Guide
CAT QA rewards breadth, but the preparation order should not be equal across topics. Recent papers consistently show Arithmetic and Algebra as the best foundation, with Geometry and Number System recurring and Modern Math varying more by slot.
| Year | Slot | Arithmetic | Algebra | Geometry | Numbers | Modern Math* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| 2023 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| 2025 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
*Different analysis providers classify logs, functions, progressions, surds and some counting topics differently. Use the table directionally rather than treating every category count as a universal official taxonomy.
Priority 1: build a scoring base
Start with percentages, ratios, averages, profit/loss, mixtures, time-speed-distance and time-work. In Algebra, cover equations, quadratics, inequalities, logs and functions. These areas do more than add questions: they improve the algebraic and ratio thinking needed across other topics.
Priority 2: expand without losing the base
Add Geometry/Triangles/Circles and Number System once the core is stable. Then cover P&C and Probability and other lower-frequency areas. “Lower frequency” does not mean “skip”—it means do not spend three weeks on a niche topic while still making errors in percentages or equations.
What CAT QA actually tests
CAT questions often hide the topic inside a word problem. Your first task is recognition: is this really a percentage problem, a ratio problem, a quadratic condition, a geometry similarity shortcut? The second task is selection. If the first step is not visible after a short scan, move on and protect the section.
Keep an error-driven formula sheet rather than a giant formula PDF. Every formula you write should have a trigger: *when do I use this?* A useful readiness benchmark is the ability to solve mixed 8–10 question drills with stable accuracy and to identify quickly which questions deserve a first-pass attempt.
Preparing for CAT?
See where you actually stand before changing your shortlist or study plan.
Why On Your Mocks?
A mock score tells you what happened. OYM helps you understand what went wrong and what to work on next.