Table of Contents
- CAT 2024 Question Paper
- CAT Previous Year Question Paper
- CAT Sample Papers with Solutions PDF
- CAT Question Paper Important Topics
- CAT Mock Tests
- Importance of Solving CAT Question Papers
- When to Start Practicing CAT Question Papers?
- Reasons Behind Solving CAT Previous Year Question Papers
- How to Solve CAT Last Year Question Paper
CAT Previous Year Question Paper must be practised while preparing for the examination. Candidates will better understand the CAT exam pattern 2024 and difficulty level while solving the question papers. As per CAT's previous year's question papers, there are 66 questions in total. The CAT past year papers have been made available for 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
Solving the CAT papers will help candidates know the topics they need to concentrate on and improve time management. The total mark for a single set of CAT previous year papers is 198 marks. Each section has around 66 marks.
CAT 2024 Question Paper
The CAT 2024 question paper PDF will be published online along with the answer key soon on the official website. As per the previous year's trends, the CAT 2024 exam was conducted on Nov 26, 2024, and the notification for the same was released on Jul 31, 2024.
However, slot-wise memory-based CAT 2024 question papers have been released by various coaching institutes. Candidates can download and check the unofficial CAT question paper 2023 to get an idea and to calculate the tentative scores comparing it with CAT answer key 2023.
CAT Question Paper 2024 - Memory Based PDF
Candidates can refer the tabular below to check and download memory based CAT 2024 question paper PDF.
| Section | CAT 2020 Slots | Question Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Slot 1 | Download |
| Slot 2 | Download | |
| Slot 3 | Download | |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Slot 1 | Download |
| Slot 2 | Download | |
| Slot 3 | Download | |
| Verbal and Reading Comprehension | Slot 1 | Download |
| Slot 2 | Download | |
| Slot 3 | Download |
CAT Previous Year Question Paper must be attempted in 180 minutes. However, from 2020 onwards, 60 minutes have been reduced from the allotted time. Now, CAT 2024 allows candidates 120 minutes for the completion of the examination.
| Practice Year-wise CAT Question Papers | |
| CAT 2021 Question Paper with Solution | CAT 2020 Question Paper with Solution |
| CAT 2019 Question Paper with Solution | CAT 2018 Question Paper with Solution |
CAT Previous Year Question Paper
Solving the CAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF are given below should be on every aspirant's list of priorities to assess one's preparation. CAT PYQs will help candidates boost their preparation one level higher. Candidates can check on the previous year question papers shared for different courses.
CAT 2022 Question Paper
CAT 2022 Question Papers for Slot 1 and Slot 2 are shared below. Candidates must download the pdf link and start preparing for the coming examination.
CAT 2021 Question Paper with Solution PDF
CAT 2021 Question Papers were made available on the official website on Nov 28, 2021, for three Slots. The genuine CAT 2021 Question Paper, CAT 2020 Question Paper, CAT 2019 Question Paper, and more CAT previous year papers are the greatest practice sets for the exam.
The PDF links for the CAT question papers for 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 are provided below. Candidates can download the CAT 2021 Question Paper with Solution PDF from the links provided below for all the Slots.
CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 1
CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 1 is provided here for practice.
| CAT Section & Slot Number | CAT 2021 Slot 1 PDF |
|---|---|
| CAT Quant Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT DILR Slot 1 | Download |
| CAT VARC Slot 1 | Download |
CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 2
CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 2 is provided here for practice.
| CAT Section & Slot Number | CAT 2021 Slot 2 PDF |
|---|---|
| CAT Quant Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT DILR Slot 2 | Download |
| CAT VARC Slot 2 | Download |
CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 3
CAT 2021 Question Paper Slot 3 is provided here for practice. IIMs don't publish a set syllabus, and the CAT exam's question format is constantly changing. Solving CAT previous papers with solutions is the easiest technique to determine the main themes of the CAT Syllabus.
| CAT Section & Slot Number | CAT 2021 Slot 3 PDF |
|---|---|
| CAT Quant Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT DILR Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT VARC Slot 3 | Download |
CAT 2020 Question Papers PDF
Candidates can find the question papers for CAT 2020 question paper PDFs below.
| Section | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Download | Download | Download |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Download | Download | Download |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Download | Download | Download |
CAT 2019 Question Papers PDF
Candidates can download the CAT 2019 question papers for a better understanding of the type of CAT exam questions asked.
