High Weightage Topics in CAT 2025: DILR, VARC, and QA Topics

The Common Admission Test is one of the most challenging and toughest MBA entrance exams. It assesses the candidate’s proficiency in three broad areas, that is, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning DILR, Quantitative Aptitude QA, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC).

The blog will highlight and provide you the essential high weightage topics in CAT 2025 in each of the sections, along with some important tips for preparation to aid and maximize your CAT 2025 score.

Get the first AiExpertEdge CAT Online Course with 20% Discount

CAT Exam Pattern 2025 Overview

Let’s understand the CAT exam pattern 2025 first before we get into the high weightage topics in CAT 2025.

• Sections: There are three: VARC, DILR, and QA.
• Duration: Two hours total, divided into 40 minutes per section.
• Total number of questions: 66 was the expectation, and there seemed to be few fluctuations with every associated CAT.
• Mode of examination: Computer-based Test (CBT)
• Marking Scheme: There are 3 marks for every correct answer and a negative 1 mark for all incorrect ones except TITA questions.
• Sectional time limit: You are limited to 40 minutes in each section and are not able to switch between each part.

Section-Wise Breakdown:

Key Takeaways:

• VARC tests how well you understand what you reading comprehension and the verbal skills.
• DILR checks your logical problem solving skills, along with data analysis skills
• QA looks at your ability with numbers and how you tackle math problems.
• You get 40 minutes for each part so you need to manage your time well.

Section Wise High Weightage Topics in CAT 2025

1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

The VARC section evaluates how well a candidate understands and examines passages, along with their verbal reasoning abilities. It makes up 34% of the CAT exam.

Some High Weightage Topics in CAT 2025: VARC:

• Reading Comprehension (RC) – 70% of the VARC section
• Para Jumbles (Sentence Rearrangement)
• Para Summary (Questions Based on Critical Reasoning)
• Odd One Out
• Sentence Completion & Correction (Sometimes Included)

Question Patterns in VARC:

• Reading Comprehension (RC) plays a crucial role, approximately 16-18 questions are asked out of 24.
• RC passages range from somewhat challenging to difficult and cover subjects like economics, philosophy, business, psychology, history, and science.
• Para Jumbles and Para Summary questions often need logical thinking more than just grammatical knowledge.

Preparation Strategy for VARC:

• Build a Reading Habit: Check out editorials, business magazines, novels, and research articles to boost your reading speed and understanding.
• Tackle RCs Every Day: Work on at least 2-3 RCs, with a focus on questions that test inference and facts.
• Enhance Your Skills in Para Jumbles & Summary: Apply logic and elimination methods to put sentences in the right order.
• Handle Your Time: Dedicate half of your VARC time to RCs and the other half to Verbal Ability questions.

2. Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

The DILR section tests problem-solving abilities, logical analysis, and data interpretation. Many see it as the least predictable part of CAT 2025.

Some High Weightage Topics in CAT 2025: DILR:

1. Data Interpretation (DI)

• Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts
• Tables & Caselets
• Venn Diagrams
• Data Sufficiency

2. Logical Reasoning (LR)

• Arrangements (Seating & Linear)
• Blood Relations
• Syllogisms & Logical Deductions
• Puzzles & Games
• Coding-Decoding

Question Trends in DILR:

• DI sets now pose more challenges than before, needing advanced calculations and logical thinking.
• The exam has 4-5 sets, each with 4-6 questions.
• Mixed DI-LR Sets are becoming more common, calling for sharp analytical skills.

Strategy to Get Ready for DILR:

• Get the Basics Down: Learn to understand tables, graphs, and puzzles before you tackle complex problems.
• Work on 4-5 DI/LR Sets Every Day: Start with easy ones, then move to moderate, and then to advanced sets.
• Make Use of Logical Shortcuts: Pick up approximation techniques, Venn diagram tricks, and ways to eliminate options to save time.
• Practice Tests & Review: Take DILR section mock tests at least twice a week and look at wrong answers to boost your reasoning skills.

3. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

The QA part deals with math and tests problem-solving, speed, and accuracy. It has 22-26 questions of different difficulty.

Main High Weightage Topics in CAT 2025: QA

1. Arithmetic (Most Crucial – 40% weight)

• Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
• Time, Speed & Distance
• Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixtures
• Work & Time

2. Algebra

• Quadratic & Linear Equations
• Logarithms & Exponents
• Functions & Graphs

3. Geometry & Mensuration

• Circles, Triangles, Polygons
• Coordinate Geometry
• Trigonometry

4. Number System & Modern Math

• LCM & HCF
• Probability & Permutations
• Set Theory

Question Trends in QA:

• Together, Arithmetic and Algebra account for nearly 60% of QA questions.
• Geometry & Mensuration questions are not easy, conventionally marking 4-5 questions in a difficulty range for each CAT exam.
• The difficulty level is moderate to difficult, with increasing focus on logical problem-solving rather than direct formulas.

Preparation strategy for QA:

• Strengthen the Basics First: Revisit the NCERT Class 9 & 10 concepts before progressing towards advanced-level questions and work on your basics first.
• Daily practice of 30-40 questions: Fix an hour for QA practice every day, concentrating on weak sections.
• Shortcut Techniques & Memorization of Formulas: Always have a formula sheet, practice calculations using shortcuts.
• Time Management: Solve simple problems first and then go for the hard ones. It helps save your time.

Also, learn – Best Colleges Accepting CAT Scores

Additional Preparation Tips for CAT 2025:

1. Take Mock Tests Regularly:

• Start taking a full-length mock CAT 4-5 months before the exam.
• After each mock, analyze the mistakes you’ve made, areas in which you’re weak, and adjust your study plan accordingly.

2. Focus More on Accuracy Than Speed:

• Because CAT employs negative marking (-1 for each wrong answer), accuracy becomes of utmost importance here than simply attempting all questions.
• Double-check your answers to easy and moderate questions before starting on difficult ones.

3. Developing a Sectional Strategy

• VARC: First try solving RC passages, then Para Summary and go to Jumbles.
• DILR: Identify the simplest sets, complete them in short time, and then progress with harder ones.
• QA: Start with Arithmetic questions, follow with Algebra, and finish with Geometry and Number System.

4. Revising Previous Year Papers

• Look at the previous 5 years of high weightage topics in CAT 2025 to identify the commonest questions and types of topics that are usually asked.
• Complete them in a timed manner to attain the real exam experience.

5. Maintain Consistency and Manage Stress

• Follow a daily study plan for 3-4 hours of concentrated study.
• Take short breaks, stay motivated, and do some deep breathing or exercise and work on your stress management.

Conclusion

To crack CAT 2025, you need not only smart preparation and consistency, but also a lot of practice. Keep targeting high weightage topics in CAT 2025 from all the sections, VARC, DILR, and QA, practice regularly mocks, and enhance the strategy based on yourself.

By mastering the high weightage topics in CAT 2025, while also improving on incorrect attempts, gives you an edge in boosting your chances of achieving a 99+ percentile in CAT, which should free up a pathway in pursuit of an IIM or MBA college.

Stay focused, practice high weightage topics in CAT 2025 every single day, and believe in yourself!

Best of luck for CAT 2025!