Senior Content Writer | Updated On - Jun 21, 2024
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus includes Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Maths. As per the experience of CAT test-takers, the difficulty level of questions asked from CAT QA syllabus is moderate to high. The most important topics with maximum weightage in CAT Quants Syllabus are Arithmetic and Algebra.
- Based on the changes introduced in CAT Exam Pattern last year, a total of 22 questions worth 66 marks will be asked from CAT 2024 Syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude.
- As per CAT 2024 QA marking scheme, 3 marks will be awarded for every correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
- In 2022, CAT question paper for QA comprised 14 MCQs and 8 TITA-type questions, and attempting 16-17 questions was considered good. Check CAT QA Exam Analysis
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation should begin early as it requires more practice and focus to learn various formulas, tips & tricks for solving mathematical problems in less time. Download CAT QA Question Papers
- CAT QA Section can be the most decisive subject when it comes to deciding the CAT Cut-off, which ranges from 70-85 percentile in the Quantitative Aptitude Section.
Read the article to know more about CAT Quantitative aptitude exam pattern, syllabus, important topics, study notes, and much more.
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CAT Quantitative Aptitude Exam Pattern 2024 (Updated)
Here are all the necessary details candidates need to know about CAT QA Exam Pattern 2024:
| Pattern | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions in CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section | 22 |
| Total Marks in Quantitative Aptitude For CAT Section | 66 |
| Type of Questions in Quantitative Section | MCQs and TITA (non-MCQ) |
| Total MCQs in Quant for CAT Section | 14-15 |
| Total Non-MCQs (TITA) in QA Section | 7-8 |
| Time Limit | 40 minutes |
| Difficulty in Quantitative Aptitude For CAT Section | Moderate to High |
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CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024
CAT Aspirants must be perfectly acquainted with CAT quantitative aptitude syllabus which has been determined based on the past years’ question papers. The topics included in CAT Quants Syllabus 2024 are given below.
| CAT QA Syllabus | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coordinate Geometry | Mensuration | LCM and HCF |
| Set Theory and Function | Probability | Quadratic and Linear Equations |
| Number System | Averages | Complex Numbers |
| Ratio, Proportion, and Variation | Speed, Time, and Distance | Geometry |
| Compound Interest | Profit, Loss, and Discount | Algebra |
| Trigonometry | Permutation and Combination | Progressions and Series |
| Quantitative Aptitude Questions | Quantitative Aptitude Shortcut Techniques for CAT | Number System Shortcut for CAT |
| Shortcuts in Averages | Remainder Concepts | Circles |
| Factorials | Power Cycle | Relatives Speed |
| Arithmetic Progression | Polygons | Harmonic Progression |
| Quadrilaterals | Points, Lines, and Planes | Circles |
| Angles | Geometric Progression | Weighted Average |
| Graphical Division Geometry | Similar Triangles | Derangement |
| Applications of Averages | Conditional probability | Application of Power Cycle |
| Constant Product Rule | Laws in Set Theory | Properties of Ratio |
| Triangles | Boats and Streams for CAT | Escalator Questions for CAT |
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Topic Wise Syllabus for CAT QA
Candidates face difficulty in CAT Quant test preparation because CAT Exam does not have a predefined syllabus. However, it should be noted that the questions are generally asked from a few repeating concepts every year. So, candidates are suggested to check the past year’s question trends and prepare accordingly. Some of the topics are expected to repeat in CAT 2024 based on previous years’ question paper analysis are tabulated below:
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Percentages | Expect questions mostly from changes in percentage; increase or decrease. Go through the basic percent formula. |
| Profit, Loss, and Discount | This section simply revolves around the topic of percentages. Questions are mainly from profit, loss, cost price, selling price, discount, and market price. You can also expect questions from false wights. Learn all the formulas for profit and loss along with tricks for shortcuts. |
| Simple and Compound Interest | The number of questions from this section has been mostly low. One might expect mostly calculation-based questions. Basic formulas of Simple and Compound Interest are adequate. Questions related to the rate of increase in population are not to be missed. |
| Ratio and Proportion | A wide variety of questions based on multiple and fundamental concepts are important. You will find the basic concepts handy in solving questions about time, work, time speed, distance, mixtures, allegation, geometry, and more. |
| Averages, Mixtures, Allegation | This topic is quite important in CAT. Questions such as “which two elements are mixed together in different proportions to get a new mixture”. This topic combines other topics like ratios and proportions, averages, and percentages. |
