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    CAT Syllabus 2025 Released: Section-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern, Weightage & PDF Download

    CAT Syllabus 2025 Released: Section-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern, Weightage & PDF Download

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    Team Careers360Updated on 30 Nov 2025, 12:39 PM IST
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    The CAT 2025 exam syllabus for MBA includes three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). IIM Kozhikode will set the CAT 2025 paper, covering all topics from the CAT exam syllabus. The CAT 2025 exam is known for its tough and concept-based questions, making it more challenging than other MBA entrance exams in India. To prepare well, students should first understand the CAT MBA exam syllabus and the key topics. They must also understand the section-wise weightage and difficulty level of CAT 2025.

    This Story also Contains

    1. CAT Exam Syllabus 2025 PDF Download
    2. CAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Overview
    3. What is the CAT 2025 Exam Syllabus?
    4. Detailed CAT Exam Syllabus 2025
    5. CAT Quant Syllabus (Previous Year)
    6. Topic-wise Weightage for CAT Syllabus 2025
    7. Latest Changes in CAT Syllabus for MBA
    8. Preparation Tips for CAT 2025
    9. Most Recommended Books For CAT Preparation 2025
    CAT Syllabus 2025 Released: Section-Wise Topics, Exam Pattern, Weightage & PDF Download
    CAT Exam Syllabus 2025

    CAT Exam Syllabus 2025 PDF Download

    Here is the CAT 2025 syllabus PDF as they mention the main subjects in the CAT exam. Candidates often refer to previous years' CAT question papers to know the topics covered in the CAT 2025.

    Year-wise CAT Exam Syllabus PDF Link

    CAT Exam YearCAT Syllabus PDF Download Link
    CAT 2025To be Available
    CAT 2024CAT 2024 Syllabus PDF
    CAT 2023CAT 2023 Syllabus PDF

    For a detailed overview and explanation of the CAT exam syllabus 2025 topics and sub-topics, candidates are advised to read this article. Careers360 provides CAT previous year question papers. Also provides the CAT 2025 syllabus topics in PDF format and helps candidates to check their covered and non-covered topics.

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    CAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Overview

    Candidates must be familiar with the CAT 2025 exam pattern to understand the CAT 2025 syllabus topics well. There are different questions in each section of the CAT exam. However, candidates will get 40 minutes to complete each section. The marking scheme of the CAT exam allows +3 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for each wrong answer of MCQs. There is no negative marking for TITA questions.

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    The table below provides the category-wise distribution of CAT questions:

    ParticularsDetails
    DILR22
    VARC24
    QA22
    Total Number of Questions68
    CAT Total Marks 2025204
    Format of QuestionsMCQs and non-MCQs
    CAT 2025 Time Duration120 minutes (40 minutes for each section), for PwD candidates: 53 minutes, 20 seconds
    CAT 2025 Marking Scheme
    • +3 for each correct answer
    • -1 for each incorrect MCQ
    • 0 for unattempted and incorrect TITA questions
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    Let us look at the following CAT 2025 syllabus and exam pattern, which one can expect from the upcoming CAT 2025 question paper.

    CAT 2025 Syllabus

    Questions

    Time

    Quantitative Ability

    22

    40 Minutes

    Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

    24

    40 Minutes

    Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation

    22

    40 Minutes

    Total

    68

    120 Minutes

    NOTE: IIM Calcutta revised the CAT question paper last year. According to last year's CAT paper, it has 68 questions with a total of 204 marks. It has 22 questions instead of 20 in DILR.

    What is the CAT 2025 Exam Syllabus?

    The CAT syllabus 2025 sets a framework for MBAs to effectively structure their preparation journey. Understanding the CAT 2025 syllabus is very important to secure placements in top business schools across India. The CAT exam syllabus is divided into three sections:

    • Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
    • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
    • Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

    Question- What is the syllabus of CAT?

    Answer- The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam syllabus is divided into three sections: namely, Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).

    Question- Is 70 a good score in CAT?

    Answer- 70 to 80 percentile in CAT is considered a moderate score.

    Question- Is CAT a tough exam?

    Answer- Yes, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is considered a very tough and most competitive exam in India because of its complex questions, low success rates, unpredictable nature, testing candidates' quantitative aptitude, stringent time constraints, logical reasoning, verbal ability, and decision-making skills.

    Question- Which IIM will conduct CAT in 2025?

    Answer- The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kozhikode is conducting CAT 2025.

    Question- Is CAT syllabus difficult?

