CAT Topic-Wise Weightage 2025: Section-Wise & Chapter-Wise Analysis for VARC, DILR, QA

CAT Exam Pattern 2025

The exam pattern for CAT 2025 remains the same as last year's CAT paper pattern. It will help the candidates to understand the CAT question paper structure and marking scheme.

NOTE: Sectional time limit for PwD category - 53 minutes and 20 seconds

CAT 2025 Marking Scheme

IIM Kozhikode will conduct the CAT exam on 30 November, 2025. The CAT 2025 exam will be conducted as a computer-based test with negative marking for each incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for non-MCQs.

• For each correct answer, three marks will be given.

• For each wrong answer, one mark will be deducted.

• For unanswered questions, no marks will be deducted. Also, there is no negative marking for non-MCQs.

CAT subject-wise weightage for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning is provided here.

• As per last year's CAT quantitative aptitude topic-wise weightage, Arithmetic Problems & Algebra covered about 65% of the section.

• According to the CAT DILR topic-wise weightage, the section provides equal weightage for DI and LR, with 2 sets each.

• In the CAT VARC section, the weightage of Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability is in the ratio of 2:1.

CAT 2025 Section-Wise Marks Distribution

The VARC section in the CAT exam evaluates students' language proficiency, reading comprehension skills, and verbal reasoning abilities. The QA section in CAT 2025 assesses students' mathematical and analytical skills. The CAT DILR section evaluates students' ability to analyse and interpret data, solve complex puzzles, and make logical decisions. Here you can see the expected CAT subject-wise weightage of VARC, QA, and DILR in the exam based on trends.

CAT 2024 Most Important Topics

Based on topic-wise weightage analysis and expert predictions, specific topics consistently dominate each CAT section and should be your preparation priority. The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the most Important topics across the VARC, DILR, and QA sections, along with their expected weightage, helping you allocate study time strategically for maximum score improvement in CAT 2025.

CAT 2024 Topicwise Weightage

The 2025 slot-wise analysis reveals slight variations in question distribution, with DILR maintaining an equal focus on the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning components, making historical trend analysis crucial for strategic CAT 2025 preparation.

CAT 2024 Slot 1

CAT 2024 Topicwise Weightage -Slot 1

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

CAT 2024 Slot 2 Analysis

CAT 2024 Topicwise Weightage -Slot 2

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

CAT 2024 Slot 3 Analysis

CAT 2024 Topicwise Weightage -Slot 3

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

CAT 2023 Slot 1 and Slot 2

CAT 2023 Slot 3 Analysis

CAT 2023 Topic Wise Weightage

Below, you can find the Topic-Wise Weightage for the CAT 2023 question paper. Candidates can divide their CAT 2025 exam preparation time accordingly.

CAT VARC Topic Wise Weightage

CAT QA Topic Wise Weightage

CAT DILR Topic Wise Weightage

Detailed Chapter-Wise Weightage Analysis (2020-2022)

The Common Admission Test (CAT) has seen variations in the topic-wise weightage over the years. However, some trends have remained relatively consistent. The CAT exam is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA).

The candidates must understand that all the questions from each slot of the CAT exam are considered while designing the analysis

CAT 2022 Topic-wise Weightage

Understanding the topic-wise weightage of CAT 2022 helps aspirants focus on the most important areas. This analysis reveals the distribution of questions across VARC, DILR, and QA

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading Comprehension: Dominates the VARC section with 48 questions, indicating that it's the most crucial part to focus on.

• Parajumbles: Has 10 questions, showing it’s an important area to practice.

• Para Completion: Includes six questions, suggesting moderate importance.

• Parasummary: Consists of 9 questions, which are also significant for preparation.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Reasoning-based DI: Major component with 28 questions, so prioritising this will be beneficial.

• Routes and Networks, Scatter Graphs, Bar Graphs, Table-based DI: Each has five questions, indicating a balanced distribution in these areas.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

• Number Systems: The most important in QA, with 12 questions.