| Time and Work | There can be more than one hundred varieties of questions from this section. Pipes and cisterns, which make up the core concept are also included. The method of LCM is recommended over formulas as there are over 20 of them. |
| Time, Speed, and Distance | Expect questions from average and relative speed, meeting points, boats, and streams, are important. Proper knowledge of relative speed and shortcuts on meeting points should suffice. |
| Equations | Stress on questions from quadratic equations. Don't miss out on topics like integral solutions for variables. Learn the concepts of nature of roots, quadratic equations, and integral solutions. |
| Progression | Stress on arithmetic and geometric progressions. Do not miss out on summation of series. Put effort into formulas from areas like number of terms, cum of AP and GP series, and their means. |
| Functions and Graphs | Most questions are on functions of simplification. Other sections like modulus functions and graphs have also occurred frequently. Trying to understand the graphs of a few functions such as modulus, log, and greatest integer, is helpful. Do not miss out on functions and composite functions. |
| Maxima Minima | Mostly 3 types of questions (maximum in equation form), AM-GM concept, polynomials, functions/graphs. Learn the method for solving each of these problems. |
| Properties of Numbers | Expect questions from topics such as perfect squares, prime numbers, fractions, and integers. Learn the elementary concepts along with the properties of numbers. The level of difficulty of questions is moderate to hard. |
| Divisibility Rules | Questions from this topic are expected to be pretty to the point. Expect problems based on divisibility rules on the initial sets of natural numbers. Learn the divisibility rules of these numbers - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 13. |
| Remainders | The difficulty level of questions from this topic is mostly easy to moderate. This is not a very important topic as over the past few years, questions from this section were not set. Learn the basic concepts like remainders and negative remainders. |
| Factors, HCM & LCM | This too is not a very important topic. Previous CAT papers featured questions from factors and remainders. Focus on prime factorization and the approaches involved in finding integral solutions. |
| Factorials | Not an important topic, problems are mostly based on finding the number of zeros that are trailing. |
| Unit and Last Two Digits | Questions are based on finding the last or second last digit in the expansion from a single-digit number raised to an exponent. Learn power cycles and last 2 digit tricks. |
| Base System | Not an important topic. Learn the fundamental concepts of the base system. Questions are based on the method of converting numbers from a given base to another. Learning fundamental concepts of the base system should suffice. |
| Triangles | Questions from this topic mostly test the fundamental theorems of triangles. This is an important topic and candidates should focus on Pythagoras theorem, various degrees of triangles like isosceles, equilateral, and mass point geometry. |
| Circles | Another important topic in geometry, you can expect questions that test the basic concepts, problems involving multiple circles, tangent is important. Focus on learning the theorems, formulas, segments, and tangent circles. |
| Quadrilaterals | Expect questions mostly from parallelograms, trapeziums, squares, and rectangles. Learn the formulas of areas for all quadrilateral figures and their perimeters. |
| Polygons | Not an important topic. You can expect questions on hexagon. Shortcut tricks and direct formulas hexagon diagonals should suffice. |
| 3D mensuration | This topic is now quite frequent in CAT. learning the formula for the area and volume of cones, cylinders, cubes, cuboids, spheres, and cylinders should do the trick. |
| Coordinate Geometry | Not at all an important topic: learn the basics of coordinate geometry. The conic section can be ignored. |
| Permutations and Combinations | Moderately important topic. You can expect questions mainly from committee formation, arrangements, and counting. You should learn the elementary formulas for this topic. Do not ignore the fundamental principles of counting. |
| Probability | You can ignore this topic completely as problems from probability have stopped coming altogether. |
| Set Theory | Variable Venn diagram problems that include minima and maxima are important. Get a working knowledge of Venn diagram concepts. |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Study Material
Students must refer to the best study material while preparing for CAT Quantitative Aptitude section. More the number of questions from different sources you solve, better will be your ability to attempt the maximum number of QA questions in CAT Exam. Students must start their preparation for this section with NCERT Books of Class 6 to 10. This will help your revise the basics of all the topics covered in CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus. Students can also check some useful links to shortcuts and tricks for solving Quants questions and list of best books to refer for your CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation.
