CAT Syllabus 2024: Download CAT Exam Syllabus 2024 PDF
CAT Syllabus 2024 – The CAT syllabus includes three different sections and several topics under each. Candidates must qualify each section. Moreover, it is important to score well in every section to get a good percentile.
CAT 2024 exam will have three sections:
- Section I: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Section II: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Section III: Quantitative Ability
Although, IIMs do not release an official CAT exam syllabus, the latest changes in CAT exam pattern lead to the updated CAT exam syllabus every year. We have curated a detailed CAT syllabus PDF download link is given below, the key areas in CAT syllabus cover English grammar, vocabulary, RC Passages, problem sets on Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, questions on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry.
Most of the CAT exam syllabus is drawn from previous CAT exam question papers and based on them CAT mock tests for future CAT exams are prepared. Although IIMs do not release a defined CAT exam syllabus, they release latest CAT question papers and Official CAT Mock Tests to make the candidates familiar with the CAT exam pattern and syllabus.
CAT Syllabus 2024: Overview
CAT 2023 exam syllabus include 3 subjects i.e., Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Aptitude. The Quantitative Ability section of the CAT syllabus covers the topics of mathematics up to class 10/12 such as arithmetic, numbers, geometry, algebra, and mensuration, while the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section covers the important topics of verbal reasoning and reading comprehension. Under the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning syllabus, the topics like tables, bar graphs, puzzles and reasoning-based data will be concluded.
CAT 2024 |
Details |
Total Questions |
66 |
Section-wise Questions |
Quantitative Aptitude: 22
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation: 20 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: 24 |
Time allotted per section |
40 minutes each |
Mode of Examination |
Computer-based |
Medium of Examination |
English |
Download CAT 2024 Syllabus PDF
CAT Syllabus 2024 official website is iimcat.ac.in CAT syllabus given on the official website enlists the syllabus in three parts-
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
However, you cannot find the detailed chapter-wise syllabus on the CAT official website. To get the detailed chapter-wise/ topic-wise CAT 2024 syllabus based on expert analysis, you can refer to this page.
CAT Exam 2024: Sectional Syllabus at a Glance
The broad break-up of topics as given above for the syllabus is as under. You may find most of the questions in CAT 2024 exam based on following topics
Quantitative Ability (QA) |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
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CAT VARC Syllabus 2024
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) is an essential section in the CAT syllabus, and you will get 40 minutes to answer the questions. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) questions are moderately difficult. The section on Reading Comprehension has the maximum weightage and therefore requires more focus.
VARC Topics |
No. of Questions in CAT Exam |
Difficulty Level |
Reading Comprehension |
16 |
Moderate to Difficult |
VA-Parajumbles |
3 |
Moderate to Difficult |
VA-Odd Sentence |
2 |
Easy to Moderate |
VA-Summary |
3 |
Easy to Moderate |
Total |
24 |
Moderate to Difficult level |
In CAT, there are questions that are summary-based, odd sentences and para jumbles. Over the past few years, there have been changes in the number of questions in each set. Currently, there are a total of 24 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) questions.
The detailed syllabus is listed below.
Grammar |
One-word substitution |
Verbal reasoning |
Sentence completion |
Idioms |
Syllogisms |
Fill in the blanks |
Preposition |
Parts of speech |
English Usage |
One word substitution |
Phrases modifiers |
Synonyms and Antonyms Vocabulary |
Types of clauses |
Subject-verb agreement |
Jumbled paragraphs |
Articles usage |
Foreign language words used in English |
Sentence correction |
Errors in tenses |
Analogies |
Verbal logic |
Para jumbles |
Different usage of same word |
CAT DILR Syllabus 2024
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section has questions that will test your ability to read and analyse visual representations of data. It will also test your ability to think logically. You may well also need to structure data that appears unstructured. The entire Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section is quite difficult. This is because the questions can be varied, covering a broad range of topics and the section requires the candidate to have sound skills in logical reasoning and data representation.
DILR Sections |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
Data Interpretation |
4 |
Easy |
Data Interpretation |
4 |
Moderate |
Logical Reasoning |
6 |
Moderate to difficult |
Logical Reasoning |
6 |
Easy to Moderate |
Total |
20 |
Moderate to Difficult level |
The questions can be on Data Arrangement, Number based reasoning, Missing Data, Set theory, Games and Tournament, Abstract Data etc.
