How to use this CAT syllabus checklist
Treat the list as an organisational tool, not an official notice or a guarantee about a particular paper. CAT questions can combine concepts, and topic labels differ across books and coaching resources. Use previous papers and reliable practice material to understand how each concept is tested.
Section-wise CAT syllabus overview
QA
Quantitative Aptitude
Build speed and accuracy across arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Number System
- Modern Math
- Percentages
- Profit & Loss
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Quadratic Equations
- Logarithms
- Triangles
- Circles
- Permutation & Combination
- Probability
VARC
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
Strengthen comprehension, reasoning, and verbal structure.
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Para Summary
- Odd One Out
- Critical Reasoning
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
DILR
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Practice sets, arrangements, charts, and logical deduction.
- Arrangements
- Blood Relations
- Venn Diagrams
- Games & Tournaments
- Graphs & Charts
- Tables
- Caselets
- Coding Decoding
How to prioritise syllabus topics
Do not assign equal urgency to every topic. Start with the diagnostic evidence you have, the prerequisites needed for later topics, and the amount of reliable practice already completed. Revisit priorities after sectionals and mocks.
- Foundation gaps: concepts that block several related question types.
- Current weakness: topics with low accuracy, poor selection, or excessive time.
- Neglected sections: areas receiving little weekly practice despite needing improvement.
- Revision risk: previously strong topics that have not been practised recently.
Connect syllabus coverage to completed study
A static checklist shows what exists; a tracker shows what is happening. Link study sessions to topics, record practice accurately, and review the distribution of effort each week. This prevents the comfort of repeatedly studying one section while another remains untouched.
My CAT Prep starts with the topic groups shown here and lets you add custom topics when your preparation material uses a different structure.