The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s premier computer-based management entrance examination. Used primarily for admissions to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and hundreds of other top-tier B-schools, the exam evaluates candidates on quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and verbal skills.

Exam Structure & Pattern

Total Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours) total, divided strictly into 3 timed sections.

Sectional Time Limit: 40 minutes per section. You cannot switch between sections during the test.

Total Questions: Typically around 68 questions.

Question Types: Includes Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in the Answer (TITA) questions where you must type your numerical answer using an onscreen keyboard.

Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect MCQs. No negative marking for TITA questions.

Section-Wise Syllabus Breakdown

1. Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Reading Comprehension (RC): Requires reading long passages (roughly 600 words) from various domains (economics, philosophy, science) and answering logic and inference questions.

Verbal Ability: Includes Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd Sentence Out questions to test your logical flow and structural understanding.

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Data Interpretation (DI): Tests your ability to read and interpret data from Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, and Data Caselets.Logical Reasoning (LR): Covers puzzles, seating arrangements (linear and circular), blood relations, games & tournaments, and Venn diagrams.

3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA) Arithmetic: The most highly weighted area, including percentages, ratios, profit and loss, time-speed-distance, and time-work.

Algebra: Focuses on equations, functions, logarithms, and progressions.

Geometry & Modern Math: Includes Mensuration, circles, triangles, permutations, and probability. 

Key Note-Making Strategies for Success

CAT preparation spans many months, making organized, conceptual notes highly critical for success.

  Formula & Shortcut Notebook: Maintain a dedicated repository of fundamental mathematical formulas, shortcut calculations, and reasoning grids.

  Mistake Log: Track every mock test error, noting whether it was due to a flawed concept, a calculation error, or a misread question.

  Reading Annotations: Practice making brief notes while reading RC passages to help track the author's primary arguments and overall tone.

  Vocab Lists: Build a daily habit of noting high-frequency words and their contextual usage for VARC.