    Answer- CAT exam has a high difficulty level because of its pattern, time restrictions, and negative marking.

    Detailed CAT Exam Syllabus 2025

    Knowing the section-wise CAT 2025 syllabus is essential for making a strategic preparation plan. Additionally, it helps candidates identify their strong and weak areas to facilitate efficient CAT 2025 preparation. Here, we have provided a section-wise, detailed CAT syllabus 2025.

    CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics for DILR

    The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section of the CAT exam consists of 22 questions. Last year, 2 questions were added from this section. Earlier, the DILR section had 20 questions. This section is divided into two parts: data interpretation (DI) and logical reasoning (LR), each comprising 10 questions. Generally, the questions are grouped into 3-4 sets, with only a few stand-alone questions based on LR topics.

    Key topics in the DILR syllabus for CAT 2025:

    CAT DILR Topics
    Blood RelationsClocks and Calendars
    SeriesStatements
    SyllogismProposition
    Venn DiagramData Arrangement
    Direction SenseData Structures
    TablesFamily Tree
    Binary LogicCoding-Decoding
    AssumptionsPie Charts
    Data SufficiencyPuzzles
    Seating ArrangementSets & Caselets
    Bars & Line Graphs

    What to Study From CAT Syllabus for DILR?

    This section is more hands-on than simply studying. Interpretation of data in various formats is tested, as is the logical reasoning ability of candidates. Topics to focus on from the CAT syllabus 2025 for DILR include the following:

    • Bar Graphs: Candidates need to draw conclusions based on data presented in bar graphs.
    • Line Graphs: Questions involve analysing trends and patterns depicted in line graphs and giving the answers to the same.
    • Pie Charts: Candidates need to interpret proportions and percentages represented in pie charts. Answers involve making inferences using the given data.
    • Tables: The data given in the tables in the questions need to be extracted and used to solve the given problems.
    • Caselets: These questions have short paragraphs followed by related data in tables, graphs, or charts. Both the textual information and the given data thereafter must be analysed to give the answers.
    • Logical Reasoning Puzzles: Problems based on topics like seating arrangement, blood relations, and arrangements are generally asked.
    • Binary Logic: Questions may involve analysing statements and determining their logical validity based on given conditions.
    • Logical Deductions: Candidates may be required to make logical deductions based on given premises and draw valid conclusions.
    • Venn Diagrams: Questions may involve interpreting relationships between different sets of data using Venn diagrams and answering related questions.
    • Data Sufficiency: Candidates may need to determine whether the given data is sufficient to answer a particular question or solve a problem.
    • Quantitative Comparison: Questions generally include comparing two quantities and determining their relationship using the given data.
    • Cubes and Dice: Manipulation of cubes or dice and identifying patterns as well as solving related problems.
    • Logical Connectives: Analysis of statements connected by logical operators like "and," "or," and "not", and drawing conclusions as required.
    • Number Series: Identification of patterns in numerical sequences and predicting the next number in the series.

    For DILR, practice and more practice with the above topics from the CAT syllabus 2025 will work at scoring well. Candidates need to hone their solving speed, analytical and deduction capabilities for good scores. Hence CAT syllabus 2025 for DILR must be practised well.

    Weightage for CAT 2025 DILR Section

    The Data Interpretation questions will usually pertain to tables and graphs. However, Logical Reasoning questions can be from various topics such as verbal, non-verbal and abstract reasoning. Take a look at the following table, which lists the basic structure of the DILR section of CAT and the difficulty level as per the previous year's CAT question paper:

    CAT DILR SyllabusNo. of QuestionsLevel of Difficulty
    Data Interpretation11Easy to Moderate
    Logical Reasoning11Moderate to Difficult
    Overall22Moderate


    CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics for VARC

    The VARC section of the CAT exam has 24 questions. This section is divided into two main areas: verbal ability and reading comprehension. Generally, reading comprehension (RC) constitutes a significant portion of this section, comprising around 12–14 questions, while the remaining 10–12 questions come from verbal ability (VA) topics.

    Here are the important topics in the CAT 2025 VARC Syllabus:

    CAT VARC Topics
    Fill in the BlanksReading Comprehension
    Subject-Verb AgreementVerbal Logic
    Sentence CompletionParacompletion and Inference
    Verbal ReasoningArticle Usage
    Different Usages of the Same WordGrammar
    IdiomsAnalogies
    Errors in TensesAntonyms
    Foreign Language Words Used in EnglishSyllogisms
    Sentence CorrectionOne Word Substitution
    PrepositionsTypes of Clauses
    Parts of SpeechPhrase Modifiers


    NOTE: Last year, Para-Jumble topics were completely removed from the CAT 2023 question paper. Hence, the CAT 2025 conducting body is expected to follow the same this year as well. Anyway, candidates are advised to study and practice Para-Jumble topics as well.

