Which section of CAT 2025 carries the highest weightages?

4 min read

Sk Afroj

Content Writer | Updated on - Jul 8, 2025

Preparing for CAT 2025 requires a smart and structured approach to cover all three sections effectively. The exam tests your skills in Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). Knowing the topic-wise weightage is important as it helps you identify high-scoring areas and priorities during your preparation. For example, Arithmetic and Algebra hold significant weightage in QA, while Reading Comprehension dominates the VARC section. DILR tests your data interpretation, graph analysis, and logical reasoning abilities through various sets.

cat-top-weightage

The exam has both MCQ and TITA questions, with TITA questions having no negative marking, making them safer to attempt. Choosing the best books by authors like Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, Sarvesh Verma, and Norman Lewis will strengthen your preparation further. With the right resources, strategic planning, and continuous practice, scoring high in CAT 2025 becomes achievable.

CAT 2025 Topic-Wise Weightage

Understanding the topic-wise weightage of CAT 2025 helps you prepare smartly and focus more on the high-scoring areas. Some topics appear more frequently in the exam, making them important for your preparation strategy. Check the table below for detailed weightage:

Section	Topics	Total Questions	Approx. Weightage (%)
VARC	Reading Comprehension	16	66.67
VARC	Para Summary	3	12.5
VARC	Odd One Out	2	8.33
VARC	Fill in the Blanks	1	4.17
VARC	Missing Sentence	2	8.33
DILR	Games and Tournaments	5	22.73
DILR	Bar Graph (DI)	4	36.36
DILR	Candlestick Chart	2	18.18
QA	Algebra	8	36
QA	Arithmetic	9	41
QA	Geometry & Mensuration	3	14
QA	Number System	1	5
QA	Modern Maths	2	9

CAT 2025 VARC Topic-Wise Weightage

VARC section in CAT 2025 focuses on assessing your reading comprehension skills along with verbal reasoning abilities. Knowing the topic-wise weightage will help you plan your preparation effectively. Here is a clear breakdown of the important topics and their approximate weightage in the CAT VARC section.

VARC Topics	No. of Questions	Approx. Weightage (%)
Reading Comprehension Passages	16	68
Para Jumbles	3	12
Para Summary	3	12
Para Completion / Odd Sentences Out	2	8

CAT 2025 QA Topic-Wise Weightage

The Quantitative Aptitude section evaluates your knowledge of both basic and advanced maths concepts. Knowing how much weight each topic carries will help you prepare efficiently and prioritise important areas.

QA Topics	No. of Questions	Approx. Weightage (%)
Arithmetic	9	41
Algebra	7-8	32-36
Geometry & Mensuration	3-4	14-18
Modern Maths	1-2	5-9
Number System	1	5

CAT 2025 DILR Topic-Wise Weightage

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section in CAT 2025 will test your ability to handle puzzles, interpret data, and solve complex arrangements. Knowing the topic-wise weightage can help you plan and prioritise your preparation better. Here's a detailed look at the expected distribution of questions.

DILR Topics	No. of Questions
Graph Interpretation	5
Token Value Sets	5
Linear Arrangements	5
DI - Metro Lines	5
Diagram-based LR - Widget Supplies	5
LR - Salesmen + Companies	5
DI - Cosmetic Sales	5
DI - Revenue and Cost	5
Games and Tournament (4 People)	5
DI - Ratio-Based	5

CAT 2025 TITA vs. Non-TITA Weightage of Questions

CAT exam has two types of questions - MCQs (Non-TITA) and TITA (Type in the Answer) questions. TITA questions require you to type the answer directly and do not have negative marking, making them safer to attempt. Here is the detailed distribution of TITA and Non-TITA questions in each section for CAT 2025.

Section	Total Questions	Non-TITA (MCQs)	TITA
VARC	24	20	4
DILR	20	12-14	6-8
QA	22	15-16	6-7

CAT 2025 Topic-Wise Marks Distribution

CAT generally has around 66 to 68 questions, which are divided into three main sections. Each correct answer awards you 3 marks, while each wrong answer for MCQs leads to a deduction of 1 mark. TITA questions do not have negative markings, making them a safer choice. The table below provides a clear breakdown of marks distribution for CAT 2025.

Section	No. of Questions	Marks per Question	Total Marks
VARC	24	3	72
DILR	20	3	60
QA	22	3	66
Total	66	-	198

Best Books for CAT Preparation 2025

Choosing the right books is the first step towards cracking the CAT exam with a high percentile. Good books not only clear your concepts but also provide tricks, shortcuts, and ample practice questions to strengthen your preparation. Here are some of the best book recommendations for CAT 2025.

Book Title	Author
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT	Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Nishit Sinha
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT	Sarvesh Verma
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT	Meenakshi Upadhyay, Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT	Nishit K. Sinha
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal
Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis
High School English Grammar & Composition	Wren & Martin
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency	Ananta Ashish
CAT DILR Book	Gautam Puri
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary	Dr. Wilfred Funk, Norman Lewis
The Pearson Guide to VA & RC for CAT	Nishit Sinha

It is important to understand the topic-wise weightage to plan your preparation effectively and achieve a good score. Focus on high-weight topics first to maximize your overall score and build confidence before the exam.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: Yes, it is important to prepare for all topics, including low-weight ones. Sometimes questions from these areas are easier and can fetch quick marks, improving your overall score. Additionally, ignoring any topic entirely can be risky if the exam pattern changes slightly or if you need to attempt additional questions to clear sectional cut-offs.

Ans: Your daily study routine should cover at least two sections per day. For example, you can dedicate mornings to QA to solve difficult quantitative problems when your mind is fresh, and evenings to VARC or DILR for practice and revision. Include at least one hour daily for reading newspapers, editorials, or articles to strengthen VARC and general reading speed. Always keep 30 minutes before ending your study day to revise important formulas, vocabulary, or solved questions.

Ans: Ideally, you should take 25–30 full-length mock tests before the exam. Start with one mock test every two weeks in the initial phase, analyze it deeply, and focus on weak areas. As the exam approaches, increase the frequency to one mock every 2–3 days to build stamina, speed, and exam temperament.

Ans: Coaching is not mandatory but can be beneficial for structured guidance, disciplined preparation, and doubt clarification. Many toppers have cracked CAT through self-study by following the right books, online resources, mock tests, and disciplined planning. Assess your understanding and preparation of consistency before deciding on coaching.

Ans: Reducing exam stress requires a balanced approach. Maintain a proper study schedule with adequate breaks, ensure at least 7 hours of sleep daily, including light physical activity or meditation to keep your mind fresh, and avoid comparing your progress with others. Regularly solving mocks and analyzing them will build confidence and reduce fear of the unknown in the actual exam.

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