This article pens down the latest CAT Exam syllabus 2020. MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus for admission to the best MBA colleges is prescribed by IIM for CAT Syllabus for MBA. And it also includes all the vital and highlighted topics of VARC. DILR. And also QA mentioned in the CAT syllabus PDF.
CAT 2020 registration has started and the last date to apply is Sep 23 as mentioned in CAT syllabus PDF on the official website. In addition change in the CAT Syllabus for MBA has been announced for CAT 2020. However, a few changes have been introduced in the CAT exam pattern as mentioned in CAT Syllabus PDF and the exam date has been planned to be in Nov this year. Each of the CAT sections is vast and also requires dedicated prep.

CAT Exam Syllabus: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
VARC section is the initiating section of the CAT QP and is to be solved first. Firstly, the section is divided into two sub-parts, VA and RC. Secondly, the sectional time limit for VARC will be 40 minutes. In conclusion, take a look at important topics. So, some key points of this section are mentioned below.
- Fill ups
- VR & RC
- Sentence complete and correction
- Grammar and also Syllogisms
- Jumbled paragraphs
- Para Completion and also inference
- Contextual usage
- Foreign language words utilized in English
- Analogies
- Verbal Logic
- Same word, Different usage
- Idioms
- Synonyms/Antonyms
- One word substitution

Verbal Ability (VA): Key Points
- The number of ques asked range from 7-11
- Sectional weightage of this section is 7-11 %
- The sort of ques are all non-MCQs, which implies the candidates need to type within the answer (TITA)
- There isn’t any -ve marking in VA since the ques are the non-MCQ type
- Types of ques range from para-jumbles, out of context sentence in an exceedingly para, error correction vocab utilization, and sentence completion and also critical reasoning
Reading Comprehension (RC): Key Points
- No. of ques asked range from 24-28
- Sectional weightage of this section is 24-28 %
- The style of ques are all MCQs, hence there’s a -ve marking of -1
- RC section of CAT includes a mixture of RC passages, on a mean 4-3 long passages and 2-3 short passages
- Acc. to the trend of the last three years, long passages are of 900 word and short passages are of 600 words
- Topics of those RCs range from subjects such as science, environment, history, politics, society to abstract topics, mythology, and literature as mentioned in CAT Syllabus PDF.
What is Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension?
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension has 4 main components as mentioned in CAT Syllabus PDF.
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Verbal Reasoning
- Reading Comprehension
So, let’s take a short take a look at all of the one-by-one.
Vocabulary: This part consists of questions associated with sentence completion, fill within the blanks, one-word substitution, etc. if you have got an honest vocabulary further as basics clear, these are the keys to the current section. Book named ‘Word Power Made Easy’ is greatly recommended for building an honest reading habit and vocabulary.
Grammar: Ques like mistakes in one amongst the sentences or in a part of the sentence and word substitution are the foremost common Grammar ques in MBA entrance exams. Prepare grammar a bit like Maths. So, there’s no other way of acing ques supported English grammar but only by having conceptual clarity of the elemental rules.
MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus- VR and RC
Verbal Reasoning: This usually has ques on paragraph completion. PS, ranking, and also arrangement. So, it’s crucial to attain decent attention to language comprehension. Other ques types include the simplest SI in a given passage. So, together with good control of the language, there’s a desire for the practice of solving logic-based sample ques to get well during this sub-section of VARC.
Reading Comprehension: There isn’t any substitute for reading. So, to attain well in RC, you must be ready to read over 600 words passages in but a moment. this will happen provided that you read, read, and browse more. Because most MBA entrance exams are now conducted in online mode, therefore practice reading on the pc screen. Also, confirm you read on a spread of topics like politics, science, philosophy, economics, literature, ancient and also realistic topics like biography, geology, folklore, architecture, history, current affairs, art, psychology, or maybe abstract topics.
How to Inure for CAT VARC?
In a few years, the VARC section of CAT has evolved from being an English lang test to a usage test. Earlier, the vocabulary and grammar ques were straightforward. However, over the years it’s been seen that the stress has moved from testing the knowledge of English to the contextual understanding of the lang. Now, this section tests scholars on their understanding of the following:
- The nuances of the given word
- The subtleties of the given word (context/usage)
- Correct syntax, structure, and also the formation of sentences
- The complex idea identification presented within the paragraph
The preparation of CAT VARC requires time, dedication, and also discipline. the foremost crucial aspect of VARC preparation is building vocabulary and also improving English comprehension skills, which might be done by developing reading habits. So, the VA ques may be conquered by the adequate practice of sample ques and also mock tests
CAT Exam Syllabus: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Secondly, DILR is that the next section of CAT ques paper and is to be solved after the VARC section. This section is further divided into two sub-sections – firstly DI and secondly LR. The limit for DILR in CAT for 2020 is going to be 40 min. So, take a glance at important topics further as key points of this section. To know more, click here.
- Blood Relations
- Series
- Proposition
- Direction Sense
- Coding and also Decoding
- Assumptions
- Puzzles
- Clocks and also Calendars
- Statements
- Data Arrangement
- Family Tree
- Binary Logic
- Seating Arrangement
- Sets & Caselets
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagram
- Data Structures
- Tables and also Pie Charts
- Data Sufficiency
- Bars and also Line Graphs
CAT syllabus: Logical Reasoning (LR): Key Points
- No. of ques asked in LR is 16
- Sectional weightage of this section is 16 %
- LR contains both MCQ /Non-MCQ type ques
- No. s may vary
- There is-ve marking for MCQs
- There is no -ve marking for non-MCQs