    What to Study from the CAT Reasoning Syllabus?

    1. Reading Comprehension (RC): Since passages can be drawn from literature, science, social sciences, business, and technology, students should practice the following:

    • Understanding the central theme and main idea
    • Grasping details, facts, and arguments
    • Analysing the tone, style, and purpose
    • Concluding inferring implied meanings
    • Finally attempting to answer questions based on the content in the given passage

    2. Vocabulary: An important aspect of the CAT 2025 exam, candidates are required to be familiar with a wide range of words and their meanings. Vocabulary-related questions may include:

    • Synonyms and Antonyms
    • Word Usage and Contextual Meaning
    • Analogies
    • Idioms and Phrases

    3. Grammar and Usage: To accurately answer the CAT question paper for VARC, candidates require a strong grasp of grammar rules and a command of language usage. Topics to focus on from the CAT 2025 syllabus for VARC include

    • Sentence Correction
    • Error Spotting
    • Sentence Completion
    • Grammar-based Questions (Parts of Speech, Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, etc.)

    4. Critical Reasoning: This section requires the ability to evaluate arguments and make logical deductions. Topics include:

    • Strengthening and Weakening Arguments
    • Assumptions, Inferences, and Conclusions
    • Logical Deductions
    • Cause and Effect Reasoning

    5. Paragraph Completion: To answer questions of this type, candidates need to select the most appropriate sentence that will complete a given paragraph both logically and cohesively.

    6. Summary: These questions require condensing the main ideas of a passage into a concise summary. Candidates must retain the essential information in the summary.

    7. Reading and Comprehending Different Text Forms: Essays, articles, editorials, literary excerpts, etc., may be given. Candidates must be adept at understanding various writing styles and textual structures. This requires much practice from the CAT syllabus 2025.

    8. Contextual Understanding: These questions require the ability to understand the usage of certain words, phrases, or sentences within a passage and the context in which they are used.

    CAT Syllabus 2025: VARC Topics & Weightage

    CAT VARC section will include four major subtopics, based on which the candidates will be tested. These subtopics will include: Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Verbal Ability and Odd Sentence. There will be no grammar-based questions in CAT. The composition of the CAT VARC section usually remains the same every year. Check out the CAT VARC weightage and difficulty level of VARC as per the last year's CAT paper:

    VARC Topics for CATNo. of Questions in CAT ExamLevel of Difficulty
    Reading Comprehension16Moderate to Difficult
    VA-Parajumbles3Moderate to Difficult
    VA- Odd Sentence2Easy to Moderate
    VA-Summary3Easy to Moderate
    Overall24Moderate to Difficult


    CAT 2025 Syllabus Topics for QA

    The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section contains the most challenging questions in CAT. To score well in this section, candidates must have a thorough understanding of key mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and mensuration.

    Here are important topics and concepts in the CAT 2025 QA syllabus:

    CAT Quant Syllabus (Previous Year)

    CAT 2024 Slot-wise Quant Breakup
    AreaSlot 1Slot 2Slot 3
    Arithmetic888
    Algebra757
    Geometry333
    Modern Math333
    Numbers131

    14 MCQs, 8 TITA

    Topic-wise Weightage for CAT Syllabus 2025

    Understanding the distribution of topics in the CAT exam will help candidates streamline their preparation strategy. Here is the section-wise weightage of the main topics of CAT 2025:

    CAT SectionsCAT Key TopicsCAT Syllabus Weightage (Expected)
    Reading Comprehension
    • Passage-based Questions
    • Sentence Order
    • Paragraph Meaning
    24%
    Verbal Ability
    • Inferences
    • Sentence Completion
    • Para Summary
    10%
    Quantitative Aptitude
    • Geometry
    • Arithmetic
    • Algebra
    • Mensuration
    • Number System
    34%
    Logical Reasoning
    • Blood Relations
    • Syllogisms
    • Caselets
    • Seating Arrangements
    16%
    Data Interpretation
    • Pie Charts
    • Venn Diagrams
    • Tables
    • Graphs
    16%

    Check out how to crack CAT: Strategies from toppers to get deeper insights on tackling the CAT 2025 syllabus, putting theory into

