CAT Modern Math is an important topic in the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the Common Admission Test (CAT). It covers permutations and combinations, probability, set theory and Venn diagrams, and the binomial theorem. Practising CAT Modern Math 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, Modern Math accounted for 13 out of 330 Quantitative Aptitude questions, or approximately 3.9% of the questions analysed.
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The following guide covers the year-wise weightage trend, question types, topic distribution, difficulty level, and preparation strategy.
This PDF includes:
| 87 Modern Math questions in the PDF | 3.9% Five-year QA Share (2021-2025) |
| 2025-1990 Years Covered | 26 Exam years in the PDF |
The PDF holds 87 Modern Math questions from CAT 1990 to 2025, grouped by year and slot. Answer keys and solutions are not included.
CAT Modern Math PYQ Statistics (2021-2025)
The following figures represent the aggregated number of Modern Math 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 | 2 | 0.67 | 3.03% | −1.52% |
| 2024 | 3 | 1.00 | 4.55% | +3.03% |
| 2023 | 1 | 0.33 | 1.52% | −4.55% |
| 2022 | 4 | 1.33 | 6.06% | +1.52% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1.00 | 4.55% | — |
| Total | 13 | 0.87 | 3.94% 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 Modern Math PYQ Question-Type Distribution
CAT Modern Math questions in the Quantitative Aptitude section can appear as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) or Type In The Answer (TITA) questions.
Modern Math questions are few in each slot, so the figures below are totals. Across CAT 2021-2025, 8 of the 13 Modern Math questions were MCQs and 5 were TITA. In the full PDF of 87 questions, 73 are MCQs and 14 are TITA.
| Question Type | Questions in CAT 2021-2025 | Share | Questions in the full PDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) | 8 | 61.5% | 73 |
| TITA (Type In The Answer) | 5 | 38.5% | 14 |
| Total | 13 | — | 87 |
CAT Modern Math Topic-Wise PYQ Distribution
Modern Math includes several subtopics that test reasoning and the application of mathematical concepts. Permutation and combination is the largest subtopic, with 48 of the 87 questions.
The following areas are covered in the topic-wise PYQ collection, and each has its own PDF.
| Modern Math subtopic | Concepts to practise | Questions in PDF | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permutation and Combination | Arrangements, selections, circular permutations, counting with restrictions | 48 | Download PDF |
| Set Theory and Venn Diagrams | Overlapping sets, Venn diagrams, inclusion and exclusion | 19 | Download PDF |
| Permutations and Combinations (second PDF) | Arrangements, selections and counting problems | 6 | Download PDF |
| Probability | Basic probability, favourable outcomes, conditional probability | 4 | Download PDF |
| Other Modern Math questions | Individual questions on more specific sub-topics | 10 | In the full Modern Math PDF |
Difficulty Level of CAT Modern Math PYQs
By the difficulty tag in our question bank, 61 of the 87 Modern Math questions are medium, 23 are hard and 3 are easy.
| Difficulty | Typical question characteristics | Preparation focus | Questions in PDF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy | Basic arrangements, simple selections and two-set Venn diagrams | Formula recall and careful counting | 3 |
| Moderate | Counting with restrictions and three-set Venn problems | Choosing between permutation and combination | 61 |
| Difficult | Multi-stage counting, circular or grid arrangements and conditional probability | Case analysis and complementary counting | 23 |
How to Prepare for CAT Modern Math Using PYQs
Follow a three-stage preparation plan to get the most out of the question bank.
- Build conceptual clarity: Revise the permutation and combination formulas, the rules for restricted arrangements, and the Venn diagram method before attempting timed practice.
- Practise topic-wise PYQs: Solve CAT Modern Math questions grouped by subtopic. Record the year and slot, your accuracy, and the time taken.
- Attempt mixed Modern Math sets: Once individual concepts are clear, solve counting, probability and set questions together. Review incorrect answers and identify whether the mistake came from concept selection, double counting, or time management.
Because Modern Mathematics contributed only 3.9% of the five-year QA dataset analysed, the topic rewards focused rather than extended preparation, and a missed question here costs little against the larger Arithmetic and Algebra blocks. Candidates should prepare Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number System as well.
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CAT Modern Math PYQs FAQs
Ques. How many Modern Math questions are asked in CAT?
Ans. Based on 2021-2025 analysis, Modern Math accounts for 13 out of 330 QA questions, representing approximately 3.9%. The number varies across exam years and slots, from 1 to 4 a year across the three slots.
Ques. Which topics are covered in the CAT Modern Math syllabus?
Ans. The CAT Modern Math syllabus includes permutations and combinations, probability, set theory and Venn diagrams, and the binomial theorem.
Ques. How can I practise CAT Modern Math questions PYQ topic-wise?
Ans. Start with one topic at a time, such as permutation and combination or set theory. Solve previous-year questions and note the concepts or calculation methods you find difficult. Then practise mixed Modern Math questions under timed conditions.
Ques. How should I use CAT Modern Math 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 Modern Math PYQ PDF include solutions?
Ans. No. The PDF contains the 87 questions with their year, slot and source question number, without answer keys or solutions.
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