Syllabus | CAT

CAT

Exam Overview

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a nationwide management aptitude examination administered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) for entry into MBA and other postgraduate programs.

Exam pattern

The CAT exam is a speed-based test that features questions from three sections:

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) – 24 questions
2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) – 22 questions
3. Quantitative Ability (QA) – 22 questions

The CAT exam's total duration is 120 minutes. Because of a sectional limit, each section must be attempted in 40 minutes. A candidate will be unable to make any changes or corrections once the sectional time limit has crossed.

Marking Scheme

As per the CAT exam marking scheme, candidates receive 3 marks for each correct answer. However, for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), an incorrect response leads to a deduction of 1 mark due to negative marking. There is no penalty for non-MCQ questions or unanswered responses.

Syllabus

Before pursuing an MBA, candidates must familiarize themselves with the CAT exam syllabus, as it plays a crucial role in MBA admissions. The syllabus is divided into three key sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI). These sections evaluate a candidate’s analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills, essential for success in an MBA program. The CAT 2025 syllabus follows the same structure, with each section covering specific topics and carrying designated weightage. Check out the detailed topic-wise syllabus PDF from the download link in the ‘content’ section on the next page.