CAT Quant Bible: How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude? PDF Download

Are you looking to crack the CAT Quantitative Aptitude  2024 exam with flying colors? Preparing for the CAT QA(Quantitative Aptitude) can be daunting and time-consuming. But with the right strategy and guidance, you can easily ace the exam.

What is Quantitative Aptitude Section in CAT?

The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the three sections on the CAT Examination, the other two being Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT Exam comprises of 22-26 questions out of the total 66, representing almost 1/3rd of the total marks. Each question is awarded 3 marks and for each incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted. It is important to note that the sectional percentile is taken into consideration by top B-schools, thus it is crucial to perform well in each section
The details of the CAT quantitative aptitude section are discussed below:

What skills does the Quantitative Aptitude Section test?

The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) is designed to test a candidate's ability to understand mathematical concepts and apply mathematical reasoning to solve problems. The QA section tests a candidate's ability to:

• Understand mathematical concepts: The CAT quantitative aptitude questions test a candidate's understanding of mathematical concepts, such as numbers and their properties, algebraic expressions, geometry, and data interpretation. The questions will require the candidate to use their knowledge of these concepts to solve problems.
• Apply mathematical reasoning: The QA section will include questions that require the candidate to apply mathematical reasoning to solve problems.
• Solve mathematical problems: These problems will be in the form of word problems, numerical computations and quantitative reasoning questions, and will require the candidate to use their mathematical skills to find solutions.
• Interpret data and conclude: This will test the candidate's ability to understand data, identify trends, and draw inferences based on the data.
• Speed and accuracy: The time given to solve CAT quantitative aptitude questions is limited, therefore one should be able to solve the questions correctly in the given time frame.

Overall, the QA section of the CAT is designed to test a wide range of mathematical abilities, and it is considered to be one of the more challenging sections of the exam.

Step-by-Step Guide for CAT Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude section requires a lot of practise, so in order to free up more time for practising, you should use all small, straightforward techniques to increase speed and decrease errors.

• The quantitative ability section of CAT aims to test three things namely- numerical ability, mathematical skills and problem-solving skills.
• In general, the questions in the quantitative ability section of the CAT are related to elementary mathematics.
• In order to score good marks and clear the CAT cutoff, one needs to be completely acquainted with the fundamental concepts of solving questions.
• The purpose of this document is to help you understand how to read Quantitative Aptitude as a subject for not just CAT but also other B School entrances like  SNAP, XAT, IIFT, NMAT, and TISS-NET and understand how to tackle the Quantitative Aptitude Section in these exams.

All the toppers recommend the LPA strategy – Learn, Practice & Analyse to score the maximum marks in the Quantitative Aptitude section. 

So, EduRev has made this Step-wise strategy for your complete preparation of the Quantitative Aptitude section for CAT: 

Step 0: Learn the Basics of Mathematics by Heart

• Learn Squares of Numbers from 1 to 30
• Learn Cubes of Numbers from 1 to 20
• Learn Tables from 1 to 20

Step 1: Familiarise Yourself with CAT Quant Syllabus and Weightage 

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus is not predefined which is why many candidates find it difficult to prepare for the same. After analysing CAT previous year papers, EduRev has prepared an extensive list of topics for Quant syllabus. So, candidates are suggested to check the CAT Quantitative Aptitude syllabus thoroughly and prepare accordingly.

• Algebra:  Algebra, Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Functions, Progressions
• Arithmetic: Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Interest (Simple and Compound), Mixtures and Allegations, Ratios, Mixtures, Averages, Speed, Time, Distance, Pipes Cisterns & Time work.
• Number System: LCM and HCF, Number System, Logarithm, Surds and Indices
• Geometry: Trigonometry, Coordinate Geometry, Geometry/Mensuration
• Modern Math: Permutations and Combination, Probability, Set Theory

Click here for the complete CAT Syllabus, CAT Exam pattern, and every other information required for all the sections

Weightage

IIMs have started giving more emphasis on Arithmetic questions in the CAT entrance exam syllabus to promote diversity. While a maximum of 10-14 questions are from Arithmetic, 8-10 questions are from Algebra, and 3-5 questions are from topics like Geometry and Modern Math. You can find the number of questions with their weightage in the exam given below:

CAT 2022 Quant Distribution:

CAT 2021 Quant Distribution:

CAT 2020 Quant Distribution

You can also refer to the Changing Trends and Patterns of CAT for the section-wise analysis of CAT.

Step 2: Take a Diagnostic Test

Start with a diagnostic examination by attempting a previous year paper of CAT which you can find here.

Why give a test right now for CAT Preparation even though I am not prepared?

• It will tell you the areas where you are weak and where you stand and work accordingly.
• It will help you get a feel of the exam and by the time you are finished with your preparation, you will know the importance of this practice test.

However, it is important that you do not take the results too seriously and do not get demoralised in the process as this is just the start and there is a long way to go.
Similarly, those students who perform well should not rest easy because the percentile in a diagnostic test may not be an accurate reflection of the final day, in fact, far from it.

