CAT Algebra is an important topic in the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the Common Admission Test (CAT). It covers linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, surds and indices, logarithms, functions and graphs, polynomials, and arithmetic, geometric and harmonic progressions. Practising CAT Algebra PYQs helps candidates understand question patterns, improve calculation speed, and identify concepts that appear frequently. Based on a five-year analysis of CAT 2021-2025, Algebra accounted for 115 out of 330 Quantitative Aptitude questions, or approximately 34.8% of the questions analysed.
Related Links:
The following guide covers the year-wise weightage trend, question types, topic distribution, difficulty level, and preparation strategy.
This PDF includes:
| 417 Algebra questions in the PDF | 34.8% Five-year QA Share (2021-2025) |
| 2025-1990 Years Covered | 27 Exam years in the PDF |
The PDF holds 417 Algebra questions from CAT 1990 to 2025, grouped by year and slot. Answer keys and solutions are not included.
CAT Algebra PYQ Statistics (2021-2025)
The following figures represent the aggregated number of Algebra questions across all three slots of CAT each year, not the count in an individual slot.
| Year | Total Questions (All Slots) | Average per Slot | Weightage in QA | Change in Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 24 | 8.00 | 36.36% | +1.52% |
| 2024 | 23 | 7.67 | 34.85% | 0.00% |
| 2023 | 23 | 7.67 | 34.85% | +1.52% |
| 2022 | 22 | 7.33 | 33.33% | −1.52% |
| 2021 | 23 | 7.67 | 34.85% | — |
| Total | 115 | 7.67 | 34.85% overall | — |
Weightage is the share of the 66 Quantitative Aptitude questions across the three slots in that year. Change in weightage is the difference in percentage points from the previous year.
CAT Algebra PYQ Question-Type Distribution
CAT Algebra questions in the Quantitative Aptitude section can appear as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) or Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
Across the 15 slots of CAT 2021-2025, 77 of the 115 Algebra questions were MCQs and 38 were TITA. In the full PDF of 417 questions, 350 are MCQs and 67 are TITA.
| Question Type | Number of Questions (Per Slot) | Approx. Share |
|---|---|---|
| MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) | 4–6 | 50%–86% |
| TITA (Type In The Answer) | 1–4 | 14%–50% |
| Total | 6–9 | — |
CAT Algebra Topic-Wise PYQ Distribution
Algebra includes several subtopics that test reasoning and the application of mathematical concepts. Progressions are the largest subtopic, with 76 of the 417 questions.
The following areas are covered in the topic-wise PYQ collection, and each has its own PDF.
| Algebra subtopic | Concepts to practise | Questions in PDF | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressions (AP, GP and HP) | Sum and nth term of AP and GP, harmonic progression, means and series problems | 76 | Download PDF |
| Functions and Graphs | Domain and range, composition of functions, graphs, maxima and minima, custom-defined operators | 70 | Download PDF |
| Inequalities | Linear and quadratic inequalities, modulus, ranges of values | 58 | Download PDF |
| Quadratic Equations | Roots, nature of roots, sum and product of roots, equations reducible to quadratics | 55 | Download PDF |
| Linear Equations | Simultaneous equations, word problems, systems with no or many solutions | 53 | Download PDF |
| Logarithms | Properties of logarithms, change of base, equations and inequalities with logs | 43 | Download PDF |
| Surds and Indices | Laws of exponents, simplifying surds, comparing powers | 26 | Download PDF |
| Polynomials | Remainder and factor theorems, roots of polynomials, identities | 11 | Download PDF |
| Other Algebra questions | Individual questions on more specific sub-topics | 25 | In the full Algebra PDF |
Difficulty Level of CAT Algebra PYQs
By the difficulty tag in our question bank, 234 of the 417 Algebra questions are medium, 165 are hard and 18 are easy.
| Difficulty | Typical question characteristics | Preparation focus | Questions in PDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | Direct substitution, simple linear equations, or standard logarithm and index rules | Formula recall and accuracy | 18 |
| Moderate | Quadratic equations, inequalities or progressions that need two or three steps | Choosing the right identity or substitution | 234 |
| Difficult | Functions, custom-defined operators and inequalities with several conditions | Case analysis, graph sketching and testing values | 165 |
How to Prepare for CAT Algebra Using PYQs
Follow a three-stage preparation plan to get the most out of the question bank.
- Build conceptual clarity: Revise the laws of indices and logarithms, the quadratic formula, and the standard AP and GP results before attempting timed practice.
- Practise topic-wise PYQs: Solve CAT Algebra questions grouped by subtopic. Record the year and slot, your accuracy, and the time taken.
- Attempt mixed Algebra sets: Once individual concepts are clear, solve questions from different Algebra topics together. Review incorrect answers and identify whether the mistake came from concept selection, algebraic manipulation, or time management.
Because Algebra contributed 34.8% of the five-year QA dataset analysed, it is the second-largest source of QA questions after Arithmetic and deserves substantial preparation time. However, candidates should prepare Arithmetic, Geometry, Number System, and Modern Mathematics as well.
Related CAT Practice
CAT Algebra PYQs FAQs
Ques. How many Algebra questions are asked in CAT?
Ans. Based on 2021-2025 analysis, Algebra accounts for 115 out of 330 QA questions, representing approximately 34.8%. The number varies across exam years and slots, from 22 to 24 a year across the three slots.
Ques. Which topics are covered in the CAT Algebra syllabus?
Ans. The CAT Algebra syllabus includes linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, surds and indices, logarithms, functions and graphs, polynomials, and progressions.
Ques. How can I practise CAT Algebra questions PYQ topic-wise?
Ans. Start with one topic at a time, such as quadratic equations or inequalities. Solve previous-year questions and note the concepts or calculation methods you find difficult. Then practise mixed Algebra questions under timed conditions.
Ques. How should I use CAT Algebra PYQs for exam preparation?
Ans. Practise questions from different CAT years and slots, and track your accuracy and time per question. Reattempt incorrect questions after revising the relevant concepts. This helps you identify weak areas and improve your problem-solving speed.
Ques. Does the CAT Algebra PYQ PDF include solutions?
Ans. No. The PDF contains the 417 questions with their year, slot and source question number, without answer keys or solutions.
Comments