There have been recent changes on the number of questions in Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). CAT 2021 had 20 questions in 4 LRDI sets – 2 sets of 4 questions each and 2 sets of 6 questions each. The LRDI questions can come from the following topics:
Clocks and Calendars |
Series |
Syllogism |
Statements |
Blood Relations |
Venn Diagram |
Data Arrangement |
Proposition |
Data Structures |
Family Tree |
Direction Sense |
Tables |
Binary Logic |
Coding-Decoding |
Pie Charts |
Seating Arrangement |
Assumptions |
Data Sufficiency |
Sets & Caselets |
Puzzles |
Bars & Line Graphs |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024
This is an extensive section in the CAT syllabus. The questions in the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section vary from moderate to high difficulty levels. The question will be from the following categories: Arithmetic, Geometry and Mensuration, Algebra, Modern Mathematics, and Number Systems. For the last few years, the Arithmetic section has the highest weightage while Modern Mathematics and Number Systems have the lowest. In recent years, there have been changes to the total number of questions in the entire Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section. Candidates will now have only 22 questions.
QA Sections |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
Arithmetic |
10 |
Moderate |
Algebra |
5 |
Moderate |
Geometry |
3 |
Moderate |
Modern Maths |
4 |
Moderate |
Total |
22 |
Moderate Level |
Here is the syllabus for exam preparation:
Geometry |
Ratios and Proportion |
Inequalities |
Trigonometry |
In-equations Quadratic and linear equations |
Work and Time |
Algebra |
Surds and Indices |
Percentages |
Mensuration |
Time-Speed-Distance |
Logarithms |
Partnership (Accounts) |
Number System |
Square Root and Cube Root |
Profit & Loss |
Geometric Progression |
Probability |
Mean, mode, median |
Binomial theorem |
Simple interest and compound interest |
Latest Changes in CAT Exam Syllabus
Over the last couple of years, there have been certain changes in CAT. These changes have been in the exam pattern and syllabus. You will find the latest changes in the table below.
Syllabus and Exam Pattern |
Changes (2019-2020) |
Changes (2020-2021) |
Total Number of Questions |
Reduced to 76 from 100 |
Reduced to 66 from 76 |
Raw Score |
Reduced to 228 from 300 |
Reduced to 198 from 228 |
Total Number of VARC Questions |
Reduced to 26 from 34 |
Reduced to 24 from 26 |
Total Number of DILR Questions |
Reduced to 24 from 32 |
Reduced to 20 from 24 |
Total Number of QA Questions |
Reduced to 26 from 34 |
Reduced to 22 from 26 |
How to prepare for CAT 2024?
Make sure to opt for reliable and certified sources and books to study for the exam. Buy reliable books and revise them repeatedly. It’s better to study one book ten times than to study ten books.
Best Preparation Books for CAT 2024
With so many CAT Prep books flooding the market, it is not only difficult but also confusing to choose the best and most relevant preparation books for the CAT exam. Making the right choice of subject wise CAT books to crack CAT 2023 is the first step in your CAT preparation journey. CAT toppers and mentors suggest a five point checklist to choose the best Books for CAT Preparation as below:
- Should Conform to Latest CAT Pattern
- Should Build your Concepts for VARC, DILR, QA
- Should be Able to Clear Your Doubts
- Should Consist of Practice Tests, Mocks with Solutions
- Should Have Previous CAT Papers with detailed Answers
We have researched and listed some of the best books out there. The recommended books for CAT 2024 are given below.
CAT Preparation Books for VARC
| CAT Preparation Books for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | |
| Book | Author |
| 1. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
| 2. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Nishit K Sinha |
| 3. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Ajay Singh |
| 4. Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
CAT Preparation Books for DILR
| CAT Preparation Books for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | |
| Book | Author |
| 1. How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill) |
| 2. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma (Published by McGraw Hill) |
| 3. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
| 4. CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri, Publisher-Career Launcher |
CAT Preparation Books for QA
| CAT Preparation Books for Quantitative Aptitude | |
| Book | Author |
| 1. How to prepare for Quantitative for the CAT | Arun Sharma, published by MGH Education |
| 2. Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Nishit K Sinha |
| 3. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K Verma |
Preparation strategy of CAT toppers
- How Rahul Gupta, CAT (100%ile) IIM Ahmedabad Covered CAT Syllabus
To complete the syllabus, Rahul Gupta took following steps:
Initially focused on getting the basics correct and solving some easy questions to get comfortable with the subject then move on to try higher level problems
Started giving the mocks as soon as they started instead of waiting till end.
Used to analyze the solutions extensively to check what mistakes I made or the questions I missed during the test. It helped me to decide the topics I needed to put more efforts in.