• Average and Mixtures: Also significant with nine questions.

• Geometry: Includes seven questions, showing its importance.

• Ratio and Proportion: Moderately important with 6 questions.

• Equations and Functions: Each has four questions, so practice is needed.

• Time, Speed, and Distance: Includes five questions, also important.

• Simple Interest Sequence & Series, Time & Work, Maxima-Minima: Each has three questions, requiring a good understanding.

• Permutation and Combination, Profit and Loss, Mensuration: Each has two questions, indicating lesser but still notable importance.

• Application of Percentage, Logarithm and Surds, Inequalities, Set Theory: Each has 1 question, suggesting minimal focus but not to be ignored.

CAT 2021 Chapter-Wise Weightage

The CAT 2021 paper followed a pattern similar to previous years but had subtle shifts in topic distribution. Knowing the topic-wise weightage helps candidates refine their preparation approach and target high-weightage areas.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading Comprehension: This section had 47 questions, making it the most critical area to focus on.

• Parasummary: Included nine questions, indicating significant importance.

• Odd one out/Misfit Sentence: Had five questions, suggesting moderate focus.

• Parajumbles: Included 11 questions, showing it is also an important area.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Reasoning-based DI: Had 19 questions, indicating a major focus area.

• Table-based DI: Included 21 questions, making it a significant component.

• Bar Graphs: Had eight questions, showing moderate importance.

• Ordering and Sequencing: Included six questions, which are also important.

• Games and Tournaments: Had four questions, suggesting lesser but still notable importance.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

• Number Systems: Most important in QA, nine questions

• Percentage: Included six questions, showing significant focus.
  Equations, Averages and Mixtures, Mensuration, Time & Work: Each had five questions, making them important areas.

• Time, Speed, and Distance, Profit and Loss, and Geometry: Each had four questions, indicating moderate importance.

• Sequence & Series, Logarithm and Surds, Permutations and Combinations: Each had three questions, suggesting a good understanding was needed.

• Compound Interest and Inequality: Each had two questions, requiring less preparation but still necessary.

• Ratio and Proportion, Coordinate Geometry: Each had 1 question, indicating minimal focus needed but not to be ignored.

In summary, for CAT 2021, prioritise Reading Comprehension in VARC, Reasoning-based Data Interpretation (DI) and Table-based DI in DILR, and Number Systems in QA, while ensuring balanced preparation across other topics.

CAT 2020 Topic-Wise Weightage

The CAT 2020 exam followed a structured pattern with varying topic-wise weightage across sections. Understanding these trends helps in planning better for upcoming exams. You can also check the CAT VARC Syllabus download or get the CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude syllabus PDF for focused preparation

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Reading Comprehension: This section had 57 questions, making it the most critical area to focus on.

• Parajumbles and Parasummary: Each had eight questions, indicating significant importance.

• Odd one out/Misfit Sentence: Included seven questions, showing moderate importance.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Table-based DI: Major component with 28 questions, so prioritising this will be beneficial.

• Reasoning-based DI: Included 13 questions, making it a significant component.

• Logical Deductions and Connections, Reasoning, Ordering and Sequencing, Games and Tournaments: Each had six questions, suggesting a moderate focus.

• Venn Diagram: Had four questions, indicating lesser but still notable importance.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

• Number Systems: Most crucial in QA, with 17 questions.

• Time, Speed and Distance: Significant with 10 questions.

• Mensuration: Important with six questions.

• Mixture and Alligation, Exponents and Surds: Each section had five questions, indicating a need for good focus.

• Geometry, Proportions and Variations: Each had four questions, showing moderate importance.

• Equations: Included eight questions, making it a key area of focus.

• Interest, Profit and Loss, and Discount, as well as Coordinate Geometry: Each had three questions, suggesting that a good understanding is needed.

• Time and Work, Functions: Each had two questions, requiring less preparation but still necessary.

• Sequence & Series, Inequality Set Theory, Surds and Indices: Each had 1 question, indicating minimal focus needed but not to be ignored.

