What are the high-scoring topics in the CAT Quant section?

Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Modern Math are the high-scoring topics. These areas cover the majority of questions and offer a good balance of easy and moderate difficulty levels. Preparing these thoroughly can maximize your chances of securing higher marks.

How many questions are usually asked from Arithmetic in CAT Quant?

Around 8-10 questions in CAT Quant are generally from Arithmetic, making it the most significant topic for preparation. Since most questions are based on real-life applications, strong conceptual clarity helps in solving them quickly.

What proportion of CAT Quant questions come from Algebra and Geometry?

Algebra usually contributes about 5-7 questions, while Geometry and Mensuration account for around 4-6 questions in the Quant section. Together, these two areas can form nearly one-third of the section so consistent practice is important

Are all Quant questions multiple-choice?

No. The Quant section has both MCQs (with negative marking) and TITA (Type in the Answer) questions, where you need to enter the answer without options and no negative marking applies. Attempting TITA questions wisely can improve your overall score without risking penalties.

Has there been any recent change in the CAT Quant syllabus or question pattern?

The CAT Quant syllabus has remained largely unchanged in recent years. However, the weightage across topics may vary slightly each year depending on the exam.

High-Scoring Topics in Quant Section of CAT 2025

The High-scoring Topics in Quant Section of CAT 2025 are Arithmetic, Algebra, Mensuration and geometry, number systems, probability and permutations and combinations. You shall get questions from these sections every year and thus must be mandatorily practiced by everyone.

Table of Contents

CAT Quant Section High Scoring Topics List
Common Quant Topics in CAT
Common Quant Sub-topics in CAT
How to Prepare for Quant Section in CAT Exam?
Conclusion

High scoring topics in the Quant Section of CAT are Arithmetic percentages, profit and loss, time and work, averages, mixtures and Algebra, primarily. Other important topics include Geometry and Mensuration and Modern Maths concepts such as Permutation and Combination, Probability and Logarithms. By focusing on the topics which have the greatest impact, you can make your preparation more efficient.

Organized concentration helps in assisting the development of accuracy and speed in areas that have the highest probability to increase your overall score. In the following sections, you will be reading the breakdown of the important topics for CAT QUANT, how to score high in CAT Quant and the strategy and tools that can help you to be better prepared for CAT 2025.

If you are preparing for the CAT exam, increasing your score in the Quantitative Ability (Quant) section can result in a big difference in your overall performance. The Quant section of CAT 2025 consists of 22 questions that have to be answered within 40 minutes.

CAT Quant Section High Scoring Topics List

As soon as you start preparing for the Quantitative Ability (QA) section of CAT you must know what is a good score in CAT Quant section and the important topics of the section as well. This strategy will assist you to have an accurate balance of time and at the same time be more time efficient as you have 40 minutes to answer the whole section.

CAT Quant Topic	No. of Questions	Weightage (%)	Expected Difficulty Level	Common Question Types
Arithmetic	8-10	35-40%	Easy to Moderate	Percentages, Ratios, Averages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed-Distance
Algebra	6-8	20-25%	Moderate to High	Quadratic/Linear Equations, Inequalities, Sequences (AP, GP), Logarithms, Functions
Number System	2-3	6-7%	Moderate to High	Divisibility, Remainders, Factors, LCM-HCF, Base Systems, Last Digit Problems
Modern Math	2-4	7-10%	Moderate to Tough	Arrangements, Selections, Probability of Events, Venn Diagrams, Set Operations
Data Interpretation within QA	2-3	5-6%	Moderate	Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Data Comparison, Ratio-based DI Problems
Geometry	3-5	13-14%	Moderate to Difficult	Triangles, Circle Theorems, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, Angle Properties
Mensuration	2-4	5-7%	Moderate	Areas of 2D Figures, Volumes of Solids, Surface Area, Pipes & Cistern Problems
Trigonometry	1-3	2-4%	Moderate to High	Trigonometric Ratios, Identities, Heights & Distances, Angle of Elevation/Depression
Calculus	1-2	2-3%	High	Functions, Differentiation Basics, Maxima & Minima, Function Behavior

Also Check:

Common Quant Topics in CAT

It is worth knowing before you practice which of the subjects in the Quantitative Ability section will yield you the highest return on your effort. You must go through the CAT exam pattern of the Quant section shared below to get a clear understanding.

CAT 2025 Important Quant Topic	Expected Number of Questions	Topic Details
Arithmetic	8-10	practical & real-life based; common Qs from percentages,simple interest, compound interest, profit and loss, averages, ratio and proportion, time-work efficiency, speed-distance-time cases; quick & high scoring with formula mastery.
Algebra	6-8	common Qs: quadratic/linear equations, AP-GP progressions, inequalities, logarithmic simplifications, functional values; requires logical reasoning + formula application
Number System	2-3	common Qs: divisibility, remainder theorems, factorization, cyclicity of digits, LCM-HCF, base systems, last digit problems; needs strong fundamentals in modular arithmetic
Modern Math	2-4	common Qs: arrangements, permutation and combination, probability, selections, probability trees, event distribution, Venn diagrams; visualization & formula-based practice makes this scoring
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (Quant Mix)	2-3	common Qs: bar graphs, tables, line charts, ratio/percentage-based puzzles; tests interpretation speed; extension of arithmetic with logical reasoning.
Geometry	3-5	common Qs: properties of triangles, circle theorems, polygons, Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Coordinate Geometry, coordinate equations; requires visual clarity & theorem application
Mensuration	2-4	common Qs: (Areas, Volumes, Surface Areas, 2D shapes (rectangles, triangles, circles), 3D volumes (cylinder, cone, sphere), pipes & cisterns; formula-heavy but scoring with drills
Trigonometry	1-3	common Qs: trigonometric ratios, identities, angles of elevation & depression, coordinate-trigonometry overlaps; requires diagram-based problem-solving
Calculus	1-2	common Qs: function behavior, slope, maxima-minima, differentiation basics; rare but useful if you’re aiming 99+ percentile

Read More:

Common Quant Sub-topics in CAT

There are various sub topics as well in the Quant section of the CAT exam syllabus. You can find the topics and their details in the table below.

