
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.
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Table of Content
5.1 How to prepare for Geometry and metric?
5.2 How to Prepare for CAT Arithmetic?
| 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 |
|
| Key Subjects | Mathematical concepts such as algebra, probability, coordinate geometry, trigonometry, etc. |
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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| 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 |
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.
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 |
| 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.
| 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 |
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 |
| 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 |
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 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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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:
As per CAT experts and Toppers’ statement following common mistakes are usually made by candidates while attempting CAT aptitude test.
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 |
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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