In summary, for CAT 2020, priority could be Reading Comprehension in VARC, Table-based DI in DILR, and Number Systems in QA, while ensuring balanced preparation across other topics.

CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude: Time Management Strategies

Scoring well in Quant depends as much on managing time as on mastering concepts. With a clear understanding of the CAT syllabus with topic weightage, you can allocate effort smartly. Analysing CAT topic-wise weightage 2025 helps prioritise high-value chapters and stay exam-ready. A strategic approach ensures balance between accuracy and speed throughout the section.

• Focus on high-weightage topics first, using insights from CAT 2025 topic-wise weightage. Prioritise Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry to maximise scoring potential with less effort.

• Create a balanced weekly study plan. Allocate more hours to topics that carry more weight inthe CAT topic-wise weightage 2025, and distribute others evenly to avoid last-minute panic.

• Track time spent per question while practising. Aim to solve most questions within 2 minutes and note which topics consume more time so you can adjust your prep schedule.

• Simulate exam conditions by taking timed mocks. Practise full Quant sections in 40-minute sessions to develop a sense of pacing and improve real-time decision-making.

• Revise formulas and shortcuts daily. Focus on those from high-weightage areas based on the CAT syllabus with topic weightage, and practise applying them under time pressure for better retention and speed

Important Formulas for CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude

Scoring high in CAT Quant requires accuracy, speed, and a solid understanding of key mathematical formulas. Formulas serve as shortcuts that reduce solving time and simplify complex problems. Reviewing them regularly helps avoid silly mistakes and builds problem-solving confidence.

Percentages:

• Percentage = (Value/Total Value) × 100

• % Change = [(New – Old)/Old] × 100

Profit & Loss:

• Profit = SP – CP, Loss = CP – SP

• Profit% = (Profit/CP) × 100

• SP = [(100 ± Profit or Loss)% of CP]

Simple Interest & Compound Interest:

• SI = (P × R × T)/100

• CI = P(1 + R/100)^T – P

Time, Speed & Distance:

• Speed = Distance/Time

• Average Speed = (2ab)/(a + b) when equal distance is covered at two speeds

Time & Work:

• Work = Rate × Time

• Efficiency is inversely proportional to time taken

Right Approach to Score 99 Percentile in CAT 2025

Mastering formulas is essential for solving CAT Quant questions quickly and accurately. A strong grip on the fundamentals helps you tackle both basic and advanced problems efficiently. Knowing the CAT syllabus with topic weightage allows you to focus on relevant formulas from high-yield areas. Combine formula revision with mock tests to sharpen speed and precision.

• Focus more time on formulas from important topics in CAT Quant/Verbal/LRDI by identifying the chapters that frequently appear and carry more weight in past papers.

• Organise your formula revision based on topic-wise distribution in CAT exam, such as grouping Algebra, Arithmetic, and Geometry separately to streamline your study.

• Assign specific time slots every day for formula recall practice. This daily repetition helps you reduce hesitation during problem-solving and improves your question-to-time ratio.

• While solving mocks, note the time taken on formula-based questions. Revisit slow-performing topics and rehearse their formulas under a timer to build fluency.

• Create a “last-minute formula sheet” and revise it weekly. Use it as a quick refresher, especially before mock tests or sectionals, to keep key formulas top of mind.

Best Books for CAT 2025 Preparation

When preparing for the CAT 2025 exam, having the right books as per CAT 2025 Syllabus is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the concepts tested in the exam. These CAT 2025 books are vital as they provide detailed explanations of topics. The books cover topics prescribed in the CAT DILR syllabus at both basic and advanced levels, which are crucial for mastering the Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning sections.

CAT 2025 Ebooks by Careers360

The CAT 2025 ebooks are a helpful resource that helps candidates prepare for the examination. These ebooks cover different sections of the subjects relevant to the examination. Candidates must use these ebooks and prepare for the examination accordingly. Refer to the table below to get the download links for the CAT ebooks 2025.