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Sanghamitra Deb

Content Writer | Updated On - Nov 28, 2025

The CAT's Quantitative Aptitude section is regarded as being challenging and requires additional preparation. Aspirants must note that CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus is not prescribed by the exam conducting body therefore all the candidates are advised to revise all the Class 10 to 12 math topics. For CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation, aspirants should concentrate on key subjects like arithmetic, number systems, algebra, modern math, geometry, logarithms, and mensuration. 

  • There will be 24 questions on the CAT exam paper this year, just like last year. Since the exam format has stayed relatively consistent for the past ten years, there is no doubt that Quantitative Aptitude will be the last section of the CAT 2025 question paper.
  • Based on CAT Quant Paper Analysis of the previous year, the paper was of moderate difficulty level with some direct and concept-based questions. Check CAT Paper Analysis
  • CAT books to prepare for the CAT QA section are How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma and NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10). 
  • One of the most common mistakes to avoid while preparing for CAT Quant is that candidates take too long to solve one question. Avoid that and prepare accordingly.

Also Check:

CAT Quantitative Aptitude: Highlights

Particulars Details
The number of questions for QA 22
Time Allowed Overall 40 min
Question Types: Multiple Choice 14
Answer questions by typing your responses. 8
Marking System
  • +3 for a correct response
  • -1 for an incorrect response
  • No negative marking for typing responses.
Key Subjects Mathematical concepts such as algebra, probability, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, etc.

Hourly Time Table for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation

Candidates can check the hourly timetable prepared for the convenience of the students in below table:

Session No. Topic Time (Hours)
Session 1 Averages + Factors and Multiples 2 + 3
Session 2 Percentages + Remainders 2 + 2.5
Session 3 Profit & Loss + Number Theory - Miscellaneous 2 + 2.5
Session 4 Linear & Quadratic Equations + Number Theory - Different 2 + 2.5
Session 5 Ratio Proportion + Combinatorics - Basics 2.5 + 3
Session 6 Mixtures + Combinatorics - Probability 1.5 + 2
Session 7 Speed, Time & Distance + Combinatorics - Tougher Concepts 2.5 + 2
Session 8 Races + Set Theory 1.5 + 2
Session 9 Pipes & Cisterns + Other Topics 2 + As per requirement
Session 10 Simple & Compound Interest + Other Topics 2 + As per requirement
Total 20 + 20.5

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CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation: Daily Strategy

  • Basic knowledge is important: Both a speed test and a skill-based test are combined in the CAT. Therefore, it's critical to increase problem-solving and calculation speed. The various strategies can be examined at this stage to determine which ones are effective for the candidate and which ones to avoid.
  • Practice Questions: Use the NCERT books from Class 10 to 12 to practice the levels of questions to advance your preparation after you have established the fundamentals correctly. Because of this, selecting a reference book is no longer a problem. Work on improving your speed through these books before moving on to more difficult material.
  • Increase in Difficulty: After completing the fundamental preparation, questions at the intermediate level should be attempted. At this level, the concepts should be understandable, so maintaining a high level of accuracy should be the main priority. To further clarify the concepts, solving quickly at first can be sacrificed. The practice of speeding up should, however, resume in earnest once the concepts are understood.
  • Mock Exam Preparation: The candidate should take part in as many mock exams as possible in the last step. The candidate will be able to recognize his areas of strength and weakness by taking mock exams, which will also provide them with a goal to work toward. The weaknesses must be strengthened to the greatest extent possible, depending on how much time is left before the exam.

CAT QA Syllabus

Topics Chapters The anticipated number of CAT questions that are anticipated
Arithmetic Data, percentages, profit and loss, interest rates, ratios, and proportionality Time-Work, Time-Distance, Combinations, Averages, and Partnership 13 to 14
Algebra Maxima-Minima, Inequalities, Quadratic Equations, Differential Equations, Logarithm, Functions, Finding the root, number of integers, Vector 5 to 8
Advance Mathematics Probability, Set Theory, Permutations and Combinations, Progression, and Series 4 to 5
Geometry Line, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals, Polygons, Circles, Ares, Volume, Height, and Distance Geometry of Coordinates, Simple Trigonometry 5 to 8

Topic-wise CAT QA Preparation

Due to a lack of clarity in the syllabus regarding the subjects covered in the Quantitative Aptitude syllabus, students are frequently unsure of how to best prepare for the QA section of the CAT exam. However, an analysis of the papers from the previous year revealed that every year, almost 10–12 questions each from the subjects of Numbers and Geometry & Mensuration make up the majority of the total number of questions.