Study Notes on CAT Quantitative Aptitude
Here are some study notes for your CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus preparation. With the help of this CAT preparation material, you will be able to develop your own Quantitative Aptitude tricks to crack Quant 2024 questions quickly.
Best Books and Resources for CAT Quantitative Aptitude
The best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2024 should be of the latest edition carrying the latest features as per the current CAT exam pattern.
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
|---|---|
| NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10) | NCERT |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R S Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K Verma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
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CAT Exam Pattern 2024
Students must also check the exam pattern of other sections in CAT. The updated CAT 2024 Exam Pattern is as follows:
| Section in CAT Exam | Total Questions | Total MCQs (Negative Marking) | Total Non-MCQs (No Negative Marking) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section-1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 19 | 5 |
| Section-2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 12 | 8 |
| Section-3: Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| Total | 66 | 45 | 21 |
Know Detailed CAT 2024 Exam Pattern Here
Weightage and Number of Questions in CAT QA
It should be noted that the topics mentioned above are not the only topics required for CAT exams. Candidates are suggested to have a thorough knowledge of broader topics related to the quantitative section. Since CAT Quant 2024 will test you on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Modern Math among other important topics, the most important of the Quantitative Aptitude Tricks is to strengthen your basics followed by Quantitative Aptitude Practice Questions for CAT. Some of the most important topics in this section along with the expected number of questions include:
| Topic Name | Expected No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Number System, Basic Arithmetic | 5-10 Questions | Moderate |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 7-8 Questions | Moderately Difficult |
| Algebra | 6-7 Questions | Moderate |
| Permutation & Combination | 1-2 Questions | Easy |
| Probability | 1-2 Questions | Moderate |
| Time, Speed, and Distance | 1-2 Questions | Moderately Difficult |
| Trigonometry, Logarithms, and Sets | 1-3 Questions | Easy |
| Profit, loss, and Discounts | 1-2 Questions | Moderately Easy |
| Interests (SI, CI) | 1-2 Questions | Moderately Difficult |
| Time and Work | 1-2 Questions | Difficult |
Quantitative Aptitude Arithmetics Trends Analysis
Students can check the below table to know the previous years' trends of number of questions from the Arithmetics topic of CAT Quants Syllabus:
| Topic | 2018 Shift 1 | 2018 Shift 2 | 2019 Shift 1 | 2019 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 1 | 2020 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage | 1 | - | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Profit, Loss, and Discount | - | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| SI and CI | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Ratio and Proportion | 2 | 1 | - | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Average | 2 | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - |
| Mixture and Alligation | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 2 |
| Time, Speed, Distance | 2 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - | 1 |
| Time and Work | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | - | 1 | - |
| Pipes and Cisterns Clocks and Calendars | 1 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - |
Quantitative Aptitude Algebra Trends Analysis
The number of questions from the Algebra part of CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for different years is given below:
| Topic | 2018 Shift 1 | 2018 Shift 2 | 2019 Shift 1 | 2019 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 1 | 2020 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equations and Polynomials | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Inequalities and Absolute Value | - | 2 | 1 | - | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Functions and Graphs | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Logarithm and Exponents | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Progressions and Series | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | - | 2 | - |
Quantitative Aptitude Geometry and Mensuration Trends Analysis
Check the previous years’ trends of CAT QA Geometry and Mensuration part from the table below:
| Topic | 2018 Shift 1 | 2018 Shift 2 | 2019 Shift 1 | 2019 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 1 | 2020 Shift 2 | 2020 Shift 3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lines, Angles, and Triangles | 1 | - | - | 2 | - | 1 | - |
| Quadrilaterals | 3 | 2 | - | - | - | - | 1 |
| Polygons | - | - | 1 | 1 | - | - | - |
| Circle | 2 | - | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | - |
| Mensuration | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | - |
| Co-ordinate Geometry | - | 1 | 2 | - | - | - | 3 |
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How to Schedule Preparation for CAT QA?