| Section | Slot 1 | Slot 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Download | Download |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Download | Download |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Download | Download |
CAT 2018 Question Papers PDF
Practicing the papers will benefit the aspirants in assessing and evaluating their preparation for CAT 2023. Candidates can check on the CAT 2018 Question Paper PDF link shared below.
| Slot | Question Paper | PDF Link |
|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | CAT 2018 Question Paper | Download |
| Slot 2 | CAT 2018 Question Paper | Download |
CAT 2017 Question Papers PDF
The candidates are advised to practice as many mock papers and CAT exam papers as they can get their hands on. The CAT 2017 Question Papers for both slots are given below for convenience.
| Slots | Question Papers | PDF Link |
|---|---|---|
| Slot 1 | CAT 2017 Question Paper | Download |
| Slot 2 | CAT 2017 Question Paper | Download |
CAT Sample Papers with Solutions PDF
Candidates should complete numerous sample papers and the previous year's question papers to improve their CAT preparation. Below are some CAT Sample Papers to help applicants practice more questions of various patterns and levels of difficulty.
Aspirants for the CAT can download the PDF of the CAT Sample Papers with Solutions from the table below:
| CAT Sample Question Papers | PDF Link |
|---|---|
| CAT Sample Paper 1 | Download |
| CAT Sample Paper 2 | Download |
CAT Question Paper Important Topics
CAT paper 2023 is divided into three sections, which are Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Quantitative Aptitude (QA), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), respectively. Below listed are the important topics covered in each section of the CAT last year paper.
CAT Reading Comprehension Important Topics
CAT paper 2023 important topics for reading comprehension are given below.
| CAT Reading Comprehension Important Topics | ||
| Migration of Northern Seals | Piracy in international trade | The need for economic literacy in the general population |
| Anarchism | Investing in renewable energy technologies | Travel writing and feminism during colonial times |
| Grammar/Vocabulary | A study of visualization | An analysis of human nature |
| Currency of the Tang Dynasty | Freudian models of aggression | Screen time and undercurrents of social class |
CAT Quantitative Aptitude Important Topics
CAT question paper important topics for Quantitative Aptitude (QA) are given below.
| CAT Quantitative Aptitude Important Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| HCF LCM | Factorials | Digits |
| Percents, Profit Loss, SICI | Logarithms & Exponents | Pipes Cisterns, Work Time |
| Geometry | Mensuration | Pipes Trigonometry |
| Functions | Polynomials | Progression and Permutation Probability |
| Factors | Remainders | Functions |
| Ratio, Mixtures: Averages | Speed Time Distance | Factors |
| Set Theory | Co-Geo | Speed Time Distance |
| Linear & Quadratic | Inequalities | Co-Geo |
CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Important Topics
CAT question paper important topics for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) are given below.
| CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Important Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sentence Correction | Paragraph Completion | Sentence Correction |
| Word Usage | Text Completion | Word Usage |
| Para Jumble | Sentence Elimination | Para Jumble |
| Critical Reasoning | Para Summary | Sentence Elimination |
CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning Important Topics
CAT question paper's important topics for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) are given below.
| CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Important Topics | ||
| Pie Charts | Word Problems | Grid Puzzles |
| Grid Puzzles | Visualization | Bar Graphs |
| Bar Graphs | Multiple Graphs | Word Problems |
| Sequencing | Math Puzzles | Math Puzzles |
CAT Mock Tests
CAT Mock Test 2024 must be solved by all the candidates to better understand the syllabus, question paper structure, and types of CAT exam questions. By solving these free online CAT mock tests, the candidates will be able to evaluate their sectional and overall performance in the exam. The ideal time to solve these sample papers and mock tests is at least 30 days before the exam.
The CAT 2024 mock test will be released on the official website a few weeks before the exam date. The total time duration of the CAT 2024 mock test will be 120 minutes with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes, similar to the actual exam.
Importance of Solving CAT Question Papers
It is helpful to complete CAT previous year papers because they aid in the development of the aptitude for finishing MCQs within the allotted time and style. Additionally, CAT previous year exam questions expose students to every question type that will be covered in the exam, including Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), Verbal Ability, and Reading Comprehension problems (VARC).
