CAT Syllabus consists of three subjects, namely, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). CAT Syllabus can be prepared in 2-4 months if you stay completely dedicated to your exam preparation. All these three sections of CAT Exam Syllabus include important sub-topics that you have studied in school. But the main topics of CAT Syllabus 2023 cover the chapters including Graphs, Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Coding-Decoding, Percentage, English Grammar, Series Completion, etc
Note one thing, IIMs do not officially release CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA in the notification. So, we have curated the CAT Syllabus 2023 for MBA as per the past year's trend, and questions asked for all three sections. As per the latest updates, IIM CAT Syllabus has not been revised in the past few years. However, candidates preparing for the upcoming exams must clearly understand the topics asked in the exam and the complexity level of the CAT Syllabus 2023 to ensure that their preparation plan is strategic and result-oriented. In the previous year, a total of 66 questions, where 48 questions were MCQ and 18 were TITA questions. So, you can also expect the same for CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA for 2023. Go through the section below for CAT 2023 Syllabus for VARC, QA, and DILR in detail.
The candidates may know that CAT Syllabus has not been changed in the last few years. It includes the three most important chapters: VARC, DILR, and QA. The VARC Syllabus for CAT mostly covers English grammar, RC passages, and verbal ability. CAT Syllabus 2023 for quants includes basic mathematical chapters, that everyone has studied at the school level, including Arithmetic, Geometry, Number System, Algebra, etc. Lastly, the DILR of CAT Exam Syllabus covers analytical interpretation in the form of puzzles.
CAT Syllabus 2023 is expected to follow the same trend as last year. Therefore, aspirants preparing for the upcoming CAT 2023 must note the latest syllabus and prepare accordingly. Here, we have discussed the below three sections of CAT Exam Syllabus 2023:
You can also download the CAT Exam Syllabus PDF using the direct link mentioned below. It will help you to check the chapters to be covered at the time of preparation, and you can also maintain track of your preparation.
☛ Go through the updated CAT Eligibility and learn more about it to avoid the last-minute cancellation of your candidature.
Download the CAT Exam Syllabus PDF using the direct link mentioned above. It will help you systematically plan your CAT Preparation 2023 as you can analyze which topics need more attention than others as per your capabilities. Click on the below link to download CAT Syllabus PDF to better understand the topics covered.
The CAT Syllabus PDF contains all the topics that need to be covered for all three sections to ensure that you ace the exam on the first attempt. The candidates must know that IIM will release CAT Result online.
CAT Syllabus for VARC is divided into two sections - Verbal Ability and RC, which contains passages. Lately, the VARC section has been dominated by RC passages. The VARC CAT Syllabus includes para jumbles and para summaries.
Check the topics that are included in CAT Syllabus 2023 for Verbal Ability:
The CAT Exam Analysis mentioned below might vary across the year and as the paper pattern has been evolving. The following is the weightage of the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT per the trend.
CAT Syllabus for VARC | Expected Number of questions |
Reading Comprehension | 16-18 questions |
Para Jumbles | 5-6 questions |
Odd One Out | 1-2 questions |
Fill in the blanks, Vocab-based, etc. | 1-2 questions |
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The CAT Exam Syllabus for DILR is divided into Data Interpretation which covers both MCQ and non-MCQ type questions, and Logical Reasoning. The Logical Reasoning CAT Syllabus 2023 covers seating arrangement and team formation topics. Know How much Time is Required to Prepare for CAT?
DILR Syllabus for CAT 2023 | CAT Important Topics |
DI Topics | Tables, Scatter Plots, Venn Diagrams, Radar Charts, Line Charts, Column Graphs, Pie Charts, Bubble Charts, Bar Graphs, Routes and Networks, Data Caselets - Reasoning-Based DI |
LR Topics | Team Formation, Arrangements, Games and Tournaments, Order and Ranking, and Binary Logic |
The number of topics and expected questions in the CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Syllabus is as follows. The total number of questions will vary as the CAT Paper Pattern has evolved, but the data below is a good approximation. Go through the previous year's CAT Cut Off.
