The CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus 2023 includes the major topics such as Mensuration, Geometry, Quadratic and Linear equations etc. A total of 26 quant questions are included in the question paper. Based on the previous years’ CAT papers, the students can check the syllabus, expected topics and their marks distribution, tips to prepare for the quant section.
Table of Contents
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2023: Overview
- Topics for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2023
- What is Quantitative Aptitude?
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2023: Expected No. of Expected Questions
- Best Books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2023
- Tips and Tricks to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2023
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2023: Overview
There is no set syllabus for the CAT 2023 Quantitative Aptitude section. Therefore, candidates find it hard to prepare for this section. An overview of the key highlights of the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus.
| Particulars | Details |
| Section Name | Quantitative Aptitude |
| Total Number of Questions | 26 |
| Type of Questions | MCQ and TITA (Non-MCQs) |
| Total Marks | 78 |
| Number of MCQs | 17-18 |
| Number of Non-MCQs | 6-7 |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes, 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD students |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for each correct answer-1 for each incorrect answer |
Topics for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2023
Though students will not find a predefined CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus, the list of topics after analyzing past years’ papers and trends is provided below:
| Percentages | Averages | Time and Work |
| Partnerships | LCM and HCF | Time, Speed, and Distance |
| Simple Interest | Compound Interest | Progressions and Series |
| Algebra | Trigonometry | Permutation and Combination |
| Profit, Loss, and Discount | Geometry | Ration, Proportion, and Variation |
| Mensuration | Complex Numbers | Coordinate Geometry |
| Set Theory and Function | Surds and Indices | Quadratic and Linear Equations |
| Number Systems | Probability | Mixtures and Alligations |
Note that the topics listed here are not the only ones required for the CAT exam. To excel in the quantitative section, candidates must have a solid understanding of broader topics related to the QA section.
What is Quantitative Aptitude?
Candidates are tested on their mathematical skill, accuracy, and speed in the Quantitative Aptitude section. CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus usually includes topics related to elementary mathematics.
Moreover, candidates must have a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts to solve the CAT QA section. In the CAT, the Quantitative Aptitude section is a separate section, so there is a separate sectional timing for answering these questions.
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2023: Expected No. of Expected Questions
As per the analysis of the previous years' CAT papers, it is expected that some of the topics will repeat in CAT 2023. Moreover, among the 26 questions in the quants section, there can be around 8 TITA (Non-MCQs) questions and 18 MCQ-based questions. The table below provides the list of expected topics with the number of questions.
| Topics | No. of Expected Questions |
| Arithmetic Questions | 9-11 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 6-8 |
| Algebra | 5-6 |
| Number System | 4-5 |
| Others | 2-3 |
Marks Distribution for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The marks distribution for different topics included in the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus is detailed below. Students can gain a better understanding of the high-weightage topics and prepare accordingly for the quant section.
| Topic | Expected Number in % |
| Geometry | 29% |
| Algebra | 24% |
| Arithmetic | 23% |
| Number System | 15% |
| Modern Maths | 9% |
Best Books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus 2023
Choosing the right book to prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus is very important. Candidates can refer to the following list of best books to prepare for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus:
| Book | Author |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| The Complete CAT Digest, by Tata McGraw-Hill | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha (Tata McGraw-Hill) |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams | Trishna Knowledge Systems (Pearson) |
Tips and Tricks to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
The quant section is very crucial in the CAT exams as it covers around 26 questions in the exam, which is a huge number. Therefore, to ace this section, one should have a smart preparation plan in place. Here are some of the strategies devised by experts and toppers to prepare for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section:
- Work on conceptual clarity: Students must be well-versed with the fundamentals of Quantitative Aptitude topics for effective preparation. Once basic concepts are clear, it will be easier to solve complex problems.
- Create a timetable: Analyse the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus and exam pattern. Find out the topics that you need to cover and allot the time required to prepare for each topic.
- Practice is the key: Numerical questions are tricky in nature and require consistent practice. Hence, it is important for aspirants to practice a wide variety of questions before appearing for the exam.
- Solve previous years papers and mock tests: Solving past years’ papers and mock tests is necessary to score well in the exam. Do not forget to practice within the sectional time limit for the QA portion. This will help you maintain speed and accuracy at the same time during the exam in the CAT exam centre.
- Concentrate on your weak areas: Identify your weak areas and practice different types of questions from such topics to improve your accuracy.