How to prepare for Geometry and metric?

Numerous students find this section challenging because of the extensive number of geometry and measurement formulae. Solving these problems could be very time-consuming without the formulas and the tricks. The below table shows the pointers to remember for preparation for the Quantitative Aptitude for CAT (QA) section:

Important Topics Preparation Tips
Trigonometry, Mensuration, and Co-Geometry 6-8 questions can be solved if you remember the angles, shapes, theorems, etc. 
Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry Can be solved if you know which particular theorem or idea could be applied to these questions

How to Prepare for CAT Arithmetic?

  • Solving arithmetic questions with 100% will help you to score high marks in CAT.
  • Important topics that you need to focus on from this section are mentioned in the table below:
Important Topic Preparation Tip
Percentages Do not use a calculator while solving questions on percentages
Profit and Loss Increase your speed to solve PL questions as they are easy and direct questions
SI & CI Always remember that SI is a percentage increase and CI is the successive percentage increase
Ratios & Mixtures Tricky questions
Averages, Speed, Time, Distance Formulas to be revised again and again 
Races, Pipes Cisterns & Time work These topics require regular practice

It can be challenging to remember all of the different theorems in geometry, which makes it challenging to answer some of these questions. When the correct theorem is known, certain questions can be answered in under a minute as opposed to several minutes using more traditional methods.

How to Prepare for CAT Arithmetic?

  • Solving arithmetic questions with 100% will help you to score high marks in CAT.
  • Important topics that you need to focus on from this section are mentioned in the table below:
Important Topic Preparation Tip
Percentages Do not use a calculator while solving questions on percentages
Profit and Loss Increase your speed to solve PL questions as they are easy and direct questions
SI & CI Always remember that SI is a percentage increase and CI is the successive percentage increase
Ratios & Mixtures Tricky questions
Averages, Speed, Time, Distance Formulas to be revised again and again 
Races, Pipes Cisterns & Time work These topics require regular practice

How to Prepare for the CAT Number System?

Number Systems is a vast topic and contributes around 1-3 questions in CAT. There are a range of topics under Number Systems - and Miscellaneous topics.

Important Topics Preparation Tips
Factors and Multiples Understand the basics to solve these questions
HCF and LCM Learn the shortcut tips and tricks
Factorials, Base Systems, Remainders Solve maximum number of questions

How to Prepare for CAT Algebra?

  • CAT Algebra is a vital topic and in this topic, you need to deal with variables like x’s, y’s, etc. 
  • Do not get confused and devote 2 hours to this topic. 
Important Topics Preparation Tips
Linear & Quadratic Equations Solve maximum number of questions to get familiar with equations
Inequalities Learn the tricks to solve these questions
Functions, Progressions Understand which method can be used to solve the questions before approaching

Preparing for the CAT with QA: Sequence & Series

The three fundamental concepts of arithmetic progression, geometric progression, and harmonic progression are covered by the topics of sequence and series. Alligations and mixture are two examples of topics that can be used as stand-alone questions or in combination with other topics, though the latter is extremely uncommon.

Trigonometry QA Practice for CAT

Trigonometry is a supporting subject that is utilized in geometry, time, speed, and distance calculations as well as on its own. Every CAT student should be familiar with the fundamental trigonometry formulas because they are frequently used.

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CAT QA Preparation: Important Instructions

The secret to performing well on the CAT exam isn't how much a candidate knows, but rather how much he can apply within the time allotted and under the restrictions of sectional partitions. Among the issues to be addressed are:

  • Practice each chapter individually: There is a difference between being able to solve a problem and doing so without effort. There should be 10–14 questions that are easy to moderately difficult, depending on the test's level of difficulty. An aspirant could breeze through the questions by practicing the simple to moderate questions from all the chapters.
  • Short Methods and Group Studies: In a test that is still in progress, nothing gives a candidate more confidence than a question that he can answer without picking up his pen. The score rises with the number of such questions. This can be accomplished by developing mental calculation skills and talking with a focused study group about novel approaches. Utilizing options to find the right answer is frequently necessary.

