(PDF) Download CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answers: CAT PYQs for Slot 1, 2, & 3

Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )

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CAT 2026 application start date

3 Aug '26

Abhishek
Abhishek Dhawan
Deputy Manager - MBA & BBA Content
Updated on Jun 22, 2026 00:42 IST
IIM Calcutta has conducted CAT 2024 exam in three slots on November 24. Candidates can download the CAT 2024 question paper PDF to know the sectional weightage and difficulty level. IIM Calcutta released CAT 2024 question paper along with the answer key and response sheet on November 29, 2024 .

IIM Calcutta conducted the CAT 2024 exam. CAT 2024 question paper PDF were released with the response sheet. Candidates preparing for upcoming session of CAT can download Slot 1, 2 and 3 question papers and CAT answer key.

CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF Download

CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF Download for Slot 1, 2 and 3

CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF is available here for all three slots. IIM Calcutta released CAT 2024 exam paper for all slots with response sheet publication. IIMCAT response sheet hosts all questions that appeared in the CAT exam. CAT 2024 question paper was designed with a total of 66 questions divided across three different sections. Three sections of CAT question paper include Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). Candidates can use CAT question paper PDF along with the answer key and response sheet to evaluate their probable score.

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Table of contents
  • CAT 2024 Official Question Papers
  • CAT Question Paper PDF 2024 (Memory Based)
  • Steps to Download CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF
  • How to use CAT 2024 Question Paper?
  • CAT 2024 Question Paper Pattern
  • CAT Answer Key 2024
  • Previous Year’s CAT Question Papers
  • CAT 2024 Analysis by Experts
View More

CAT 2024 Official Question Papers

IIM Calcutta releases the answer key, response sheet, along with the CAT question paper PDF 4-5 days after the exam date. The table below mentions the CAT question paper PDF for slot 1, 2 and 3.

CAT Exam Slots Question Paper PDF Download*
CAT 2024 slot 1 question paper Download PDF Here
CAT 2024 slot 2 question paper CAT 2024 Slot 2 Question Paper
CAT 2024 slot 3 question paper CAT 2024 Slot 3 Question Paper

*NOTE: CAT question paper PDF links in the table above will be updated as soon as IIM Calcutta releases the same.

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Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which CAT slot has the toughest question paper?
A: 

Difficulty level in CAT exam is not specific to any of the three slots. The difficulty level across slots may vary every year. Know how the CAT scores are normalised: 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. Response sheet hosts CAT exam questions and answers.

Q:   What is the marking scheme of CAT?
A: 

CAT has 68 questions. Each question carries three marks. There is negative marking of minus one for incorrect attempts. There is no deduction of marks for unanswered questions. Total marks in 204.

Q:   What is the sectional time limit in CAT?
A: 

In CAT exam, each candidate gets 120 minutes to solve the paper. There are three sections in CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. For each section 40 minutes are allotted as sectional time limit. For PwD candidates, the sectional time limit is 53.20 minutes per section. Candidates have to complete each section within the given time limit. Since the CAT is an online mode exam, the test screen will move from first section to the next section automatically as soon as the time limit gets over. Thus candidates have to be mindful of the on-screen timer and pre-decide the number of questions to solve in each section. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of CAT has 24 questions, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section has 22 questions and Quantitative Aptitude section has 22 questions. It is not mandatory to solve all the questions in CAT so candidates can devise a strategy to use 40 minutes per section as per their strength and weakness.

CAT Question Paper PDF 2024 (Memory Based)

The table below mentions the direct links to access the CAT 2024 memory based questions, answer keys, and exam analysis:

CAT 2024 Slots

CAT Answer Key, Question Paper, & Exam Analysis

CAT 2024 Slot 1 answer key, question paper, and exam analysis

Check Here

CAT 2024 Slot 2 answer key, question paper, and exam analysis

Check Here

CAT 2024 Slot 3 answer key, question paper, and exam analysis

Check Here

Steps to Download CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF

IIM does not release the CAT question paper separately. Candidates get to access the CAT questions while checking the response sheet and the CAT 2024 answer key. The space below mentions the steps to check the CAT question papers, answer key and response sheet:

  1. Visit the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in
  2. Click on the login button available on the homepage.
  3. Enter CAT login credentials, including the registration number and password.
  4. Navigate to the relevant link for CAT 2024 response sheet and answer key.
  5. Download the response sheet and check all the questions in CAT and the responses recorded on the exam day.
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How to use CAT 2024 Question Paper?

Candidates who took the CAT 2024 exam can use these question papers to evaluate their probable scores before the declaration of results. The marking scheme, answer key, response sheet, and CAT 2024 question paper help candidates calculate their probable scores to reduce the result anxiety.

CAT Score Calculation Process using Question Paper, Answer Key, Response Sheet

Candidates must follow the steps mentioned below to calculate their CAT 2024 raw score using the question paper, answer key and response sheet:

  1. Calculate the total number of correct responses recorded in the CAT 2024 exam.
  2. Calculate the number of incorrect MCQ responses recorded in the CAT exam.
  3. Add 3 marks for each correct response.
  4. Deduct 1 mark for each incorrect MCQ response recorded.
  5. No marks will be deducted for unattempted responses or incorrect TITA responses.
  6. The outcome of the above calculations will provide the raw score in the CAT exam.