Step 3: Approach to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

1. Candidates preparing for CAT  2024 should start with the basic questions instead of wasting time on complex topics.
2. Once the conceptual clarity of each topic is there, candidates must start practising and solving more and more questions.
3. Solving simple examples at first and then gradually moving toward the difficult questions would be helpful.
4. For this, you can practise Level-wise Tests for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT on EduRev
5. The speed of solving can initially be sacrificed in order to clear the concepts further. However, once the concepts are clear, the practice to increase the speed should start in earnest again.
6. While preparing and solving questions of the QA section, it is not advisable to attempt too many questions on guesswork due to negative marking.
7. Although we have the on-screen calculator with us during the exam, it majorly tends to make us slow. We can avoid the use of calculator for quick calculations.

It is recommended that you attempt Previous Year Questions of that particular topic. So that you can have a complete understanding of each topic and the type of questions asked. You can find these in a course of Topic-wise Past Year Questions for CAT on EduRev.

Step 4: Make a Formula Notebook

For better and more effective time management for CAT 2024, candidates should focus on learning speed tricks. In your process of preparation for the quantitative aptitude of CAT, you’ll come across various formulas of maths and a great number of shortcut tricks. It's always better to write those formulas and tricks in the notebook and revise that regularly. This formula notebook will be a huge asset in the end days of preparation.
The way to make a quantitative aptitude formula notebook recommended by Toppers is-

• Take a separate notebook
• Write all the formulas which you encounter while solving a chapter in a sequence in one place
• Try your level best to write all the formulas and mental tricks of a single chapter at once as soon as you have covered that chapter.

You can check out all the important formulas of the quantitative aptitude section of CAT from here.
For Quantitative Aptitude, you have to solve 22-26 questions in 40 minutes which means less than 2 minutes for one question so you need to improve your calculation speed.
You can increase your calculation speed/skills by using various techniques, which you can learn through Vedic mathematics trick videos provided under the Quantitative Aptitude course on EduRev. It will help you to do basic calculations faster & remember square & cube roots, you can attempt the questions faster.

Step 5: Set a Timer for Your Sectional Practice

• CAT will have a sectional time of 40 minutes to answer one section. You should try to solve the entire section by keeping an eye on the time.
• Better to move ahead of time as having a buffer time of a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes will leave room for revision on the exam day. CAT toppers suggest that you should mark important questions and concepts to have a quick revision during the final leg. Practice sectional tests with a time limit for CAT, Click here.
• For questions in the QA section, candidates should follow and stick to the two-minute rule i.e. If a question cannot be solved within two minutes of time duration, it is better to move on to the next one. Solving and practising a good amount of questions will give results in the quantitative ability section.

Do you know that EduRev provides you with an option to mark questions for review after you've attempted them? It helps you to create a collection of questions where you got stuck and revise them at the end.

Step 6: Create a hourly study plan for CAT Quant

Candidates can check the hourly timetable prepared for the convenience of the students. You can either follow this time or modify it as per your preparation plan.

Step 7: Solve Mock Tests and Previous Year Questions

One of the strategies on how to prepare for CAT quantitative ability is to solve more and more CAT mock tests and CAT quantitative aptitude preparation online practice tests.

• Take at least one mock a day as CAT  2024 gets near. Through CAT mock tests, candidates will encounter variations in questions and this will help them improve themselves. 
• Solving CAT  2024 Mock Tests and online practice tests for CAT quantitative aptitude preparation will also acquaint candidates with the simulated exam day ambience. 
• It is important to work on the attempt rate first, that is, the number of questions you can attend in the given time, and then focus on improving your accuracy.

You would encounter 2 types of questions:

• Questions already seen or solved: These are the questions you have already seen or solved in mock tests or practice. You need to attempt these questions in the first attempt.
• Tricky questions: These are questions in which a tricky component is present. Here you might be able to understand most of the questions, but one part of it would take time to solve. Attempt these questions in the second attempt.

The framing and language of the questions asked in CAT are the same almost every year, and once you start giving a lot of tests, this trigger starts becoming repetitive. Being used to the language can help you remain calm during the exam.
Along with that, you should practise sectional mock tests of quant as it will familiarise you with the format and types of questions which are typically asked. EduRev provides you with sectional mock tests along with chapter-wise tests.
EduRev also provides you with previous 10 year papers of CAT so that you can analyse the level of Quantitative Aptitude Section.
Apart from CAT, EduRev also provides you with Mock Test Series for SNAP, XAT, IIFT, NMAT, and TISS-NET

Step 8: Focus on Weak Areas

• The thumb rule for CAT  2024 in the initial months of practice is to focus on the areas of improvement and overcome the mistakes with more practice.
• At the time of preparing the QA section, weaker sections must be given due weightage.
• After you have attempted tests, you need to analyze your tests and work on your weak areas
• For this, give a few sectional tests (your weaker section) from here on EduRev. After a few of them, you will figure out which questions are easy to solve, and which are the hard ones. Now you need to categorize them into easy, medium, and hard.
• EduRev algorithms also do this for you by categorizing the questions into easy, medium, and hard levels on the solutions page. It helps you to analyze if you are wasting time on hard questions or if you are getting the easy ones wrong.
• An analysis report is created at the end of each exam, which not only tells you all the questions you attempted right and wrong, but it also compares the time taken by you to attempt each question with the average time taken by other students. This analysis helps you not only improve your accuracy but also your speed, which is equally important in CAT. You can also see your progress in a particular area by applying a course and time filter.

