The syllabus for the quants section is vast. CAT aspirants face problems with completing it and the numerous resources available for it. The first thing at this time is not to juggle between different sources to complete your basics and concepts for various chapters of the QA section. Stick to one resource to cover your topic once. When you are done with it, you can move to practice questions from other sources. In this article, we have shared CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude strategy prioritizes key topics like Algebra, Arithmetic, and Geometry.
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- If you have completed Algebra and Arithmetic: Now that you have covered the two most important topics, you should be giving mocks and covering the basics of Number System and Geometry. Number system in itself sees only 1-2 questions but can form a base for other questions in QA.
Geometry sees more weightage in the paper with 3-4 questions. For geometry, the three most important topics are triangles, circles, and parallelograms (especially trapeziums). You should cover one of these in the next few days and strengthen your Algebra and Arithmetic.
For a detailed topic-wise weightage of questions in the Quantitative Aptitude section read here.
- If one of Algebra/Arithmetic is incomplete: The primary focus for anyone starting a new or halfway through algebra and arithmetic should be completing these two topics. Avoid doing bits and pieces of other topics until you have completed them. Strengthening algebra and arithmetic is important, accounting for 75% of the paper. You can follow /take help from the given schedule to prepare for these two topics.
| Arithmetic |
Ratio, Percentages for basics plus questions, Averages, Allegation, TSD, Time and Work, Profit and Loss. You can skip Simple and Compound Interest if time does not allow. |
10-14 Days |
| Algebra |
Inequalities, Linear equations, series, polynomial, and quadratic equations are the most important. You can skip on logs, surds, and indices if time does not allow. |
10-14 Days |
Utilize the remaining days for mocks, PYQs, and revision. Take up smaller topics if you feel you can learn and retain from Number System or Geometry.
- Should I do Modern Math now?
Probability, Permutations, and Combinations have accounted for only 1-2 questions in recent years. You can skip these topics easily. Covering these two topics should mean you have covered the rest of QA. However, knowing the basic formulas of P and C can be helpful for a few questions in the LRDI section.
- How do I improve my question attempts?
- You should be able to scan the entire paper so that enough time is left for questions at the end. Do not stick to one question for more than 4-5 minutes.
- Sit with a timer for solving questions. Practice with a timer apart from mocks and sectionals also. Set targets like solving 10 questions within 15-20 minutes.
- Go through PYQs to familiarize yourself with the difficulty level and repeated question varieties.
- Revise consistently, especially for those topics in which you score very low.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many questions should I attempt for a 95 percentile in Quants?
Ans. In CAT 2023, solving around 7-9 questions correctly fetched 95+ percentile in the QA section of the exam. However, question attempts vs percentile also depend on your accuracy and difficulty level of the paper.
2. What are the most important topics for the Quants section in CAT 2024?
Ans. Arithmetic, and algebra followed by geometry are the most important topics for the quants section of the CAT exam.
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