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CAT Exam Syllabus

The candidate who wants to gain knowledge of the CAT syllabus has come to the right place. In this article, you will get to know all about the CAT exam syllabus 2023. The CAT exam syllabus is one of the most lengthy and huge syllabus yet, that’s why the CAT aspirants should keep the proper […]

 Alisha Kumari
 Alisha Kumari 09/08/2023
09/08/2023
I'm Alisha Kumari, Versatile Content Writer proficient in researching, writing and editing diverse content. Works with minimal input to produce engaging, authoritative and error-free work....read more

The candidate who wants to gain knowledge of the CAT syllabus has come to the right place. In this article, you will get to know all about the CAT exam syllabus 2023. The CAT exam syllabus is one of the most lengthy and huge syllabus yet, that's why the CAT aspirants should keep the proper and updated knowledge of the CAT syllabus. The CAT exam is one of the important exams to take admission at the top IIMs universities, and best MBA colleges. The CAT exam is also the 5th toughest exam in India, although lakhs of candidates appear every year for this CAT exam. This year the CAT exam 2023 is going to be conducted on 26th November 2023. And the CAT exam 2023 official website has released all the related information like CAT exam date 2023, CAT 2023 registration date, CAT 2023 registration last date, CAT 2023 result date, CAT exam syllabus, CAT exam date 2023, and many more. And the official website of CAT is https://iimcat.ac.in/.

CAT

CAT

Conducting Body - IIM Application Fee - 2400

Is the CAT exam syllabus 2023 released? The CAT aspirants must note that, through the official source the CAT 2023 syllabus has not been released yet so the candidate has to rely on the previous year's CAT exam syllabus. As we all know that the CAT syllabus is vast and cannot be covered in a month. So the CAT candidates must start their CAT 2023 exam preparation prior 5 months before the CAT exam 2023.

Therefore, there is good news for the candidates as there is no change made to the CAT syllabus in the last 10 years. As like every year the CAT exam syllabus is divided into three sections that are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. The Weightage of every section is different and every section is different from each other.

The acronym MBA refers to Master of Business Administration, a degree program that was initially established by the Harvard University Graduate School of Administration in 1908, presently recognized as the Harvard Business School. Hence, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) is widely recognized as the primary advanced degree provided by commercial entities globally. Furthermore, possessing an MBA degree enhances the candidate's distinctiveness and value.

The majority of candidates choose for pursuing an MBA due to its potential to enhance career prospects and increase income, as well as its ability to expand professional networks and develop business acumen. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program offers individuals the opportunity to acquire fundamental management knowledge and develop a holistic comprehension of several business aspects, such as marketing, finance, and accounting. By engaging in this program, candidates may increase their soft skills and leadership qualities.

CAT Exam Syllabus Highlights

CAT exam syllabusEvents
Total score198
Test duration2 hrs
Total Questions in the QA section20
Total Questions22
Total questions in VARC Section24
Scoring PatternTotal Questions
Total questions66
Negative Marking QuestionsAll MCQs: 70to 75%questions are of MCQ type
Difference between MCQs and Non-MCQsMCQ: Multiple Choice QuestionNon-MCQ: Type your Answer on Computer Screen
Type of QuestionsMCQs & Non-MCQs
Test sessionsThree

CAT Exam Syllabus 2023 pdf

The CAT syllabus 2023 pdf will be jam-packed with information about the CAT syllabus. The CAT exam Syllabus 2023 pdf provides all of the fundamental facts on the three major sections of the CAT syllabus: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).CAT exam Syllabus 2023 pdf will also be available on the official CAT website. As a result, the link to download the CAT Syllabus pdf is provided below. 

CAT Exam Syllabus for MBA 2023

The CAT exam syllabus for MBA 2023 has not yet been released yet, but as we know that there has been no any kind of changes made yet at the CAT exam syllabus in the last 10 years, hence CAT aspirants can easily rely on the previous year's CAT syllabus. So for the CAT students, the formless article has provided below the CAT syllabus for the CAT exam 2023:

The syllabus for the Common Admission Test (CAT) in 2023 is organized into five distinct sections. The inclusion of sectoral sub-divisions in the CAT curriculum renders CAT 2023 an examination including five distinct and impactful portions.

Section 1: The CAT syllabus encompasses the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) component, which is further separated into two distinct portions. The curriculum for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension includes the following topics.

Section 2: The syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning is further broken into two parts. The curriculum for the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning sections of the CAT test will be discussed.