Also Check: CAT Score vs Percentile

NOTE: IIM Calcutta will use the CAT normalisation process to equalise the performance of all test takers across three slots. Admissions based on CAT will be done as per the normalised score mentioned in the CAT scorecard.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is the structure of CAT mock test same as the actual exam?
A: 
CAT mock tests are a replica of the actual CAT exam. It is so because the purpose of the mock test is to prepare the candidate for a speed based test which requires quick decision making and quick calculation with 100 per cent accuracy. This can be achieved only if the candidates has been in such an environment multiple times. In the CAT mock test, candidate has to solve equal number of questions as the CAT exam, in the same time limit. This, helps them in mastering the art of solving 66 questions in 120 minutes with much ease and confidence. The CAT mock tests have questions of same or higher difficulty level than the actual exam. In many unofficial mock tests, the questions are of previous CAT exams. Candidates must solve a variety of mock tests so that they are well versed with CAT questions of all types and varieties.
Q:   What's new in CAT exam?
A: 

In CAT 2025, the following changes were seen:

  • The fee amount increased from INR 2,500 to INR 2,600 for General category candidates and from INR 1,250 to INR 1300 for Reserved category candidates. 
  • In DILR section, number of questions increased from 20 to 22. 
  • Total marks of CAT DILR section increased from 60 to 66. 
  • Total marks of CAT exam increased from 198 to 204. 
  • Candidates can select five cities instead of six.
Q:   What is the best time to practice CAT mock test?
A: 

Candidates should practice CAT mock test during the day. Once, CAT admit card is released, they should practice CAT mocks at the same time as their exam slot. This will help them align their mind and body to 2 hours of rigorous test so that they can utilize their time in the CAT exam well. For example, CAT exam starts are early as 8:30 am. So, those who are not used to studying early morning will face difficulty in performing optimally if they get morning slot.

CAT Percentile predictor prepared by Shiksha.com helps students to get their predicted CAT 2024 percentile on the basis of their expected exam score. So, predict your CAT 2024 score by clicking the link below:

CAT Percentile Predictor

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CAT 2024 Question Paper Pattern

CAT 2024 exam pattern was kept similar to the past exam sessions. The table below mentions the CAT question paper pattern in brief:

CAT Test Pattern Elements

CAT Exam Pattern

CAT exam mode

Computer Based Test

CAT exam duration

120 minutes (divided equally across sections)

CAT exam slots

3 exam slots as mentioned below

  • Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
  • Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Total questions in CAT exam

68

CAT sectional composition

3 sections with the following composition:

  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 24 questions
  • Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI): 22 questions
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 22 questions

CAT total marks

204

CAT marking scheme

  • +3 marks for each correct response
  • -1 marks for each incorrect response (for MCQs only)
  • No negative marking for incorrect response in TITA type questions
  • No negative marking for unanswered questions

Question paper medium

English

Type of questions

MCQs and TITA (Type in The Answer) questions

CAT question paper pattern saw a change in 2024 with increase in the number of questions to 24.

CAT Answer Key 2024

Candidates will find the CAT 2024 answer key, response sheet and question papers inside the login dashboard. Answer key for CAT 2024 slot 1, 2 and 3 will be released for candidates who took the exam in that particular slot. Candidates will have to access the CAT login dashboard to access the answer keys. Candidates will be allowed to raise objections against the CAT answer key. IIM Calcutta will draft the CAT final answer key after reviewing challenges against the preliminary answer key.

CAT 2024 answer key for slot 1, 2 and 3 also helps candidates prepare for CAT 2025 exam.

Also Check: CAT 2024 Exam Analysis

Previous Year’s CAT Question Papers

Besides helping the CAT 2024 test takers, candidates can use the CAT 2024 question paper PDF to prepare for the subsequent exam session. Previous year’s CAT question papers help prepare for the exam with a holistic approach as it provides deep understanding of the pattern, syllabus, etc. Candidates can access the CAT previous year’s question paper from the table below:

CAT Exam Session

Question Paper PDF Download

CAT 2023 Question Paper

Download PDF Here

CAT 2022 Question Paper

Download PDF Here

CAT 2021 Question Paper

Download PDF Here

CAT 2020 Question Paper

Download PDF Here

CAT 2019 Question Paper

Download PDF Here

CAT 2018 Question Paper

Download PDF Here

CAT 2017 Question Paper

Download PDF Here

Also Check: Last 5 Year CAT Question Paper PDF Free Download

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:

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CAT 2024 Analysis by Experts

CAT Experts

CAT 2024 Analysis Page Links

CAT 2024 analysis by CATKing

Check Here

CAT 2024 analysis by Career Launcher and T.I.M.E

Check Here

CAT 2024 analysis by IMS

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About the Author
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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

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