CAT Quantitative Aptitude section is very important and also a difficult one. The Quantitative section in CAT requires good mathematical skills, problem-solving abilities, and analytical skills. Your percentile matters a lot in the
CAT Exam
, and scoring good marks in the QA section will increase your overall percentile and your chances of getting admission in your dream college will come true. So, you must know how to ace your preparation and sectional test strategies to excel in CAT Quantitative Aptitude.
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CAT Quantitative Aptitude Sections: Topic-Wise Weightage
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section includes algebra, modern math, number system arithmetic, and geometry. The most important topic in QA is Arithmetic and Algebra. You can check CAT Quantitative Aptitude Sections topic-wise weightage below.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section | Topic | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Algebra | Inequalities Functions Logarithms Maxima and Minima Polynomials Progressions (AP, GP, HP)Linear Equations Quadratic Equations Sequences and Series | 6-7 |
Geometry | Polygons Mensuration (2D and 3D) Coordinate Geometry TrigonometryLines and Angles Triangles Circles Quadrilaterals Similarity of Triangles Properties of Circles | 2-4 |
Modern Math | Venn Diagrams Permutations and Combinations Probability Set Theory Binomial Theorem Functions and Graphs | 2-3 |
Arithmetic | Profit, Loss, and Discount Simple and Compound Interest Time, Speed, and Distance Partnerships Percentages Ratio and Proportion Averages and Mixtures Time and Work Pipes and Cisterns Boats and Streams | 9-10 |
Numbers | Number System: Natural Numbers, Divisibility and Remainders Factors and Multiples HCF and LCM Prime Numbers and Composite Numbers Cyclicity and Factorials Base System Indices and Surds Whole Numbers, Integers, Rational and Irrational Numbers, Real Numbers | 1-2 |
Sectional Test Strategies to Excel in CAT Quantitative Aptitude
Students preparing for CAT 2025 must develop sectional test strategies to excel in CAT QA. The sectional test strategies can be achieved by following the steps mentioned below:
Develop a Strong Foundation
Capitalize on strong foundations if you want to score well in the quantitative aptitude section. For this, you must master the fundamentals of Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Number systems. It is important to focus more on understanding logic rather than just memorizing shortcuts.
Effective Test Taking Strategies
Begin your preparation by attempting questions that you are confident about. If you start with difficult questions, then you might lose interest in taking further tests. Time management is another important factor that the CAT test takers must strengthen. While solving the QA section, you must note time and try to finish the test in a stipulated time. Develop mental math skills for faster calculations, and you should be able to use shortcuts effectively. Practice solving problems with the simplest approach. On-screen calculators must be used with great care.
Regular Practice of Sectional Tests
Sectional tests must be made part of routine life for those preparing for CAT QA. Consistency is the key to any competitive examination. Sectional tests are important to analyze weak areas and devote more time on weak areas. You must design your test-taking strategy, such as the order of answering questions, the number of questions to be attempted, etc., so that you are able to solve the questions calmly. Also, practice mock tests regularly in real-time conditions for effective time management.
Analyze & Improve
It is important to understand the approach with which the question needs to be attempted. Looking at the wrong answers will not help; you must analyze the reason why it went wrong. Try to solve questions with straightforward methods rather than making them complicated. The questions that you found tricky during mock tests must be given special attention. It is important to keep a track of the improvement in the total number of attempts over a period of time.
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Your 30-Day Foundation Plan for CAT 2025 Preparation
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FAQs
After the test, you must check and review all incorrect or skipped questions and the reason why it was due to conceptual knowledge, time management, or weak calculation errors. You can attempt the unsolved questions and check the repetitive difficulty pattern to enhance your preparation plan.
Initially, you should focus on accuracy and know the calculations and methods properly. Also, when the exam approaches, you must increase focus on speed without compromising on accuracy. Solve mock papers to enhance both.
You need to check all questions properly and first solve the easy ones, and then attempt the tough ones. If you get time, mark difficult or lengthy questions for review.
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