At GIBS Bangalore, there's really no strict sectional cutoff for CAT scores. They mostly look at your overall score along with academics, interviews, and your overall profile. So even if one section isn't super strong, it's not a big deal—what matters is your overall potential and fit for the progr
CAT 2020 Question Paper with Solutions (Available!): PDF Download
Common Admission Test 2025 ( CAT )
CAT previous year question papers are an important resource of exam preparation. Get free CAT 2020 question paper and know section wise topics, questions, difficulty level, topic-wise weightage and RC topics of slot 1, 2 and 3. Read all about CAT question paper 2020.
Get free CAT 2020 question paper PDF and know section wise topics, questions, difficulty level, topic-wise weightage and RC topics of CAT question paper 2020 slot 1, 2 and 3. Download here.
CAT 2020 question paper
CAT 2020 question paper
was of moderate difficulty level – that’s the popular opinion about it. CAT 2020 was conducted in three slot of 2 hours each. The CAT 2020 question paper had 76 questions in total. Candidates preparing for CAT exam must know the latest pattern and structure of the exam paper. Solving CAT Question Papers 2020 of all slots will increase the familiarity of candidates with the pattern, type of questions, and difficulty level.
In this article, we will look at the
CAT 2020 question paper
of slot 1, slot 2 and slot 3 in detail for you to prepare well for CAT 2025 exam. You can also download the CAT 2020 question paper and previous years CAT question papers below.
Table of contents
- CAT 2020 Question Paper: Highlights
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1: VARC
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1: DILR
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1: Quantitative Ability
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2: VARC
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2: DILR
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2 Quantitative Ability
- CAT 2020 Question Paper: Slot 3
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3: VARC
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3: DILR
- CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3: Quantitative Ability
View More
CAT 2020 Question Paper: Highlights
CAT previous year question papers are an important resource of exam preparation. CAT 2020 question papers of slot 1, 2 and 3 are structured in the same manner. Check the key highlights of CAT question paper 2020.
| Features |
Details |
|---|---|
| Sections |
1.VARC (26 questions) 2.DILR (24 questions) 3.QA (26 questions) |
| Total number of questions |
76 |
| Total time duration |
120 minutes |
| Sectional time limit |
40 minutes |
| Marking scheme |
+3 for every right attempt -1 for every wrong attempt No negative marking for non-MCQs |
| Total marks |
228 |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1
Now let’s look at the CAT question paper 2020 slot-wise. The first slot question paper has 57 MCQs and 19 non-MCQs. All the three sections are moderate to tough, with VARC being the toughest among all three. Section-wise number of questions and distribution is mentioned below:
| CAT 2020 Sections |
No. of Questions |
MCQs |
Non-MCQs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
26 |
21 |
5 |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) |
24 |
18 |
6 |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
26 |
18 |
8 |
| Total |
76 |
57 |
19 |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1: VARC
There are four RC passages in CAT question paper 2020 . While two passages are of medium difficulty, the other two are tough. There are only eight questions on Verbal Ability Check the break up of VARC section of CAT 2020 slot 1 paper:
| Area / Questions |
No. of Questions |
Type |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
18 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-1: Currency in Tang Empire |
4 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| RC- 2: Elephant Seal Migration |
5 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-3: Importance of Grammar |
5 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| RC-4: Subsets of Anarchist philosophy |
4 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Verbal Ability |
08 |
MCQ & TITA |
Overall: Moderate |
| Parajumbles ( 4 sentences) |
3 |
TITA |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Out of Context sentence |
2 |
TITA |
Easy to Moderate |
| Summary |
3 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
-- |
Moderate to Difficult |
Download: CAT 2020 Question Paper VARC Questions
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1: DILR
The 24 questions of DILR section of CAT question paper 2020 slot 1 are divided into three Data Interpretation sets and two logical reasoning sets. Check the break up of this section below:
| Area |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation– 6 students appearing for exam in 5 subjects |
6 |
Moderate |
4 MCQ + 2 TITA |
| Logical Reasoning–4 companies competing for Contracts |
6 |
Difficult |
6 MCQ |
| Data Interpretation–1,000 patients getting treated with 4 different drugs |
4 |
Easy to moderate |
4 TITA |
| Data Interpretation–10 musicians |
4 |
Moderate to difficult |
4 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Payment to taxi drivers |
4 |
Moderate to difficult |
4 MCQ |
| Overall |
24 |
Moderate to difficult |
-- |
Download: CAT 2020 Question Paper DILR Questions
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1: Quantitative Ability
In the Quantitative Ability section of CAT question paper 2020 slot 1, you will find maximum questions from Arithmetic and Algebra. Check the break up of this section below.
