CAT exam has become increasingly competitive, with over 3.3 lakh applicants in 2023. Each section, Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and DILR demands strong topic-wise clarity due to the adaptive and unpredictable nature of question patterns.
Solving questions from high-frequency topics gives a clear advantage. These topics appear consistently in the exam and carry more weight. By focusing on them, aspirants can improve accuracy, speed, and overall score stability. Practising such targeted questions is essential for efficient time usage and higher percentile gain. Check CAT Syllabus 2025
Most Asked RC Question Types and Passage Themes in CAT VARC
In the CAT VARC section, Reading Comprehension (RC) makes up two-thirds of the total questions, contributing 16 out of 24. Among these, inference-based questions form nearly 50–60%, making them the most frequent and challenging. Knowing common question types and themes helps aspirants focus on the right practice areas.To score well in CAT VARC, give special attention to inference-based questions and build comfort with abstract or philosophical RC themes, especially from humanities and social science sources.
Common RC Question Types
Each RC passage has around four questions. Most are designed to test critical reasoning, understanding of the passage and comprehension of the passage. Focusing on frequent question types lets aspirants improve accuracy in scoring segments.
Frequent RC Passage Themes
CAT RC passages come from a range of academic and applied fields. Some topics appear more often than others. Understanding common themes helps in adjusting reading pace and reducing unfamiliarity.
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Most Asked DILR Sets
Based on CAT Exam trends from 2021 to 2024, the DILR section consists of 5 sets, each containing 4-5 questions. However, most students manage to fully solve only 2 out of 4 sets under timed conditions. Around 70–80% of the sets are based on repeated formats. Focusing on these aspects can significantly improve your selection and accuracy.
Solving repeated DILR formats allows better speed and familiar pattern recognition. The table below shows frequently asked DILR set types and their appearance in the last three years.
Most Asked Quant Questions and Topics in CAT
From CAT 2022 to CAT 2024, Arithmetic was the most common topic, with 36% to 41% of the total questions. Algebra came next, with 27% to 36%. Together, they made up 70% to 75% of the Quant section, making them very important for a good score.
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Topic-Wise Breakdown of Most Asked Questions
Arithmetic (8–9 Questions | 36–41% Weightage)
This topic gives the highest number of questions in the exam. Getting better at Arithmetic can help you get around 24 to 27 marks, which is a strong base for clearing cutoffs.
Common Sub-Topics:
- Time, Speed & Distance: 2–3 questions
- Time & Work: 2–3 questions
- Averages, Mixtures & Allegations: 2–3 questions
- Percentages & Profit-Loss: 1–2 questions
- Simple & Compound Interest: 1–2 questions
- Ratio & Proportion: 1–2 questions
Algebra (6–8 Questions | 27–36% Weightage)
Algebra’s weightage has increased, matching Arithmetic in 2023 and 2024. It's now a must-prepare topic.
Common Sub-Topics:
- Quadratic Equations: 2–3 questions
- Linear Equations & Inequalities: 2–3 questions
- Functions & Graphs: 1–2 questions
- Sequences & Series: 1–2 questions
- Logarithms & Surds: 1–2 questions
Geometry & Mensuration (2–4 Questions | 9–14% Weightage)
Although fewer questions are asked on this topic, they are often moderate in difficulty and carry 6 to 12 marks.
Common Sub-Topics:
- Triangles: 1–2 questions
- Circles: 1 question
- Coordinate Geometry: 1 question
- 3D Mensuration: 0–1 question
Number System (1–3 Questions | 5–9% Weightage)
This topic typically involves straightforward questions, but you need to be strong in the underlying concepts.
Common Sub-Topics:
- Remainders & Divisibility: 1–2 questions
- Factors & Multiples: 1 question
- Base Systems: 0–1 question
Modern Math (1–2 Questions | 5% Weightage)
Only a few questions come from here, but if you are clear with concepts, they can be easy to score.
- Permutation & Combination: 1–2 questions
- Probability: 0–1 question
- Set Theory: 0–1 question
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Conclusion
Mastering high-frequency CAT topics through must-solve questions enhances accuracy, speed, and confidence. These targeted problems reflect patterns frequently seen in exams, making preparation more efficient and strategic. Focused practice on these areas ensures better performance, maximises scoring potential, and provides a competitive edge in the highly challenging CAT exam.
