CAT is considered to be the ultimate standard for filtering candidates for MBA in top B-schools in India and is also said to have a highly competitive and rigorous selection process for the students. This was primarily a paper based test, but in the year 2009 it was converted into a computer based test (CBT). The exam is designed in a way to assess the candidate's intellectual capabilities and potential for success in a highly competitive and dynamic business environment. Leadership, team-work and strategic thinking are the key traits of an ideal MBA student.
XLRI, IIFT, FMS, all IIMs and about 1000 top colleges accept CAT score for their MBA admission process. As one of the most competitive exams, CAT ensures that the selection process for MBA programs remains merit-based, transparent, and credible.
The CAT test syllabus is basically divided into three main sections being, VARC (verbal ability & reading comprehension), DILR (data interpretation & logical reasoning) and QA (quantitative aptitude). These sections are structured to test the dynamic skills of a candidate required in MBA. To make your CAT preparation journey easy, we have compiled a CAT detailed syllabus PDF for you to download free of cost. This syllabus includes all topics you need to cover so that nothing is left behind in your preparation. To go through the CAT detailed syllabus pdf, click the link below.
CAT detailed syllabus pdf link
CAT 2024 was held on 24th November, and it is held once in a year, most probably on the last Sunday of November. The exam is carried in two slots, morning and evening, and the total duration of the exam is 120 minutes, giving 40 minutes to each section. The IIMs conduct this exam but have not provided an accurate syllabus for the exam to the students. Maxxcell has formulated the CAT exam preparation syllabus by analyzing the previous year question paper's exam pattern and type of questions.
CAT detailed syllabus pdf link
The CAT EXAM PATTERN is given below:
Total number of sections |
3 |
Total number of questions |
68 |
Duration for each section |
40 minutes |
Total time duration |
120 minutes |
Number of questions in section 1 (VARC) |
24 |
Number of questions in section 2 (DILR) |
22 |
Number of questions in section 3 (QA) |
22 |
Marking scheme |
Correct answer +3, Incorrect answer -1 |
Unanswered question |
No marks |
As discussed above, the CAT test syllabus is divided into three major sections.
The first section of CAT is named as (VARC) Verbal Ability & Reading comprehension. This section is designed to test the vocabulary, grammar, verbal reasoning, and comprehension skills of a candidate and carries the highest weightage with 24 questions being asked from this section. It has topics like word substitution, paragraph completion, paragraph sequencing, and reading comprehension based on various aspects such as philosophy, economy, literature, etc.
The second section of CAT exam is (DILR) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, where-in there are a total of 22 questions, allotting 10 questions each to both, data interpretation as well as logical reasoning. It evaluates a candidate's ability to solve complex problems, interpret data, and make logical deductions. This section comprises problems based on the seating arrangement, quantitative reasoning, puzzles, Venn diagrams, blood relations, graphs, tables, etc.
The third and final section of the CAT exam is (QA) Quantitative Aptitude, having 22 questions in total. This section deals with the mathematical portion of the exam, consisting of the basic application of mathematical concepts. This section is usually found difficult by those candidates who don't have a mathematical background, but with a great strategy and regular practice, this section can become the most scoring one for the participants.
A well-planned syllabus will help you streamline your preparation while also ensuring that you do not miss out on the important topics. Our detailed CAT syllabus will help you with a structured preparation, targeted practice, enhance your time management skills, and gain confidence. So what's stopping you from acing your MBA journey? Download the CAT detailed Syllabus PDF now and kick-start your preparation with confidence!