Examining past year’s CAT question papers and practice exams offers priceless preparation tips. Candidates can become familiar with the format, question types, and difficulty level of the exam by referring to previous year’s papers, which also assist them concentrate on themes that are often assessed. In contrast, mock exams replicate actual exam settings, giving students the chance to practice time management, evaluate their preparedness, and pinpoint areas in which they still need to improve. When used in tandem, these tools not only improve comprehension of the CAT’s structure but also boost self-assurance and enhance performance through strategic study and focused practice.
An overview of the mock tests and previous year's CAT question papers
| Aspect | Previous Year Question Papers | Mock Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To understand the actual exam pattern and question types | To simulate the test environment and assess preparation level |
| Content | Actual questions from past CAT exams | Simulated questions designed to mimic the CAT exam format |
| Coverage | Covers all sections of CAT: VARC, DILR, QA | Typically covers all sections: VARC, DILR, QA |
| Difficulty Level | Reflects the actual difficulty level of previous exams | Varies: Some may be closer to actual CAT difficulty, others might be slightly easier or harder |
| Question Format | Exact question types from past exams | Mimics the format of CAT questions but may include variations |
| Time Management | Provides insight into time allocation for each section | Helps practice time management under test conditions |
| Access | Available through official CAT sites, coaching centers | Available online through various coaching websites and apps |
| Usefulness | Best for understanding trends and question types | Useful for real-time practice and gauging exam readiness |
| Solution Availability | Solutions and answer keys may be available in some resources | Solutions often provided after completion of mock tests |
| Frequency of Updates | Limited updates as they are historical | Frequently updated to reflect recent trends and changes |
| Cost | Usually free or available through coaching centers | Often requires purchase or subscription |
CAT Previous Year Papers
An Extensive Selection of Previous Year Question Papers. It can be difficult to prepare for the Common Admission Test (CAT), but going over and practicing past year’s question papers is one of the best methods. We provide a thorough selection of CAT past year papers that span a number of years and offer important insights into the format, nature, and difficulty of the test. These papers are a vital tool for bettering your preparation and comprehending the intricacies of the test.
PDFs for Quick Download
We offer every previous year’s question paper in a conveniently downloaded PDF version to help with your preparation. This enables you to access the papers from anywhere at any time, whether you’re studying on the go, at home, or in a library. Just click
Section-wise Categorization
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Includes questions on reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and grammar. |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Features sets on data interpretation, puzzles, and logical reasoning. |
| Quantitative Ability (Quant) | Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and other math topics. |
Year-wise Organization
| Year | VARC Questions | DILR Questions | Quant Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 24 | 20 | 22 | 66 |
| 2022 | 26 | 18 | 24 | 68 |
| 2021 | 24 | 20 | 22 | 66 |
| 2020 | 26 | 18 | 24 | 68 |
| 2019 | 24 | 20 | 22 | 66 |
| 2018 | 26 | 18 | 24 | 68 |
CAT Mock Tests
Aspirants might benefit from creating a mock CAT (Common Admission Test) with subjects to help them prepare for the exam. This is a structured test outline for the CAT that is broken down into the three main sections that are commonly present in the CAT exam:
Vocabulary proficiency and comprehension of reading (VARC)
Logical reasoning and Data Interpretation (DILR)
Ability to Quantify (QA)
CAT Topic-wise Questions and Solutions
A methodical strategy is necessary to prepare for the CAT exam, particularly in terms of covering various topics. We offer a selection of topic-categorized questions from past years’ CAT papers in this section, along with thorough solutions and grading systems. This will enhance your ability to solve problems and help you comprehend the kinds of questions that are posed.
1. Arithmetic
Question 1: Profit and Loss
Question: A shopkeeper marks his goods 20% above the cost price. If he offers a discount of 10% on the marked price, what is his profit percentage?
Solution:
Let the cost price be CC.
Marked price M=C+0.20C=1.2CM = C + 0.20C = 1.2C.
Selling price S=M−0.10M=1.2C−0.12C=1.08CS = M – 0.10M = 1.2C – 0.12C = 1.08C.
Profit percentage =(S−CC)×100=(1.08C−CC)×100=8%= \left(\frac{S – C}{C}\right) \times 100 = \left(\frac{1.08C – C}{C}\right) \times 100 = 8\%.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Question 2: Time, Speed, and Distance
Question: Two trains start from stations A and B and travel towards each other at speeds of 50 km/h and 60 km/h, respectively. They meet after 2 hours. What is the distance between the two stations?
Solution:
Speed of train from A = 50 km/h.
Speed of train from B = 60 km/h.
Total time taken to meet = 2 hours.
Distance =(50+60)×2=220= (50 + 60) \times 2 = 220 km.
Difficulty Level: Medium
2. Geometry
Question 3: Circles
Question: A circle is inscribed in a triangle with sides 13 cm, 14 cm, and 15 cm. Find the radius of the circle.
Solution:
The formula for the radius rr of the inscribed circle is given by r=Asr = \frac{A}{s}, where AA is the area of the triangle and ss is the semi-perimeter.
