CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024: Check Exam Pattern, Important Topics, and Preparation Tips

Overview: As you are in the midst of your preparation journey, understanding and mastering the Quantitative Aptitude for CAT syllabus becomes paramount. Read on to learn the detailed syllabus of the quantitative section of the CAT exam here

• The Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT entrance exam consists of 22 questions from algebra, arithmetic, geometry, number system and misllenaeous topics.
• The QA section of the CAT exam plays a major role in improving the candidate's overall ranking and percentile.

Thus, scroll down to learn the CAT quantitative aptitude syllabus 2024 in detail!

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Also Read | CAT 2024 Registration Begins: Apply before 13 September 2024

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024

The CAT Quant syllabus covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Maths. Test-takers typically find the difficulty level of questions in this section to be moderate to high. 

• Arithmetic and algebra are the most important topics in the CAT Quants syllabus and carry the maximum weightage. 
• In the CAT Exam Pattern, 22 questions worth 66 marks are allocated to the Quantitative Aptitude section. 

According to the marking scheme, 3 marks are awarded for each correct answer, while 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.

• In the 2022 CAT question paper, the QA section had 14 multiple-choice questions and 8 TITA-type questions, and it was considered good to attempt 16-17 questions. 
• The CAT Quantitative Aptitude section is crucial in determining the CAT Cut-off, which typically ranges from 70-85 percentile in the Quantitative Aptitude Section.

Also Read |  CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions 2024: Download PDF

Download Free QA Section Daily Study Plan by Supergrads

IIM CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024

Here is the classification of critical topics of the four broader areas in QA:

IIM CAT Exam QA Syllabus - Broad Area	Key Topics
Arithmetic	Time, Speed and Distance Ratio, Proportion and Variation Time and Work Pipes and Cisterns Simple and Compound Interest Percentage Profit and Loss Averages Mixtures
Algebra	Linear and Quadratic Equations Special Equations Inequalities and Modulus Surds and Indices Logarithm Functions and Graphs Polynomials Arithmetic Progression (AP) Geometric Progression (GP) Harmonic Progression (HP)
Number Theory and Modern Maths	Permutation and Combination Probability Set Theory Factorials Remainders Base System Factor Theory LCM, HCF Divisibility Units Digit Last 2 digits Statistics
Geometry	Lines and Angles Triangles Quadrilaterals and Polygons Circles Trigonometry Co-ordinate Geometry

Also Read | CAT 2024 Study Plan

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Weightage 2024

Here is a breakup of the number of questions covered in each topic in the syllabus for CAT quantitative aptitude section:

CAT Exam QA Syllabus	Expected Number of questions
Arithmetic	8-10 questions
Algebra	7-8 questions
Geometry	3-4 questions
Mensuration	3-4 questions
Modern Mathematics	1-2 questions

Also Read | CAT Exam Pattern

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Latest Changes in CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

Over the last couple of years, there have been specific changes in CAT syllabus for quantitative aptitude. 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 (2020-2024)
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 QA Questions	Reduced to 26 from 34	Reduced to 22 from 26

Tips to Ace CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Section 2024

Here are some key tips to ace the Quantitative Ability section of the CAT exam 2024 and effectively cover the CAT quant syllabus:

Geometry Section 

• Focus on understanding fundamental geometric concepts such as lines, angles, triangles, circles, and polygons. 
• Develop the ability to visualize geometric figures and their properties.
• Practice applying different geometric theorems and formulas to solve problems efficiently.
• Analyze any mistakes and learn from them to improve your approach to similar problems in the future.

Check | Tips for CAT Exam Preparation in 2024

Download Free QA Sample Questions for CAT Exam

Arithmetic Section 

• You should have a very good command of topics like Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, and Time and distance.
• Memorize key arithmetic formulas for percentages, ratios, proportions, and averages.
• Practice translating word problems into mathematical equations and solving them systematically.
• Focus on improving your speed and accuracy in solving arithmetic problems.

Algebra Section

• Develop a strong understanding of algebraic concepts such as equations, inequalities, functions, and sequences.
• Solve a variety of algebraic equations, including linear equations, quadratic equations, and simultaneous equations.
• Algebra problems in CAT often involve real-world applications such as time-speed-distance, Time & Work, and mixtures.
• Memorize important identities such as the quadratic formula, binomial theorem, and properties of exponents to simplify algebraic expressions and solve problems efficiently.

Also Read | Attempt Free CAT Exam Mock Test 

Download Free Geometry Practice Questions Part 1

Best Books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Preparation 2024

The market and internet are flooded with CAT study material, but choosing the right CAT Preparation books is a significant task. You can refer to the below-mentioned important CAT exam maths Quant preparation books that align with the CAT quant syllabus, along with their detailed descriptions in the following table: 

Best preparation books for CAT you can refer for QA Syllabus 2024 preparations: 

CAT Exam Quantitative Ability Syllabus 2024 Preparations Books	Author
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT	Nishit K Sinha/Pearson
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT	Arihant
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Arun Sharma/ Tata McGraw Hill
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	RS Agarwal/ S Chand
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Dinesh k Sinha
Quantum CAT	Sarvesh Verma

Also Read | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude

Conclusion

The journey to conquering the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus section in the CAT 2024 is challenging, yet entirely achievable with the right approach and mindset. As you navigate the CAT quant syllabus, remember that every problem solved is a step closer to your dream IIM. Keep pushing your boundaries, stay curious, and embrace the process. Your dedication and hard work will undoubtedly pave the way for success.

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