CAT Syllabus for DILR | Total Number of Questions |
Graph, Bar diagram | 6-8 |
Tables & Charts | 5-8 |
Graphs, Charts | 7-10 |
Tables, Pie chart | 4-5 |
The CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus is divided into 5 sections for a better understanding and preparation. Candidates often invest most of their preparation time to complete the QA section as the CAT Aptitude Syllabus is the largest among the three sections. Get all the details for CAT Answer Key.
The best trick to cover the CAT Syllabus for quants is the regular revision of formulas, conceptual clarity, the practice of mock tests, and learning the best tricks to solve the questions in minimum time.
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Check the topics to be covered under each part of the CAT Syllabus 2023 for Quantitative Aptitude.
The expected number of questions to be asked from the QA section of the CAT Exam Syllabus is mentioned below. While doing CAT Preparation in the QA section, you must prioritize the following topics.
CAT Math Syllabus | Expected Number of questions |
Arithmetic | 9-10 questions |
Algebra | 7-8 questions |
Geometry | 3-4 questions |
Mensuration | 3-4 questions |
Modern Mathematics | 1-2 questions |
Although the complete CAT Syllabus is relevant, because of its vastness, you can prioritize and begin your preparation early with the below-mentioned topics. Note the key topics repeatedly asked from the CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2023 in all three sections. The candidates can expect the same weightage in CAT Syllabus 2023 as the previous year.
CAT Syllabus | Key Topics | Weightage |
Verbal Ability | Para jumbles, Summary Based Questions, Sentence exclusion question | 8-10 questions |
CAT Exam Syllabus for Reading Comprehension | RC passages | Out of the 24 questions in the VARC section, 16 questions were from RC in 2022. |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement, Reasoning Based DI, Grid-Based DI, Graphs. Tables, Data Caselets | In 2022, there were 2 sets with a total of 10 questions in DI and 2 sets from LR. |
CAT Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude | Number System, Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic, Mensuration | Arithmetic and Algebra dominate the section with approx. 8 questions from each. |
As previously stated, the CAT Exam Syllabus has remained unchanged for over a decade. The only difference to be noted is the reduction in the number of questions in the CAT Syllabus from 100 to 66 in the previous two years. Check the table below for the change in weightage distribution for the three sections of the CAT Syllabus.
Parameters | Changes in CAT Exam Syllabus 2023 | CAT 2022 Syllabus | Changes in CAT Syllabus 2021 | Changes in CAT 2020 Syllabus |
Questions from CAT Syllabus | Expected to be the same as the CAT Previous Year Paper | 66 | 66 | 76 |
VARC CAT Syllabus | 24 | 24 | 26 | |
DILR Syllabus for CAT | 20 | 20 | 24 | |
CAT Quants Syllabus | 22 | 22 | 26 |
☛ As per the latest updated CAT Registration is expected to be started in the first week of August 2023.
As the number of questions in the CAT Syllabus has been changing over the last two years. Note the latest paper pattern and sectional weightage for the CAT. Allocate your preparation time to CAT 2023 Syllabus sections as per the weightage. Check CAT Preparation Daily Schedule.
CAT Exam Syllabus Sections | Questions | MCQs | Non-MCQs |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 19 | 5 |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 15 | 5 |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 14 | 8 |
Total | 66 | 48 | 18 |
Candidates who are preparing for the upcoming must analyze the CAT 2023 Syllabus and paper pattern before they begin their preparation. It is important to have a clear understanding of what kinds of questions are asked from the CAT Syllabus and the weightage distribution of each topic. Prepare a plan where you allocate time to each section of the CAT Exam Syllabus as per your weakness and strengths. Check expert Tips to Reduce Negative Marking in CAT.
There are numerous books for each section of the CAT 2023 Syllabus for MBA in the market. Based on expert advice, the following are some of the Best CAT books available to complete the exam syllabus on time.
Aspirants who are preparing for both CAT vs GMAT must be able to differentiate between the CAT Syllabus and GMAT Syllabus so that they can optimally utilize their time to cover both. GMAT includes all three sections of the CAT Exam Syllabus but under different headings along with a subjective section- Analytical Writing Assessment. Check How to Prepare for CAT in 3 Months?
