How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude (QA) for CAT? Preparation Tips (Topic-Wise), Syllabus, Reference Books | CollegeSearch

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How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT? Preparation Tips (Topic-Wise), Syllabus, Reference Books

Exam

Prachi Bhatia

Updated on 22nd September, 2023 , 7 min read

The Master of Business Administration degree is one of the most sought-after post-graduate degrees in the country. Every year, thousands of MBA candidates take the CAT exam in the hopes of getting into one of the top business schools. The test, as we all know, is one of the most difficult competitive admission examinations, and you must cover all bases in order to get a high percentile.

According to the current CAT exam structure, you will have 120 minutes to answer 66 questions from three sections. You will get all the knowledge you want in this article below to create an effective CAT study plan and ace the QA part.

What is Quantitative Aptitude?

Quantitative ability/ aptitude is required in various tests throughout the world, including the CAT. In general, QA is a method of evaluating a person's quantitative, analytical, logical, cognitive, and other skills/abilities. As a result, it is a key portion of the CAT admission test.

The QA CAT syllabus largely assesses a candidate's mathematics, problem-solving, and numerical abilities. The subjects listed below will help you obtain a better idea of what is covered in the CAT quantitative ability syllabus.

Syllabus of Quantitative Aptitude

There is no specific curriculum or specified guideline offered by the organizers for any of the CAT sections. This leaves candidates confused about how to proceed with their CAT preparation. However, while the CAT curriculum isn't set in stone, there are a number of repeating subjects and sub-topics that you must study. To begin, consider the overall paper pattern for this segment in the table below:

Sectional Time Allotment

40 minutes

Time Allotment for SC/ST/PwD

53 minutes and 20 seconds

Total Number Of Questions

22

Marking Scheme

+3 marks per correct answer

-1 (negative marking) for every incorrect answer

Topics of Quantitative Ability

Simply said, the QA component of the exam will assess your understanding of a variety of mathematical concepts and their applications. This section is organized into the following general subjects, each of which has several sub-topics:

  • Geometry & Mensuration
  • Trigonometry
  • Allegations and Mixtures
  • Number System
  • Modern Maths
  • Arithmetic Topics
  • Algebra Topics

These are the primary topics discussed in the section; the table below provides a more detailed breakdown of these and their sub-topics.

Topics of CAT Syllabus - Quantitative Aptitude

Coordinate Geometry

Quadratic and Linear Equations

Mensuration

LCM & HCF

Progressions and Series

Remainder Concepts

Points, Lines, and Planes

Set theory & Function

Arithmetic Progression

Polygons

Probability

Complex Numbers

Number System

Speed, Time, and Distance

Ratio, Proportion & Variation

Profit & Loss, and Discount

Averages

Trigonometry

Number System Shortcut for CAT

Shortcuts in Averages

Quantitative Aptitude Questions

Quantitative Aptitude Shortcut Techniques for CAT

Remainder Concepts

Power Cycle

Relatives Speed

Factorials

Circles

Geometry

Algebra

LCM and HCF

Percentages

Ratio and Proportion

Angles

Bar Graph

Permutation and Combination

Simple & Compound Interest

Weighted Average

Quadrilaterals

Graphical Division Geometry

Geometric Progression

Complex Numbers

Surds and Indices

Mixtures and Allegations

Inequalities

Applications of Averages

Triangles and Similar Triangles

Harmonic Progressions

Derangement

Laws in Set Theory

Properties of Ratio

Application of Power Cycle

Conditional probability

Constant Product Rule

Direction Sense

Boats and Streams for CAT

Escalator Questions for CAT

The difficulty level of questions varies each section/sub-section, although the average sectional difficulty level ranges from moderate to high. Now that you're familiar with most of the important topics that comprise the QA portion of the test, as well as the level of difficulty, let's look at how you may best prepare for and answer QA questions in CAT.

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude?

Some candidates, particularly those with non-mathematical backgrounds, find it exceedingly difficult to prepare for quants. So, in this part, we will assist you in developing a quant preparation plan. The procedures and quantitative aptitude guidelines listed here can assist you in your CAT preparation journey. Examine them out below

Prepare a Time Table

It makes no difference how much study time you have if you don't use it effectively. This is especially true for candidates who have a limited amount of time to study for the next major exam. So the first step is to create a well-structured and specified timetable.

Make smaller time periods out of the overall number of days you have, and establish goals for each. For example, you may create weekly schedules, assign a certain amount of hours to QA preparation, and pick which subjects to cover in that period. Make careful you stay to the schedule.

Always Commence With the Basics

It is recommended to start with the fundamental ideas before moving on to more complicated subjects. You won't be able to manage the more complicated ideas until you understand the basic ones clearly. So make a list of subjects that range from easy to challenging.

Understand your strengths and weaknesses

Since it is essential to devote extra time to working on your shortcomings when it comes to CAT preparation, you must have heard this advice from many former CAT toppers. Giving a few practice exams can help you identify your strengths and limitations. Once you are aware of this, concentrate more on improving your understanding of the concepts related to your weak areas. To maintain your level of preparation, keep answering at least 1-3 questions from subjects in which you are knowledgeable.

Learn the formulas, then memorize them

A significant part of the quants section involves formulas. But avoid the error of trying to remember them without comprehending the process or reasoning involved. Understanding a problem's whole solution process logically and applying precise formulae would not only hasten your learning process but also make you more intuitive throughout the exam.