| Area/Question Type |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers |
2 |
Moderate |
| Arithmetic |
10 |
Easy to moderate |
| Algebra |
8 |
Moderate |
| Geometry |
3 |
Easy to moderate |
| Modern Maths |
3 |
Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
Moderate to Difficult |
Download: CAT 2020 Question Paper QA Questions
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2
The overall difficulty level of CAT question paper 2020 slot 2 was slightly higher than that of slot 2 with QA and DILR bordering on the difficult side. VARC was on par with slot 1.
| Section Name |
MCQs |
TITA |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC |
21 |
5 |
26 |
| DI and LR |
18 |
6 |
24 |
| QA |
18 |
8 |
26 |
| - |
57 |
19 |
76 |
Explore colleges based on CAT
Want better recommendations?
There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.Confused about which college or exam to opt for?
- Chat with our counselor
- Get your personalised list of colleges & exams matching your preferences
View allCollections
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2: VARC
The VARC section of CAT question paper 2020 slot 2 is similar to slot 1 in segmentation and difficulty level. It has four RC passages – two tough and two easy. The Verbal Ability section has only eight questions. Check the break up of VARC section of CAT 2020 slot 2 question paper:
| Area / Questions |
No. of Questions |
Type |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
18 |
MCQ |
Overall: Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-1: Piracy in International Waters |
4 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| RC- 2: Renewable Energy Technologies |
5 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-3: The Study of Visual Culture |
5 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| RC-4: Aggression - Theories and Models |
4 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Verbal Ability |
08 |
MCQ & TITA |
Overall: Moderate |
| Para jumbles ( 4 sentences) |
3 |
TITA |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Out of Context sentence |
2 |
TITA |
Easy to Moderate |
| Summary |
3 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
-- |
Moderate to Difficult |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2: DILR
The CAT question paper 2020 of slot 2 also had 12 questions each on DI and LR. There were two DI sets and three LR sets. Check the break up of this section below:
| Area |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation–Elections |
6 |
Moderate |
4 MCQ + 2 TITA |
| Logical Reasoning–Set on scheduling of seminars |
6 |
Difficult |
6 MCQ |
| Data Interpretation–Apparel and home decor of 4 cities over two years |
4 |
Moderate |
4 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Parking lot |
4 |
Easy to Moderate |
4 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Matrix arrangement set on beads of different colours |
4 |
Moderate to difficult |
4 TITA |
| Overall |
24 |
Moderate |
-- |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2 Quantitative Ability
Like slot 1, the QA section of slot 2 of CAT question paper 2020 also has maximum questions from Arithmetic (nine questions) and Algebra (seven questions). This section also has eight TITA questions. Students will find this section of CAT 2020 question paper slightly more difficult that CAT 2019 question paper.
| Area/Question Type |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers |
1 |
Moderate |
| Arithmetic |
9 |
Easy to moderate |
| Algebra |
7 |
Moderate to difficult |
| Geometry |
5 |
Moderate |
| Modern Maths |
4 |
Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
Moderate |
DOWNLOAD NOWCAT 2020 Question Paper with Answers Slot-2 |
Download CAT previous year papers pdf
- CAT Question Paper 2024 Download Free PDF
- CAT Question Paper 2023 Download Free PDF
- CAT Question Paper 2022 Download Free PDF
- CAT Question Paper 2021 Download Free PDF
- CAT Question Paper 2019 Download Free PDF
- CAT Question Paper 2018 Download Free PDF
- CAT Question Paper 2017 Download Free PDF
- CAT Previous Year Papers and Analysis
CAT 2020 Question Paper: Slot 3
The CAT question paper 2020 of slot 3 has the same structure as the first two slots and the difficulty level is also same.
| Section Name |
MCQs |
TITA |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC |
21 |
5 |
26 |
| DI and LR |
18 |
6 |
24 |
| QA |
18 |
8 |
26 |
| Overall |
57 |
19 |
76 |
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
XGMT registration
30 Sep '25 - 30 Dec '25
JAGMAT admit card issuance
30 Dec '25
XAT 2026 Exam
4 Jan '26
SNAP 2025 result announcement
9 Jan '26
NMAT 2025 Registration (Additi...
5 Jan '26 - 10 Jan '26
MU BAAT 2026 Round 3 Registration
29 Nov '25 - 11 Jan '26
BET 2026 Round 2 Submission De...