CAT Syllabus | GMAT Syllabus |
3 Sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 4 Sections Analytical Writing (Argumentative essay analysis) Integrated Reasoning Quantitative Reasoning Verbal Reasoning |
CAT Syllabus includes MCQ and Non-MCQ questions but there is no descriptive section. | GMAT has a descriptive section for Analytical Writing Assessment |
As per the latest update, Syllabus for CAT Exam is expected to remain the same as last year. The syllabus is not yet released officially and is curated as per the questions asked in the exam. CAT Syllabus is divided into three sections, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), which further includes various topics of Class 10 level.
CAT Syllabus does not change very often, however, IIMs have changed the paper pattern frequently. It is also very important to note that the Syllabus for the CAT is not been officially announced or published. In the last two years, the weightage distribution in the syllabus has been altered. The number of questions has been reduced from 100 to 66, including both MCQ and Non-MCQ questions. IIMs will announce officially if the syllabus changes.
The QA section of the CAT exam is the math portion of the syllabus and last year 22 questions were asked from this section. The CAT Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude portion can be divided into 5 sections - Number System, Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration, Algebra, and Modern Mathematics. The quantitative aptitude syllabus for CAT is the most well-defined, as well as the most extensive.
The major difference between GMAT and CAT syllabus is that the CAT exam does not include a descriptive written section. CAT exam contains 3 sections of QA, VARC, and DILR where GMAT has Verbal Reasoning, Quant, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment. In the CAT exam, the sequence of the sections is pre-defined and you must attempt the paper in the given sequence whereas, in GMAT, candidates can decide the order of sections to answer.
To begin with, CAT 2023 preparation, download the latest IIM CAT Syllabus and analyze the topics to be covered under each section. After analyzing, allocate an average time for each section and topic for your preparation. Once you begin preparing the topics, focus on building a strong foundation and learning the best way to solve the questions. The CAT exam is an aptitude test and it is very important to build skills towards it instead of memorizing the concepts. Practice numerous questions and CAT mock tests for revision.
DILR section for CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA includes both Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning questions. The majority of the questions asked are from Seating Arrangement, Reasoning based DI, Grid-Based DI, Tables, and Graphs. Complete DILR syllabus is mentioned here in detail along with the weightage distribution.
There are slight differences between the GRE syllabus and the CAT 2023 Syllabus. The GRE syllabus is divided into three sections- Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning whereas the CAT exam syllabus includes Quant, Verbal Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. There is no subjective section like in GRE & GMAT. The Quant section of the CAT Syllabus is more difficult while the vocabulary questions are easier.
Yes, It is possible to complete CAT Syllabus 2023 in 3 months if prepared in an efficient and planned manner. CAT is an aptitude test and therefore apart from a few formulas there are fewer things to memorize. Once you have a conceptual clarity of the topic, you can practice and improve your skills. Ensure that you are consistently practicing several CAT mock tests in three months so that you know how to solve all kinds of questions in the right manner.
The VARC Syllabus for CAT is a part of the DILR section of the CAT exam syllabus. The major topics asked in the verbal reasoning section are Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Odd One Out, Fill in the blanks, Vocab-based, etc. The verbal reasoning is asked with the reading comprehension section in the CAT exam.
CAT is one of the most opted MBA exams in India as it allows you to take admission in all IIMs and more than 80 MBA colleges. syllabus for CAT exam is very similar to other MBA entrance tests as the basic themes of the syllabus include quant, verbal and logical reasoning. There are a few exams like CMAT which have additional sections like general awareness and innovation & entrepreneurship.
CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA is not officially released by the authorities. IIMs administer the CAT exam on a rotational basis. The above-mentioned syllabus for CAT is curated as per the past year's question papers and exams. For the past few years, questions asked under all three sections have been from the few topics mentioned in the syllabus and aspirants can begin their preparation accordingly.
There are three sections in the CAT Syllabus namely Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). In 2021, 24 questions were asked in VARC, 20 in DILR, and 22 questions in Quant. A total of 66 questions were asked.
The candidates can get CAT Exam Syllabus PDF for free on the BYJU’S Exam Prep website. Click here to download a PDF version of the CAT Syllabus.
The candidates can find the VARC section the toughest one, because of the Reading Comprehension passages. The exam authority mostly asks for long and tricky passages to make the candidates confused while answering.
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