CAT Quant Sub-topic	Details
Coordinate Geometry	Covers lines, slopes, distance between points, section formula and equations of circles and parabolas; questions often test your ability to visualize graphs and solve geometrical problems algebraically.
Mensuration	Involves calculation of areas, volumes and surface areas of 2D and 3D figures. Frequently tested shapes include cubes, cuboids, cones, spheres and cylinders.
LCM & HCF	Tests number properties and divisibility rules; questions usually require finding LCM/HCF of numbers or applying them in problems related to ratios and fractions
Set Theory & Functions	Includes Venn diagrams, union, intersection, complements and types of functions; often used in logical distribution-based questions
Probability	Covers basic probability rules, conditional probability, Bayes’ theorem and expected values; questions generally involve dice, cards, coins, as well as arrangements
Quadratic and Linear Equations	Involves solving equations, roots, discriminants and forming equations from conditions; questions can mix with algebra along with geometry
Complex Numbers	Focuses on representation of complex numbers, conjugates, modulus-argument form and basic operations; mostly medium-to-hard questions
Algebra	Includes inequalities, expressions, identities and simplifications; often overlaps with quadratic equations and progressions
Progressions & Series	Covers Arithmetic Progression (AP), Geometric Progression (GP) and Harmonic Progression (HP); questions involve nth term, sum of terms and applications
Number System Shortcuts for CAT	Includes divisibility, remainders, cyclicity of numbers, last digit problems and properties of integers; highly useful for saving time
Circles	Questions involve tangents, chords, secants and circle properties in geometry; often combined with coordinate geometry
Relative Speed	Covers problems on trains, boats-streams, races and moving objects; requires speed-distance-time basics with logical application
Harmonic Progression	Involves reciprocals of AP and its applications; questions are often linked with algebra and progressions
Weighted Average	Tests mixtures, alligations and averages with varying weights; quite common in data interpretation and arithmetic
Derangement	Involves arrangement of objects where none appears in its original position; a tricky but occasionally asked permutation topic
Application of Power Cycle	Needs solving higher power equations using cyclicity and patterns of powers of numbers
Properties of Ratio	Covers ratio simplification, properties and application in real-life word problems; often overlaps with proportions and averages
Escalator Questions for CAT	Time-speed-distance based questions where escalators move along with or against a person; to test conceptual clarity in relative speed

How to Prepare for Quant Section in CAT Exam?

Here are a few tips on how to prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude for CAT 2025 for your reference:

1. Solidify your Basics First- Your preparation must start with basics. Prioritize Arithmetic and Algebra as they carry maximum weightage. Clear concepts such as percentages, ratios, averages, equations and progressions first before proceeding with advanced topics. Don't go full throttle-practice step by step to develop conceptual clarity. Working through NCERT Mathematics from Class 8 to 10 can prove to be very useful in reviving basics.

2. Build Formula Fluency and Shortcuts- The Quant section is all about quick calculations within a limited time. Have a formula sheet with basic identities, equations and shortcut methods. Revise them periodically so you can recall them without a second thought during practice and exams. Techniques such as approximation techniques, elimination techniques and mental working techniques can save seconds.

3. Practice a Wide Variety of Problems- Do not limit yourself to known question types only. Practice new problems on a regular basis, as CAT is likely to test applications and not rote memory. Daily or weekly practice regime helps you make steady progress through the whole Quant syllabus. The broader your practice, the better you will be positioned to cope with the exam.

4. Solve Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests- CAT is as much a test of temperament as it is about preparation. Solving CAT previous year papers provides you with an insight into question pattern, difficulty level and typical question areas. Additionally, sectional and full-length mocks prepare you for time management in exam conditions. After each test, review your performance in order to determine strengths and weaknesses.

5. Monitor Progress and Revise Regularly - CAT 2025 Quant section preparation is incomplete without self-revision and self-testing. Keep a diary of errors and review it every week to prevent repeating the same. Keep revising formulas, shortcuts and problem-solving techniques regularly to reinforce memory. Plan a realistic study calendar with milestones and monitor progress by comparing scores in CAT exam mock tests from time to time.

You Shall Find This Useful for CAT 2025:

Conclusion

The Quantitative Aptitude in CAT test might appear to be a tough section but with a targeted approach it can be a high scoring section. Topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Modern Math tend to have high weightage and can fetch you easy marks provided that your basics are strong enough. Simultaneously, practising questions on Number System and Data Interpretation-based quant sets will make the preparation more balanced.

The trick is to practice regularly, work on the speed to improve accuracy and reduce common errors through frequent practice of mock tests. Discipline and intelligent planning will help you to ace the CAT 2025 Quant section and attain an excellent percentile in CAT.