December 4, 2024
Overview: Understanding each section asked in CAT exam 2025 in depth is not just a suggestion, it's a necessity for your preparation. This blog is your guide to the CAT Maths syllabus, providing you with a detailed, topic-wise syllabus for the Quantitative Ability section of the CAT exam 2025.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is an entrance exam that presents high-standard questions in each section every year, setting a rigorous selection process for all aspirants. It's a gateway to prestigious institutions like IIMs and other top B-schools that offer postgraduate management programs.
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Quantitative Ability is a section of one of the complex subjects in the CAT exam. The maths in CAT exam covers various topics, from elementary to modern maths. These core conceptual questions challenge students to cover the entire syllabus thoroughly.
The CAT exam ingeniously incorporates questions that are designed to stretch your limits, test your conceptual clarity, and challenge your analytical thinking.
CAT is considered to be one of the most esteemed aptitude tests that meticulously assesses aspirants across three crucial domains.
The CAT Exam 2025 syllabus 2025 covers almost everything to assess your analytical and logical skills.
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Here is the classification of critical topics of the four broader areas in CAT exam Maths syllabus:
CAT Math Syllabus | 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 CAT syllabus for 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 |
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Weightage Here is a breakup of the number of questions covered in each topic in the CAT syllabus for maths syllabus 2025:
CAT Math Syllabus Topics | 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 |
Over the last couple of years, there have been specific changes in CAT syllabus for maths. These changes have been made to the exam pattern and modern CAT syllabus for maths. You will find the latest changes in the CAT modern maths syllabus 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 QA Questions | Reduced to 26 from 34 | Reduced to 22 from 26 |
Learn More | CAT 2025 Study Plan
As you noticed above, The CAT arithmetic syllabus covers conceptual-based questions in this section. It would help if you had the finest tips and preparation strategies for each of these topics. The following are expert tips for each broad topic in the CAT Maths syllabus: Geometry, Arithmetic, and Algebra.
1. Basic Concepts
Focus on understanding fundamental geometric concepts such as lines, angles, triangles, circles, and polygons. Strengthening your conceptual understanding will make solving complex geometry problems easier.
2. Visualize Geometric Figures
Develop the ability to visualize geometric figures and their properties. Practice sketching diagrams and visualizing transformations to gain insight into geometric relationships.
3. Solve a Variety of Problems
Solve a diverse range of CAT Maths questions, including geometry problems. Try to include basic problems and advanced concepts like similarity, congruence, and coordinate geometry. Practice applying different geometric theorems and formulas to solve problems efficiently.
4. Review Solutions
After solving geometry problems, review the solutions carefully to understand the underlying concepts and problem-solving techniques. Analyze any mistakes and learn from them to improve your approach to similar problems in the future.
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1. Build the Fundamentals
Make sure to have a very good command over topics like Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, and Time and distance. Be completely clear on fundamental concepts.
2. Memorize Important Formulas
Memorize key arithmetic formulas for percentages, ratios, proportions, and averages. Familiarize yourself with common arithmetic shortcuts and tricks to solve problems efficiently.
3. Practice Word Problems
Arithmetic problems in CAT exam preparation often involve real-life scenarios presented as word problems. Practice translating word problems into mathematical equations and solving them systematically.
4. Work on Speed and Accuracy
Improve your Quantitative Ability by focusing on your speed and accuracy in solving arithmetic problems. Practice solving timed arithmetic drills and track your progress over time. Develop strategies to identify relevant information and eliminate unnecessary steps quickly.
1. Master Algebraic Concepts
Develop a strong understanding of algebraic concepts such as equations, inequalities, functions, and sequences. Practice simplifying algebraic expressions and solving equations using different methods.
2. Practice Equation Solving
Solve a variety of algebraic equations, including linear equations, quadratic equations, and simultaneous equations. Practice QA questions by applying algebraic techniques such as factoring, completing the square, and using the quadratic formula.
3. Solve Application Problems
Algebra topics in CAT exam preparation often involve real-world applications such as time-speed-distance, Time & Work, and mixtures. Practice solving application problems by setting up equations based on given information and solving them systematically.
4. Review Algebraic Identities and Formulas
Familiarize yourself with common algebraic identities, formulas, and properties. Memorize important identities such as the quadratic formula, binomial theorem, and properties of exponents to simplify algebraic expressions and solve problems efficiently.
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The market and internet are flooded with CAT study material to cover the CAT syllabus for Maths, but choosing the right publication is a significant task. You can refer to the below-mentioned important CAT Exam Math syllabus preparation books with their detailed descriptions of CAT Modern Maths syllabus in the following table:
Best CAT preparation books to cover the CAT syllabus for Maths you can refer for CAT Math Syllabus 2025 preparations:
CAT Exam Math Syllabus 2025 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 |
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The journey to conquering the CAT Maths syllabus is challenging yet entirely achievable with the right approach and mindset. Remember, 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What topics are included in the CAT Exam Math syllabus?
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