CAT 2025 QA Syllabus – Complete Topic-Wise Breakdown, PYQ Examples & Question Bank Access

Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is often the make-or-break section in CAT. For many aspirants, especially non-engineers, it can feel intimidating. But once you break the syllabus into clear categories and practice with actual CAT Previous Year Questions (PYQs), QA becomes highly predictable.

This blog gives you a complete topic-wise CAT 2025 QA syllabus, supported with real CAT 2023 & 2024 PYQs, examples of what is and isn’t tested, and direct access to the FundaMakers QA Question Bank – a free, authentic repository of past CAT questions in MCQ format with solutions.

CAT QA Syllabus Overview

The CAT QA syllabus is not officially released by IIMs, but based on past 10+ years of PYQs, the recurring themes are:

1. Arithmetic – Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, Ratio, Mixtures, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work
   
2. Algebra – Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions, Logarithms
   
3. Geometry & Mensuration – Lines, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Solids
   
4. Modern Math – Permutation & Combination, Probability, Set Theory
   

Together, these form the complete CAT QA umbrella. Pure trigonometry, calculus, and higher mathematics do not appear.

Topic – wise weightage overview

🔗 Explore topic-wise QA PYQs with solutions here:

FundaMakers CAT Question Bank – Quantitative Aptitude

Examples of Actual QA PYQs (2023 & 2024)

Arithmetic – Profit & Loss (CAT 2024)

A shopkeeper mixes two commodities and sells the mixture at a 20% overall profit. Find the cost price of the mixture.

• Why it matters: Profit-Loss & Mixtures are recurring in CAT, usually moderate difficulty.
  
• Practice here: CAT Percentages & Profit-Loss PYQs
  

Arithmetic – Averages & Alligations (CAT 2023)

Average age of a class increases by 1 year when a student is replaced. Find the new student’s age.

• Why it matters: Averages & Alligation are classic CAT favorites.
  
• Practice here: CAT Averages, Mixtures & Alligation PYQs
  

Algebra – Inequalities (CAT 2023)

Solve for integer values of x: x² – 5x + 6 < 0.

• Why it matters: Quadratics and inequalities dominate Algebra in CAT.
  
• Practice here: CAT Algebra PYQs
  

Geometry – Inscribed Figures (CAT 2024)

A square is inscribed in a circle, and another square is inscribed within that circle. Find the area of the smaller square.

• Why it matters: Geometry problems often involve visual reasoning, not rote formulae.
  
• Practice here: CAT Geometry PYQs
  

Number Systems – Remainders (CAT 2024)

A number leaves remainder 3 when divided by 7. What remainder will its square leave when divided by 49?

• Why it matters: Number theory builds logical shortcuts, essential for QA speed.
  
• Practice here: Explore Number Systems PYQs
  

Modern Math – Combinatorics (CAT 2023)

Number of committees possible by choosing 2 men from 4 and 1 woman from 3.

• Why it matters: PnC and Probability, though fewer in number, are tricky and high-yield.
  
• Practice here: CAT Modern Math PYQs
  

What’s NOT in CAT QA (Outdated Topics)

Many students waste time on irrelevant chapters. Based on 10+ years of analysis, here’s the reality:

The CAT QA syllabus is applied mathematics : practical, logical, and skill-oriented , not advanced math.

CAT QA may appear vast, but once filtered down to tested areas, it’s highly manageable. By focusing on core Arithmetic + Algebra + Geometry, backed by real CAT PYQs, aspirants can steadily improve. Use the FundaMakers Question Bank to align practice with what CAT actually asks, not what guidebooks assume.

Explore Topic-Wise CAT QA PYQs

To see authentic CAT 2023 & 2024 QA questions (and earlier years) arranged topic-wise, with MCQ formatting, solutions, and occasional video explanations, check out:

🔗 FundaMakers CAT Question Bank – Complete QA PYQs

This free repository lets you filter by Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Math — and practice exactly what CAT tests, without wasting time on outdated formats.

FAQs on CAT 2025 QA Syllabus

1. What is the most important topic in CAT QA 2025?

Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, TSD, Work) holds the highest weightage (~40%). Mastering it is crucial.

2. Are advanced topics like Trigonometry or Calculus asked in CAT QA?

No. CAT QA does not test Trigonometry, Calculus, or higher math. Focus only on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Math.

3. How many questions are there in CAT QA?

QA section usually has 22 questions, with a mix of MCQs and TITA.

4. Can a non-engineer crack CAT QA?

Yes. With topic-wise PYQ practice and smart arithmetic focus, many non-engineers score 95%ile+ in QA.

5. Where can I practice CAT QA PYQs for free?

You can access all authentic CAT QA past year questions here:
🔗 FundaMakers CAT QA Question Bank