Practicing CAT question papers shoukd be your focus from October onwards. MBA aspirants can download PDFs of CAT previous year papers 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2022 2019, 2018, 2017 here to practice and get familiar with the pattern, difficulty levels, etc. Use the previous years CAT papers to prepare for CAT 2026.
With CAT 2026 preparation season getting started, aspirants may be looking for the best study material and prep resource Shiksha has collated CAT previous year papers for aspirants to practice and prepare for CAT exam 2026. They can download question papers of CAT 2025, CAT 2024, CAT 2023, CAT 2022, CAT 2021, CAT 2020, CAT 2019, CAT 2018 and CAT 2017, further below on this page. But one must know what is the role of previous years’ CAT question papers in exam preparation.
Previous year CAT question papers provide an overview of the difficulty level, topic wise distribution of questions and types of questions asked over the last few years. CAT exam is conducted in three slots, and each slot has a unique set of questions. Practicing CAT questions of all slots of past few years broadens the candidate’s area of experience. Candidates preparing for CAT 2026 must make sure that they practice CAT previous year question papers of last five years in the last month before the exam.
- CAT Question Paper Pattern and Marking Scheme
- Benefits of Practicing Previous Years' CAT Question Papers
- Download CAT Question Paper PDFs of Last Seven Years
- Previous Years CAT Papers: Check Year Wise Highlights
- When to Start Practicing Previous Year CAT Papers and Sample Papers?
- CAT Mock Test for Practice
CAT Question Paper Pattern and Marking Scheme
Let’s take a look at the latest CAT exam question paper pattern to understand the sectional break up. For each correct answer, three marks are allotted and for each wrong question, one mark is deducted. For unanswered questions and non-MCQs there is no negative marking.
| CAT question paper (sections) |
Number of questions |
Marks allotted |
|---|---|---|
| VARC |
24 |
72 |
| DILR |
22 |
66 |
| QA |
22 |
66 |
| Total |
68 |
204 |
Benefits of Practicing Previous Years' CAT Question Papers
Previous years' CAT question papers are the best guide to the CAT exam syllabus. Listed below are some of the benefits of solving previous years CAT papers.
- Candidates can get to know the trend of types of questions asked in CAT exam
- Candidates will get to know the topic wise weightage which will be helpful in assessing strength and weakness.
- CAT question papers are the best resource of RC passages and parajumble questions.
- Practicimg actual CAT questions will help candidates to figure out how much time will be required to solve which type of questions.
- By solving last year CAT paper, candidates can get a better understanding of CAT exam pattern and marking scheme
- CAT previous year papers practice will improve speed and accuracy in solving questions
- It will help in CAT 2026 preparation by improving time management skills
Download CAT Question Paper PDFs of Last Seven Years
Candidates can download official CAT question paper PDFs of past five years. They can download and practice these CAT exam previous year question papers free.
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Previous Years CAT Papers: Check Year Wise Highlights
CAT question paper is released online in the form of CAT answer key and response sheet. Take a look at the highlights of CAT exam previous year papers to understand the trend of types of questions asked.
CAT Previous Year Paper (2025)
CAT last year paper was moderately difficult. There was no change in the exam pattern and all the three slots were of same difficulty level. This year, Parajumble reappeared in CAT. CAT 2025 DILR and Quants sections had same composition as 2024.
Read more: CAT 2025 question paper PDF with solutions
CAT Previous Year Paper (2024)
CAT last year paper was moderately difficult. The second session of CAT 2024 was toughest of all three. In VARC section, there were no parajumbles and DILR had 22 questions. Both DI and LR had 11 questions each. As always, Quantitative Aptitude was dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra.
Read More: CAT 2024 question paper PDF with solutions
CAT Previous Year Question Paper (2023)
CAT 2023 question paper was overall slightly more difficult than previous years. However, can't be termed as too difficult. The CAT VARC section had more questions on RC than Verbal Ability. The DI and LR questions were of medium difficulty level and there was no surprise element. The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT 2023 was dominated by Arithmetic as usual.
Read more: CAT 2023 question paper PDF with solutions
CAT Previous Year Question Paper (2022)
CAT 2022 question paper was moderately difficult. The CAT VARC section was easy to moderate. The Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude sections were moderate to tough. Arithmetic, Algebra and Reading Comprehension dominated the CAT question paper 2022. There were a few parajumble questions and a few time and distance questions were there in CAT last year question paper.
Read more: CAT 2022 question paper PDF with solutions
CAT Previous Year Question Paper (2021)
The CAT question paper 2021 was of moderate to high difficulty level. The VARC and DILR sections had questions of moderate to high difficulty level with a good number of non-MCQs, where as Quantitative Aptitude section was easy in all the three slots.
Read More: CAT 2021 question paper PDF with solutions
CAT Previous Year Question Paper (2020)
CAT 2020 question paper was of moderate difficulty level. VARC section was dominated by RC questions. QA section had maximum questions from Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration and Modern Maths. DILR section had two DILR sets.