Analyze your performance by taking sectional mock exams

Once you've mastered all of the material in this area, begin practicing by taking sectional CAT mock examinations. After taking the tests, review the answers and evaluate your performance. You may also use internet tools that offer video answers to a variety of CAT questions and themes. The goal of this study is to evaluate your performance on a regular basis and adjust your CAT preparation approach as needed.

Practice and revise more

It is impossible to overstate the value of practice and correction. If you want to do successfully, you must consistently put in preparatory time and effort. Once you have studied every quant subtopic and taken several practice exams, keep studying. Keep returning to concepts and formulae and improving them. To stay on track in your preparation, practice often by completing sample papers, previous papers, etc.

Let's look at a few brief preparation tips and methods (topic wise) that will offer you a competitive advantage.

CAT Preparation Division of QA Syllabus

According to the quantity of questions from each area in the CAT test, candidates can split the syllabus into sections. We have categorized the CAT curriculum into key areas, subtopics, and the anticipated number of questions from each topic based on the questions answered in past years.

Important Topics

Sub Topics

Expected number of Question In CAT Exam

Arithmetic + Algebra

Numbers

Simple & Compound Interest

Ratio

Time-Work

Mixtures

Averages

Partnership

Percentage

Profit & Loss

Proportionality

Time-Distance

10-11 + 5-6

Modern Mathematics

Probability

Set Theory

Progression and Series

Permutation and Combinations,

2-3

Geometry & Trigonometry

Co-ordinate Geometry

Line, Angles, Triangles, Quadrilaterals

Height and Distance

Basic Trigonometry

Polygon, Circles, Ares, Volume,

3-4

CAT QA Preparation - Topic Wise

Students usually are unclear of how to effectively prepare for the QA component of the CAT test due to a lack of clarity in the syllabus regarding the disciplines included in the Quantitative Aptitude syllabus. However, an examination of past year's exams indicated that each year, almost 10-12 questions from the fields of Numbers and Geometry & Mensuration account up the majority of the overall number of questions.

How to Prepare for Arithmetic?

  • Arithmetic is a key component of Quant preparation and a jump-starter. A significant amount of mathematics supports the preparation for data interpretation. 
  • Percentages, profit and loss, SI & CI, ratios, mixtures, averages, speed, time, distance, races, pipes, cisterns, and time work are some of the topics covered in arithmetic.
  • The order in which arithmetic subjects are covered makes life easier since its ideas are built upon one another. 
  • For instance: Simple interest is a rise in percentage, whereas compound interest is an increase in percentage over time. This is how one should approach subjects in arithmetic

How to prepare for the Number System?

  • Numerous questions in the CAT are related to the broad topic of number systems. 
  • Number Systems covers a wide range of subjects, including Factors and Multiples, HCF and LCM, Factorials, Base Systems, Remainders, and Other topics.
  • There are no special methods, tricks, or shortcuts needed to solve problems in number theory.
  • One only has to comprehend the fundamental concepts, such as factors, multiples, etc.
  • Understand every guideline, and practice your questions frequently.

How to prepare for Geometry?

  • There are around 6–8 problems in the CAT on geometry, along with trigonometry, mensuration, and co-geometry.
  • The greatest method to comprehend how forms function is to study concepts from theorems, which is one big area of geometry where fundamental concepts definitely affect the whole learning process. 
  • One can better grasp certain concepts in geometry by visualizing them, asking oneself probing questions, and providing evidence for them. 
  • From a starting point, a student advances to coordinate geometry, trigonometry, and 3D geometry. 
  • The key to answering any Geometry question on the CAT exam is understanding which concept to apply.

How to prepare for Algebra?

After Arithmetic, CAT Algebra is the second-most important subject.

  • Working with variables, the x's and y's, and other mathematical concepts must be mastered in order to succeed in CAT Algebra. 
  • Linear & Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions, and Algebraic Expressions to Polynomials are the subjects covered in CAT Algebra.
  • Although algebra is a fascinating subject that should be prepared for with enjoyment, students often find themselves unsure of where to begin.

Know More About: CAT Preparation Tips

Also Read: How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT?

Best Books for Preparation

There are two main ways to prepare for any exam: either alone or with the aid of coaching facilities. Many candidates also choose the hybrid option, in which they use self-study for the remaining portions and offline/online tutoring for certain of the requirements. Regardless of the technique you select, it is essential to investigate a wide range of study resources, such as books, question banks, online videos, and more.

Listed below are a few of the best books for preparation in Quantitative Aptitude

  • How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT – Sarvesh Verma
  • Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT - Nishit Sinha

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ideal CAT preparation time for Quantitative ability?

There is no set period of time for excelling in QA. To prepare for the CAT quant, the applicant needs to do a good preparation, consult books and study materials.

How can I improve my CAT quant score?

Working on answering questions quickly and thoroughly studying the exam material are the keys to raising your CAT quant score.

What is the difficulty level of quant in CAT?

The CAT’s Quant portion is challenging and hard as well. Candidates can perform well in this area if they use the right strategies.

How to score 100 marks in QA?

Creating a solid study plan is important if you want to receive 100 percent on your QA exam. For this, you must be aware of the relative importance of each issue and concentrate more on those that are given more weight.

Is Arun Sharma good for CAT Quantitative Aptitude?

The CAT Quantitative Aptitude study guide by Arun Sharma is excellent. The examples provided in this book are very illustrative and simple to comprehend. Three difficulty levels are assigned to the book to assist you in organizing your study time.

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