CAT 2024 Syllabus Breakdown: Key Topics, Latest Updates, and Preparation Tips

One of the most competitive exams for admission to the top Indian Institutes of Management, popularly known as IIMs, and some other prestigious business schools in the country is the Common Admission Test. With CAT 2024 ahead, it becomes very important to be aware of the syllabus, recent updates, and how to prepare for it. Through this paper, an attempt will be made to cover all the contents prescribed in the CAT 2024 syllabus , answer common queries, and update the aspirants on news related to this examination, while drawing lessons from the past years' question papers.

Summary of CAT 2024 Syllabus

The CAT 2024 syllabus comprises three broad categories, as mentioned herein:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
• Quantitative Ability.?

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Verbal Ability:

-> Grammar:

Knowing the rules of Grammar and its application—tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence correction.

-> Sentence Correction:

Identifying grammatical errors and correcting them.

-> Para Jumbles:

Given a group of sentences, arrange them in a paragraph that conveys meaning.

-> Sentence Completion:

Completes the given sentences such that they hold the context and grammar.

-> Critical Reasoning:

Evaluate the argument and its assumptions and conclusion.

Reading Comprehension:

-> Passage Comprehension:

Answer questions based on passages; this would include finding the main idea, the author's tone, and details.

-> Inference-based Questions:

Drawing inferences from the given passages.

-> Vocabulary:

Know the meaning of words and phrases in context.

2. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

-> Data Interpretation:

Tables: Analyzing data given in tabular form.

-> Graphs:

Interpreting information from a bar, line, pie chart, etc.

-> Data Sufficiency:

Whether the given data is sufficient to answer certain questions.

Logical Reasoning:

-> Sequencing and Scheduling:

How to sequence or schedule events that have to be arranged in a sequence or schedule.

-> Blood Relations:

Understanding of relationships between people by given information.

-> Puzzles:

Solving complex problems using given conditions and constraints.

-> Data Arrangements:

The rearrangement of data in a logical sequence using the given rules.

3. Quantitative Ability (QA)

Arithmetic: Questions on percentages, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, ratios, and proportions come under this.

-> Algebra:

Graphs of equations, inequalities, and functions.

-> Geometry:

Questions related to shapes—congruence and similarity, areas, volumes, and coordinate geometry.

-> Number Systems:

Operations on different numbers, their divisibility, and properties.

-> Mensuration:

Areas and volumes of various kinds of shapes.

-> Statistics:

Central tendency (mean, median, mode) and dispersion (variance, standard deviation).

Latest Questions and Answers

1. What is the CAT 2024 pattern?

The pattern for CAT 2024 would remain the same as earlier. There will be three sections in the test—VARC, DILR, and QA. Each of the time frames for a section will be 40 minutes, and the time for the whole test will be 120 minutes. It would also include a computer-based test with MCQs and non-MCQs.

2. Has the CAT 2024 syllabus changed vis-à-vis previous years?

Not many changes have been made to the CAT 2024 syllabus compared to previous years. It still retains the VARC, DILR, and QA sections, and it is meant to test problem-solving and analytical skills.

3. How can I access previous CAT question papers?

Previous CAT question papers can be obtained from the CAT official website, coaching centers, and online education portals. This facilitates familiarization with the trend of the examination and the different types of questions asked.

4. Best Resource for CAT 2024 Preparation

Some of the best resources are:

-> Books:

"How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Arun Sharma, "Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT" by Meenakshi Upadhyay, and "Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT" by Nishit K. Sinha.

-> Online Courses:

Preparation courses for CAT are offered by Hitbullseye.

-> Mock Tests:

Practicing the mock test continuously will help to know the pattern and speed up with accuracy.

News Update on CAT Syllabus

1. Exam Date and Format Changes

There have been no changes in CAT, 2024 Exam dates and format as per the recent updates. It is expected to be held in the last week of November 2024.

2. Addition of New Test Centers

More centers will be added across different locations for the conduction of CAT 2024 to accommodate more no. of candidates. This is to create less travel hassle and have better accessibility.

3. Improved Digital Security Measures

CAT 2024 would add enhanced digital security measures that guarantee exam integrity and security rights from biometric verification to secure online test-taking environments.

Previous Years' Important Questions

Important Questions from Previous Years

1. Quantitative Ability

• Question: Solve the equation x2+5x+6=0x^2 + 5x + 6 = 0x2+5x+6=0. What are the roots?
• Answer: The roots of the equation are x=?2x = -2x=?2 and x=?3x = -3x=?3.

2. Data Interpretation

• Question: A company’s revenue for the past five years was represented as follows in a bar graph. Calculate the percentage increase in revenue from Year 1 to Year 5.
• Answer: Calculate the difference between Year 5 and Year 1 revenues, divide by Year 1 revenue, and multiply by 100 to find the percentage increase.

3. Logical Reasoning

• Question: There are five people sitting in a row. A is to the immediate right of B, and C is to the left of D but to the right of E. Determine the seating arrangement.
• Answer: The arrangement can be deduced as E, C, D, A, B.

4. Verbal Ability

• Question: Identify the grammatical error in the following sentence: "Each of the students have completed their assignments."
• Answer: The correct sentence should be: "Each of the students has completed their assignments."

Conclusion

CAT 2024 preparation will be a lot based on syllabus understanding, continuous practice, and keeping updates about any revisions or changes. Candidates should have focused on the three main areas: VARC, DILR, and QA, with proper resources to help themselves perform better. Solving previous years' question papers and regular mock test taking gives definite advantages in terms of familiarity with the exam pattern and performance improvement.

Staying updated with the latest news and updates regarding CAT 2024 will also keep you prepared for any new changes that may be brought out. All the best for your preparation!