Read More: CAT 2020 question paper PDF with solutions
CAT Previous Year Question Paper (2019)
In CAT 2019, VARC was slightly trickier this year, with two passages on the difficult side. Both DILR and Quant were slightly easier than last year. The DILR section had easy sets. In Quant, There were a lot of questions from Arithmetic and none of them were tough. Overall, the paper was slightly less difficult, as compared to CAT 2018.
Read More: CAT 2019 question paper PDF with solutions
Commonly asked questions
Every candidate must carry a blue/black ball point pen and a few copies of their passport size photo to the exam centre. They must not carry any stationary item other than the pen. Candidates who have diabetes can carry fruits as per medical prescription. No other item will be allowed inside the exam venue. Candidates must not carry bags or valuables as there will be no arrangement for depositing while candidates appear for the exam. Candidates must also not carry notebooks or rough paper to the CAT exam centre. Any candidate found with an unauthorised item will be disqualified.
On CAT exam day, candidates have to follow a number of guidelines like cooperating with the exam centre staff during identification process, etc.:
CAT exam day dos:
- Reach examination centre at the reporting time mentioned on your CAT admit card. 2.
- Carry two copies of the CAT admit card, one photo ID card, passport size photos
- PwD candidates should carry relevant certificates and documents.
- Carry a blue/black ball point pen for signing attendance sheet
- Cooperate with test centre staff and follow instructions
- 7. While entering answers, use only computer mouse.
- Do not touch keyboard as doing so will lead to screen locking.
CAT exam day don'ts:
- Do not carry items such as bags, purses, pencil box, beepers, wrist watch, calculators, mobile phones, electronic devices, scanners, cameras, wireless/Bluetooth transmission or any such communication devices.
- Don't wear closed shoes, jewellery made of metal, jackets, clothes with pockets, mehendi on palms. Socks are allowed inside it.
- Don't wear caps, hoodies or jackets/shirts with pockets
- Don't be late for exam. Entry gates will be closed 15 minutes before the commencement of exam.
- No candidate will be allowed to enter the exam centre after that.
- Don't cheat or indulge in mal practice. You can be disqualified due to any such ACT.
- Don't create a ruckus inside the test lab
- Don't leave your seat until the exam duration gets over and the invigilator announces exit.
Yes, CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in three shifts. The exam was earlier conducted in 2 shifts, but since 2020, the CAT is conducted in three shifts - morning, afternoon and evening. In CAT 2025 too, there will be three slots which will be allotted to applicants in no particular order.
CAT exam slot timings will be -
- First shift: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM,
- Second shift: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and
- Third shift: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
CAT Previous Year Question Paper (2018)
CAT 2018 question paper was of moderate difficult. The question paper of both the slots did not see any surprise question. The VARC section of CAT 2018 Slot I was easier than previous year. The DILR section was moderately difficult, while QA was difficult.
Read More: CAT 2018 question paper PDF with solutions
CAT Previous Year Question Paper (2017)
In CAT 2017, the first slot was towards higher difficulty level as compared to the second slot. DILR section was most difficult and time consuming. QA was of easy to moderate, while VARC was of easy to moderate difficulty level.
Read More: CAT 2017 question paper PDF with solutions
When to Start Practicing Previous Year CAT Papers and Sample Papers?
The ideal time to start practicing previous year CAT question papers and CAT mock tests is September onwards, as it will give you three full months of practicing these before the CAT exam. Many toppers have shared that they start solving sample questions from the early stages of CAT preparation as they want to assess their grip on Mathematics and DI topics. However, it is recommended not to start solving full length CAT mock tests and sample papers until one has completed the CAT syllabus. After that, they should dedicate the last month to solving previous years CAT papers to gauge the upcoming exam. One can solve previous year question paper for CAT earlier too, but they must make it a point to practice last 5 years' CAT question papers in the last few days before the exam. This is to have fresh memory of type of questions asked, so that you can quickly identify questions of your strength area in the CAT 2025 exam.
CAT Questions for Practice with Solutions
Check out CAT questions for practice with solutions for VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude.
Commonly asked questions
Yes, CAT 2026 exam will be conducted in three shifts. Exam timing of each slot will be:
- First shift: 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM
- Second shift: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM and
- Third shift: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
CAT Mock Test for Practice
Shiksha has prepared free CAT mock tests for candidates to practice and prepare for the exam. These mock tests are free and based on actual previous year CAT question papers.
| CAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
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Apart from referring above study material, candidates can check the following links for CAT questions for practice along with solution and process. Candidates will get CAT DILR questions, CAT VARC questions as well as logical reasoning questions for CAT.
Commonly asked questions
CAT exam is held in about 170 cities across India. Candidates can choose up to six cities as their preferred test location. The list of test cities for CAT is available in application form. Candidates should choose the test city carefully as the request to change the test city later may or may not be accepted due to non-availability of seats at the centres in that particular city. Given below are the cities where CAT exam is usually held.
