The CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most important and scoring sections. The section aims to test a candidate’s logical thinking, mathematical fundamentals, problem-solving ability, as well as time management skills.
The CAT Quant section mainly consists of three sections, i.e. Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. Based on the last five-year trend of CAT Quant section, there were a total of 330 questions from CAT 2021 to 2025. Based on this, Arithmetic accounted for 42.1% of the questions, followed by Algebra at 31.8% and Geometry & Mensuration at 14.5%.
In this blog we have shared the CAT exam trends based on the previous CAT papers, analyze the number and difficulty of Quants questions.
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CAT Last Year Quantitative Aptitude Topic-Wise Weightage
This section bifurcates the questions widely asked across topics in the Quantitative Aptitude last year.
| Topics | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Averages, Ratios, and Proportion | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Mixtures & Alligation | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Profit, Loss, and Interest | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| TSD & Time and Work | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Functions and Graphs | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| Inequalities and Linear Equations | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Quadratic Equations | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Progressions and Series | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Logarithms, Surds and Indices | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Number System | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Geometry | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Venn Diagram | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| PnC and Probability | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Questions | 22 | 22 | 22 |
CAT Quant Topic-Wise Weightage: 2021–2025
Based on the five-year analysis by iQuanta for the CAT Quant section from the CAT 2021 to 2025 exam, the distribution of topics is given below in the table. Based on this data, a majority of questions were asked from the arithmetic section.
| Topic | Percentage | Number of questions (2021–2025) – Combined for all 5 years |
| Arithmetic | 40.9% | 135 |
| Algebra | 29.7% | 98 |
| Geometry | 13.6% | 45 |
| Number Systems | 12.4% | 41 |
| Modern Mathematics | 3.3% | 11 |
| Total | 100% | 330 |
CAT Quants 5-Year Trend Analysis
Based on the trend analysis of the CAT Quant section, the CAT exam has undergone many challenges based on the number of questions being asked each year. The CAT syllabus remains unchanged; however, the number of questions varies.
| Year | Number of Questions Asked |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 22 |
CAT Arithmetic vs Algebra vs Geometry: What Should You Prioritise?
The CAT Quant five-year trend establishes priority; however, the CAT 2025 analysis suggests that candidates should prepare each domain equally. Based on the trend analysis, we have shared the preparation priority for the CAT exam.
| Preparation Priority | Topics | Five-Year Combined Share |
| 1 | Arithmetic | 42.1% |
| 2 | Algebra | 31.8% |
| 3 | Geometry & Mensuration | 14.5% |
| 4 | Number System | 9.4% |
| 5 | Modern Mathematics | 2.1% |
Most Important CAT Quant Question Patterns to Practice
We have listed the CAT Quant question patterns that are asked in the CAT exam. The question pattern with key concepts to practice is as follows:
| Question Pattern | Key Concepts |
| Successive discounts or percentage changes | Percentages |
| Work completed by multiple people | Time and Work |
| Mixture and replacement | Ratios |
| Roots of a quadratic equation | Algebra |
| Equations involving (x+\frac{1}{x}) | Algebra |
| Triangle side and angle relationships | Geometry |
| Remainder of a large power | Number Systems |
| Arrangements of distinct objects | Permutations |
| Probability of an event | Probability |
| Combined averages | Averages |
Conclusion
The best way to prepare for the CAT Quant section is to identify the most asked concepts and topics. Apart from this, one should practice previous year question papers and develop accuracy within the given time limit. The CAT Quant 2021-2025 trend suggests that Arithmetic and Algebra should be practiced with great attention. However, other topics such as Geometry, Number System, etc should not be left behind. One should master the concepts and fundamentals to handle questions.