Data Interpretation (DI): Key Points
- No. of ques asked in DI is16
- Sectional weightage of this section is 16%
- DI contains both MCQ / Non-MCQ type ques
- No.s may vary.
- There is -ve marking for MCQs
- There is no -ve marking for non-MCQs
MBA exam Syllabus: Tips to crack Logical Reasoning
- Firstly, try and visualize the matter or draw grids or tables and slot in conditions to assist you to solve the matter. this is often the most effective tech to resolve LR. So, just draw the figure first (Such as Geometry).
- Use the method of elimination lots while practicing CAT ques papers and mock tests; and also within the actual exam.
- Secondly, read the complete problem carefully. Because sometimes, the ques are worded in a tricky way, and also the clue is true there.
- Sometimes, it’s useful to determine the solution choices in these problems and really for the full DA section. But again, 3 out of 4 choices may be easily eliminated, and also the 4th must be the solution.
- Thirdly, in LR ques of the CAT exam, the calculations are always very elementary.
- Fourthly, the utmost importance for the reasoning section. The examiner can introduce a bit twist and therefore the ques becomes new irrespective of many existing principles. To know more, click here.
And check this article choose best CAT Coaching Institute for Preparation.
CAT Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude
QA is the last section of CAT ques paper and is to be solved within the last hour of the exam. So, take a glance at important topics similar to the key points of this section.
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Algebra
- Mensuration
- Partnership (Accounts)
- Profit & Loss
- Ratios and Proportion
- In-equations Quadratic and linear equations
- Surds and Indices
- Time-Speed-Distance
- Number System
- Geometric Progression
- Inequalities
- Work and alsoTime
- Percentages
- Logarithms
CAT Syllabus for MBA-Quantitative Aptitude (QA): Key Points
- No. of ques asked in QA is 34
- Sectional weightage of this section is 34%
- LR contains both MCQ /Non-MCQ type ques
- No. of ques
- Past trends suggest the quantity of MCQs in QA section range from 24-27 and non-MCQs range from 7-10
- There is -ve marking for MCQs
- There is no -ve marking for non-MCQs

How to Ace Quantitative Aptitude
As mentioned in CAT Syllabus for MBA, acing QA isn’t easy as it contains calculation-intensive and one should know to apply numerous formulae correctly. It even gets tuff to crack QA is that one needs to be an expert at applying the formula to derive the proper answer within seconds as you get limited time within the exam. Explore more click here.
So, divide your QA prep for MBA entrance exams in 3 phases.
CAT Syllabus PDF- Phases for QA
Phase I: Master the basics
Treat each QA individually and begin with understanding the fundamental concept. List out the formulae and also properties attached to every one among them. Because, it should not be possible to memorize all the formulae without delay, so specialize in the basics and app.
Hence, break down the steps and also simplify the method to know a matter. Use a heuristic program to simplify concepts. Or take help from video tutorials for MBA exam Syllabus.
For each QA topic, practice 50-60 sample ques to achieve a footing over them.
Phase II: Revise the formulas
Make a file for QA formulae. put off time twice in a very week to travel through the formulae. Don’t overexert yourself on memorizing each and each formula by memory in one go. So, just keep revising at an identical pace.
If some rough edges are still there, devote time to practicing sample ques. Hence, Use different methods of memorizing formula and develop mental calculation skills. Remember, Quants is all about theory and app.
Phase III: Master speed with accuracy
Thirdly, the final phase of QA prep is mastering what you’ve learned in phase I and II. In this phase, you need to learn how to solve higher difficulty level QA ques and with max speed and also accuracy. Of course, this is the best time to practice Mock Tests.
For a full-proof Quant prep, go for mock tests which have a variety of ques – from easy to tough, simple to tricky – and analyze each of your performance. So, a mock test is basically a dry run of the actual exam. Hence, it prepares you to solve 30-40 ques within a limited period with max accuracy.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that the article focuses mainly on MBA Entrance Exam Syllabus, contains CAT Syllabus PDF, tips to focus, and also study for each section of the CAT Syllabus for MBA. Mentions the key points essential in each section of the CAT Syllabus for MBA.
To summarize, The VARC section of the CAT syllabus enlists major subjects such as English grammar, VR, and reading comprehension. The QA section involves all the topics of Maths from Class 9 to Class 12 such as Arithmetic, Geometry, Trigonometry, and also Mensuration. The DILR syllabus involves topics that require AI of data such as puzzles, tables, and also bar graphs.
“When you have got eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however impossible, must be the reality.”
-Remember this quote from Sherlock Holmes
FAQ regarding CAT Syllabus 2020 – Latest CAT Exam Syllabus

The syllabus of CAT exam involves all crucial topics of VARC, DILR and also QA.
The CAT syllabus is exclusively prescribed by the exam conducting authority – IIMCAT.
Although CAT exam is overall tough , but over few years it has been seen that most test takers find VARC harder.
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Aptitude sections carry max marks of 102. Whereas the DILR section carries 96 marks.
The syllabus of CAT is similar to other MBA entrance exams as they too have VARC, DILR, and also QA but the difficulty level of CAT is more.
Editor’s Note | CAT Syllabus
Common Admission Test (CAT) could be a competitive exam and an important benchmark to live one’s capability and intellect for securing admission in top MBA management institutions. The test relies on ensuring candidates’ capability to handle Logical Reasoning and QA, VARC and, Data Interpretation. the present COVID-19 scenario is aggravating day by day, but institutions are making constant efforts to not let the studies be placed on hold. The pandemic has put our lives on hold. it’s surely affected the education sector. therefore the scholars face difficulties in studying and understanding of CAT syllabus.