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT is the third and the last section of the question paper. It has 22 questions and the total marks is 66. This section of the CAT exam is usually dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra. Most of the questions out of 22 are asked from these two topics. There are about 7-9 Algebra questions and 7-9 Arithmetic questions (the exact number varied for all three slots). Apart from these two topics, there are questions from Mensuration Modern Math and Number System in the Quantitative Aptitude section CAT. Some of the important sub topics in this section include: Arithmetic topics: Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Profit and Loss Mixtures and Allegations Averages, Percentages, Mean Median Mode, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance Algebra topics: Basics Algebraic Formulae, Number of integer solutions, Quadratic Equations, Finding out roots, Maxima and Minimal, Higher Degree Equations, Linear Equations, Problems on ages, Descartes Rule of Signs, Inequalities, Logarithm, Functions, Modifications of Graphs, The smallest Value in a Maximum Function Number System topics: Finding Out Last Two Digits, Number of Trailing Zeroes, Finding out Remainders based on, Basic Divisibility Rules, Binomial Theorem, Simplifying the Dividend (Single and/or Multiple Divisors), Basics of Numbers, Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, Divisibility and Factors, the highest Common Factor and the lowest Common Multiple, Finding Out the Last Digit, Fermat's Theorem, Euler's Theorem, Pattern Recognition and Cyclicity of Remainders, Wilson's Theorem, Base Systems, Conversion of Bases, Addition/Subtraction/ Multiplication in different bases Geometry Topics: Lines and Angles, Triangles Basic Concepts, Area, Angles, Similar Triangles Polygons, Circles, Solids / Mensuration 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry Modern Math topics: Sequence and Series Binomial Theorem, Set Theory, Permutation and Combination, Probability.
The total number of questions in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of CAT exam is 22 (as per CAT 2024 question paper). Earlier, the number of DILR questions was 20.
There is equal number of question distribution between Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, which means both sections have 11 questions each. The total marks for DILR is 66. The questions on Data Interpretation as based on Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, whereas Logical Reasoning questions are based on Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism. This section of the CAT is usually moderate in terms of difficulty level and about 12-14 correct attempts are good enough to score high marks. Some of the other important topics include Series, Proposition, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Assumptions, Clocks and Calendars, Statements, Binary Logic, Data Structures, Data Sufficiency and Data Arrangement. To score high in this section, candidates must practice a good number of practice tests and sectional mock tests. The better you learn to interpret given data and apply reasoning to a given situation, the better you get at solving related questions.
For further CAT preparation, candidates can refer to the following articles:
| CAT Preparation Plan for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 22 hours ago
The National Institute of Bank Management Cutoff 2026 for General AI category in CAT exam is 80.
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
No, you cannot use the CAT exam result for direct admission to the MBA/PGDM course at AIMS Institutes, Bangalore.
The college accepts the CAT, XAT and MAT exam results for admission to the management programme. Students have to first attain the qualifying cutoff percentiles and then sit in the select
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
Candidates applying for admission in MBA at IIM Raipur should have qualified the CAT exam. Check below the application fee of CAT:
- INR 2,300 for general category students
- INR 1,150 for SC/ST/PwD students
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered Yesterday
To get a seat in the FLAME University of the MBA/PGDM course, you have to appear for any one of the accepted exams, like CAT, XAT, CMAT, etc. After clearing the exam, you have to get shortlisted for further admission round, which involves PI or GD.
The FLAME University CAT cutoff 2025 was 75 for the
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, candidates can get into MBA courses offered by IILM, Lodhi without appear in CAT. In addition to CAT, this institute also accepts MAT, XAT, ATMA, CMAT and GMAT exam scores as well.
However, candidates must appear in any of these exams mandatorily for IILM, Lodhi MBA eligibility criteria.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
No the Sai University CAT exam is not compulsory for admission to BA courses. Students who have valid marks in other national level exams can also apply. The university considers exams such as CUET/ SAT India/ ACT, etc. Moreover, students can take admission based on merit also.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
No the Sai University CAT exam is not compulsory for admission to BSc courses. Students who have valid marks in other national level exams can also apply. The university considers exams such as CUET/ SAT India/ ACT, etc.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Yes, students can take admissions to BITS Law School without appearing from CLAT exam. BITS Law School admissions also conducts its own entrance exam called BITS Law Admission Test. Shortlisted candidates need to appear for Personal Interview rounds for admissions.
P
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
VGIM Cutoff 2025 is not available yet. However, according to the VGIM MBA/PGDM cutoff 2024, the overall MAT percentile required for admission to PGDM course is 70 for the students belonging to the General AI category
I
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar has not mentioned that it accepts CAT score for MBA admissions on their portals. Candidates are instead required to appear for an in-house entrance exam that is conducted by GNDU itself.
S
Contributor-Level 10
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
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