Practice Now the Most Important CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions [Syllabus + Expert Tips]

Q: What is the weightage of the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section in the CAT exam?

The CAT exam comprises three sections: VARC, DILR, and QA. Typically, each section has equal weightage. However, the exact number of questions might vary year-to-year. Historically, the QA section has had around 24-34 questions.

Q: Are there negative marks for incorrect answers in the QA section?

Yes, for Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in the QA section, there's a negative marking for incorrect answers. However, Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions do not carry negative marks for wrong answers.

Q: Which topics in the QA section are generally considered the most scoring?

While the scoring potential varies based on an individual's strengths and preparation, topics like Arithmetic and Number Systems are often considered foundational and scoring. However, it's essential to be well-prepared across all topics to maximize scores.

Q: How much time should I allocate to the QA section during my preparation?

It's advisable to dedicate a significant portion of your exam preparation time to QA since it requires both conceptual understanding and practice. Depending on your proficiency, you might spend 1-3 hours daily focusing solely on QA.

Q: Is it advisable to guess answers in the QA section?

For MCQs, there's a penalty for incorrect answers. Hence, wild guesses are not advisable. However, if you can eliminate some options and make an educated guess, it might be worth the risk.

Q: What types of CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions are included in the CAT exam section?

The Quantitative Aptitude section of the CAT exam includes questions on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and data interpretation, all requiring strong problem-solving skills.

Q: How can I prepare for the CAT Exam Quantitative Aptitude Questions of the CAT exam?

To prepare effectively for Quantitative Aptitude, focus on practicing problems from each topic, strengthening your basic concepts, and taking timed mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.

Q: How can I improve my accuracy in CAT Quant Questions?

To improve accuracy in CAT Quant Questions, focus on conceptual clarity, practice a variety of problems regularly, and analyze your mistakes. Timed practice and mock tests also help enhance precision and speed.

Q: What topics are commonly covered in CAT Quant Questions?

CAT Quant Questions typically cover topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Mathematics. A strong foundation in these areas is essential to perform well in the Quantitative Aptitude section.

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Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

March 11, 2026

Overview: The CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions section tests your mathematical aptitude, logical reasoning with numbers, and ability to solve complex problems under time pressure.

Key Takeaways

Understand the pattern and difficulty level of CAT Quant questions.
Learn how to apply concepts from Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number Systems effectively.
Improve calculation speed and accuracy through exam-level practice.
Identify high-weightage QA topics that frequently appear in CAT.
Access topic-wise CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions with solutions for structured preparation.
Practice questions similar to the MCQ and TITA formats used in CAT.

What You Will Get in This Blog: CAT Quantitative Aptitude questions with answers + tips to improve your preparation.

What is Quantitative Aptitude in CAT 2026?

Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is one of the three sections in the CAT exam, alongside Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).

It assesses a candidate's mathematical skills, problem-solving abilities, and numerical aptitude. The section primarily covers topics from basic high-school mathematics.

CAT Quantitative Questions with Solutions 2026: Sample Questions

Sample Aptitude CAT Questions 2026 are as follows:

Q1. Peter received 30% of the total marks and failed by 10 marks, whereas John received 40% and scored 15 marks above the passing mark. Find the passing marks.

a) 250
b) 150
c) 70
d) 85

Answer - d) 85

Q2. In a Tennis tournament, John has played 60 matches so far and won 60% of them. If he wins 37.5% of the remaining matches, their overall win percentage will be 50%. Suppose he wins 75% of the remaining matches, then the total number of matches lost by him in the tournament will be

a) 24
b) 36
c) 42
d) 48

Answer - b) 36

Q3. A class has 120 students; each has majored in either Arts or Science. 3% of students who have majored in Arts equals 9% of students who have majored in science. Find the number of students who have majored in Arts.

a) 80
b) 100
c) 60
d) 90

Answer - d) 90

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Q4. Two numbers, a and b, are inversely proportional to each other. If "a" increases by 50%, then b decreases by:

a) 25%
b) 100%
c) 50%
d) 33.33%

Answer - d) 33.33%

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Q5. In an election between 2 candidates, A and B, A received 46% of the total valid votes and lost the election by 1440 votes. If 10% of the votes were invalid, find the number of votes polled in the election.