    Latest Changes in CAT Syllabus for MBA

    The IIM CAT syllabus has seen significant changes over the past few years. Details are below;

    Changes in the CAT ExamCAT 2024CAT 2023CAT 2020CAT 2021

    VARC questions

    24 questions24 questions

    Further reduced to 24

    Reduced from 34 to 26

    DILR questions

    Increased from 20 to 22 questions20 questions

    Cut down further to 20

    Reduced from 32 to 24

    QA questions

    22 questions22 questions

    Reduced to 22

    Reduced from 34 to 26

    Questions in CAT exam

    Increased from 66 to 6866

    Further cut to 66

    Cut down from100 to 76

    CAT exam Score

    Increased from 198 to 204198

    Reduced to 198

    Reduced from 300 to 228

    Why is a Good CAT Exam Preparation Strategy for 2025 Important?

    If one looks at the competition, a record 3.29 lakhs students registered for the CAT 2024, with 2.93 lakhs appearing for it, and thus, the need for a good CAT 2025 strategy can be seen. This not only means an overall preparation strategy, but also for individual sections. Candidates can refer to the following section-wise strategy for CAT 2025 to kick-start their own CAT preparation efforts.

    Preparation Tips for CAT 2025

    Most Recommended Books For CAT Preparation 2025

    The best books for CAT preparation are available online and offline, but choosing the right ones can be a challenge. If you are planning to appear in CAT 2025, then only refer to CAT exam preparation books that have a detailed explanation of each topic included in the CAT syllabus and sample questions for practice. Read only from the CAT books recommended by experts. We have prepared section-wise lists of the best CAT books to help candidates choose the best books to prepare for the CAT exam.

    CAT BooksAuthor/ Publisher Name

    Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

    Gautam Puri

    How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

    Arun Sharma

    PSC for VA for CAT

    Nishit Sinha

    30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback

    Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/ Simon & Schuster

    NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10)

    NCERT

    Quantitative Aptitude

    RS Aggarwal

    Quantum CAT

    Arihant Publications

    Word Power Made Easy

    Norman Lewis

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: Will the CAT 2025 have maths?
    A:

    As per the CAT syllabus, arithmetic and algebra dominate the CAT paper every year.

    Q: What are the 4 subjects in CAT 2025? What are the subjects in CAT exam?
    A:

    The CAT exam 2025 syllabus includes reading comprehension, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude.

    Q: Which subjects are there in the CAT exam?
    A:

    The CAT exam can be divided into three sections such as, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). 

    Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
    A:

    The CAT exam syllabus is considered one of the most challenging syllabi in India, as it tests a wide range of skills. The CAT syllabus tests the comprehension, logical, and quantitative skills of the candidates.

    Q: What are the important topics of CAT syllabus from which maximum questions are asked?
    A:

    The following are important topics for CAT 2025:

    • Sentence completion
    • Number System
    • Data Caselet
    • Inferences
    • Mensuration
    • Reading comprehension
    • Geometry
    • Syllogism
    • Blood Relation
    • Time and Work
    • Algebra
    • Tables
    • Graphs
    • Seating Arrangement
    Q: How to prepare for CAT exam 2025?
    A:

    Start by checking CAT syllabus 2025 and topics. Search for the best CAT books and study material. start studying after establishing a daily schedule. Also check CAT previous years question papers to understand the type of questions asked and practice. Make sure to use CAT mock tests and sample papers for regular practice purposes. 

    Q: When should I start preparing for CAT 2025?
    A:

    The ideal time to start CAT 2025 preparation is 6–8 months before the CAT exam date. Important factors that help crack CAT 2025 are an analysis of the CAT syllabus and topics, a good timetable for time management, a dedicated focus on strengths and goal accomplishments, and practicing with mock tests. 


    Q: What is CAT VARC Syllabus 2025?
    A:

    Reading comprehension forms a major portion of VARC. In additions topics like Sentence completion, Inferences, Odd one out, Syllogism and Analogies, One word substitution, Sentence Correction are also covered under CAT VARC syllabus.

    Q: What is CAT DILR Syllabus 2025?
    A:

    Candidates preparing for CAT exam need to prepare for topics like Graphs, Tables, Blood Relation, Data Caselets, Clocks and Calenders, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism. These form part of the CAT syllabus for DILR. 

    Q: Is CAT syllabus same every year?
    A:

    Yes. The CAT course syllabus has been the same over so many years. The questions asked from the syllabus of CAT have also been mostly the same. But last year, Para-Jumbled was completely removed from the VARC category.

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