CAT - Pattern | Preperation | Tips | Institutes | Interview | MBA India

One reason for which CAT is considered to be the most difficult entrance exam for MBA in India is that there is no set syllabus for this test. IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) have been changing the type of questions and weigh- age allotted to different concepts since the time this test was first conducted.

Essentially, questions appearing in CAT can be broadly classified into four sections which are listed as follows:

Quantitative Ability
Data Interpretation
Logical Reasoning
Verbal Ability

Now, I will list the important topics, beyond which questions are not likely to appear in CAT. Questions so far have never appeared in CAT exam beyond the list of topics mentioned below but it does not mean that questions cannot come beyond them; I'm only stating that they are most likely to appear from the mentioned topics only.

Syllabus for Quantitative Ability:
It is correctly stated that for clearing a B-School test such as CAT, one must be able to play with numbers. Almost 50% of the questions under this category come from topics like - Number Systems, LCM and HCF, Functions, Inequalities, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Averages, Profit and Loss, Progressions and Percentages.

Other important topics which constitute a significant portion under this category are - Geometry, Co-ordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Speed, Time and Distance, Time and Work, Ratio and Proportion, Mixtures and Allegations and Logarithm.

Some other topics which hold comparatively a smaller portion of the CAT test, from this category are - Interest (Simple and Compound), Complex Numbers, Binomial Theorem, Surd and Indices, Permutation and Combination, Probability and Set Theory.

Syllabus for Data Interpretation:
The aim of the questions appearing under this category is to analyze how well a candidate can deal with different arrangement of data. The questions coming in this category generally appear from the topics like - Tables, Column graphs, Bar Graphs, Line charts, Pie Charts and Venn Diagrams.

To perform well in the questions from this category, one must have a good calculation speed so it is highly advisable to the aspirants, to have a good hold over tables and squares and cubes of important numbers.

Syllabus for Logical Reasoning:
This can be stated as the easiest as well as the toughest of all categories of questions appearing in CAT test. Cracking questions coming from this category will be easily attempted by some candidates while for others it might be a tough nut to crack. The questions under this category range from - Number and Letter Series, Calendars, Clocks, Cube-Cutting, Binary Logic, Seating Arrangement, Logical Sequence, Logical Matching, Logical Connectives, Syllogism and Blood Relations.

Syllabus for Verbal Ability:
To perform well in this section an applicant has to work on three areas - Vocabulary, Grammar and Verbal Reasoning. Most question coming under this category are in forms such as - Vocabulary Based (Synonyms Antonyms), English Usage or Grammar, Sentence Correction, Fill in the blanks, Reading Comprehension, Analogies or Reverse Analogies, Jumbled Paragraph, Meaning-Usage Match, Summary Questions, Verbal Reasoning, Critical Reasoning, Facts / Inferences / Judgments and Reading Comprehension.

Performing well in CAT is a relief to every single candidate. But, wake up my friend, battle is not yet over. CAT score is just a short-listing measure of the premier B-Schools in India.

Having performed well in CAT is not all you need; you rather have to perform equally well in Group Discussion and Personal Interview of the institutes you get shortlisted for.

A typical B-School Group Discussion and Personal Interview would require you to be aware of the current economic and political scenario of India and the world as well. You must also have a good knowledge of the domain you have done your graduation from with in-depth knowledge of at least two subjects from your graduation.

I would also suggest you to go through the pages of some latest year book to make sure that you are aware of the recent events.

At last and most importantly in a B-School interview you are required to know yourself. The interview panel always expects the candidate to know and understand himself if nothing else.