Introduction
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their various management programs. The CAT exam tests candidates in three main areas – quantitative ability, verbal ability and reading comprehension, and logical reasoning and data interpretation.
The CAT exam syllabus covers a wide range of topics across these three sections. The quantitative ability section focuses on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, numbers, data interpretation and quantitative reasoning. The verbal ability section covers topics like vocabulary usage, grammar rules, verbal logic and reading comprehension based on passages. The logical reasoning section tests candidates on analytical thinking and problem solving abilities.
Knowing the CAT exam syllabus and understanding the weightage of different topics is crucial for aspirants to prepare effectively for this highly competitive exam. This content aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key topics covered under the three sections of the CAT exam.
Quantitative Ability
Quantitative Ability (QA) section in CAT exam tests a candidate’s math skills across arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation (Hitbullseye, 2022). This section contains around 22 multiple choice questions to be solved in 40 minutes. QA aims to assess a test taker’s logical reasoning and analytical thinking abilities.
The major quantitative topics covered in CAT exam are (MBAUniverse, 2022):
- Arithmetic – topics like percentages, profit & loss, time & work, time, speed and distance, ratios, averages etc.
- Algebra – topics like linear & quadratic equations, inequalities, functions, polynomials etc.
- Geometry – topics like lines, angles, triangles, circles, mensuration etc.
- Data Interpretation – reading and deducing conclusions from tables, charts, graphs etc.
The quantitative ability section checks a candidate’s logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and quantitative knowledge required for an MBA program. Scoring well in this section requires a combination of conceptual clarity, problem solving skills, accuracy, and speed.
Data Interpretation
Data Interpretation (DI) is an important component of the CAT exam, accounting for 24-28 questions. DI tests a candidate’s ability to analyze data presented in charts, graphs and tables and draw logical conclusions.
Some key tips for acing DI in CAT include:
- Practice reading and interpreting various charts/graphs quickly. Bar graphs, line charts, pie charts, caselets, and tables are commonly tested.
- Pay attention to units, scales, legends, headings when analyzing graphs. Note trends, highs/lows, percentages, overlaps.
- Develop sharp calculation skills for numerical data interpretation. Speed and accuracy are critical.
- Master key mathematical concepts like ratios, percentages, averages, profit/loss calculations.
- Refine ability to synthesize data from multiple charts/tables and make logical deductions.
- Learn smart ways to eliminate answer choices that don’t make sense. Guess only if required.
- Attempt all DI sets together in a sequence for better focus and momentum.
Practicing previous years’ DI sets from official CAT papers is the best way to understand the DI section. Develop speed and accuracy by solving various questions within the allotted timeframe.
Logical Reasoning
Logical reasoning is an important section of the CAT exam that tests a candidate’s ability to think critically and analyze arguments. It involves solving logic puzzles, evaluating syllogisms, and drawing conclusions from statements or passages. This section makes up around 22-24 questions on the CAT.
Some common types of logical reasoning questions on CAT include:
Logic Puzzles: These involve sequence or ordering of elements with certain conditions. You will be given a set of rules and need to arrange the elements correctly based on them. For example, a question may describe the seating arrangement of 5 people with certain constraints and ask you to identify who is sitting where.(https://bodheeprep.com/cat-logical-reasoning)
Syllogisms: These consist of statements with an underlying logical argument. You need to understand the statements and determine if the conclusion drawn makes sense or not. For example, there may be two statements regarding cats, dogs and pets, and you need to decide if the final conclusion about these three terms is correct.(https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/cat-preparation-logical-reasoning-lr-solved-questions-blogId-6515)
Critical Reasoning: These questions provide a short passage and ask you to identify assumptions, strengthen or weaken arguments, identify main conclusions etc. You need strong analytical and comprehension skills for these. For example, a question may describe two managers debating an issue, and you need to identify what assumption underlies their argument.(https://iim-cat-questions-answers.2iim.com/LR_sequences/sequences1_1.shtml)
To prepare for logical reasoning on CAT, it is important to build your critical thinking skills by practicing different types of questions. Start with easier puzzles and syllogisms and then move to advanced critical reasoning passages. Mastering the basics and learning how to break down arguments analytically is key to scoring well in this section.
Verbal Ability
Verbal Ability is an important section of the CAT exam, covering topics like reading comprehension, paragraph jumbles, verbal logic, critical reasoning and more. According to the CAT exam syllabus, this section will have around 8-10 questions in the exam.
Reading Comprehension (RC) passages are the most common type of question in this section. You’ll be given an RC passage to read and then asked questions that test your understanding and ability to infer meaning from the passage. Mastering strategies for quickly comprehending RC passages is key. Practicing with daily RC articles can help improve your speed and accuracy (https://bodheeprep.com/cat-verbal-ability).
Paragraph jumbles test your ability to understand the logical flow of a paragraph. You’ll be given the sentences of a paragraph in a jumbled order and have to rearrange them correctly. Practicing paragraph jumbles and learning to identify the transitions between sentences is important prep for this question type.
