Different Sections of CAT The CAT examination is divided into three sections:Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus The Quantitative Aptitude

itude section comprises of fundamental mathematics, based on 10 + 2 difficulty level. The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section comprises of questions which are asked based on the given data. The data given might be in the form of graphs, charts, tables and paragraphs. The Verbal Ability section comprises of questions on comprehension and usage of standard English grammar. Verbal Logic questions test the candidate's knowledge of arranging paragraphs in a logical order, determining the type of statements, completing the paragraphs in an appropriate way. In general, it is found that all the sections share an equal weight except CAT 2008 and CAT 2004 papers, which have a higher percentage of Verbal Ability problems.
Allocation of marks

Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Commercial Mathematics Miscellaneous

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Logical Reasoning Data Interpretation, Sufficiency

Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension Verbal Logic Vocabulary Grammar Correction

In general, every correct answer gains 4 marks whereas every wrong answer results in one negative mark.
Cut-offs for each section

Candidates must secure a minimum mark in each section to qualify for that section and eventually for the CAT. The minimum marks required to qualify varies upon the relative difficulty level of that section compared to other sections of the test. Sectional cut-offs varies mostly on the basis of the performance who appear for the exam in that year. A candidate must also secure a minimum total cut off for the entire paper to earn GD/PI calls from IIMs. It has been observed that different IIMs use different cutoffs to offer calls to selected candidates.
Selection for Group Discussion and Personal Interview

Candidates who secure the sectional cut-offs as well as the overall cut-offs in the written test are called for GD/PI by IIMs. This is the ultimate step of the selection-process.

The different guides available in MyCATstudy.com are as follows:

Verbal Ability Reading

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Data Interpretation

Quantitative Ability Arithmetic

Numbers, Divisibility Tests, HCF and LCM - Download this Study Guide Logarithms, Surds and Indices Functions Sequences and Series Set Theory Permutation and Combination Probability Algebra Basic Operations, Algebraic Expressions and Factorization Equations Inequations Geometry Lines, Planes, Angles and Triangles Quadrilaterals and Higher Polygons Circles Coordinate Geometry Trigonometry Mensuration Miscellaneous Derivatives Maxima, Minima and Inequalities Symbolic Logic Clocks, Pipes and Cisterns Word Problems Averages Percentages Profit and Loss Simple and Compound Interest Ratio, Proportion and Variation Stocks, Shares and Partnership Mixtures and Alligation Time, Speed and Distance Time and Work

Comprehension Politics & Sociology History & Mythology Science & Technology Economics & Management Literature & Arts Philosophy & Psychology Verbal Logic Paragraph Arrangement Paragraph Completion Paragraph Summary or Main Idea Fact, Judgment & Inference Vocabulary Word Meaning Contextual Usage Diction Antonyms Grammar (Sentence Correction) Parts of Speech Verb Tense, Voice & Mood Subject-Verb & Pronoun Agreement Phrases & Idioms Punctuation Parallelism Redundancies Miscellaneous

Tabular Presentation Bar Charts X - Y Charts Pie Charts Caselet Form Logical Reasoning Family Tree Linear Arrangement Complex Arrangement Conditionalities and Grouping Codes Numerical Logic Data Sufficiency

Quantitative Ability Syllabus :Number Systems LCM and HCF Percentages

Profit and Loss Interest (Simple and Compound) Speed, Time and Distance Time and Work Averages Ratio and Proportion Linear Equations Quadratic Equations Complex Numbers Logarithm Progressions Binomial Theorem Surds and Indices Inequalities Permutation and Combination Probability Functions Set Theory Mixtures and Alligations Geometry Co-ordinate Geometry Trigonometry Mensuration

Data Interpretation Syllabus :Data is given in form of tables, charts or graphs. In this section it is tested that how candidates can interpret the given data and answer questions based on it. Tables Column Graphs Bar Graphs Line Charts Pie Chart Venn Diagrams Combination of two or more types linked to each other.

Logical Reasoning Syllabus :Number and Letter Series Calendars Clocks Cubes Venn Diagrams Binary Logic Seating Arrangement Logical Sequence Logical Matching Logical Connectives Syllogism Blood relations

 Verbal Ability Syllabus :Types of Questions Vocabulary Based (Synonyms Antonyms) English Usage or Grammar Sentence Correction Fill in the blanks Cloze Passage Analogies or Reverse Analogies Jumbled Paragraph Meaning-Usage Match Summary Questions Verbal Reasoning Facts / Inferences / Judgements Reading Comprehension. Vocabulary: Vocabulary questions test the candidates knowledge of the primary meanings of words, secondary shades of meaning, usage, idioms and phrases, antonyms, related words, etc. Grammar: Grammar-based questions test the candidates ability to spot and correct grammatical errors. CAT generally tests knowledge of high school level grammar and includes areas like subject-verb agreement, use of modifiers, parellel construction, redundancy, phrasal verbs, use of articles, prepositions, etc. Verbal Reasoning: Verbal reasoning questions are designed to test the candidates ability to identify relationships or patterns within groups of words or sentences.