a) 20,000
b) 19,000
c) 19900
d) 18100

Answer - a) 20,000

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Q6. John spends 30% of his salary on his house rent. He spends 20% of his remaining salary on food, 20% of the remaining salary for commuting to the office, and 25% of the remaining salary on entertainment. If he is left with INR 16800, then find the house rent paid by John.

a) INR 50000
b) INR 35000
c) INR 25000
d) INR 15000

Answer - d) INR 15000

Check | CAT Exam Cut Off Trends

Q7. In a class, 60% of the students are boys, which is 40 more than the number of girls. Suppose 44% of the students were selected for a quiz competition, including 60 boys. What percentage of the girls are not selected for quiz competitions?

a) 58%
b) 65%
c) 60%
d) 52%

Answer - b) 65%

Important CAT Quant Questions PDF 2026: Topic Wise

Get access to the complete CAT 2026 Study Plan, and download the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Solutions PDF to strengthen your problem-solving skills effectively.

Topic-wise CAT Quant Questions with Solutions PDF Download

Number System CAT Questions PDF
Arithmetic CAT Questions PDF
Number Theory CAT Questions PDF
Quadratic Equation CAT Questions PDF
CAT Inequalities Questions PDF
Logarithms, Surds & Indices Questions PDF
Time, Speed & Distance Questions PDF
Linear Equations Questions PDF
Ratio, Proportion & Variations Questions PDF
Simple Interest - Compound Interest Questions PDF
Profit & Loss CAT Questions PDF

Q8. A company processes fresh fruit juice pulp to prepare the Jam. Find the number of KG of juice pulp required to make 800 KG of Jam; fresh juice pulp consists of 75% liquid, and jam consists of 5% liquid.

a) 3040
b) 2850
c) 2950
d) 3250

Answer - a) 3040

Q9. The average temperature on the 1st four days of the week is 36 degrees, and on the last four days is 39 degrees. If the average temperature for the entire week is 37 degrees, find the temperature on the 4th day.

a) 37 degrees
b) 38 degrees
c) 39 degrees
d) 41 degrees

Answer - d) 41 degrees

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions for Beginners

Q10. A tank has a 240-litre mixture of syrup and water in a ratio of 5:7. 40 litres of the mixture are replaced with water, then 48 litres are replaced with water, and again 60 litres are replaced with water. Find the amount of syrup remaining in the tank.

a) 40 litres
b) 50 litres
c) 60 litres
d) 80 litres

Answer - c) 50 litres

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Q11. The average mark of 5 friends is 84; the average decreases by 4 when John's score is added. Find the marks scored by John.

a) 60
b) 64
c) 65
d) 70

Answer - a) 60

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Q12. The cost of a glass slab is directly proportional to the square of its thickness. Find the cost of the slab with a thickness of 3mm if the slab with a thickness of 4mm costs Rs. 64.

a) Rs 56
b) Rs . 48
c) Rs . 45
d) Rs . 36

Answer - d) Rs 36

Q13. A shopkeeper mixes 2 oils 1 and 2. One litre of oil 1 weighs 1 KG and one litre of oil 2 weighs 800 g. If 750ml of the mixture weighs 720 gm, then the percentage of oil 1 in the mixture, in terms of volume, is

a) 60%
b) 70%
c) 80%
d) 90%

Answer - c) 80%

Read More: CAT Exam Pattern

Q14. Charan started the business with an investment of Rs. 300000, and Kiran invested Rs. 600000 three months later. As Charan is an active partner, he receives 20% of the profit as a salary. Find the total amount received by Charan if the profit at the end of a year is Rs. 2000000.

a) Rs. 1200000
b) Rs. 1040000
c) Rs. 960000
d) Rs. 112000

Answer - b) Rs. 10,40,000

Q15. If John goes at a speed of 12 km/h, he will be 20 minutes late, and if he travels at a speed of 18km/ h, he will be 10 minutes early. Find the distance if it is the same in both cases.

a) 17 KM
b) 18 KM
c) 19 KM
d) 20 KM

Answer - b) 18 KM

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Q16. A person invests a sum of ₹5,000 in a scheme that offers simple interest at a rate of 8% per annum. The money remains invested for 3 years. Calculate the total amount the person will receive at the end of the investment period, including the principal and interest.

