Important Topics for CAT: Expected Subject-Wise Weightage

The important topics for CAT should always take precedence over the entire CAT syllabus to be able to score high on the exam. It is a well-known fact that the CAT exam does not have a defined syllabus. Preparation for CAT has to be done by assuming the syllabus, as the topics included in the CAT question paper will likely follow the pattern of CAT’s previous year’s question papers. Subsequently, aspirants must be aware of all the CAT important topics and subjects that are expected to be in the CAT syllabus 2024, to avoid confusion when preparing for the exam.

Whether candidates wish to seek admission to IIMs or other MBA colleges with the best ROI, they must make sure their CAT preparation has no gaps, so that their chances are elevated. Apart from an extensive understanding of the CAT syllabus, candidates should also know the subject-wise weightage of topics in CAT. This will help them devise an effective strategy for preparation, as well as solving the CAT question paper. With that being said, we have provided every detail related to CAT important topics and topic-wise weightage in CAT in the article below.

Also Read: How to Start CAT Preparation 2024 from Scratch

Important Topics for CAT

CAT experts analyzed the previous year's question paper on CAT and put out a CAT exam analysis 2024. Based on that analysis, experts can tell the section-wise important topics for 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.

Also Read: All About the CAT Exam 2024

Important Topics for CAT Quantitative Ability: Topic-Wise Weightage

Abbreviated as QA, Quantitative Aptitude is a very important section of 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 important topics for 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 seen that only focusing on these topics will not get you there. Other topics will also have to be included in your study plan.

Also Read:How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability (QA) 2024

CAT Important Topics for VARC: Topic-Wise Weightage

The Verbal Ability section in CAT also contains 24 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 tests the Verbal Ability of the candidates and can be asked from a wide range of topics. The important topics for CAT VARC and the expected topic-wise distribution of questions in CAT can be found in the chart 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.

Also Read:How to Prepare for CAT VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

Important Topics for CAT DILR: Topic-wise Weightage

Much like VARC, the DILR section of CAT 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 

Practicing 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 at 20 to 22 questions in DILR.

Also Read:How to Prepare for CAT DILR 2024

CAT Section-wise Syllabus

Before moving on to the CAT important topics 2024, let us check the overall CAT syllabus. Although the syllabus for CAT is not defined, certain topics have been included in the CAT exam for many years. 

Also Read: Stress Management During CAT Preparation 2024

Importance of Previous Year Papers for CAT Important Topics

The examination structure of the CAT, including the distribution of questions among sections, the types of questions (MCQs and non-MCQs), and the degree of difficulty of each section, may be better understood through reviewing previous year papers. Candidates can learn more about what to anticipate on exam day by doing this.  Candidates might discover the important topics for the CAT from which the majority of the questions are asked in the exam by analyzing CAT previous year question papers PDF.

An indication that a topic is important for CAT preparation is that it frequently comes up over the years. Apart from this, candidates can determine the various degrees of difficulty in every section and topic by reviewing previous year questions as well as CAT sample papers. They can manage their preparation more effectively and devote more time to difficult areas with the aid of this knowledge. Candidates might also attempt to predict trends in the weightage of questions by analyzing papers from previous years.

CAT Preparation Timeline

Lastly, let us take a look at what would be some of the important dates for candidates preparing for CAT:

CAT Exam Pattern 

The CAT exam was conducted as a computer-based test mode and the CAT questions vary in difficulty from moderate to very challenging. The CAT exam pattern can be summarized as follows:

• A total of 66 questions will be asked in the CAT exam in 3 sections.

• Each section will have a specific time limit and candidates must complete each section within the specified time limit. After the time for a particular section is over, candidates will not be allowed to go back to that section.

• The total marks of the CAT exam stand at 198.

• Different types of questions can be asked from important topics for CAT, which may be multiple-choice questions (MCQs) or non-MCQs (also known as TITA or Type-In-The-Answer questions). MCQs have multiple answer choices, while for non-MCQs, candidates are required to type in the answer using an on-screen keyboard.

• 3 marks will be awarded for each correct answer in MCQs.

• 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect MCQ answer.

• Non-MCQs do not have negative markings. 3 marks are awarded for each correct answer.

​​​​​Changes in the CAT Exam Pattern

The table below provides the changes observed in the CAT exam pattern over the years.

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

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