CAT Previous Year Question Paper must be referred to by the candidates to keep a close eye on the evolution of the type of questions asked in the examination. Solving the CAT previous year's papers will help candidates know the topics they need to concentrate on and improve time management.
Candidates will better understand the CAT exam pattern 2023 and difficulty level while solving the previous year's question papers. CAT previous year question paper will have 66 questions in total. The total mark for a single set of CAT previous year papers is 198. Each section is around 66 marks, Candidates can read along to understand all about the CAT question papers.
| Practice Previous Papers Now | |
| CAT 2021 Question Paper with Solution | CAT 2020 Question Paper with Solution |
| CAT 2019 Question Paper with Solution | CAT 2018 Question Paper with Solution |
Table of Contents
- CAT Previous Year Question Paper
- CAT Sample Papers with Solutions PDF
- Importance of Solving CAT Question Papers
- CAT Mock Tests
- CAT Question Paper Important Topics
- When to Start Practicing CAT Questions?
CAT 2023 Question Paper
The CAT 2023 question paper will be published online along with the answer key. As per the previous year trends, the exam is expected to be conducted online on Nov 26, 2023, and the notification for the same was released on Jul 31, 2023.
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 2023 exam has to be completed in 120 minutes.
CAT Previous Year Question Paper
Solving the CAT Previous Year Question Paper given below should be on every aspirant's list of priorities to assess one's preparation.
CAT 2022 Question Paper
CAT 2021 Question Paper with Solution PDF
On Nov 28, 2021, three spots for the CAT 2021 were available. Candidates can download the CAT 2021 Question Paper with Solution PDF from the links provided below.
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.
| CAT Section & Slot Number | CAT 2021 Slot 3 PDF |
| CAT Quant Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT DILR Slot 3 | Download |
| CAT VARC Slot 3 | Download |
IIMs don't publish a set syllabus, and the CAT exam's question format is constantly changing. Solving CAT previous year question papers with solutions is the easiest technique to determine the main themes of the CAT Syllabus.
The genuine CAT 2021 Question Paper, CAT 2020 Question Paper, CAT 2019 Question Paper, and more CAT previous year papers are the greatest practice exams for the exam. The PDF links for the CAT question papers for 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017 are provided below.
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
The 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
Candidates can refer to the other papers as well to understand the level of difficulty of the CAT 2023 exam. Practicing the papers will benefit the aspirants in assessing and evaluating their preparation for CAT 2023.
| Slot | Question Paper | PDF Link |
| 2018 Slot 1 | CAT 2018 Question Paper | Download |
| 2018 Slot 2 | CAT 2018 Question Paper | Download |
CAT 2017 Question Papers PDF
The candidates are advised to practice as many mock papers and CAT previous year 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 |
| 2017 Slot 1 | CAT 2017 Question Paper | Download |
| 2017 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 Princeton Review in the table below:
| CAT Sample Question Papers | PDF Link |
| CAT Sample Paper 1 | Download |
| CAT Sample Paper 2 | Download |
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 & 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 improve after practising CAT question papers.
- Time management abilities are improved by practising CAT exam questions.
- The candidate is prepared for all types of questions by practising CAT question papers.
- Learning tips and shortcuts for answering problems more quickly comes through practising CAT question papers.
Also Read:
CAT Mock Tests
CAT Mock Test 2023 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.
CAT 2023 mock test will be released on the official website a few weeks before the exam date. The total time duration of the CAT 2023 mock test will be 120 minutes with a sectional time limit of 40 minutes, similar to the actual exam.
CAT Question Paper Important Topics
The CAT question paper will be divided into three sections which are QA, DILR, and VARC. Below listed are the important topics covered in each section of the CAT question paper.
CAT Reading Comprehension Important Topics
CAT question paper topics for reading comprehension are given below.
| CAT 2020 Slot 1 | CAT 2020 Slot 2 | CAT 2020 Slot 3 |
| 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 topics for Quantitative Aptitude (QA) are given below.
| CAT 2020 Slot 1 | CAT 2020 Slot 2 | CAT 2020 Slot 3 |
| 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 topics for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) are given below
| CAT 2020 Slot 1 | CAT 2020 Slot 2 | CAT 2020 Slot 3 |
| 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 topics for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) are given below
| CAT 2020 Slot 1 | CAT 2020 Slot 2 | CAT 2020 Slot 3 |
| Pie Charts | Word Problems | Grid Puzzles |
| Grid Puzzles | Visualization | Bar Graphs |
| Bar Graphs | Multiple Graphs | Word Problems |
| Sequencing | Math Puzzles | Math Puzzles |
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 the 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. This is done in order to become accustomed to the format of the CAT exam. However, one shouldn't attempt to solve problems before preparing because it won't be successful.
As a result, start by finishing the CAT 2023 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.
| How to Prepare for CAT without Coaching? | Advantages of CAT Exam |
21_CAT_ExamPaper_2015.pdf
21_CAT_ExamPaper_2016.pdf
CAT_ExamPaper_2010.pdf
CAT_ExamPaper_2011.pdf
CAT_ExamPaper_2012.pdf
FAQs
Where can I download CAT 2023 question papers?
CAT 2023 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.
Who is in charge of setting CAT question paper?
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 2023.
In what languages is CAT questions available?
CAT question papers are only provided in English medium.
Should I solve CAT previous year question papers during preparation?
Yes, candidates are advised to solve CAT previous year questions papers at least a week or two before the exam date. This helps candidate get a better understanding of the question paper difficulty level, exam pattern, syllabus and time management.
Where can I download CAT previous year question papers?
Candidates can download CAT previous year question papers as PDF file from the official website, or through direct link provided in the article above.
When to Start Practicing CAT Question Papers?
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.
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