Quick answer
Cover every topic block, drill mental maths daily, and keep a one-page formula sheet. In the exam, skip hard questions early and come back. Treat typed-in answers differently from MCQs, because only MCQs carry negative marking.
The topic blocks
| Block | Examples |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentages, ratio, averages, time and work, speed and distance, profit and loss |
| Algebra | Equations, inequalities, functions, quadratics |
| Geometry and mensuration | Triangles, circles, coordinate geometry |
| Number system | Divisibility, remainders, factors |
| Modern maths | Permutations and combinations, probability, sets |
Build, then speed up
- Concepts first. For each block, learn the method and do a basic problem set.
- Mixed sets next. Time yourself on 15 to 20 questions across blocks.
- Mental maths daily. Ten minutes on squares, tables, fractions and percentages.
Skipping rules
- Skip if you cannot see the first step in a short time.
- Mark and return, do not abandon.
- With MCQs, guess only when you can cut options. With typed-in answers, an attempt costs nothing.
Your formula sheet
One page. Only the formulas you forget. Review it every morning in the last weeks.
Where this doesn’t apply
Where this doesn't apply
Topic weightage changes by year. Treat the table as a map of topics, not a prediction. Marking details are as reported by third-party portals. Faculty review of this chapter is pending, and we make no claim on how much the routine raises scores.
Quant help
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Marking (+3, -1 for MCQ, no negative for typed-in answers) as reported by Careers360’s CAT 2026 article. Topic blocks are our summary of the standard syllabus. Approach is our own method.