• In the last few days, try to solve questions with a higher difficulty level. However, if they are still giving you a hard time then leave them and focus on solving the easy one in less time.
• To practice questions of a certain level of difficulty, you can make use of our dynamic tests, which allow you to create a test for yourself, here you can select the number of questions, the topic, the time, and the level of difficulty.
• During the exam, read every question but leave questions that are your weak points. Don’t waste your time solving them as they will eat up the time which you could have spent on other questions. The key here is to not skip a question even if it is from your weak topic, read every question- it might be an easy one.

Best Books for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

When preparing for the quantitative aptitude section of the CAT Exam, it is important to have the latest edition of a book with the latest features to ensure that you are up to date with the current exam pattern and have access to the most accurate and updated questions and answers. Of the many books available, the most highly recommended title is Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma. These titles are popular due to their comprehensive coverage of the topics, accuracy, and relevance to the CAT Exam. Other sources of preparation for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT are:

• How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
• Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha
• Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
• Quantitative Aptitude Course by EduRev
• Level-wise Tests for Quantitative Aptitude
• Topic-wise previous year questions of Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
• NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10)

How to prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude with EduRev Infinity?

EduRev Infinity Package for CAT Quantitative Aptitude includes:

• Subject-wise Courses: A complete full fletched course on Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each course offers topic-wise video lectures, detailed notes & online tests for each topic.
• Mock Test Series for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation: Mock Test Series for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation course on EduRev offers section-wise tests.
• Level-wise Tests for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation: This course offers level-wise tests for each topic to help you prepare exhaustively for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude.
• Shortcut Techniques, Formulas, CAT Crash Course & Others: Along with the above courses, you also get shortcut techniques, formulas & others in various courses of EduRev.

Not just Quantitative Aptitude, you get a complete course on VARC and DILR with EduRev Infinity Package for CAT.

Watch the video below to know more about EduRev Infinity for CAT

Important Links: 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation

What is the level of Quantitative Aptitude in CAT?

The level of quantitative ability (or "quants") tested on the Common Admission Test (CAT) is generally considered to be high. The test covers a wide range of mathematical concepts, including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation, and it is designed to measure a candidate's ability to understand and analyze quantitative information, as well as to think critically and solve problems. The questions are often designed to be challenging and require a good understanding of mathematical concepts and techniques.

Which topic should I start first in Quantitative Aptitude?

It is recommended to start with basic arithmetic concepts such as fractions, decimals, and percentages, as they form the foundation of many other topics in quantitative aptitude for CAT. This will also help you get familiar with the types of problems and concepts that will be covered in the exam.

How much time should I dedicate to Quantitative Aptitude for CAT preparation? 

You should dedicate at least 3 to 4 hours of your day to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT. To make sure you're making the best use of your time, be sure to go through the quality content available on EduRev.
It provides you with a comprehensive set of study material, practice tests, and video lessons to help you prepare for the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT Exam. So, make sure to make the most of it to help you score better in the Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT Exam.

Are there any mock tests available for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT preparation?

Yes, there are mock tests available for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT preparation. EduRev offers a variety of Mock Tests that are designed to help you prepare for the CAT Quantitative Aptitude. Our tests include detailed explanations, performance analytics, and other essential features that can help you improve your CAT scores.

Can I crack CAT if my Maths is weak?

It may be challenging to crack CAT if your maths is weak, as the exam heavily focuses on mathematical concepts and calculations. However, with consistent practice and effort put into improving your mathematical skills, it is possible to overcome this weakness and succeed in the exam. You can also refer to NCERT Textbooks.

Can I skip Quant section in CAT?

No, you cannot skip the Quant section in CAT. The test is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. All three sections are mandatory and must be completed as part of the test.

How long does it take to prepare for Quant in CAT?

The amount of time it takes to prepare for the Quant section of the CAT Exam can vary depending on the individual and their level of familiarity with the material. On average, it is recommended to spend 3-6 months preparing for the exam, with a consistent and regular study schedule. However, it is important to note that adequate preparation time should also be allocated to other sections of the CAT, which are verbal ability, reading comprehension and data interpretation.

How many questions will come from Quants in CAT?

In the CAT Exam, typically 22 questions are asked in the Quant section, which includes both MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA - type in the answer) question types.

What are the types of questions in CAT Quant?

The CAT Quant section consists of 22 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and non-multiple-choice questions (Non-MCQs). The questions cover a wide range of mathematical topics, including algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and data interpretation.

Which is the easiest topic in Quantitative Aptitude?

The easiest topic in aptitude in CAT can vary depending on individual strengths and weaknesses. However, some commonly considered easier topics include basic arithmetic operations such as percentages, ratios and averages, as well as basic algebra and geometry concepts.