Common Mistakes to avoid in CAT QA Section

As per CAT experts and Toppers’ statement following common mistakes are usually made by candidates while attempting CAT aptitude test.

  • Do not attach to any question for more than 1.5 minutes – If one cannot understand where and how to start after reading the question for more than once, quickly give it a shot without spending more than 90 seconds on it. The point is not to get entangled in the question and lose track of your time.
  • Not able to identify strength and weak areas –Aspirants should need to identify key strength topics that contribute the maximum towards one’s score and build a habit of solving those topics first. However, starting 40 minutes of the allotted time should be spent on hunting and striking down easy-medium questions to boost one’s score and confidence early in the test.
  • Keep the performances of sections independent of each other Candidates who check that Quant is not coming in the not the first section that appears on the screen please remain calm and composed and one should not be worried. Start the section with a fresh mind without feeling too nervous about the previous performance.
  • Double-checking:  while solving the question it is a good habit to double check the calculation. When one has decided his formula and approach, just before he inserts the numbers from the question statement, verify the substitutions. This will reduce the chances of any silly mistakes that one might commit during the steps. Double check where one can.
  • Not able to decide when it is the right time to leave the question? – It is a positive sign if candidates can early identify when to give up and move on to the next question. This might hurt ONE’s sentiment and ego a bit, but it is definitely not worse than leaving questions un-attempted towards the end. Also, do not get emotionally invested in a question: there is always another one waiting for him.

Which Book is Best for CAT Quantitative Aptitude?

Here are a few books to help you along the way for candidates who wish to study independently or who need additional reading material to solidify their understanding of the QA section for the CAT:

Name of the Book Name of the Author
NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10) NCERT
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Sarvesh Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations Abhijit Guha
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Nishit Sinha

Topper Tips for CAT QA Preparation

  • Rahul Manglik who obtained 100 percentile in CAT 2019, said that, “I learnt some Vedic math tricks to speed up my calculations. I think that that extra speed helped me gain an edge over and above the normal preparation.”
  • Rishikesh Manchanda advises CAT aspirants to make the concepts strong as the concept of a Quant topic matters a lot. 
  • Soumyajeet Ghosh 2018 toppers says – “QA section demands a lot of practice and to save time for practicing more, one should adopt all small and simple tactics to increase his practice and reduce his errors.”
  • Ankit Desai got 99.91 percentile in CAT 2019, he shared his experience to handle Quant section, Ankit says- I was weak in Geometry and Numbers. So, first I revised all the formulas and wrote them down. After that, I solved around 50 questions more on these topics to understand the concepts better.

CAT Quantitative Aptitude FAQs

Ques. How can I study independently to get ready for the quantitative aptitude test?

Ans: In order to prepare for the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT by self-study, one should consult expert-recommended books as well as sample papers, mock exams, and practice questions. The books will aid in conceptual understanding, while the practice questions will assist in understanding how those concepts should be applied to various kinds of questions.

Ques. Can I use Arun Sharma for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section?

Ans: Arun Sharma's book is excellent reading material for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude. The examples provided in this book are very illustrative and simple to comprehend. The book is divided into three difficulty levels to assist you in organizing your study time.

Ques. How difficult is the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section?

Ans: The Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT typically has calculation-heavy questions and is of a moderate to high difficulty level. The best strategy for dealing with this section is to select the questions to answer that fall within your expertise and call for quick calculations.

Ques. What can I do to raise my QA score?

Ans: Aiming for accuracy rather than speed is important. To increase your efficiency and accuracy, resolve each sample question several times. Any attempt you make on the CAT exam must be successful. As a result, look over the entire section and rank the questions according to your strengths and weaknesses. Start by solving the problems you are most confident in, then move on to the others.

Ques. What are the best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?

Ans: Arun Sharma's How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT, Abhijit Guha's Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations, Nishit Sinha's Quantitative Aptitude for CAT, and Sarvesh Sharma's Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT are some of the best books for preparing for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

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