A. ₹6,200

B. ₹6,000

C. ₹6,400

D. ₹6,500

Answer: A. ₹6,200

Check: How to prepare for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

Q17) A shopkeeper buys an article at ₹500 and sells it at a profit of 20%. What is the selling price of the article?

A. ₹550

B. ₹600

C. ₹580

D. ₹620

Answer: B. ₹600

Q18) A car is travelling a distance of 300 kilometres in a time span of 5 hours. Determine the car's average speed in kilometres per hour (km/h).

A. 50 km/h

B. 55 km/h

C. 60 km/h

D. 65 km/h

Answer: C. 60 km/h

Explanation: Average Speed = Total Distance / Total Time
Average Speed = 300 / 5 = 60 km/h

Check: CAT Score vs Percentile

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions Types

The QA section generally consists of 22–26 questions and forms part of the overall CAT paper. The CAT Quant questions pdf are divided into two types:

Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): Require you to choose the correct answer from the given options.
TITA – Type in the Answer: Requires you to type the exact numerical answer.

The QA section is designed to test your conceptual understanding and problem-solving efficiency within the allotted time of 40 minutes (for non-PwD candidates).

Detailed Breakdown of Important CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions 2026

Here is the detailed breakdown of the most important CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions:

Major Topic	Subtopics
Arithmetic	Profit and Loss Percentages Ratio and Proportion Simple and Compound Interest Averages Mean Median Mode Mixtures and Allegations Time and Work Time, Speed, and Distance
Algebra	Basics Algebraic Formulae Linear Equations Quadratic Equations Finding Out Roots Maxima and Minima Problems with Ages Number of Integer Solutions Higher Degree Equations Functions Modifications of Graphs The Smallest Value in a Maximum Function Descartes' Rule of Signs Inequalities Logarithm
Number System	Fermat’s Theorem Euler’s Theorem Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders Wilson’s Theorem Basics of Numbers Properties of Numbers Divisibility Rules Divisibility and Factors Highest Common Factor and Lowest Common Multiple Number of Trailing Zeros Finding out Remainders based on Basic Divisibility Rules Binomial Theorem Finding Out the Last Digit Finding Out the Last Two Digits Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors) Base Systems Conversion of Bases Addition / Subtraction / Multiplication in different bases
Geometry	Geometry Coordinate Geometry Trigonometry Lines and Angles Triangles – Basic Concepts Area, Angles Similar Triangles Polygons Circles Solids / Mensuration – 3D
Modern Maths	Sequence and Series Binomial Theorem Set Theory Permutation and Combination Probability

Tips for Solving CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions 2026

Tips to practice CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions are as follows:

1. Start by Learning the Basics

Before solving the complex problems directly, ensure you clearly understand the basics. This approach aids in problem-solving and reduces the likelihood of errors.

2. Practice, Practice and Practice

Consistent practice is the mantra. The more you solve, the better you identify patterns and shortcuts.

3. Practice Mock Tests

Simulating the actual test environment through mock tests helps in time management and provides a realistic understanding of where you stand.

4. Review and Improve Your Mistakes

Review the mistakes made after every mock or practice session. Understand the reasoning behind them to avoid repeating them in the main exam.

5. Time Management

It's crucial to strike a balance. Do not spend too much time on one question. If stuck, move on and come back if time allows.

6. Stay Updated with the Pattern

The CAT exam pattern or emphasis on certain topics can shift. Stay updated with the latest trends by engaging in forums or coaching classes.

Check: CAT Exam Maths Syllabus