Updated By Intajur Rahaman on 31 May, 2023 18:11
Tell us your CAT score & access the list of colleges you may qualify for!
Predict My CollegeThe CAT 2023 syllabus is quite generalized and extensive. IIMs do not have a fixed syllabus for the CAT exam but the questions are mostly based on middle school English and Maths topics. The CAT syllabus 2023 consists of three disciplines: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). To learn more about CAT 2023 syllabus, check out CAT 2022 question paper, paper analysis, etc. from the links below:
| CAT Question Paper 2022 | CAT Paper Analysis 2022 |
| 100 Percentile Candidates in CAT 2022: State-wise | CAT 2022 Toppers' List |
| CAT Cutoff 2022 for IIMs | CAT 2022 Score vs Percentile |
The VARC category of the CAT exam syllabus covers a wide range of English Grammar, Verbal Rationale, and Critical Reading discussions. The QA segment of the CAT exam syllabus covers all Math subjects from Classes 9 to 10, including Arithmetic, Geometrical, Quadratic equations, Coordinate geometry, and Measurements. The DILR curriculum of the CAT 2023 syllabus includes topics such as Pie Charts, Puzzles, Tables, and Bar Graphs that necessitate quantitative analysis of data.
We have provided below a generalized CAT syllabus 2023 and detailed weightage of the topics from each section. Candidates preparing for the CAT exam 2023 need to study the given CAT exam syllabus thoroughly to crack the exam.
Also Read:CAT 2023 Notification
Test-takers must note that the CAT syllabus 2023 has seen no changes over the past 10 years. Candidates must prepare for all the topics from each section to excel in the exam. Check the table below for key topics from every section and their total weightage in the CAT exam.
| CAT 2023 Syllabus | List of Topics | Total Weightage |
| Verbal Ability | Para jumbles, Para summary, Sentence Completion, and Inferences | 10% |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Graphs, Venn Diagram | 16% |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration | 34% |
| Reading Comprehension | RC Passages | 24% |
| Logical Reasoning | Caselets, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, and Syllogism | 16% |
The detailed CAT 2023 syllabus for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) can be checked below. VARC is the first section of the CAT exam and has to be attempted first. It is further divided into 2 subparts - VA and RC. The sectional time limit for the VARC section is 40 minutes.
Fact Inference Judgment | Grammar |
Fill in the blanks | Para Completion and Inference |
Para Jumble | Sentence Completion |
Verbal Reasoning | Word Usage (Vocabulary) |
Idioms | Analogies |
Syllogisms | Reading Comprehension |
Sentence Correction | Contextual Usage |
Verbal Logic | Different Usage of the Same Word |
Antonyms | One-word Substitution |
Foreign Language Words Used in English | -- |
DILR is the second section of the CAT exam which has to be solved after the VARC section. This section is further divided into - DI and LR as per the CAT 2023 syllabus. The sectional time limit for this is 60 minutes. Aspirants can find the detailed CAT syllabus 2023 for DI & LR below:
Section | Topics in CAT Syllabus |
Data Interpretation | Bar Graph, Combination of Graphs, Caselet, Data Sufficiency, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Tables, etc. |
Logical Reasoning | Assumptions, Blood Relations, Binary Logic, Clocks and Calendars, Constraint-based puzzles, Data Arrangement, Family Tree, Matching Puzzles, Proposition, Statements, Seating Arrangement, Sets, Syllogism, Venn Diagram |
QA is the last section of the CAT question paper as per the CAT 2023 syllabus and must be attempted in the last hour of the exam. Take a look at some of the important topics and points of the QA section of the CAT 2023 exam:
QA Topics | Sub Topics |
Arithmetic | Number System, HCF, LCM, Ratio & Proportion, Simplification, Percentage, Average, Age Calculation, Time & Work, Distances |
Algebra | Theory of Equations, Quadratic Equation, Permutation & Combination, Sequence & Series |
Geometry | Angles, Lines, Triangles, Circles |
Mensuration | Areas and Volumes – Rectangles, Squares, Triangles, Circles, Cubes, Cones, Spheres, Pipes and Cistern |
Calculus | Maxima and Minima, Function |
Trigonometry | Trigonometric Ratios, Heights, and Distances |
Candidates can check the section-wise weightage of topics in the CAT 2023 syllabus available here. The following information is based on previous year trends and is a general assumption of the CAT 2023 question paper for the candidate's reference only.