Verbal logic questions like odd one out tests your ability to analyze relationships between words and identify the word that doesn’t fit the pattern. Strengthening your vocabulary and verbal reasoning is key to tackling this type of question.
Overall, thorough preparation and extensive practice with the various Verbal Ability question types seen on CAT is essential. Mastering reading comprehension through RC practice and improving verbal logic will help maximize your score in this section.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is an important part of the CAT exam, assessing a candidate’s command over the English language as well as their reading and comprehension skills. This section typically consists of 24 questions.
The VARC section tests a candidate’s vocabulary, grammar, and ability to understand written text. Some of the major topics covered in this section include:
- Reading Comprehension – Candidates have to read passages and answer questions based on their understanding.
- Para Jumbles – Sentences in a paragraph are jumbled and have to be arranged logically.
- Sentence Correction – Candidates must identify and correct grammatical errors in sentences.
- Fill in the Blanks – Candidates have to fill in blanks in sentences by choosing the most appropriate words.
- Vocabulary Usage – Knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases is tested.
To prepare for the VARC section, it is important for candidates to read extensively, refer to vocabulary books, solve previous CAT papers, and take mock tests. Regular practice is key to improving one’s verbal ability, reading speed, and comprehension skills for cracking this section.
Some useful tips to prepare for VARC include reading newspapers, magazines, novels, etc. to improve vocabulary and reading skills. Solving paragraph jumbles and verbal logic tests also helps. Candidates should brush up on basic grammar rules and learn to quickly grasp the context and tone of passages in mock tests under timed conditions.
Decision Making
Decision Making is an important section in the CAT exam that tests a candidate’s ability to analyze complex scenarios and make sound judgements. This section consists of situational judgment questions that describe a business situation and present a few alternative actions to choose from. Candidates need to evaluate all options and select the most appropriate course of action [1].
Some key aspects tested in Decision Making are: recognizing the main issues and objectives in a situation, evaluating the pros and cons of different choices, understanding the implications of each decision, and choosing the optimal solution considering multiple stakeholders and long-term impacts. Questions often involve business scenarios, management dilemmas, ethical considerations, and data analysis.
To succeed in this section, candidates should practice analyzing real-life case studies and business situations. It is important to consider both the quantitative and qualitative aspects while choosing the best course of action. Practicing a variety of Decision Making questions, especially from past CAT papers, can help improve speed and accuracy [2].
With good situational judgement and analytical thinking skills, candidates can effectively tackle the Decision Making section of CAT.
Previous CAT Papers
CAT previous year question papers are an important part of CAT exam preparation. Analyzing past CAT papers can help candidates understand the exam pattern, topics covered, difficulty level, weightage of topics and identify any changes in the pattern over the years.
Some key takeaways from analyzing previous CAT papers 1 are:
- Quantitative Ability section has become more calculation intensive over the years. Questions have moved away from being just ‘wordy’.
- Data Interpretation sets have become more challenging, requiring greater analytical skills and logical reasoning abilities.
- Logical Reasoning section has seen more inference based questions in recent years.
- VARC section has remained balanced but RC passages have become longer.
- Non-MCQ type questions like Type in the Answer (TITA) have been introduced in some sections.
By taking multiple previous year CAT papers, candidates can identify changing trends, weaker areas, improve time management and gain exam practice. Solving papers from the past 10 years at least once is highly recommended. Along with analysis, previous CAT papers are a valuable self-assessment tool.
Mock CATs
Taking full-length practice tests is one of the most important parts of preparing for the CAT exam. Mock CATs allow you to experience the actual exam format and simulate the real testing environment. Timed practice tests help you work on your test-taking strategies and time management skills. By reviewing your performance on mock tests, you can identify areas of weakness to focus your preparation on. Many top CAT coaching institutes and test prep platforms offer free CAT mock tests to help you benchmark your performance and track your progress.
It’s recommended to take mock CATs regularly throughout your preparation. Start by taking diagnostic tests in the beginning to establish your baseline scores. Then take periodic mock tests to check your improvement and modify your study plan accordingly. In the final weeks before the CAT, take at least 1-2 mocks per week under real test conditions. Analyzing these tests will give you a realistic assessment of your expected score range. The more mocks you take, the more familiar you’ll be with the exam format and the types of questions asked. This will help build your confidence for CAT exam day.
Conclusion
The CAT exam tests a wide range of skills including quantitative ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and verbal ability. Doing well requires thorough preparation and having effective strategies for maximizing performance on exam day.
On exam day, it is critical to get enough rest the night before and arrive early at the exam center with your admit card and ID. Avoid cramming at the last minute. Stay calm and focused, manage your time wisely, and apply the strategies you’ve practiced. If you don’t know an answer, don’t get stuck, simply move on.
Most importantly, thoroughly review CAT exam format, question types, and marking schemes. Take official mock tests to get comfortable with the actual exam. Analyze mistakes and continue honing your skills in your weakest areas in the final weeks. With rigorous preparation and an effective exam day approach, you can achieve your best CAT score.
For more tips, check out the following resources: [1], [2]