(PDF) Download CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answers: CAT PYQs for Slot 1, 2, & 3
Common Admission Test 2026 ( CAT )
CAT 2026 Registration Window
3 Aug '26 - 15 Sep '26
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 for Slot 1, 2 and 3
CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF is here provided below for all of the three CAT slots. CAT 2024 exam paper was released by IIM Calcutta for all slots, along with a response sheet publication. This response sheet (IIMCAT) has all the questions that appeared in the CAT exam. CAT question paper is divided into three different sections; Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA), along with a total of 66 questions. Students can use this CAT question paper PDF, answer key, and response sheet to evaluate their approximate or probable score of the examination.
- CAT 2024 Official Question Papers
- Slot Wise CAT Question Paper 2024
- Steps to Download CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF
- How to use CAT 2024 Question Paper?
- CAT 2024 Question Paper Pattern
- CAT Answer Key 2024
- CAT 2024 Question Paper Weightage: MCQs vs TITA
- Previous Year’s CAT Question Papers
- CAT 2024 Analysis by Experts
CAT 2024 Official Question Papers
The answer key, response sheet along with the CAT question paper PDF were released by IIM Calcutta after the exam in 4-5 days. CAT question paper PDF for slot 1, 2 and 3 are provided below in the table:
| CAT Exam Slots | Question Paper PDF Download* |
|---|---|
| CAT 2024 slot 1 question paper | CAT 2024 Slot 1 Question Paper with Solutions |
| 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.
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Slot Wise CAT Question Paper 2024
The table below mentions the direct links to access the CAT 2024 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 |
|
| CAT 2024 Slot 2 answer key, question paper, and exam analysis |
|
| CAT 2024 Slot 3 answer key, question paper, and exam analysis |
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:
- Visit the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in
- Click on the login button available on the homepage.
- Enter CAT login credentials, including the registration number and password.
- Navigate to the relevant link for CAT 2024 response sheet and answer key.
- Download the response sheet and check all the questions in CAT and the responses recorded on the exam day.
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:
- Calculate the total number of correct responses recorded in the CAT 2024 exam.
- Calculate the number of incorrect MCQ responses recorded in the CAT exam.
- Add 3 marks for each correct response.
- Deduct 1 mark for each incorrect MCQ response recorded.
- No marks will be deducted for unattempted responses or incorrect TITA responses.
- 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.
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
|
| Total questions in CAT exam |
68 |
| CAT sectional composition |
3 sections with the following composition:
|
| CAT total marks |
204 |
| CAT marking scheme |
|
| 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.
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
Profit and Loss is one the main topics of CAT Arithmetic, which dominates the question paper every year. About 2-4 questions are asked from Profit and Loss every slot of CAT exam.
There are no direct Fill in the Blanks-based questions in CAT exam. Candidates must however practice FIB questions to improve word usage in sentence.
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
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CAT 2024 Question Paper Weightage: MCQs vs TITA
Check the table below for slot-wise distribution of CAT MCQs and TITA questions:
| Section | MCQs | TITA Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (24) | 22 (91.7%) | 2 (8.3%) |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (22) | 12 (54.5%) | 10 (45.5%) |
| Quantitative Aptitude (22) | 14 (63.6%) | 8 (36.4%) |
| Total (68) | 48 (70.6%) | 20 (29.4%) |
Commonly asked questions
There is no specific number of questions asked on Binary Logic in CAT exam. There can be 1-2 standalone questions in Logical Reasoning section of the exam.
Candidates can expect 1 to 2 questions from Quadratic Equations in the CAT exam. CAT Algebra section has about 7 to 9 questions.
About 2-4 questions can be asked from Mensuration section in CAT. Candidates can must practice this topic extensively.
There is no difference between slot 1, 2 and 3 of CAT exam paper in terms of structure and patten. The sectional break up, marking scheme and time limit are the same in all slots. However, due to unique sets of questions in each slot leads to difference in difficulty levels. There is usually a slight difference in the CAT question papers of different slots. Sometimes, topic wise weightage of the questions also vary. To negate advantage or disadantage to candidates due to difference in difficulty level of slots, CAT scores are normalised for result preparation.
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 |
|
| CAT 2022 Question Paper |
|
| CAT 2021 Question Paper |
|
| CAT 2020 Question Paper |
|
| CAT 2019 Question Paper |
|
| CAT 2018 Question Paper |
|
| CAT 2017 Question Paper |
Also Check: Last 5 Year CAT Question Paper PDF Free Download
Commonly asked questions
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.
CAT 2026 exam pattern remains stable with 68 questions and a 120-minute duration. Only the registration fee has been increased to INR 2,700 for general candidates and INR 1,350 for reserved categories.
CAT 2024 Analysis by Experts
| CAT Experts |
CAT 2024 Analysis Page Links |
|---|---|
| CAT 2024 analysis by CATKing |
|
| CAT 2024 analysis by Career Launcher and T.I.M.E |
|
| CAT 2024 analysis by IMS |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
Students pursuing PGDM from Jaipuria Institute of Management Jaipur and having 65% CAT score can get scholarship of INR 1.50 lakh. Students must have documents proving their eligibility to avail the scholarship benefit.
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered a week ago
Yes, you can strongly aim for interview calls from IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta if you have a stellar high school profile and a high CAT score. Top IIMs calculate interview shortlists using strict mathematical formulas. These formulas evaluate your CAT score, Class 10 marks, Class 12 marks
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, you can and should attempt previous year papers and mock tests as part of your preparation for CAT 2026. You can attempt it on official CAT website.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Students interested in MBA at any of the Symbiosis Institutes need to take the Symbiosis National Aptitude (SNAP) Computer Based Test which will be conducted at designated test centres.
However, the institute does offer special pathways to Indian students allowing them to register for classes even i
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes. Candidates can apply for Executive MBA course at IIM Kashipur Dehradun campus, without CAT or GMAT score, because the institute also accepts candidates score in EMAT exam, which is conducted directly by IIM Kashipur.
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
T.I.M.E., Career Launcher, Bulls Eye and Kautilya Academy offer weekend coaching in Bilaspur.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
To choose the best CAT Coaching institute in Bilaspur, candidates must consider the following points:
- Final fee structure and refund/installment policy.
- Compare classroom vs. online/hybrid formats
- Ask about batch size, number of full-length mocks, recorded sessions/notes
- Success Rate of the centre
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
The average fee ranges in Bilaspur from ₹50,000 to ₹65,000 for offline classroom courses and ₹18,000 to ₹35,000 for online courses.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Coaching centres in Bareilly, like Career Launcher, BIGS ADDA Education and TF Classes, have not specifically mentioned their weekend classes. Candidates must visit these coaching centres or contact them to know about the classes.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
To choose the best CAT Coaching institute in Bareilly, candidates must consider the following points:
- Success Rate of the centre
- Compare classroom vs. online/hybrid formats
- Ask about batch size, number of full-length mocks, recorded sessions/notes
- Final fee structure and refund/installment policy.
S
Contributor-Level 10
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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