- It is advised to focus more on the Number system and geometry topics as they hold the maximum weights Not only in CAT, but other Management colleges/universities also cover most of these topics from the QA section. When candidates are done with the basic concepts, they should pick up past years question papers and practice them.
- To acquaint with the test pattern and timing and to get the real exam scenario solving CAT Mock Tests are very crucial and it helps to analyze the preparation level. By going through the previous year papers helpfully to analyze the question pattern and its difficulty level.
- As numerous MBA aspirants register for CAT every year, the competition is very high over the years. So, well-focused and dedicated candidates for the exam with sincere preparation, are able to solve the question easily and score good percentile to get admission in the IIMs or any other prestigious B-School.
- To get more than 95 percentile in this subject, the candidate is advised to answer perfectly more than 25 questions.
| Session No. | Topic | Time (Hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Averages | 2 |
| Session 2 | Percentages | 2 |
| Session 3 | Profit & Loss | 2 |
| Session 4 | Linear & Quadratic Equations | 2 |
| Session 5 | Ratio Proportion | 2.5 |
| Session 6 | Mixtures | 1.5 |
| Session 7 | Speed, Time & Distance | 2.5 |
| Session 8 | Races | 1.5 |
| Session 9 | Pipes & Cisterns | 2 |
| Session 10 | Simple & Compound Interest | 2 |
| Total | 20 | |
Subject Wise CAT Preparation Links:
Mistakes to Avoid While Attempting CAT QA Questions
- Spending more than 90 seconds on a question: You will have 40 minutes to attempt 22 questions in CAT QA section. Hence, it is advised not to spend more than 90 seconds on any particular question and save time for the remaining ones.
- Learning too many formulas and short tricks: Avoid learning too many formulas and short tricks for a particular topic to avoid confusion. Choose only 1-2 tricks that work best to save time while attempting CAT QA questions in the exam.
- Not Using the Option Elimination Strategy: Go through the options as many times questions based on numbers and algebra can be easily solved using the option-based elimination strategy. This saves you from lengthy calculations.
- Silly Mistakes of Calculation: Candidates often commit silly calculation mistakes in a hurry. Be more careful with calculations as accuracy is equally important as the number of questions you attempt. Solving 85-90% of questions with accuracy is better than solving 100% of paper with silly mistakes.
Topper Tips to Attempt CAT QA Section
CAT Quantitative Ability is usually the crucial section for candidates without a technical, engineering, or commerce background, but the strongest section for technical background candidates. With 22 questions, the QA section is also very important for candidates. Generally, most toppers remark that they focused on making their concepts stronger.