13 Jan '26
SP JAT 2026 Registration
22 Jan '26
JET 2026 exam
23 Jan '26
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3: VARC
The VARC section of slot 3 of CAT question paper 2020 was similar to slot 1 and 2 in difficulty level and structure. There were four RC passages – two tough and two easy. And, Like slot 1 and 2, there are eight questions from VA in slot 3 question paper too.
| Area / Questions |
No. of Questions |
Type |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
18 |
MCQ |
Overall: Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-1: On Travel Writing |
5 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-2: Economic crises |
4 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| RC-3: Views on Human Nature |
5 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-4: Screen Time and class |
4 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| Verbal Ability |
08 |
MCQ & TITA |
Overall: Moderate |
| Para jumbles ( 4 sentences) |
3 |
TITA |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Out of Context sentence |
2 |
TITA |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Summary |
3 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
-- |
Moderate to Difficult |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3: DILR
The question paper of slot 3 of CAT 2020 also has a total five sets of DI and LR. Two sets have six questions while three have four questions each. Check the break up of this section of CAT 2020 question paper slot 3 below:
| Area |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation–Four facilities in a school |
4 |
Easy to Moderate |
2 TITA + 2 MCQ |
| Data Interpretation–Organization delivering groceries |
4 |
Moderate to Difficult |
4 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Game of six rounds |
6 |
Moderate to Difficult |
4 TITA + 2 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Farmer and four daughters |
6 |
Moderate to Difficult |
6 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Patients undergoing blood test |
4 |
Easy to Moderate |
4 MCQ |
| Overall |
24 |
Moderate to Difficult |
-- |
Download Free DILR Question Bank for PracticeClick to Download |
Download Free VARC Question Bank for Practice |
Download Free QA Question Bank for Practice |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3: Quantitative Ability
Like slots 1 and 2, the QA section of slot 3 of CAT 2020 question paper is alos was dominated by Arithmetic (10 questions). However, the number of Algebra questions are lower than in slot 1 and 2 question papers. Take a look at the break up of this section below:
| Area/Q Type |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers |
3 |
Moderate |
| Arithmetic |
10 |
Easy to moderate |
| Algebra |
4 |
Moderate to difficult |
| Geometry |
4 |
Moderate |
| Modern Maths |
5 |
Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
Moderate |
CAT Mock Test
Try this CAT Mock Test by Shiksha, to assess your preparation level and time-management skill.
| CAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_Set_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Read More:
Q: What is the structure of CAT question paper?
Q: Which CAT slot has the toughest question paper?
A:
There is no pattern to which CAT question paper can be the toughest. The CAT question paper of every slot has unique questions. The examination body strives to maintain the same difficulty level of the paper across all slots but it may happen that a question can be more difficult from another. It is seen that, to keep the uniqueness of the question paper intact, the examination authority also changes the topic wise weightage a little bit across the exam slots. In most of the previous years, it is seen that the morning slot of the CAT exam is tougher than the rest two. However, candidates must not worry about the difficulty level of the slots as, the scores of all the candidates are normalised on a common scale to root out the possibility of advantage or disadvantage to any student due to difference in difficulty level. To know how the CAT scores are normalised, read this article:
https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/understanding-cat-normalization-process-blogId-9386.
Q: From where can I download CAT question papers?
A:
CAT question papers are released within a week of the exam in the form of a PDF as a response sheet and answer key. Candidates who have appeared for the test are able to access the CAT question paper and answer key. The question paper of every slot is released on the same day along with candidate response sheet and official answer to all question. If any candidate needs previous year CAT question papers for preparation purpose, then they can download them from Shiksha website. We have hosted last five years' CAT question papers for aspirants to download and practice. These official CAT question papers are available for download free. You can download the CAT question paper PDFs at this link: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cat-exam-question-papers Candidates must check and practice the latest CAT question paper to know the latest exam pattern and difficulty level.
Q: How many RC questions does CAT have?
A:
The CAT VARC section is dominated by RC questions. Out of 24 questions about 14-16 are based on Reading Comprehension passages and the rest of them are based on parajumbles, para completion, etc.
CAT has about 12-16 RC question. Since, it is not mandatory to solve all the questions, candidates can maximize their scores by leaving out the questions related to the passage they find the toughest. There is negative marking in CAT so candidates must ensure that they mark only the correct options or do not mark any option at all.
Q: How many vocabulary questions are asked in CAT?
A:
There are no straight forward vocabulary questions in CAT. Out of the total of 24 questions in VARC section, 12-14 questions are Reading Comprehension based and rest of them comprise parajumbles, para completion and odd sentence. CAT is the only MBA entrance exam, which does not have direct vocabulary and grammar questions. However, one needs to have strong vocabulary and grammar to be able to solve RC, parajumble, para completion and odd sentence questions.
Q: How many DI questions are asked in CAT?