Semi-perimeter s=13+14+152=21s = \frac{13 + 14 + 15}{2} = 21 cm.
Area AA using Heron’s formula:
A=s(s−a)(s−b)(s−c)=21(21−13)(21−14)(21−15)=21×8×7×6=84A = \sqrt{s(s-a)(s-b)(s-c)} = \sqrt{21(21-13)(21-14)(21-15)} = \sqrt{21 \times 8 \times 7 \times 6} = 84 cm².
Thus, r=8421=4r = \frac{84}{21} = 4 cm.
Difficulty Level: Medium
3. Reading Comprehension
Passage: “The Renaissance Period”
Question: What does the author suggest was the primary driver of the Renaissance period?
Solution:
The primary driver of the Renaissance, as suggested by the author, was the resurgence of classical knowledge and values from ancient Greece and Rome. This revival led to innovations in art, science, and thought, propelling society forward.
Difficulty Level: Medium
4. Algebra
Question 4: Quadratic Equations
Question: Find the roots of the quadratic equation x2−4x−5=0x^2 – 4x – 5 = 0.
Solution:
The given equation can be factored as (x−5)(x+1)=0(x – 5)(x + 1) = 0.
Thus, the roots are x=5x = 5 and x=−1x = -1.
Difficulty Level: Easy
5. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation
Question 5: Data Interpretation
Question: A pie chart shows the distribution of sales among five products. If the percentage share of product A is 20% and the total sales amount is Rs. 5,00,000, what is the sales amount for product A?
Solution:
Sales amount for product A =20%= 20\% of Rs. 5,00,000
=20100×5,00,000=Rs.1,00,000= \frac{20}{100} \times 5,00,000 = Rs. 1,00,000.
Difficulty Level: Easy
CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
Every year, entrance exams for a number of MBA programs in India are administered, including the Common Admission Test (CAT). The computer-based test (CBT) assesses candidates’ verbal, quantitative, reading comprehension, data interpretation, and logical reasoning abilities. The exam is divided into three portions and lasts for two hours, or 120 minutes, on average.
Key Features:
- Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Number of Sections: 3
- Total Questions: Around 66 questions (may vary slightly year to year)
- Question Type: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs (TITA – Type in the Answer)
- Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer (MCQs only), and no negative marking for Non-MCQs
Section-Wise Weightage
The CAT exam is divided into three sections, each focusing on a different set of skills. The number of questions and the time allotted per section may vary, but the general structure is as follows:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted (Minutes) | Weightage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 22-24 | 40 | 33.3% |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20-22 | 40 | 33.3% |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22-24 | 40 | 33.3% |
| Total | 66 (approx.) | 120 | 100% |
Syllabus Coverage for All Sections
The CAT syllabus is vast, covering a wide range of topics in each section. Here is a breakdown of the syllabus coverage:
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| VARC | – Reading Comprehension (RC) |
| – Grammar | |
| – Vocabulary | |
| – Sentence Correction | |
| – Para Jumbles | |
| – Para Summary | |
| – Verbal Reasoning | |
| DILR | – Data Interpretation (Tables, Charts, Graphs, etc.) |
| – Logical Reasoning (Puzzles, Arrangements, Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams, etc.) | |
| – Caselets | |
| – Data Sufficiency | |
| QA | – Arithmetic (Number System, LCM and HCF, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Averages, Percentages) |
| – Algebra (Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations, Progressions) | |
| – Geometry (Triangles, Circles, Coordinate Geometry) | |
| – Mensuration | |
| – Modern Math (Permutation and Combination, Probability) | |
| – Trigonometry | |
| – Set Theory |
Using CAT Previous Year Papers
Practicing with previous year CAT papers is crucial for understanding the exam pattern, difficulty level, and types of questions asked. It helps candidates to:
- Familiarize themselves with the exam structure and time management.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses across different sections.
- Gain insight into the areas of focus for each section.
- Build confidence and reduce exam-day anxiety.
Advice and Techniques for CAT Preparation
It takes a systematic strategy to prepare for the Common Admission Test (CAT), combining efficient study methods, time management strategies, and knowledge of the various question kinds. A crucial component of this preparation can be the use of CAT past year question papers. Here are some essential tactics and pointers to help you do well on the test.
Efficient Study Schedules and Time-Management Strategies
Make a thorough study schedule with daily objectives and set up particular time slots for every subject according to your areas of strength and weakness. Utilize the CAT past year exams to evaluate your development and modify your study plan as necessary.
Advice on Increasing Speed and Accuracy
To improve your speed and accuracy, practice answering CAT previous year’s papers under timed settings. Analyze your errors on a regular basis to spot trends and enhance your problem-solving methods.
Advice on How to Address Various Types of Questions
Examine last year’s CAT papers to comprehend the range of question kinds and their recurring themes. Create tactics for each kind, such as structured procedures for data interpretation and elimination strategies for multiple-choice questions.