineering students) and gender diversity.
- Finally, shortlisted candidates are subjected to a Written Ability Test (WAT) or Group Discussion (GD), followed by a Personal Interview.
- If you have any work experience, it would also help you fetch additional points.
Cracking the CAT demands a smart and systematic strategy .
- Begin by completely comprehending the exam design and syllabus for each of the three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA.
- Frequently take mock examinations to imitate exam settings, assess your skills and limitations, and improve your time management.
- Analyze your performance after each mock to determine where you are losing marks and to improve your strategy.
- Consistent preparation with previous year's papers and targeted questions for weak areas is critical.
- Reading widely (newspapers, articles, novels) is vital for increasing VARC capabilities, whilst completing puzzles and various problem sets improves DILR and QA abilities.
Success relies on
discipline
,
dedication
, and a
good outlook
.
All the best!
Rajeswari Dey 19 June,2025
Hey Paridhi ,
I hope you are absolutely fine. As per your mentioned query , you have to understand the exam pattern first. Its syllabus, the type of questions and so on. Here i am mentioning some tips i hope this will be helpful for you.
- Analyse the exam pattern first and read the syllabus thoroughly. So you will get to know what subjects and topics asked in the exam.
- Collect the resources which will be beneficial for you. Like some standard books , mock papers .
- Make your foundation strong so that you can solve the standard questions easily. As foundation is important to solve difficult questions.
- Current affairs also plays important role in this exam so make yourself update by knowing the current things in environment.
- Practice mocks so that your speed will also enhance.
- Give PYQs so you will have idea of questions coming in exam.
- Do revision weekly if you not revise whatever you study then you will forget the things. So revise weekly.
To know more you can refer this :
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-preparation-strategy
Revert for further query!
Good luck !
Sakshi Sharma 18 June,2025
Popular CAT Questions
Directions for question :
M/s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, one of the top four audit and accounting firms in the world with headquarters at London, UK, and with an operational presence in 153 countries, hires Management Trainees (MT) from all the premier management institutes of India thrice every year, in the months of January, May and September.
Each new group of Management Trainees (MT) have to go through a four month rigorous training schedule, after which they have to pass through a test consisting of a written assessment and a case-analysis. The top hundred ranked Management Trainees (MT) based on the performance in the test are confirmed as Management Executives (ME). The rest are given the opportunity of undergoing the training for four months one more time along with the next batch of Management Trainees (MT) and then passing through the subsequent test consisting of the written assessment and case-analysis. The Management Trainee (MT) who fails to get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the second time is fired.
The scatter-graph below depicts the number of Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte taking the tests from January 2020 till May 2022, and the vis-à-vis hired Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte who were fired :
It is also known that for the month of September 2019 at Deloitte, 96 hired Management Trainees (MT) failed to be confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the first time, and that 36 hired Management Trainees (MT) were fired.
Question :
In which test did the minimum number of Management Trainees (MT) get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) in the second attempt ?
Option: 1
September 2020
Option: 2
May 2021
Option: 3
January 2021
Option: 4
January 2022
Directions for question:
The bar-graph given below shows the foreign exchange reserves of Nepal (in million Rupees) from 2014 to 2021. Answer the following questions based on the graph :
Question:
What was the percentage increase (rounded to the nearest integer, if deemed necessary) in the foreign exchange reserves in 2020 over 2016 ?
Option: 1 None
Option: 2 None
Option: 3 None
Option: 4 None
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