The topics from which the problems in the quantitative aptitude section in CAT appear are:

• Arithmetic:
  This section contains questions from topics like percentages, averages, mixture and alligation, time and work, ratio and proportion, and time speed and distance. In recent CAT, questions from arithmetic have comprised around 40% of the total number of questions of the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section. Hence, for better preparation of quantitative aptitude for CAT exam, it is imperative for the aspirant to get a firm hold on questions from arithmetic.
• Algebra:
  Questions from Algebra are mainly from topics like linear and quadratic equations, progressions, logarithms, and functions etc. Algebra questions comprise almost 25% of CAT Quant section. Consequently, algebra becomes the second most important topic for the preparation of CAT Quant section.
• Geometry:
  Geometry, once upon a time, dominated the CAT Quant section, with as many as 50% questions coming from this area alone. However, things in recent years have changed a little. Nevertheless, even today 20-25% questions of the CAT Quant section come from Geometry. Around 6-7 questions from topics like triangles, circles, quadrilaterals and mensuration appeared in CAT 2018 exam. Only Elementary concepts of geometry are sufficient to solve these questions.
• Number system:
  Questions from this topic used to dominate CAT in the last decade but now only 1-2 questions, that too from fundamental properties of numbers, appear in CAT.
• Modern Mathematics:
  There are mainly three topics in modern mathematics – permutation and combination, probability and set theory. In recent year CAT papers, we have seen a few questions appear from these topics. However, the concepts of set theory play a very important role in helping the aspirant solve the Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions that are based on set theory concepts.

From the above descriptions, it is evident that around 90% of the questions in CAT quantitative aptitude are from Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry. Therefore, targeting these topics is of utmost importance for the preparation of quantitative ability.

Study Plan for Quant:

• Start with class 9th& 10th NTSE books to clear your basic concepts.
• Prepare a Formula Sheet for important formulas which can be asked during the exams.
• Prepare it sequence wise in sync with your exam pattern so it is best aligned for you to understand.
• After NTSE , you should also go through Vedic Maths.
• Once you’re past this much material, you can take the help of prescribed books.
• Prepare smartly instead of Hardwork. For instance, if you can’t understand any concept, then asses the question and analyze the answer explanation in details & make a habit out of this exercise. Overtime, you’ll notice that you’re creating your own tips & tricks which suit your leaning style.
• Every week or fortnightly, test your-self and check your progress and don’t be de-motivated because it’s an unpredictable exam.

9 Steps to Prepare for LRDI Section:

• Read Business Newspaper and Magazines:
  Business Newspapers and magazines are the best source to prepare for DI & LR. It is a good practice to analyse the pictorial and graphical representations in the form of charts, bar graphs, tables etc. from the business section of newspapers. One can also refer to business newspapers and magazines to get a hang of business aptitude and interpreting data.
• Be familiar with Caselets:
  One of the important topics and type of questions asked in the DI and LR section are caselets. A case or situation will be described which will be followed by three to four questions. For DI, the questions will be in the form of line and bar graphs, pie charts etc. The LR questions will be mainly on arrangements, blood relations, family tree, Venn diagrams etc. Initially, to get familiar with the caselets, it is a good idea to start with sectional CAT mock tests. Familiarise yourself with all the types of caselets and understanding the types of data representations.
• NEVER assume or use any information that the question fails to give you. This is NOT an assessment of how much you know about a subject in general! Consider ONLY the information given in each reading passage when choosing among the alternative responses.
• Read both the factual passage and the sentence completion instruction carefully. Both must be considered in making your choice.
• Pay special attention to words like “all,” “some,” or “none” when you read the factual information each question gives you. Other qualifying words such as “other than,” “only” or “unless” are important, too. These words can play a critical part in precisely specifying the facts to be used in your reasoning.
• Analyzing the Options:
  Some sets might give you various hints by having a look at the options. With the help of those, you may be able to neglect certain scenarios and directly move towards the right approach. So, before solving any set, have a look at the options given in its questions.
• Solve puzzles like 2048, sudoku, crosswords, etc. This will help you build a strong sense of intuition. When you look at various constraints at once, the key/crucial constraint should jump up and scream at you. That is what “building intuition” means & this comes with practicing even simple puzzles like sudoku on a daily basis.
• Mock Tests:
  A mock test is a practice exam or a revision test to prepare students for an upcoming examination. Start with small, easy questions and move towards bigger logical based caselets. Always analyse your performance after every mock test and review them for a genuine feedback about your performance.
• Practice:
  The more you practice questions from DI & LR, the better you will perform. Since there is no theoretical aspects or formulae to mug up in this section, it is only practice that can lead you to excel in this area. LR and DI are considered to be the hardest part of CAT which can be conquered with practice.