Section 3: Quantitative Ability element of the CAT exam encompasses a broad range of topics in Mathematics, with a particular focus on Arithmetic.

Section-1: CAT Syllabus for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

(VARC) Part-1: CAT Syllabus for Reading Comprehension (RC)

  • Current affairs making an impact on Social Life, International Affairs, Govt policies and Schemes, for example, Triple Talaq, Clean India Mission, Migration of people from one country to another, Growing intolerance across the Globe
  • Business & Economic RC Passages, for example, Global economic changes, economic development at the cost of the environment, Impact of Demonetization in India, Wasteful expenditure by Governments
  • RC passages from various English Literature books, articles authored by great philosophers, and thinkers, from various speeches of great personalities like passages from Charles Dickens, Aristotle, Martin Luther King, Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi, and Churchill among others
  • Passages on Science & Culture including the journey to the Modern world; Fading culture with the advancement of technology
  • Abstract topics and fiction are also included in the Reading Comprehension Syllabus for CAT. These
  • Passages make the candidates think leading them to put themselves in the author’s shoes before answering the questions following these passages since they are opinion based.
  • RC Passages on Historical events leading to social changes for example French Revolution, War of Roses, Social changes in Indian History, and thoughts shared by various activists which are very much relevant even today
  • RC Passages from Mythology. These passages try to correlate the Mythological events with the current social structure and answers to the questions on them have to be inferred

 Part-2: CAT Syllabus for Verbal Ability

  • Essence of short paragraph/Para summary - (2-3 questions);
  • Jumbled Paragraphs (2-3 questions)
  • Context Sentence in Jumbled paragraphs (2-3 questions)
  • Error Correction of Verbs, Nouns, Pronouns, Adjectives, adverbs, and other parts of speech in the Sentences.
  • Correcting the sequence of sentences in the paragraph for example correct use of conditional sentences, time clauses, reported speech, and passive writing
  • Vocabulary usage – picking the correct pair of words
  • Vocabulary usage in RC passages – finding out the correct synonyms and antonyms
  • Fill in the blanks with the correct vocabulary words
  • Completion of the last sentence of Paragraphs
  • Analogies • Critical Reasoning • Sentence Completion
  • Facts, Inference, and Judgement
  • Irrelevant Statements
  • Phrasal Verbs Usage

Section-2: CAT Syllabus for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

(DILR) Part-1: CAT Syllabus for Data Interpretation (DI)

  • Data Tables
  • Data charts
  • Bar diagrams & Charts including Simple, Stacked, and Composite Bar charts
  • Pie charts
  • Graphs – Line X-Y Graphs
  • Data analysis and Data comparison among others
  • Caselet based Data

Part-2: CAT exam Syllabus for Logical Reasoning (LR)

  • Clocks
  • Calendars
  • Binary logic
  • Direction sense and Decision Making
  • Input-Output
  • Series
  • Syllogism
  • Cubes
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Blood Relations (Family Tree)
  • Logical Sequence
  • Assumption
  • Premise
  • Conclusion
  • Linear and matrix arrangement
  • Team Formation 
  • Rows
  • Set Theory, Venn Diagrams, Network Diagrams
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Puzzles 
  • Logical Reasoning based on Rankings
  • Critical Reasoning

Section-3: CAT Syllabus for Quantitative Ability (QA)

  • LCM and HCF
  • Percentages
  • Profit and Loss
  • Interest (Simple and Compound)
  • Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work; Averages; Ratio and Proportion and others • Number System (3-4) questions
  • Algebra (5-7 questions)
  • Geometry/Mensuration (6-8 questions)
  • Pure Math (1-2 questions)
  • Venn diagrams and other topic-based questions are 2-3
  • Linear Equations; Quadratic Equations
  • Complex Numbers
  • Logarithm; Progressions
  • Binomial Theorem
  • Surds and Indices
  • Inequalities
  • Permutation and Combination
  • Probability Functions
  • Set Theory
  • Mixtures and Allegations
  • Co-ordinate Geometry
  • Trigonometry

CAT Exam Syllabus Changes

This year there no prior changes are made to the CAT syllabus 2023 as from the last 10 years there is no any kind of changes made to the CAT syllabus. And also the official website has not yet untie the CAT exam 2023 syllabus. So below are the information mentioned on the basis of CAT exam syllabus changes made over the years.