- Aditya Bansal who obtained 99.95 percentile in CAT, remarks, “I practiced a lot of questions and puzzles to speed up my calculations. I adopted the option elimination strategy in most questions to avoid lengthy calculations.” Check CAT Topper Aditya Bansal Preparation Tips
- Ritik Gupta who obtained 99.99 percentile in CAT advises CAT aspirants to make the concepts strong and solve as many overall and sectional mock tests and sample papers. Check CAT Topper Ritik Gupta Preparation Tips
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CAT QA Previous Year Paper Analysis
CAT 2022 QA was of moderate difficulty with a few time-consuming and tricky questions. The question paper in each of the 3 slots had 14 MCQs and 8 TITA-type questions. The topics with the highest weightage were Number systems, Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. Here is the detailed slot-wise analysis of CAT QA paper 2022:
CAT 2022 QA - Slot 1 Paper Analysis
| Topic | No of Questions (MCQ/non-MCQ) | Ideal Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | 1 |
| Algebra | 8 | 4-5 |
| Arithmetic | 8 | 5-6 |
| Modern Math | 2 | 1 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3 | 1-2 |
| Total | 22 | 14-16 |
CAT 2022 QA - Slot 2 Paper Analysis
| Topic | No. of Questions (MCQ/non-MCQ) | Ideal Attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | 1 |
| Algebra | 7 | 4-5 |
| Arithmetic | 9 | 6-7 |
| Modern Math | 1 | 0-1 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 4 | 2-3 |
| Total | 22 | 13-15 |
CAT 2022 QA - Slot 3 Paper Analysis
| Topic | No. of Questions (MCQ/non-MCQ) | Ideal Attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | 1 |
| Algebra | 7 | 4 |
| Arithmetic | 9 | 5-6 |
| Modern Math | 1 | 1 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 4 | 2 |
| Total | 22 | 13-15 |
For analysis of more years (2021-2015), check here
Download CAT QA Question Papers
| Slot Number | CAT Question Paper with Solutions |
|---|---|
| CAT QA Question Paper & Answer Key of 2022 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT QA Question Paper & Answer Key of 2021 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT Official QA Question Paper & Answer Key of 2020 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT QA Question Paper & Answer Key 2019 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT QA Question Paper & Answer Key 2018 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT QA Question Paper & Answer Key 2017 | |
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude FAQs
Ques: What comprises CAT Quantitative Aptitude section?
Ans: CAT Quantitative Aptitude simply means the ability of an individual to solve numerical and mathematical calculations in a limited time. It assesses the capability of playing with numbers in a logical manner. This is very often required in most competitive exams.
Ques: How to Prepare Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2024?
Ans: Quantitative Aptitude demands a lot of practice and to save time for practicing more, one should adopt all small and simple tactics to increase one’s practice and reduce errors. Take frequent mock tests and strengthen the fundamental concept and basics by going through different study materials and different Quantitative Aptitude books.
Ques: What are the topics covered in CAT Quant Syllabus?
Ans: Following are the most crucial topics to prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude:
- Permutations and Combination
- Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
- Number System
- Ratio & Proportion
- Mensuration
- Circles, Triangles, Polygons, Quadrilaterals
- Percentages
- Profit and loss
- Probability
- Time and work
- Simple and compound interest
- Time, speed and distance
- Number systems
- Ages
- Averages
Ques: What are the important CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude Tips to crack the exam?
Ans: CAT is not having any defined syllabus. So, candidates are required to prepare from various topics and more or less rely on previous year question sets of CAT.
- Weightage of each topic must be checked by candidates in order to decide how much time they wish to devote to that particular topic.
- It is recommended that candidates focus more on the basic topics number system and geometry as they hold a good amount of weightage in the CAT entrance exam.
- When done with the basic concepts, pick up past year question papers and practice them. Simultaneously appear in frequent mock tests available on various online coachings and study channels.
Ques. What is considered a good attempt in CAT Quantitative Aptitude?
Ans. While it varies every year depending on the difficulty of the paper and other sections, generally a good attempt in CAT Quantitative Aptitude is considered to be around 14-16 questions to get above 85 percentile.
Ques. What are the best books for CAT Quantitative Ability preparation?
Ans. The best books for CAT Quant preparation are:
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
- Quantitative Aptitude by Nishit K Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by R S Aggarwal
Ques. How many questions will be asked in CAT QA 2024?
Ans. Based on the changes introduced in CAT exam pattern, 22 questions will be asked in CAT 2024 QA section. Out of these 22 questions, 14 will be objective-type MCQs and 8 will be TITA-type.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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