Download CAT 2023 Question Paper PDF for Slot 1, 2, 3 with Solutions

Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )

shadow

CAT 2026 admit card download

4 Nov '26 - 29 Nov '26

Abhishek
Abhishek Dhawan
Deputy Manager - MBA & BBA Content
IIM Lucknow set a moderate to high difficulty level CAT 2023 question paper. Check here detailed explanation CAT 2023 question papers of all three slots. Download CAT 2023 question paper PDFs for knowing the sectional weightage and difficulty level. Read more.

CAT 2023 question paper PDFs for all three slots is now available. CAT 2023 question paper was set by IIM Lucknow. Download CAT 2023 question paper PDFs to know the sectional weightage and difficulty level.

CAT 2023 Question Paper PDF

Download CAT 2023 Question Paper PDF for Slot 1, 2, 3

CAT 2023 question paper PDF is now available for all three slots. CAT 2023 paper was among the toughest in recent years of the MBA entrance exam history. Check CAT question paper for slot 1, slot 2 and 3, below. Candidates preparing for CAT exam can use previous years' CAT papers to analyse different themes of questions, paper pattern, syllabus weightage, and more. Every year, CAT exam is scheduled to be held on last Sunday of November; one must practice as many past papers as possible. Find the downloadable PDF for CAT question paper 2023 below.

Table of contents
  • Download CAT 2023 Question Paper PDF with Answers
  • CAT 2023 Question Paper: Sectional Composition
  • CAT 2023 Question Paper: Marking Scheme
  • CAT 2023 Question Paper: VARC
  • CAT Mock Test
  • CAT 2023 Question Paper: DILR
  • CAT 2023 Slot 1 Question Paper: Quantitative Aptitude
  • CAT 2023 Slot 2 Question Paper: Quantitative Aptitude
  • CAT 2023 Slot 3 Question Paper: Quantitative Aptitude
View Moreaccroadian

Download CAT 2023 Question Paper PDF with Answers

CAT 2023 papers for slot 1, 2 and 3 were out with the release of response sheets. Candidates can access CAT question paper 2023 PDF files for all three slots below:

CAT Question Paper PDF - Download Link Overall Difficulty Level
CAT 2023 Slot 1 Question Paper PDF Moderate to Difficult
CAT 2023 Slot 2 Question Paper PDF Difficult
CAT 2023 Slot 3 Question Paper PDF Very Difficult
⬇️ FREE PDF DOWNLOAD

Master CAT Quant Formulas

Boost your speed and accuracy with our comprehensive formulas cheat sheet. Perfect for daily revision and high-percentile prep.

  • ✓ Key formulas across Arithmetic, Algebra, & Geometry
  • ✓ Shortcuts & speed-math tricks curated by top experts
Download Formula Sheet →

CAT 2023 Question Paper: Sectional Composition

The CAT question paper 2023 of every slot is the same in terms of structure, sectional breakup and weightage. However, the difficulty level will vary. Given below is the section wise break-up of CAT question paper 2023 Slot 1, Slot 2 and Slot 3:

Section Number of Questions Allotted Time-Limit
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) 24 40 minutes
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) 20 40 minutes
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 22 40 minutes
Total 66 120 minutes

CAT 2023 Question Paper: Marking Scheme

Every question carries 3 marks for correct entry and minus 1 mark for incorrect entry. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions and incorrect attempts in non-MCQ.

CAT 2023 Sections Number of Questions Total Marks
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) 24 72
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) 20 60
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) 22 66
Total 76* 198

🎯 Crack the CAT: Download Official Past Papers (2017–2025)

95% of the top percentiles start here. Access actual question papers, complete with official answer keys. Free instant download for slot 1, 2, 3.

CAT 2023 Question Paper: VARC

The VARC section of CAT paper 2023 as usual, had more Reading Comprehension questions than Verbal Ability, which made it a tough section to crack. Given below is the break-up of VARC section of CAT question paper 2023:

Module Total Questions Difficulty Level
Reading Comprehension 16 Questions | 4 RC Passages Moderate to Tough
Odd One Out 2 Questions Easy to Moderate
Parasummary 2 Questions Easy to Moderate
Parajumbles 2 Questions Moderate to Tough
Paracompletion 2 Questions Easy
Total 24 Questions Good Attempts 15+

CAT Mock Test

Check below free Shiksha CAT Mock Test for practice. These CAT mock tests are prepared from original CAT questions.

CAT Mock Test CAT Mock Test Solutions
CAT Mock Test 1 CAT Mock Test 1 Solutions
CAT Mock Test 2 CAT Mock Test 2 Solutions

RC Passages of CAT Question Paper 2023

Check the table below for topics of the Reading Comprehension passages of CAT question paper 2023, slot 1, 2 and 3. All the passages are inference based.

CAT 2023 Slot 1 CAT 2023 Slot 2 CAT 2023 Slot 3
  • RC 1 Topic: Jungle and Economy, Hunter-Gatherers, Wolf Conservation
  • RC 2 Topic: Oceans and Territories
  • RC 3 Topic: Lifestyle Comparison of Old and New Generations
  • RC 4 Topic: Comparison of South and North Korea, with a focus on clothing differences

RC 1 Topic: Garments/ fashion Industry & Pollution - Easy to moderate

RC 2 Topic: Netflix Dubbing of titles for Europe → Good or Bad for Europe?