CAT 2022 Syllabus and Pattern DetailsChanges in CAT 2021 to CAT 2022Changes in CAT 2020 to CAT 2021
Number of Questions76 to 66100 to 76
Total Marks in CAT228 to 198300 to 228
Total CAT Questions in VARC Section26 to 2434 to 26
Total CAT Questions in DILR Section24 to 2032 to 24
Total  CAT Questions in QA Section26 to 2234 to 26

CAT Exam Syllabus/ CAT Exam Syllabus Questions

The syllabus of the CAT exam 2023 is vast and lengthy, the candidates need to be more focused and have patient. Therefore the CAT registration started on the 2nd of August and the CAT registration last date is the 13th of September 2023. So the candidates need to be very quick and smart while filling out the CAT application form. Also, the CAT syllabus contains 3 syllabuses that are

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

Now lets us see the number of questions that are examined in every CAT exam syllabus, so below we have provided the table regarding the CAT exam syllabus questions.

CAT Exam SyllabusCAT Exam Syllabus Questions
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning20
Quantitative Aptitude22
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension24
Total66

CAT Exam Syllabus PDF

The CAT exam syllabus pdf is available on the official website. The CAT candidates can easily retrieve the CAT exam syllabus pdf 2023, but the official website of CAT has not yet released the syllabus of the CAT exam 2023.

CAT Eligibility Criteria 2023

2023 CAT Eligibility Criteria- the candidate must have a bachelor's degree in any field to appear for the CAT exam. Read on for further information on the CAT eligibility criteria for 2023:

  • Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate or comparable CGPA (45% aggregate for SC, ST, and PWD/DA categories).
  • The bachelor's degree program might be traditional or distance learning, but it must be a three-year program.
  • Candidates having a professional degree (CA/CS/ICWA/FCAI) with the requisite % can also take the CAT.
  • Candidates in their final year of a bachelor's degree/equivalent certificate or who are awaiting the results are also eligible to take the CAT 2023 exam.

CAT Exam Pattern

CAT question paper is split into three sections that are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. Candidates are required to resolve both MCQ and Non-MCQ type questions. The CAT exam pattern is typical of slight to high trouble levels with Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Aptitude posing extra demanding situations in phrases of the trouble stage.

CAT Exam Pattern 2023

The CAT 2023 examination will adhere to the following pattern, as seen in the table below. This table outlines the sectional sequence of the CAT exam, ranging from Section-1 to Section-3. It also provides information on the quantity and kind of questions in each section, distinguishing between questions with and without negative markings. Additionally, the CAT exam pattern 2023 table displays the total maximum marks allowed for each section. So let us understand the CAT exam pattern 2023 through the below table:

CAT Exam Pattern 2023HighlightsTotal Questions4 RC Passages with MCQs; VAN on MCQs divided into Para jumbles, Para Summary, and Out of ContextSentences4 RC Passages with MCQs; VAN on MCQs divided into Para jumbles, Para Summary, and Out of ContextSentences
Section-1:VerbalAbility & Reading Comprehension(VARC)Section-3: quantitative ability(QA)24195
Section-2: Data Interpretation & LogicalReasoning (DILR)LR–10 Ques DI – 10 QuesAll in Sets of 3 & 4 Qs20164
High on Arithmetic.Other on Log, Geometry, Roots, AlgebraHigh on Arithmetic.Other on Log, Geometry, Roots,Algebra22166
Total-665115

CAT Exam Eligibility Criteria

Candidates intending to participate in the next CAT examination must possess a comprehensive understanding of the most recent qualifying requirements as stipulated by the governing body. It has been observed that there have been no alterations to the qualifying criteria for the Common Admission Test (CAT) in recent years. Below are the details of the CAT exam eligibility criteria

  • The candidates are required to have obtained a degree from a recognized university in any field, with a minimum aggregate score of 50% (45% for candidates belonging to restricted categories).
  • Candidates in their last year are also permitted to apply for the examination; however, they must provide documentation of their educational qualifications within the specified timeframe as outlined by the governing body.
  • There is no specified maximum age restriction for filing an appeal in the Common Admission Test (CAT) conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Applicants who meet the minimum educational requirements are eligible to apply for this examination.
CAT

CAT

Conducting Body - IIM Application Fee - 2400

CAT Exam Syllabus Weightage

The CAT exam syllabus weightage varies at every CAT exam section below are the lists of the CAT exam syllabus weightage:

CAT Syllabus PDF 2023 SectionsWeightage in CAT Syllabus
DILR-Part1:DataInterpretationSectional-50%Overall-15%
DILR-Part2:Logical ReasoningSectional-50% Overall-15%
VARC – Part2: ReadingComprehensionSectional-70-75%Overall-26%
VARC–Part1:VerbalAbilitySectional:25-30%Overall:10%

The topic-wise distribution of the CAT syllabus 

Below we have provided the topic-wise distribution of the CAT syllabus. The CAT syllabus is tough and lengthy, so the candidate has to be prepared and updated on the basis of the CAT syllabus. 

