All you need to know about the CAT syllabus 2022

Almost every student and management aspirant has heard of the CAT. However, beyond awe and sometimes a little dread, there is scant knowledge of the actual syllabus involved or even the technique to study it. The CAT is a highly competitive examination with nearly 2 lakh students appearing for the exam every year. Hence, before you begin preparing for the examination, it is imperative that you gain a proper understanding of the CAT syllabus and pattern.

Here is a complete guide on everything you need to know about the CAT exam from marking scheme, pattern, syllabus, and more. Dig in!

Important updates for CAT 2022

Duration of the CAT exam	120 minutes (2 hours)
Mode of exam	Computer-based
Total number of questions	66
Total score	198
Question type	Both MCQ and non-MCQ
Marking scheme	1. For every right answer, +3 will be awarded 2. For every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted 3. No negative marks for non-MCQs

Different sections in the CAT exam

CAT Sections	MCQs	TITA	Total Number of Questions	Marks	Duration
VARC	19	5	24	72	40 minutes
DILR	14	6	20	60	40 minutes
QA	14	8	22	66	40 minutes
Total	47	19	66	198	120 minutes

What are TITA questions?

TITA stands for Type In The Answer. These questions require examinees to enter their answers in the space provided. There is no alternative for such questions and there is no negative marking for wrong answers.

CAT 2022 syllabus in detail

The CAT syllabus is extensive and covers a wide range of topics in each section. Following are all topics covered in each section of the exam as well as the weightage of each section.

1. Data Interpretation

Data interpretation covers all the facets which tend to rely on calculations based on multiple variables which are usually represented diagrammatically. Thus data interpretation covers the following topics –

• Tables
• Pie Charts
• Bars
• Line graphs
• Data sufficiency
• Caselets

The CAT syllabus stresses the multiple interpretations and inferences of data that an individual can glean off of the above-mentioned sections. The key to acing the data interpretation section is to diligently practice for a couple of hours each day. You don’t need to be brilliant and you don’t need to be gifted. You just need to be persistent and diligent. 

Weightage in the exam – 16%

2. Logical Reasoning

The CAT exam syllabus for logical reasoning is quite vast and requires a deep understanding of concepts. Logical reasoning tends to test the skill for correct reasoning and arguments that an individual possesses. The subtopics within logical reasoning are –

• Proposition
• Data Structures
• Assumptions
• Family Tree
• Statements
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense
• Puzzles and Series
• Venn Diagram
• Data Arrangement
• Syllogism
• Seatin Arrangement
• Coding-Decoding
• Binary Logic
• Clocks & Calendars
• Sets

It is imperative that you completely understand the problem type and how to get to its solution before you move on. Besides, if you are to move on and think you will come to that particular problem afterward, chances are that it will affect your comprehension skills for the next set of problems within logical reasoning. Gaining an understanding of a problem is simply a study in perseverance. You may think you are being judged for asking the same thing again and again, but it is far better for your CAT scores if you do. 

Weightage in the exam – 16%

3. Verbal Ability

Verbal ability in the CAT Exam Syllabus consists of 3 elements namely –

• English Grammar
• Verbal Reasoning
• Vocabulary

The CAT syllabus uses these facets of the  English language simply to gauge your verbal and reading comprehension levels. Breaking these subjects into their basics and then moving forward with them is the key to success in the verbal ability section of the CAT examination. They don’t want a Shakespeare or Chaucer, they simply want to know whether you can UNDERSTAND someone like Shakespeare or Chaucer. 

Weightage in the exam – 10%

4. Reading Comprehension 

Reading comprehension just consists of&well&.reading comprehension. This is one skill that can only be developed through, you guessed it, reading. This is also linked with verbal communication, a must if you wish to crack the interview for a prestigious MBA college that succeeds the CAT examination. The only way to improve this skill is to develop a reading habit which you must practice each day.

Start with reading something that is easy and interesting for you and keep scaling up your efforts. A good rule of thumb is that if you can easily understand the passages in Adam Smith’s famous book, “Wealth of Nations”, then you will be successful in cracking the reading comprehension section of the CAT syllabus. 

Weightage in the exam – 24%

5. Quantitative Ability

The quantitative ability section is the most diverse and the one that will require a little more effort than any other section in the exam (simply due to its sheer size). The topics you need to study for this section are –

• Averages
• Number System
• Partnership (Accounts)
• Work and Time
• Time-Speed-Distance
• HCF & LCM
• Surds and Indices
• Geometry
• In-equations Quadratic and linear equations
• Trigonometry
• Geometric Progression
• Mensuration
• Percentages
• Ratios and Proportion
• Algebra
• Inequalities
• Profit & Loss
• Logarithms
• Mean Mode Median
• Permutation and Combination
• Probability
• Binomial Theorem
• Simple Interest and Compound Interest
• Square Roots and Cube Roots

Remember that problems of aptitude, cognition, and inference (which is what quantitative ability essentially is) are best solved in groups. And considering the near-infinite number of problems that can be generated, it is always beneficial to have more than one mind to think over them. Thus, you can sit with other CAT aspirants to solve and understand problem statements in all the sections of the CAT exam syllabus. 

Weightage in the exam – 34%

Last thoughts

The CAT exam syllabus can be quite fun to prepare. You will learn how strong you can make your mind, you will learn about teamwork, and that learning is awesome! Don’t be intimidated or discouraged. Keep your goal in mind and work each day to make it happen. And finally, on the day of your CAT exam for which you will prepare diligently for over a year or two, remember&Carpe Diem!

Key Takeaways 

• Understand the CAT syllabus and create a study plan to imporve your weak points.
• The key to cracking the CAT exam is to practice each day, every day. 
• Approach the CAT syllabus respectfully, know and understand how each sum you solve and each passage you comprehend will assist you beyond the examinations. 
• Never skip something you do not understand, keep at it till you do. Trust your mind and your perseverance. 
• Robert the Bruce won Scotland after 18 failed attempts, you can win CAT after a few attempts too

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FAQS

Q1. Are there negative markings in the CAT examinations?

Answer – Yes, there is. But it should not make you hesitant while choosing an option, rather it aims at ensuring you are sure of your choice. As a rule of thumb, unless you are guessing, the negative marking won’t affect you.

Q2. How much time should I spend preparing for the CAT exams?

Answer – Usually, it takes applicants about two years to successfully pass the exam. But there are individuals who crack it in less than a year. Therefore, it really depends on how you strategize your studies and the time and effort you put in.

Q3. Are CAT coaching classes worth it?

Answer – It never hurts to have someone assist you in creating a discipline for your studies. However, it all comes down to you and your efforts and not the coaching class.