NinetynineCAT quant preparation from previous year questions
Prepare CAT QA from its 612 previous-year questions (2017–2025): study topics in order of how often CAT asks them, starting with Ratio, Mixtures & Averages and Geometry, solve every PYQ on a topic before moving on, then take the section timed (22 questions in 40 minutes in CAT 2025).
Key facts
- CAT 2025 had 22 QA questions per slot in 40 minutes.
- Ratio, Mixtures & Averages is the most-asked CAT QA topic since 2017, with 84 questions.
Which order should I study CAT quant topics in?
Arithmetic first, because it's the largest block and the base for the rest: Ratio, Mixtures & Averages (84), Percentages & Profit-Loss (46), Time, Speed & Distance (48), Time & Work (34), Interest (19). Then algebra (Equations, Inequalities & Modulus, Logarithms & Exponents, Progressions & Series, Functions & Graphs), then Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration, and finally Number Systems, Permutations & Probability, Set Theory.
How do I attempt the QA section?
22 questions in 40 minutes is under two minutes each. Do a first pass taking only questions you can solve straight away, then a second pass for the rest. 36% of QA in CAT 2025 was TITA, so a careful attempt there carries no penalty.
Which QA topics matter most?
The top five by questions asked; the full ranking is in most important QA topics.
| # | Topic | Questions | Share of section | Per paper 2022–2025 | Per paper 2018–2021 | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ratio, Mixtures & Averages | 84 | 14% | 3.3 | 3.7 | steady |
| 2 | Geometry | 65 | 11% | 2.5 | 2.9 | steady |
| 3 | Logarithms & Exponents | 55 | 9% | 2.3 | 2.1 | steady |
| 4 | Equations | 52 | 8% | 2.1 | 2.3 | steady |
| 5 | Inequalities & Modulus | 49 | 8% | 1.8 | 2.2 | steady |
Where do I find the questions?
All CAT QA previous year questions, by topic and by paper, with answers and worked solutions.
Method: counted from all 24 CAT papers 2017–2025 (1,830 questions), each tagged with one topic. How the data is built.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours a day should I study CAT QA?
There is no fixed number; consistency matters more. One focused hour a day on a single topic, with review, beats a long unfocused session.
Can I prepare CAT QA only from PYQs?
PYQs show you what to study and at what level. Once you've solved all 612, you need fresh questions on the same concepts; see are PYQs enough.