- How Soumik Banerjee, CAT 2022 (99.95%ile) IIM Calcutta Covered CAT Syllabus
Being a working professional, Soumik started his CAT preparation as early as in January. He judiciously prepared month wise schedule to effectively utilize his time by taking following steps:
I don’t believe in last minute preparation. My idea was to prepare over a time consistently
Solved at least 4 RC passages every week on consistent basis
Appeared in several sectional mock tests to enhance the accuracy in verbal ability
My strategy for DILR was to solve 2 out of 4 completely which left me around 6 minutes to attempt the third
The key is to devote time and attention in solving the sets
For QA Syllabus, I brushed up all the topics in initial few months and then took mock tests
Attempted more than 15 Mock Tests
- How Shreyasee Sarkar, CAT 2022 (99.68%ile) IIM Calcutta Covered CAT Syllabus
A working professional, Shreyasee did not have fixed hours of preparation. Her preparation strategy is as below:
Regularly read The Economist and New Yorker to improve the reading speed and vocabulary and practiced a lot of philosophy-based RCs
Practiced DILR from previous years’ papers, sectionals, and mocks
Practiced the LOD 1 and 2 questions from each chapter in Arun Sharma Quants book multiple time
- How Shantanu Singh Yadav, CAT (99.73%ile) IIM Ahmedabad Covered CAT Syllabus
Shantanu judiciously divided his time to cover the complete MBA syllabus and adopted following strategy
I devoted equal time to all the three sections with some extra effort towards DI and LR which I believe is the most unpredictable section in the exam. You could practice a hell lot of LR sets prior to the exam but might still be a hassle on the D-Day.
LR sets are not straightforward like Quants or DI sets. Timing my complete mocks and sectional tests along with thoroughly analysing my wrong as well as right attempts turned out to be fruitful.
Since the CAT entrance exam syllabus is so wide and even has no boundaries defined for VARC and DILR, last minute hustle mostly turns fruitless and overloads you with added stress
- How Tanuj Ruia, CAT (99.69%ile) IIM Bangalore Covered the Syllabus
Tanuj Ruia took a faster mode to cover the exam syllabus with a mix of CAT preparation and shares “After clearing my fundamentals and the basics, I enrolled for the mock series. It helped me in analysing my current level of preparation, my weaknesses and my rank amongst a pool of serious aspirants”
- How Anushree Naik, CAT (98.20%ile) IIM Ahmedabad Covered CAT Syllabus
Anushree was very particular to complete her CAT entrance exam syllabus in time and utilized her travel time also in preparation. She has shared her strategy, “I studied for about 3 hours on week days by solving QA sectional tests, practicing a lot of data interpretation and logical reasoning (DILR) sets and utilised my travel time to work in reading books, building a vocabulary and solving math quizzes on my phone. My weekends were dedicated to attending classes, covering major chunk of the portion, solving mock tests and analysing my strengths and weaknesses through them.”
- How Nikita Agarwal, CAT (99.22%ile) MDI Gurgaon Covered CAT Syllabus
Consistent practice helped Nikita to cover complete the syllabus. Sharing her strategy, she says, “I used to give practice all the three sections consistently. I never skipped a particular section, say VARC, because I had to focus on Quants. Learning to strike a balance between three sections is really necessary.”
CAT Syllabus 2024 FAQs
Q. Does IIM release CAT Syllabus?
A. CAT Exam syllabus is not released by IIMs. Top CAT experts prepare the CAT exam syllabus based on past and expected changes in the CAT exam.
Q. Does CAT Syllabus change frequently?
A. The CAT syllabus does not change frequently. There have been a few changes since 2019, but most subjects in the syllabus remain the same.
Q. What is the syllabus for CAT 2024?
A. The CAT exam syllabus includes sections such as
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI-LR), and
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Q. When should one start preparing for CAT exam 2024?
A. The best time to start preparing for the CAT is at least six months before the exam. However, you can start a year before the exam as well. This is advisable if certain sections of the syllabus are entirely new for you.
Q. Is MBA CAT Syllabus and CAT Syllabus for IIM the same?
A. Yes, CAT Syllabus for IIM and MBA CAT Syllabus is the same: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning. In every section, the syllabus topics are vast. The best strategy is to prepare CAT syllabus for IIM focusing on what topics have had the highest weightage in the last 3 years.
Conclusion
Only 2% of individuals who take the CAT exam get contacted by one of the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). As a result, covering the entire CAT syllabus is essential to score good marks. Thoroughly read the detailed CAT exam syllabus and exam pattern to qualify CAT 2024 with flying colours.
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