To kickstart a strategic preparation plan for CAT 2024, candidates need a thorough understanding of the syllabus. Although the IIMs do not publish an official syllabus, experts compile the CAT syllabus by analyzing previous years’ question papers.
The CAT 2024 syllabus introduces candidates to commonly tested topics such as Reading Comprehension, Algebra, Arithmetic, Coding-Decoding, Geometry, Graphs, and Percentages. These topics encompass major sections of the CAT exam and are considered essential for success.
CAT Syllabus 2024 Overview
The CAT 2024 syllabus primarily includes topics from three sections: VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning), and Quantitative Aptitude. Below is a detailed look at the key aspects of the CAT 2024 syllabus for effective preparation:
- VARC Section: Covers various facets of Verbal Reasoning, English Grammar, and Reading Comprehension.
- Quantitative Aptitude Section: Encompasses all mathematical concepts from Classes 9 and 10, including Geometry, Arithmetic, Algebra, Mensuration, and Trigonometry.
- DILR Section: Involves analytical interpretation of data presented through Puzzles, Tables, Pie Charts, and Bar Graphs.
CAT Syllabus 2024 for VARC
The VARC section is the first part of the CAT exam, with a total of 40 minutes allocated for this section. It comprises two main components: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, with Reading Comprehension questions being predominant.
Key VARC Topics in CAT 2024 Syllabus
- Fill in the blanks
- Idioms
- Para completion and inference
- Syllogisms
- Verbal logic
- Analogies
- Verbal reasoning
- Antonyms
- Subject-verb agreement
- Jumbled paragraphs
- Parajumbles
- Sentence correction
- Sentence completion
- One-word substitution
- Foreign language words in English
- Parts of speech
- Different usage of the same word
- Prepositions
- Grammar
- Types of clauses
- Reading comprehension
- Phrase modifiers
- Errors in tenses
- Article usage
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High-Yielding Topics for VARC
The VARC section typically includes 24 questions distributed among Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability (Para jumbles, Odd Sentences), and Summary Writing. The composition generally remains consistent each year.
VARC Topics for CAT:
| VARC Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Verbal Ability – Para jumbles | 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Verbal Ability – Odd Sentence | 2 | Easy to Moderate |
| Verbal Ability – Summary | 3 | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | 24 | Moderate to Difficult |
CAT Syllabus 2024 for DILR
Following the VARC section, candidates proceed to the DILR section, which is allotted 40 minutes. This section includes 20 questions, divided into 10 questions each for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning.
Key DILR Topics in CAT 2024 Syllabus
- Blood Relations
- Puzzles
- Clocks and Calendars
- Sets & Caselets
- Syllogism
- Bars & Line Graphs
- Series
- Data Arrangement
- Statements
- Data Structures
- Venn Diagram
- Direction Sense
- Proposition
- Family Tree
- Data Sufficiency
- Tables
- Assumptions
- Coding-Decoding
- Seating Arrangement
- Binary Logic
- Pie Charts
High-Yielding Topics for DILR
The DILR section consists of two types of questions: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. The following table provides an overview of the question distribution and difficulty levels based on previous papers.
DILR Topics for CAT:
| DILR Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Set 1 (Data Interpretation) | 5 | Easy |
| Set 2 (Data Interpretation) | 5 | Moderate |
| Set 3 (Logical Reasoning) | 5 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Set 4 (Logical Reasoning) | 5 | Moderate |
| Overall | 20 | Moderate to Difficult |
CAT Syllabus 2024 for QA
The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of CAT 2024 requires candidates to have a solid understanding of mathematical topics from Classes 9 and 10. This section primarily focuses on Arithmetic and Algebra.
Key QA Topics in CAT 2024 Syllabus
- Geometry
- Inequalities
- Ratios and Proportions
- Trigonometry
- Quadratic and Linear Equations
- Work and Time
- Algebra
- Surds and Indices
- Percentages
- Mensuration
- Time-Speed-Distance
- Logarithms
- Partnership
- Number System
- Square Roots
- Cube Roots
- Geometric Progression
- Probability
- Mean, Median, Mode
- Binomial Theorem
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Profit & Loss
High-Yielding Topics for QA
The QA section of CAT includes 22 questions. The most important topics include Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. The question distribution and difficulty levels are detailed below:
QA Topics for CAT:
| QA Topics | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 8 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Algebra | 7 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Geometry | 3 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Modern Maths | 2 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Number System | 2 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Overall | 22 | Moderate to Difficult |
FAQs
Does the CAT syllabus remain the same every year?
Yes, the CAT syllabus remains consistent each year, and the questions typically cover the same topics annually.
What are the main sections of the CAT 2024 exam?
The CAT 2024 syllabus includes three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).
How can candidates effectively prepare for the CAT exam?
Candidates should focus on understanding the syllabus, practicing previous years’ question papers, and taking mock tests to familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and improve their time management skills.