RC 3 Topic: Liberalism is Dying - Moderate to Difficult

RC 4 Topic: Facts & Interpretation in History

RC 1 Topic: Colonialism and Pollution

RC 2 Topic: Rationalisation

RC 3 Topic: Romanticism

RC 4 Topic: History

CAT 2023 Question Paper: DILR

Similar to past years, the DILR section of CAT question paper 2023 had set of 4 and set of 5 questions. Check below the break-up of DILR section of CAT question paper 2023:

CAT DILR Topics Number of Questions Difficulty Level
Data Interpretation Set 1 5 Moderate-Difficult
Logical Reasoning Set 1 5 Moderate
Data Interpretation Set 2 5 Moderate-Difficult
Logical Reasoning Set 2 5 Moderate

CAT 2023 Paper: Slot wise DILR Topics

Check the table below for areas and topics of DILR sets of CAT question paper 2023:

CAT 2023 Paper Slot 1 CAT 2023 Paper Slot 2 CAT 2023 Paper Slot 3
  • Professors and Departments
  • VISA Office
  • Routes
  • Statistics
  • Arrangement → Scores → two days average
  • Missing Values Based Table → Company Starting/ Closing Years
  • Rides & Timings
  • Grid Based → two 3*3 tables (Mean, Median, Mode)
  • Routes and Network
  • Contradictory Conditions
  • 12 Months Students Subscribed
  • Grouping, Students, Project Scores, and Test Scores

CAT 2023 Slot 1 Question Paper: Quantitative Aptitude

Just like last year, the Quantitative Ability section of CAT 2023 was dominated by Arithmetic in all three slots. Given below is the Quantitative Ability sectional break up in CAT question paper 2023:

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topics Number of Questions
Arithmetic 7
Algebra 7
Geometry & Mensuration 3
Number System 4
Modern Math 1

CAT 2023 Slot 2 Question Paper: Quantitative Aptitude

The CAT 2023 question paper of slot 2 was similar to slot 1. In this slot, however, Algebra had more questions than Arithmetic.

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topics Number of Questions
Arithmetic 7
Algebra 8
Modern Math 2
Geometry 3

CAT 2023 Slot 3 Question Paper: Quantitative Aptitude

The quantitative aptitude section CAT 2023 question paper slot 3 was tougher than slot 1 and 2. Check the break up below:

CAT Quantitative Aptitude Topics No. of Questions
Arithmetic 8
Algebra 4
Modern Math 4
Geometry 3
Numbers 3

Read More:

Check CAT cut offs and predict calls from IIMs and Non-IIMs accepting CAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict CAT Admission Calls
Videos you may like
About the Author
author-image
Abhishek Dhawan
Deputy Manager - MBA & BBA Content

Abhishek Dhawan is a content writer and editor with 7+ years of experience in education journalism. He holds a BA degree from the University of Delhi. At Shiksha, Abhishek primarily covers MBA and BBA entrance

Read Full Bio
Download Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Explore Other Exams

15 Jul '26 -

6 Dec '26

XAT 2027 Registration

6 Dec '26

XAT 2027 Last Date for Applica...

21 Aug '26 -

25 Nov '26

SNAP 2026 Registration Process

7 Dec '26

SNAP 2026 admit card session 1...

2 Nov '26 -

20 Nov '26

NMAT 2026 Result Declaration

26 Oct '26 -

17 Dec '26

NMAT 2026 Admit Card Issuance

17 Oct '24 -

5 Dec '24

IIFT 2025 registration and app...

14 Dec '26

MAT December 2026 PBT Registra...

17 Dec '26

MAT December 2026 PBT admit ca...

18 Jun '26 -

1 Dec '26

IBSAT 2026 Registration Test 1...

21 Nov '26

IBSAT 2026 Mock Test

The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, for some of them. Bahra lists scholarships based on JEE Main marks and CLAT rank, along with BUSET, CAT, MAT, and CUET percentile scores. I am not sure about NEET, so confirm that with the admissions office. 

110008221
shalinee thakur

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

In case of mistakes in the fields mentioned on the CAT admit card, candidates must contact the official CAT helpdesk via email or phone to get it rectified before the exam date.

R

Rupali Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

Candidates need to log in using their CAT User ID and Password to download CAT admit card. These login credentials are generated at the time of registration.

S

Shruti Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

No, the Common Admission Test (CAT) admit card cannot be obtained offline. Candidates have to download CAT 2026 admit card from the official website.

A

Akansha Goyal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

Yes. Candidates must preserve their admit card safely. It is a mandatory document required for identity verification during the Writing Ability Test (WAT), Personal Interview (PI) rounds, and final admission stages at the institutes.

J

Jaya Katariya

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

No. The examination authorities do not accept any requests to change the allotted exam venue, test city, or timing slot. The details printed on your CAT admit card are final.

78471112
Abhishek Dhawan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, you can download the PDF on your smartphone. However, it is better to use a laptop or desktop computer to prevent any layout errors and to ensure you can print a clean copy easily.

V

Vikram Tyagi

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

Candidates can log back into the official CAT portal using your registered User ID and password to download the PDF again. The download link remains active until the exam day. Candidates are allowed to download a fresh copy whenever needed

L

Loveleen Sharma

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

No. The CAT 2026 admit card release date remains the same irrespective of the slot. It is not split or delayed based on assigned slot or exam city.

R

Rohini Bisht

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, one can join an IIM without taking the CAT exam, but this alternative route depends entirely on the type of programme. CAT exam remains mandatory for the flagship two-year full-time MBA (PGP/PGDM) programs. However, some courses may not need a valid CAT score for IIM admission.

N

Nikita Saxena

Contributor-Level 7