HCLTech publishes only the three section names for HCL CAT. The topic list below is compiled from candidates' reports and from HCLTech's own placement papers, and it sits squarely inside Class 8–10 NCERT mathematics and school English. If you did well in Class 10 maths, you already know the concepts; the work is speed.
Quantitative Reasoning
Number system (divisibility, HCF & LCM, remainders), fractions and decimals, percentages, profit & loss, simple & compound interest, ratio & proportion, averages, ages, time & work, pipes & cisterns, speed–time–distance, arithmetic progression, basic mensuration (area, perimeter, volume), elementary probability and simple data tables.
Logical Reasoning
Number and letter series, coding–decoding, blood relations, direction sense, alphabetical ordering, odd-one-out and analogies, syllogisms (statements and conclusions), inequalities (A > B = C type), simple seating arrangements, Venn diagrams and statement–assumption questions.
English language
Parts of speech and tenses, subject–verb agreement, prepositions, articles, error identification, sentence completion, synonyms and antonyms, one-word substitutions, idioms, spellings, sentence rearrangement (para-jumbles) and a short reading-comprehension passage. The essay asks for 200 words on a general topic — your school, technology in daily life, a role model.
Weightage snapshot (reported)
| Section | Heaviest topics | Share of paper |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative | Percentages, ratio, averages (≈ 12) · time-work & speed (≈ 8) · number system & interest (≈ 8) | ≈ 32% |
| Logical | Series & coding (≈ 14) · relations & directions (≈ 10) · syllogism, inequality, puzzles (≈ 10) | ≈ 36% |
| English | Grammar & error spotting (≈ 14) · vocabulary (≈ 10) · comprehension & jumbles (≈ 8) | ≈ 32% |
What is NOT in the syllabus
- No Class 11–12 maths — no calculus, trigonometry beyond basics, or coordinate geometry.
- No programming or coding questions in HCL CAT. Computer awareness is tested informally in the interview.
- No general knowledge or current affairs section (the essay may touch general topics).
Start with the four practice sets: aptitude, reasoning, verbal and computer basics.