CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2025: Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is the third section of the CAT 2025 exam. It is considered one of the most challenging sections. This section tests candidates’ mathematical and analytical abilities. The topics mainly include Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Maths. The CAT QA section will consist of 22 questions and requires accuracy and speed. Most questions are calculation-based and time consuming. Aspirants must focus on concept clarity and Practicing regularly. To prepare well, candidates can refer to books by Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, RS Aggarwal, and others. Good strategy and mental math skills can improve scores in this section. Continue reading this blog to know more about the CAT QA Syllabus 2025.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2025
The CAT QA Syllabus 2025 includes all major topics from Class 12 Mathematics. It focuses on problem-solving, logical thinking, and mathematical applications. The topics are mostly from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Maths. Understanding formulas and theorems is important. Regular practice will help in improving both accuracy and speed. Check out the following table for CAT Quantitative Syllabus 2025.
Topics | ||
Geometry | Surds and Indices | Square Root and Cube Root |
Ratios and Proportion | Percentages | Profit & Loss |
Inequalities | Mensuration | Geometric Progression |
Trigonometry | Time-Speed-Distance | Probability |
Quadratic and Linear Equations | Logarithms | Mean, Mode, Median |
Work and Time | Partnership | Binomial Theorem |
Algebra | Number System | Simple and Compound Interest |
Check CAT 2025 Syllabus
CAT QA Syllabus 2025 Topic-Wise Weightage
The CAT Quantitative Aptitude 2025 section comprises 22 questions, which are typically of moderate to high difficulty. Candidates must focus on Arithmetic and Algebra as they hold the highest weightage. Geometry and Modern Maths has fewer questions in CAT 2025 Exam. Knowing the weightage helps to prepare accordingly. Here's the expected topic-wise weightage for CAT Quantitative Aptitude:
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topics | No. of Questions | Level of Difficulty |
Arithmetic | 8-10 | Moderate to High |
Algebra | 5-7 | Moderate to High |
Geometry | 1-3 | Moderate to High |
Modern Maths | 2-4 | Moderate to High |
Overall | 22 | Moderate to High |
CAT QA Syllabus 2025 Important Topics
Some topics appear repeatedly in the CAT exam and are essential for scoring well. These include Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, Algebraic Equations, and Number Properties. These topics need conceptual understanding and regular revision.
Section | Topics |
Arithmetic | Averages, Mean Median Mode, Percentages, Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance |
Algebra | Basics Algebraic Formulae, Linear Equations, Problems on ages, Number of integer solutions, Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots, Maxima and Minima, Higher Degree Equations, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The Smallest Value in a Maximum Function |
Number System | Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple, Finding Out the Last Digit, Finding Out Last Two Digits, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Fermat’s Theorem, Euler’s Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson’s Theorem, Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition / Subtraction / Multiplication in different bases |
Geometry | Lines and Angles, Triangles – Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles, Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration – 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry |
Modern Maths | Sequence and Series, Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability |
Best Books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2025
Choosing the right books is crucial for CAT 2025 Preparation. Some books cover basics, while others offer advanced-level practice. NCERTs help build concepts. Arun Sharma’s book is ideal for all levels. RS Aggarwal and Sarvesh Verma’s books are great for practice.
Book Name | Author | USP |
NCERT Mathematics (Class 9-10) | NCERT | Best for basics and concept clarity |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma | Step-by-step guidance with different levels of difficulty |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | Abhijit Guha | Covers wide range of topics for multiple exams |
Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma | 4000+ questions, great for practice, easy explanation |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Sinha | Advanced questions with online mock tests |
Quantitative Aptitude | RS Aggarwal | Oldest reference book with 5500+ questions |
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Preparation Tips for CAT QA Syllabus 2025
CAT QA 2025 needs clarity of concepts and a lot of practice. Candidates should plan topic-wise and gradually increase difficulty level. Mock tests are very helpful for improving accuracy and speed.
- Understand the underlying principles and theorems of each topic in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Modern Maths.
- Pick up topics one by one, gain conceptual clarity, and then solve a few questions to ensure correct application.
- Start practicing full-length and sectional CAT mock tests only after completing the syllabus. This helps in understanding the exam pattern and identifying weak areas.
- Divide practice sessions into easy, moderate, and high difficulty levels. Begin with easier questions, then move to moderately difficult ones, and finally to the toughest problems.
- Time yourself while solving questions. Aim for 100% accuracy in the second attempt and then focus on both accuracy and speed in the third attempt for each question.
- Practice mental math regularly to save valuable time during the actual CAT exam for fast calculations.
Final Thoughts
Quantitative Aptitude in CAT 2025 can be tough, but with the right preparation, candidates can score well. Focus more on Arithmetic and Algebra as they carry the most weight. Start with basics, practice regularly, and take mock tests to assess the progress gradually. Use recommended books for concept building and solving tough problems. Stay consistent and confident during the CAT 2025 Preparation journey.