A:
Data Interpretation or DI is a sub part of CAT's second section DILR. This section has 20 -22 questions (until 2023, the totla number of DILR questions was 20, and in 2024 the number of questions was 22). Both Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning questions have equal number of questions. Candidates must make sure that they prepare for both topics well as the weightage is equal and if they are ill prepared for either of the two, their score will get affected.
Videos you may like
About the Author
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
Read Full BioDownload Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams
News & Updates
Latest NewsPopular News
Explore Other Exams
4 Jan '26 | XAT 2026 Exam |
Jan '26 | XAT 2026 answer key out |
9 Jan '26 | SNAP 2025 result announcement |
20 Dec '25 | SNAP 2025 session 3 |
5 Jan '26 - 10 Jan '26 | NMAT 2025 Scheduling (Addition... |
5 Jan '26 - 10 Jan '26 | NMAT 2025 Registration (Additi... |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
23 Feb '26 | MAT Feb 2026 PBT Registration ... |
26 Feb '26 | MAT Feb 2026 PBT admit card |
14 Feb '26 - 22 Feb '26 | IBSAT 2025 Selection Process |
30 Dec '25 | IBSAT 2025 Result |
25 Jan '26 | CMAT 2026 exam |
26 Nov '25 - 28 Nov '25 | CMAT 2026 form correction |
16 Apr '26 - 18 Apr '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 exam |
9 May '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 exam 2 |
Jan '26 | Publication of TANCET notifica... |
Jan '26 | TANCET registration window |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 17 hours ago
During CDAC C-CAT counselling, seat allotment is based on your C-CAT rank, chosen preferences, and seat availability. Higher-ranked candidates get priority during the allocation process.
R
Rashmi Karan
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 17 hours ago
The CDAC C-CAT 2026 results will be published on 22 January 2026 on the official C-DAC website.
R
Rashmi Karan
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 17 hours ago
The dates for SAIU CAT are not specified by the university. When students get themselves registered for the course and complete their application form, they can choose for the university exams and can give the exam at a convenient time. However, students are suggested to complete the test within 10
K
Krishnendu Kumar
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 17 hours ago
After filling your personal and educational details on the CDAC C-CAT application form, upload your photo and pay the exam fee online. Once done, all steps will show a tick mark on the dashboard.
R
Rashmi Karan
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 18 hours ago
Candidates who qualify the CDAC C-CAT exam, which is to be held on January 10 & 11, 2026, will be considered for February 2026 admissions.
R
Rashmi Karan
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 19 hours ago
Yes, a caution deposit of INR 10,000 is required to confirm a seat after allocation, which is refundable upon course completion under specific attendance criteria
R
Rashmi Karan
Contributor-Level 9
Answered Yesterday
The dates for SAIU CAT are not specified by the university. When students get themselves registered for the course and complete their application form, they can choose for the university exams and can give the exam at a convenient time. However, students are suggested to complete the test within 10
I
Indrani Kumar
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
The Bangalore University MBA Cutoff 2025 has been announced for admission to the MBA/PGDM programme via the Karnataka PGCET, CAT, NMAT, XAT, and other accepted exams. According to the Bangalore University Karnataka PGCET Cutoff 2025, students needed to obtain a rank of 3375 for admission to ABBS Ba
N
Neerja Rohatgi
Contributor-Level 10
A
Ahmedbasha
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 days ago
GIBS accepts scores from all major management entrance exams, including:
CAT
XAT
MAT
CMAT
GMAT
ATMA
State CET
This gives students multiple options to apply. Along with entrance exam scores, GIBS also looks at the overall profile, communication skills, and interest in management, which makes the admission pr
A
Ahmedbasha
Contributor-Level 8
Till 2014, there were only two sections in CAT. Quantitative Aptitude was clubbed with Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning was clubbed with Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. In 2015, the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning were clubbed together and Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension made two individual sections. Since 2015, the sectional segregation has remained the same but the number of questions have come down from 100 to 66. The exam duration has also been reduced. Until 2019, the CAT exam was of 180 minutes and the total number of questions were 100. However, in 2020, the question paper structure was revised due to COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, the total number of questions came down to 76. In 2021 and 2022, the number of questions were further lowered to 66. For the last two years, CAT is conducted for 2 hours, and the number of questions is 66. In CAT 2024 however, the number of questions were increased to 68.
The latest CAT question paper structure is: Total questions: 68 Number of sections: 3 Order of sections - 1. VARC 2. DILR 3. Quantitative Aptitude Sectional time limit: 40 minutes VARC questions: 24 DILR questions: 22 Quantitative Aptitude questions: 22.