What is the CAT Syllabus for 2020?

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a crucial step for students seeking to enter prestigious postgraduate management programs in India. The exam is divided into three major sections: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI LR), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Each of these sections has its own set of topics that candidates are expected to be well-versed with. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the CAT syllabus for 2020, helping aspirants prepare effectively.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI LR)

The DI LR section is designed to test a candidate's analytical and logical reasoning skills. It is divided into two main areas:

Data Interpretation (DI): This involves understanding and interpreting numerical data presented in various formats such as tables, graphs, and charts. Logical Reasoning (LR): This tests the candidate's ability to reason through complex problems and deduce correct answers based on given data and rules.

Topics in DI LR

Assumptions Binary Logic Blood Relations Caselets and Tables Coding-Decoding Data Arrangement Direction Sense Family Tree Proposition Puzzles Seating Arrangements (Cubes, Order and Rankings, Team Formation) Venn Diagrams

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

VARC is designed to test a candidate's ability to comprehend and analyze written information and to express oneself coherently. This section is further divided into two areas:

Verbal Ability (VA): Tests the candidate's understanding of the English language and usage of words, phrases, and sentences. Reading Comprehension (RC): Tests the candidate's ability to understand and derive information from a given passage.

Topics in VARC

Analogies Synonyms/Antonyms Fill in the Blanks Foreign Language Words Used in English Grammar Idioms Jumbled Paragraphs Odd Sentences in Paragraphs Odd One Out One-Word Substitution PARA COMPLETION PARA Jumbles Reading Comprehension Sentence Completion Sentence Correction Syllogisms Verbal Logic Verbal Reasoning Facts, Inferences, Judgments

Quantitative Ability (QA)

QA is the numerical reasoning section, focusing primarily on problem-solving and numerical computation. This section tests the candidate's ability to comprehend, interpret, and solve mathematical problems.

Topics in QA

Number Systems LCM and HCF Profit and Loss Discount Percentages Speed, Time, and Distance (Speed and Work) Averages Quadratic and Linear Equations Complex Numbers Logarithm Binomial Theorem Sequences and Series Surds and Indices Inequalities Probability Permutation and Combination Geometry Mixtures and Allegations Trigonometry Coordinate Geometry Mensuration

In summary, the CAT 2020 syllabus covers a broad range of topics in DI LR, VARC, and QA. Understanding and preparing for these areas is crucial to cracking the exam. Candidates must familiarize themselves with the types of questions that appear in each section, practice solving problems, and improve their time management skills. All the best to all the aspirants!

Conclusion

The CAT 2020 is not just a test of knowledge but also a test of a candidate's ability to perform under pressure. A thorough understanding of the syllabus and consistent practice are key to success. Whether you are a student looking to pursue management in India or someone planning a career in business, the preparation for the CAT is a significant step towards achieving your goals.