CAT Syllabus 2024: A Comprehensive Guide to CAT 2024 Syllabus

In the CAT (Common Admission Test) Syllabus 2024, there is no fixed syllabus released by IIM (Indian Institute of Management) and the CAT 2024 topics are vast. The CAT 2024 syllabus includes Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). The CAT exam syllabus set by the IIM is often considered one of the toughest among all MBA entrance exams. The IIMs are expected to conduct the CAT 2024 exam on 24 November 2024.

To start preparing for the  CAT 2024 exam, understand what is covered in the CAT 2024 syllabus. While there isn’t an official list from the IIMs, you can get an idea by looking at previous questions. The way CAT was structured in 2023 will most likely be similar in 2024.

Highlights of CAT 2024 

ParticularsDetails
CAT Exam Time Duration2 Hours 
Name of the SectionVerbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Section-Wise Timing40 Minutes 
CAT 2024 Exam ModeComputer-Based Mode (CBT)
CAT Exam Time Duration1st  Slot  – 8:30 am – 10:30 am 2nd Slot  – 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm 3rd  Slot – 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm 
Total Questions66 Questions
CAT Total Marks198 marks
Marking Scheme of CAT+3 will be given for every correct answer.-1 will be given for each incorrect answerNo negative marks for TITA (Type In The Answers) questions
CAT Official Websitehttps://iimcat.ac.in 

CAT 2024 Syllabus: Sectional Analysis

CAT 2024 Syllabus – VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

There is a 40-minute time limit for the VARC section. The Reading Comprehension component dominates accounting for around 67% of the total score for this area. The CAT VARC syllabus is divided into several sections which are given below:

  • Reading Comprehension 
  • Para Jumbles 
  • Para Completion
  • Para Summary
  • Odd Sentence

Also, concentrate on Vocabulary, Grammar and Reading comprehension techniques in VARC. Enhance your exam performance by working regularly to understand important concepts such as Subject-Verb Agreement, Articles, Prepositions and Modifiers.

CAT 2024 Syllabus – DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

The CAT exam’s Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section provides an evenly distributed selection of questions in both areas. Some questions are challenging and time-consuming because they are a mix of both sections. Students who want to do well in this section should make an effective strategy. Students who are skilled in the given below topics will be confident when answering any question:

  • Caselets
  • Tables
  • Venn diagrams
  • Seating Arrangements
  • Syllogisms
  • Bar graphs
  • Column graphs
  • Line charts 
  • Pie charts
  • Number And Letter Series
  • Calendars
  • Cubes, 
  • Clocks
  • Binary Logic
  • Logical Sequence
  • Logical Connectives
  • Blood Relations 

However, in recent years there have been slight adjustments made to the CAT DILR Section. The CAT questions used to be about either Data Interpretation (DI) or Logical Reasoning (LR) but now they combine both types in one question.

CAT 2024  Syllabus – QA (Quantitative Ability)

Quantitative Aptitude is a part of the CAT question paper and is included in the CAT 2024 syllabus. The CAT QA Syllabus is highly comprehensive because it covers everything related to mathematics that is studied in school. The following are some of the main topics covered in the CAT QA Syllabus:

Main TopicSub-Topics
Arithmetic


TSD (Time, Speed, Distance), Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations, Averages, Time and Work, Ratio and Proportion, as well as simple and compound interest.
Geometry & MensurationTriangles, Lines and Angles, Polygons, Circles, Solids (3D Geometry), Coordinate Geometry and Trigonometry
Modern MathProbability, Permutation, Set Theory and Combination 
Number SystemUnit Digit, Binomial Theorem, Divisibility,  Surds and Indices
AlgebraQuadratic Equations, Inequalities, Linear Equations,  Functions, Logarithm and Complex Numbers

CAT 2024 Syllabus – CAT Exam Pattern 

SectionsNo. of QuestionsNo. of TITA QuestionsMarksTime Limit
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)24 57240 minutes
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)2056040 minutes
Quantitative Ability (QA)2286640 minutes
Total66198120 minutes

Conclusion

The CAT 2024 syllabus concludes with complete coverage of VARC, DILR and QA. While the specific topics may change, the primary focus on language, vocabulary, problem-solving and mathematical ideas stays consistent. If the candidate prepares based on the syllabus and papers from previous years, there is a good chance of success.