Topics of CAT Syllabus | No. of Questions |
Number System | 5 |
Algebra | 8 |
Arithmetic | 10 |
Modern Maths | 4 |
Geometry & Mensuration | 9 |
Topics of CAT Syllabus | No. of Questions |
Bar Graphs | 2 |
Pie Charts | 2 |
Table Based | 8 |
Combination of Graphs | 3 |
Odd Sentence Out | 2 |
Data Arrangement | 5 |
Seating Arrangement | 5 |
Logic-Based | 5 |
Topics of CAT Syllabus | No. of Questions |
Reading Comprehension | 21 |
Sentence Correction | 4 |
Para Jumble | 4 |
Para Completion | 4 |
Word Usage | 3 |
Note: The number of questions mentioned against each topic is tentative.
Every aspirant agrees that a fair bit of knowledge about the CAT 2023 exam syllabus plays a positive role. It is also important to be aware of several facts and pointers regarding the CAT exam syllabus. It will explain to the candidates why the syllabus is an important piece of information:
CAT syllabus, as well as the CAT syllabus 2023 according to the different sections, will help the candidates during their preparatory stages for CAT 2023 entrance examination. Sometimes, even with all the preparation materials in their quiver, MBA aspirants can't prepare for the CAT because they lack the CAT syllabus in their arsenal.
Therefore, candidates must look to lay their hands on the CAT 2023 syllabus as soon as possible to begin their preparations. The syllabus is vast. Thus, candidates must access the CAT syllabus 2023 at the earliest to not let their preparation suffer. CAT syllabus and its preparation go hand in hand, which aids the candidates in identifying the important topics.
Want to know more about CAT
As mentioned above, the CAT exam syllabus has been the same for almost 10 years. The only change in the CAT exam syllabus for IIM is the decrease in the number of questions, which has decreased from 100 to 66 in the last 2 years.
Since CAT 2023 will be held in the last week of November, the recommended time to begin CAT preparation is from February or March onwards. The CAT exam 2023 is the doorway to India's top B-Schools, the IIMs, and over 1,200 other MBA colleges.
There is no specified time limit for completing the CAT syllabus and preparation. Each aspirant has a different threshold and can complete the syllabus at their own pace. However, if you work hard and study regularly for the CAT exam in 2023, one year is sufficient time.
Yes, even though it appears to be a difficult task, it is possible to pass CAT 2023 in 90 days. Whether or not you pass the CAT is determined not by the amount of time you have available, but by how effectively and strategically you use that time. You can complete the CAT syllabus in less than three months if you have the correct advice, preparation, and exam pattern.
Yes, it is possible to prepare for and complete the CAT syllabus without any form of tutoring. All you need is a commitment to your studies. If you study diligently, you will easily complete the CAT syllabus on time.
Quantitative Aptitude, abbreviated as QA, is a very important and toughest section of the exam. The section has a 34% weightage and is frequently time-consuming. Furthermore, in the CAT exam, the QA section has TITA (Type in the Answer) type questions, which can cause additional difficulties for CAT aspirants.
Overall, the CAT exam has a moderate difficulty level, but it can become easy for those who begin their study early and practise all three portions. You can easily pass the CAT if you plan ahead of time! It simply checks your math and logical abilities, which you should have learned by now.
Here are some tips to help CAT aspirants to prepare for the CAT syllabus 2023:
The CAT Quant syllabus 2023 has the most content because it covers all about mathematics that one learns in school. The following are some of the important subjects covered in the CAT Quant syllabus:
Dear Student,
Yes, the syllabus of banking and CAT exam is almost the same. However, the level of difficulty of the CAT exam is very difficult compared to the banking exam. The SSC or IBPS PO coaching will help you understand the basics of Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability and English Language. You can directly proceed to solve the advance level questions of CAT exam without going through the basics. The coaching will help you while preparing for other MBA entrance exams such as MAT, CMAT, GMAT or XAT. You can check the detailed syllabus of CAT exam …
READ MORE...Dear Student
No, you do not have to apply for MBA in HRM profile before giving CAT exam. You will only have to choose the college and course for which you are looking for admission while filling the CAT application form. All other formalities will be done during the admission process. You will first have to score good marks in CAT entrance exam. You can refer to these articles provided below to get help while filling the CAT application form.
CAT 2020 Registrations Begin from August 5 to Sept 16; Check Detailed Process Here
READ MORE...Dear student,
Listing down the difference between MBA & M. COM below. You can then take a decision basis your interest and skill-set.
| Master of Commerce (M. Com) | Master of Business Administration (MBA) |
| Specialised degree offering in-depth information on a specific subject(s) | General degree - offers knowledge on many areas/ subjects |
| M. Com is academic and theoretical in its content and approach (gives you a solid base in Accounting, if that's your forte) | MBA is a professional, job-oriented PG programme |
| Main focus academically - Accounting and Finance | Main focus on all aspects of the business - Finance, Retail, Logistics, HR, … |
Typical response between 24-48 hours
Get personalized response
Free of Cost
Access to community
