Important Topics for CAT 2020: Expected Subject-Wise Weightage

The Common Admission Test (CAT) does not have any defined syllabus. The CAT 2020 syllabus is compiled by taking a look at the previous year question papers and trends.

Hence, to avoid facing a vast and limitless syllabus, candidates preparing for CAT have to make use of the important topics in CAT to limit their area of focus and ensure that their efforts give their maximum results.

A good CAT aspirant is always looking for the best return for his/her investment whether it be in preparing for the entrance test or looking for the colleges with the best ROI in India.

Taking a look at the expected subject-wise weightage of topics in CAT 2020 will help candidates form a well-defined preparation strategy for the exam and lead them on the path to success.

In this article, we dive into the important topics for CAT 2020 and take a look at the section-wise distribution of topics in CAT.

Important Topics in CAT 2020

CAT 2020 experts analyse the previous year question paper of CAT and put out a paper analysis of CAT. Based on that analysis, experts are able to tell the section-wise important topics of CAT as mentioned below.

Every topic in CAT is important and you should always try to cover the complete CAT syllabus. However, having an understanding of important topics in CAT can help you prioritize and make a better study plan.

While important topics can help you formulate a better study plan, they don't tell the complete story. In order to understand this in detail and form an extensive preparation strategy, one has to look at the section-wise weightage of topics in CAT 2020.

CAT 2020 Quantitative Ability Topic-Wise Weightage

Abbreviated as QA, Quantitative Aptitude is a very important section in the exam. The section holds 34% weightage and can often prove to be time-consuming.

Plus, QA has TITA (Type in the Answer) type questions in CAT, which can further pose problems for CAT aspirants. The following table provides the weightage of different topics included in the CAT QA section.

As can be seen, Geometry, Number System and Algebra questions dominate the QA section of CAT. These will be the topics you must focus on to get the best results.

However, the number of questions required for a good attempt in QA is 25 and it can be clearly seen that only focusing on these topics will not get you there. Other topics will also have to be included in your study plan.

CAT 2020 Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Topic-Wise Weightage

The Verbal Ability section in CAT also contains 34 questions and hence holds an equal weightage to QA. Most of this section is made of Reading Comprehension.

Usually, around 4 to 5 passages are seen in this section every year and every passage contains 3 to 6 questions. The remaining test the Verbal Ability of the candidates and can be asked from a wide range of topics.

The expected topic-wise distribution of questions in CAT 2020 can be found in the given below.

Developing the skill to crack RC questions quickly is vital in this section. Develop a reading habit (start with light material and move on to more complicated content such as editorials of English dailies), and try to remember the details you went through. Attempt 25 - 27 questions to get a good score in this section.

CAT 2020 Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Topic-wise Weightage

Much like VARC, the DILR section of CAT is consists of two parts -- DI and LR. Even though the section contains 32% overall weightage in CAT, it does not fail to stump the candidates with its tricky questions and lengthy puzzles.

Arrangements (Seating & Data) and questions based on Graphs form the core of cracking DILR. Blood Relations, Tables & Caselets, and Data Sufficiency questions are also 

Practising as many questions as possible is the only way that works best when preparing for DILR. There can be a wide gap between the type of questions asked and shortcuts fall flat on their face when it comes to this section.

To improve in DILR, you literally have to increase your brainpower and problem-solving ability through consistent practice. Only a candidate who has developed the ability to recognize patterns and approach a question from different angles will be able to make a good attempt of 20 to 22 questions in DILR.

These were the topic-wise weightage of different sections in CAT 2020. Here are some other articles that you should totally check out for the best CAT study plan.

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