Understanding the CAT exam format and the weighting of each question is easier with question papers.
- The candidate's speed and accuracy improves after practicing CAT question papers.
- Time management abilities are improved by practicing CAT exam questions.
- The candidate is prepared for all types of questions by practicing the question papers.
- Learning tips and shortcuts for answering problems more quickly come through practicing CAT question papers.
Also Read:
When to Start Practicing CAT Question Papers?
The ideal timing for candidates to begin CAT question paper solutions is one to two months prior to the exam. They would have finished most of the MBA CAT syllabus by then. By answering prior questions, candidates can determine which area they have done a good job of preparing for and which section they need to work on.
- It is advised to check the CAT question paper if a candidate is starting everything from scratch. It is done in order to become accustomed to the format of the CAT exam. However, one should only attempt to solve problems after preparing because it won't be successful.
- As a result, start by finishing the CAT 2024 syllabus and ensuring candidates understand all the formulas and theorems. One or two months prior to the CAT exam is the optimal time to begin solving them.
- Top scorers on the CAT and CAT mentors advise taking at least 30 - 40 mock exams when preparing for the exam. Some top performers take as many as 80 practice exams.
Also Read: How to Prepare for CAT without Coaching?
Reasons Behind Solving CAT Previous Year Question Papers
There are various benefits of going through the previous year's papers. The papers play a vital role when it comes to preparing for any competitive examination. Here are a few crucial benefits of solving the previous year CAT question paper.
- Going through previous papers will help to get an insight into the difficulty level of the exam paper, specifically each section. It will help the aspirants segregate the important sections as per the weightage and the level of questions from each section.
- Solving previous year's papers with a set time limit will help in time management in the examination. Try solving the previous ten years of papers with a set duration of the actual exam timing. Analyze the sections that take time and work more on them.
- Going through and solving the papers will help them understand the weak sections of the syllabus. Aspirants can proceed further by spending more time on the concerned subject or section.
How to Solve CAT Last Year Question Paper
A better strategy helps not only in securing good marks but also allows you to cover the syllabus with ease. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to solve the previous year's papers once you have downloaded them.
- Get a printout of the papers. Prefer hard copies over soft copies as that shall help better.
- Skim through the paper in the first round and understand the paper pattern.
- Mark and solve the easier questions in the first fifteen minutes.
- Now, set the timer as per the left exam duration and start solving the rest of the questions.
- Highlight the sections or questions that are laborious and practice them separately.
- Evaluate your performance at the end.
Also Read: Advantages of CAT Exam
FAQs on CAT Previous Year Question Papers
Q: Where can I download CAT 2024 question papers?
A: CAT 2024 question papers will be released soon after the exam is conducted. Candidates can easily download the question papers along with answer keys as a PDF file. In addition, Candidates can also access the same through the link provided in the article above.
Q: Who is in charge of setting CAT question paper?
A: CAT question papers are set by conducting body, IIM. Every year, the different IIM institutes take the responsibility of setting up the questions. IIM Lucknow will administer and conduct CAT 2024.
Q: Should I solve CAT previous year question papers during preparation?
A: Yes, candidates are advised to solve CAT previous year question papers at least a week or two before the exam date. This helps candidates get a better understanding of the question paper difficulty level, exam pattern, syllabus and time management.
Q: Where can I download CAT previous year question papers?
A: Candidates can download CAT previous year question papers as PDF file from the official website, or through direct link provided in the article above.
Q: When to start practicing CAT Question Papers?
A: Ideally, candidates should start solving the CAT previous year's question immediately after finishing the syllabus. Candidates can also start to solve the same after each topic they have finished. In terms of time frame, applicants can start to solve the CAT previous years question paper before 3 months of the final exam.
Q: Are CAT exam question paper enough for exam preparation?
A: Solving previous year CAT questions will be really helpful for the aspirants appearing for the CAT examination. However, it does not guarantee 100 percentile in the exam. Candidates must always study and know all the concepts from the CAT syllabus before solving the previous year's question papers.
Q: Is the CAT exam tough for average candidates?
A: The CAT exam is based on the candidate's speed. It tests the mental, reasoning, logical, and analytical aspects of candidates. It is considered a tough exam, but the level of scoring completely depends on the level of practice one does to crack the exam.
