Ready to kickstart your CAT preparation?

Well, then the first thing to do is have a complete knowledge of CAT 2022 syllabus.

So, read on to learn about the important topics that make up different sections of CAT exam.

CAT Syllabus 2022: General Analysis

Although there is no well-defined or official syllabus provided for CAT, the same can be outlined as per the pattern followed in the previous year papers. However, the exam structure has maintained consistency over the years. CAT consists of three sections, with objective(MCQs) and subjective (non-MCQs) questions. Itis considered one of the most challenging entrance exams.

CAT has seen variations in the number of questions several times. Last year, the exam comprised 66 questions and the same is expected in 2022. The following table shows the sectional breakup of CAT syllabus along with the marking scheme:

CAT Syllabus 2022: Section-wise Details

Every section of CAT features a mix of medium-level and difficult-level questions. While the focus of the exam has shifted from one set of topics to another, some of these have consistently made appearance. Here are the sectional details of CAT 2022 syllabus, along with a brief on the weightage of key topics:

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

VARC section includes questions that test your reading skills, understanding ability, vocabulary, and grammar. You need to prepare the following topics for this section:

• Reading Comprehension (RC)

Reading Comprehension contributes to nearly 70% weightage in this section. RC passages are taken from several areas of business, economics, science, psychology, current events, abstract themes, etc. Some of the passages are short (300-600 words), while others are long (700-900 words). RC questions are based on vocabulary, inference deduction, main idea, tone, and stated facts. Generally, there are 4 RC passages in CAT, with 4 questions each.

• Para-Summary

Par-Summary questions have one small passage (less than 100 words)each, and you are required to write one (non-MCQ)or select the best option (MCQ). The correct answer is the one that aligns with the theme and central idea of the passage. There are 2-4 questions asked from this area.

• Para-Jumbles

Para-jumbles are in the form ofa few sentences presently randomly. You have to arrange the sentences properly in an order that makes sense and gives a particular message or opinion. This part makes up 2-4 questions in VARC.

• Miscellaneous

The remaining questions are sentence completion/correction, odd-one-out, fill in the blanks, analogies, and critical reasoning-based topics.

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

One of the most complex segments of CAT syllabus, DILR comprises a nearly equal number of questions from Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning concepts. Given is a description of both the parts:

• Data Interpretation

DI sets have a set of information given in the form of tables, graphs, Venn diagrams, charts, and other visual representations. You are expected to understand the data and answer the related questions. Apparently, DI sets are quite time-consuming but if you utilize the right tricks and shortcuts, you can solve the related questions in less time.

CAT has 2-3 DI sets with 4-6 questions each.

• Logical Reasoning

LR part include sets as well as stand-alone questions. These are fetched from common concepts like sequences, arrangements, blood relations, syllogisms, etc. Some questions are amix of these concepts.

In CAT, there are 1-2 sets of LR with 4-6 questions each.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Quantitative Aptitude questions are from a variety of mathematical topics. Arithmetic-based topicsform the majority part of the section. Other topics of QA are: Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, and Modern Maths. The concepts from these areas are extended to commercial topics as well. You need to have good speed and learn all the required formulas to nail the section. So, ensure that you prepare the following topics for different areas of Quantitative Aptitude:

• Arithmetic

Arithmetic-based concepts are helpful in both QA and DI parts. These include topics like averages, percentages, ratio & proportion, TSD, profit & loss, simple & compound interest, time & work, and mixtures & allegations. Around 9-11 questions are asked from arithmetic.

• Algebra

In algebra, you will be required to form or solve equations, expressions or functions. These can be in the form of linear equations, quadratic equations, logarithms, complex numbers, sequences and series. 5-6 questions of QA are from algebra.

• Number System

Nearly 2-4 questions are from concepts of factorization, divisibility, surds and indices, unit digit, binomial theorem, etc.

• Geometry & Mensuration

There are also a few questions from topics likelines and angles, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry. Mensuration-based questions are asked from both 2D and 3D figures like triangles, circles, spheres, cubes, cuboids, cylinders, cones, etc.

• Modern Maths

Around 1-3 questions are from set theory, probability, and permutation & combination.

There is an on-screen calculator provided in CAT exam. However, it can only be used for basic operations and for the complicated ones, you should make use of shortcuts and approximation techniques.

How to Cover CAT Syllabus?

To prepare well for CAT, you should ideally follow three stages: 1. Concept Development, 2. Concept Revision, and 3. Complete Practice. So, you should begin by learning about the basic concepts of all important topics.

Once you have gained the necessary knowledge, you can start practising topic-wise tests. Alongside, strengthen your hold over the concepts with multiple revisions and thereafter, proceed to section-wise tests. This way, you also achieve confidence and improve your performance in different sections. While practising, remember to apply the related tricks.

Finally, take the full-length practice tests and mocks based on the latest pattern of CAT 2022. After every test, analyse your scores and identify where you did the best and where you couldn’t. Accordingly, you can try different strategies for different question types.

After all, as Dale Carnegie remarked,“Knowledge isn’t power until it is applied.”

Now that you are well-equipped with the complete CAT syllabus 2022, you can devise a study plan and preparation strategy that works best for you.