Topic-wise Distribution of VARC

As in step with the evaluation of the VARC segment of the previous 12 months' CAT papers, we have indicated the weightage of different topics:

Topic-wise Distribution of VARCNo. of Questions in CAT
Other topics1-2
Para-Jumbles2-4
Para-Summary2-4
RC-based16

Topic-wise Distribution of DILR

TopicsNo. of Questions in CAT
Graphs & Bar diagram5-8
Graphs& Charts7-9
Pie charts4-5
Tables & Charts4-8

Topic-wise Distribution of QA

Main TopicSub-TopicsNo. of Questions in CAT
AlgebraLinear Equations, Functions, Logarithms, Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities5-6
ArithmeticPercentages, TSD (Time, Speed, and Distance), Averages, Time and Work, Mixtures and Alligations, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest,9-11
Geometry & MensurationCoordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Lines and Angles, Triangles, Polygons, Circles, Solids (3D Geometry)3-4
Modern MathSet Theory, Permutation, Combination, Probability, etc.1-2
Number SystemFactorization, Unit Digit, Divisibility, Binomial Theorem, Surds and Indices2-4

CAT Syllabus 2023

The CAT query paper 2023 may be based on VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude subjects Take a examine the special CAT syllabus 2023 and first-rate books for CAT syllabus 2023:

  • The VARC section of the CAT examination syllabus for the MBA covers numerous topics of English Grammar, Verbal Reasoning, and Reading Comprehension.
  • The Quantitative Aptitude phase of the CAT syllabus includes all the topics of Mathematics from Class 9 to 10 which includes Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic, Trigonometry, and Mensuration.
  • The DILR syllabus of the CAT exam includes subjects that require analytical interpretation of statistics provided inside the shape of Pie Charts, Tables, Puzzles, and Bar Graphs.

CAT 2023 Syllabus PDF Download

CAT syllabus 2023  PDF isn't always launched by way of the examination convening IIM. However, various training institutes and guidance portals provide CAT syllabus for download. The CAT 2023 Syllabus PDF Download link is provided below in these articles. Such CAT syllabus pdf includes essential topics for CAT practice. For instance, the CAT syllabus PDF includes the below details: 

  • Quantitative Aptitude topics of Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Modern Math, and their sub-topics.
  • Data Interpretation topics like Data Structure, Data Sufficiency, Tables, Pie Charts, Graphs, and their sub-topics.
  • Logical Reasoning subjects like series, coding-interpreting, own family tree, blood relation, seating arrangement, assumptions, and their sub-subjects.
  • VARC topics like studying comprehension, filling within the blanks, para jumble, para of completion, vocabulary, grammar, and their sub-topics.

How to prepare for the CAT 2023 exam?

CAT guidance is based totally on the professional syllabus which is the best way to attain high within the exam. Candidates interested in appearing for the CAT exam must make an instruction plan primarily based on their information on the topics blanketed within the CAT syllabus. Many Quantitative Aptitude subjects are those, which can be taught in school and so is the case with English Grammar. So, the first element to do to put together for CAT is to make the list of subjects in terms of familiarity –  acquainted, relatively acquainted, and now not familiar at all. After that, begin analyzing unfamiliar subjects first and then pass to quite acquainted and subsequently to familiar topics. Hence below are some of the tips for the most frequent question asked that is how to prepare for the CAT 2023 exam so let's see this:

  • VARC training ought to start at the early degree of CAT preparation, especially the Reading Comprehension exercise
  • Check the VARC syllabus of CAT and revise all of the Grammar rules and definitions
  • Get preserve of a dictionary and phrase-meaning books to learn new phrases and phrases
  • RC dominates VARC phase so it is essential to have the practice of speed-studying. This can be evolved by using studying books, novels, magazines, and data-heavy reviews.
  • The first-rate supply of practice of Verbal Ability is pattern questions. Solve a massive wide variety and a wide variety of Verbal Ability questions to master it.
  • DILR segment of CAT is all approximately Tables, Graphs, Charts, and Series. This phase calls for, desirable calculation ability as well as an eye for detail
  • 20 questions of this phase can be equally divided into DI and LR for this reason, you want to work on both.
  • Memorise Tables up to twenty, Square, Square Roots, Cube, Cube Roots and different such mathematical values to study and calculate speedily
  • Practice as many sample questions and sectional mock tests as you could because there are no components to be remembered
  • The more experience you have at pace studying charts and tables better the possibility of scoring high in DILR phase of CAT
  • The quantitative Aptitude phase of CAT is all about conceptual readability and practice
  • Pick up every topic of the CAT syllabus and gain conceptual clarity. Solve some questions to evaluate whether you’ve understood the utility efficiently or no longer.
  • Start working towards complete length and sectional mock exams simplest after finishing the syllabus
  • Divide exercise periods into – clean, slight, and high. Start fixing easy questions first, then flow to moderately high questions after which to tough questions.
  • Time yourself whilst solving questions and clear up each of them at least 3 times. The first strive is to apprehend the question, 2nd strive is to resolve it with one hundred consistent with cent accuracy and the third attempt is to solve it'll a hundred in keeping with cent accuracy and pace.
  • Develop the talent of mental calculation to store time during the CAT examination

CAT exam IIMs Marking Scheme

Candidates will be awarded 3 points for each accurate response. For each wrong response to the objective questions, a deduction of 1 mark will be made. No marks will be deducted for non-MCQ-type questions.

CAT exam IIMs Marking SchemeTotal Number of MCQ and Non-MCQs In Each Section
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)MCQ -19Non-MCQ – 5
Data Interpretation & Logical ReasoningMCQ – 15Non-MCQ – 5
Quantitative AptitudeMCQ – 14Non-MCQ – 8
Total no of Questions66

Important topics for the CAT exam 

Given beneath is the segment-clever description of important topics for the CAT exam syllabus, based on the pattern accompanied by the previous year's exam.

CAT Syllabus Sectional DivisionImportant topics for the CAT exam 
Data Interpretations & Logical Reasoning (DILR)Venn Diagrams, Bar Graphs, Seating Arrangement, Team Formation, Clocks, and Calendars
Quantitative Ability (QA)Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration,
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)Long & Short Passages, Para-jumbles, Para-Summary

Frequently Asked Questions About  CAT Exam Syllabus

Q. What are the subjects of the CAT exam?

Ans. The CAT exam paper consists of three distinct sections, namely Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Please access the section-wise CAT syllabus PDF for download.

Q. Is the CAT exam hard to pass?

Ans. The CAT Exam is widely acknowledged for its moderate degree of difficulty, however, it is contingent upon the individual candidate's level of preparation. The CAT is a standardized examination conducted at the national level, attracting a substantial number of applicants and test takers.

Q. Is it easy to score 75 in CAT?

Ans. The CAT examination is widely regarded as one of the most challenging tests. It may be conceptualized as follows: If an individual achieves a percentile score ranging from 70 to 80 in the CAT, it is reasonable to expect that with an improved preparation technique, they might attain a percentile score of about 90 in the MAT or ATMA examinations. Prior to completing the application form, it is advisable to review the eligibility requirements for both the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) and the AIMS Test for Management Admissions (ATMA).

Q. Is the CAT exam syllabus 2023 released?

Ans. The CAT aspirants must note that, through the official source the CAT 2023 syllabus has not been released yet so the candidate has to rely on the previous year's CAT exam syllabus. As we all know that the CAT syllabus is vast and cannot be covered in a month. So the CAT candidates must start their CAT 2023 exam preparation prior 5 months before the CAT exam 2023.

Q. What is the CAT 2023 exam syllabus? 

Ans. The CAT exam syllabus 2023 is mentioned below:

CAT exam syllabus
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Quantitative Aptitude
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Q. What is the CAT 2023 official website?

Ans. The official website for the CAT exam 2023 is iimcat.ac.in

Q. When is the CAT 2023 exam date? 

Ans. The CAT 2023 exam date is 26th November 2023

Q. Is CAT 2023 registration open?

Ans. As per the official timetable for the Common Admission Test (CAT) in 2023, the online application form was released on August 2nd. Until September 13, 2023, eligible persons are afforded the chance to duly submit the application form for the CAT 2023.

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