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CAT Sample Paper 2025: CAT sample papers are very helpful when you're preparing for the exam. They show you the style of questions that appeared in past years and give you a clear idea of the exam pattern. With the CAT 2025 sample papers, you can practise many different types of questions. Solving these papers regularly helps you to test your exam preparation. It also shows you which topics in the CAT Syllabus 2025 require more practice.
Before using these papers, you should understand what the CAT exam is. The CAT 2025 is a national-level test for getting into MBA courses at top colleges like the IIMs. Know more about the CAT sample paper, download the PDF link, and its benefits.
Solving the CAT 2025 sample paper is one of the smartest and most practical ways to prepare for the exam. It gives you a clear understanding of the types of questions asked in the Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) sections. These CAT sample papers help you get used to the difficulty level and structure of the real test. Regular practice improves your time management skills, builds confidence, and teaches you how to stay calm under pressure.
You also begin to notice patterns in questions, which helps in solving them faster. Working with a CAT sample paper with solution makes it easier to learn from your mistakes, as you get step-by-step answers for each problem.
Solving the CAT Sample Paper 2025 is a crucial step in effective exam preparation for MBA aspirants. These papers closely mirror the actual CAT exam pattern, including the mix of MCQs and CAT 2025 TITA questions, difficulty level, and section-wise weightage for Quantitative Aptitude, DILR, and VARC.
By practising regularly, students can sharpen their problem-solving speed, improve accuracy, and develop a strategic approach to attempting the paper within the allotted time.
These CAT model papers also help in identifying weak areas and allow focused revision. Additionally, solving sample papers boosts confidence, reduces exam-day stress, and builds familiarity with commonly asked CAT question types. For serious aspirants aiming for top IIMs, adding CAT sample papers into their daily preparation routine is essential for achieving a high percentile.
The CAT sample paper 2025 includes a mix of question types that mirror the actual exam pattern. Practising these questions gives clarity on what to expect in the test. Solving CAT sample papers with solutions improves familiarity, speed, and accuracy.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
These form the bulk of the CAT exam. Each question comes with four options, out of which only one is correct. A negative marking scheme applies—1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer. CAT 2025 sample papers include MCQs from all three sections: Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Type In The Answer (TITA) Questions
These are non-MCQs where no options are given. Candidates must calculate and enter the final answer using the on-screen keyboard. TITA questions have no negative marking, making them crucial for risk-free scoring. Every CAT sample paper includes a few TITA problems to help students master this format and understand the CAT exam structure better.
Verbal Ability-Based Questions
CAT 2025 sample papers feature questions from Reading Comprehension, Para-jumbles, Odd Sentence Out, and Sentence Completion. These test comprehension skills and accuracy in interpretation. Candidates benefit by solving these in sample papers with solutions to learn ideal answering approaches.
Data Interpretation (DI) Sets
These appear in sets of four to five questions based on charts, tables, or graphs. CAT sample papers focus on DI sets to develop data analysis speed and improve section timing.
Logical Reasoning (LR) Puzzles
Common formats include arrangements, blood relations, condition-based puzzles, and logical sequences. Solving CAT sample papers regularly builds logical deduction skills.
Solving the CAT 2025 sample papers is a smart and practical way to prepare for the exam. It helps you get comfortable with the actual test format, improves your speed, and shows you where you need to focus more.
1. Feels Like the Real Exam
CAT sample papers are designed to mimic the actual exam in every way, from the number of questions and sections to the time limit and difficulty level. Practising with them trains your brain to think clearly under pressure. It also helps reduce anxiety, as you become familiar with the entire exam experience. When the real day comes, it won’t feel like your first time.
2. Better Section-Wise Practice
The CAT exam is split into three major sections, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). Sample papers give you repeated practice across all three areas. This not only helps strengthen your understanding of each subject but also allows you to build strategies for attempting each section more effectively based on your strengths.
3. Learn to Manage Time
CAT Time management is one of the biggest challenges in the exam. Many students know how to solve the questions, but run out of time. Solving sample papers teaches you how to pace yourself, which types of questions to attempt first, and how to avoid wasting time on tougher problems.
4. Understand Your Mistakes
One of the most valuable parts of practising with sample papers is the ability to analyse your performance afterwards. Looking at your mistakes gives you a clear idea of where you're going wrong, be it silly calculation errors, weak concepts, or time mismanagement. This regular self-assessment helps you learn faster and avoid repeating the same mistakes in the actual CAT exam.
5. Know the Question Types and Patterns
While CAT never repeats exact questions, it often follows certain trends in how questions are framed. By solving a wide range of sample papers, you start recognising those patterns, whether it's a particular type of Reading Comprehension question or a tricky DI set. This familiarity allows you to approach the actual paper more confidently and make quicker decisions on which questions to attempt first.
If you're preparing for the CAT 2025 exam, downloading the CAT sample paper PDF is a great way to start practising. These PDFs are easy to access and usually come with detailed solutions, making it simple to learn from your mistakes. You’ll get a clear idea of the latest exam pattern, question types, and difficulty level. Regular practice with these papers can boost your confidence and overall performance.
CAT Exam Year | CAT Sample Paper Download Link |
CAT 2024 | |
CAT 2021 |
Solving the CAT 2025 sample papers is one of the best ways to prepare, but many aspirants lose out by making avoidable mistakes. Knowing what not to do while practising sample papers can help you score CAT 99th percentile.
Ignoring the Timer
Many candidates solve sample papers casually without real exam conditions. This builds poor time management habits. Always set a timer for each section and stick to the actual duration as per the CAT exam pattern.
Skipping the Analysis
Simply solving CAT sample papers without reviewing your mistakes wastes valuable learning opportunities. After every mock or sample test, analyse which questions you got wrong and why. It helps in improving both concepts and strategy and maximises the CAT Score.
Guessing Answers Blindly
In a rush to finish, some aspirants randomly guess MCQ answers. This leads to unnecessary negative marking. It’s better to leave a question than to guess without logic. Focus especially on smart approaches for both MCQ and CAT TITA questions.
Neglecting Sectional Balance
Candidates often focus too much on their strong areas and ignore weaker sections. CAT 2025 demands balanced performance across all three sections. Make sure your sample paper practice reflects that.
Overusing Calculators
The on-screen calculator is available in CAT, but over-reliance can slow you down. Practice mental maths during sample paper sessions to save time in the Quant and DI sections.
Solving 2 to 3 CAT practice paper 2025 sets weekly is ideal for building both speed and accuracy. A balanced mix of sample questions for CAT exam across all sections helps you get used to real exam patterns. Focused practice using a mock sample paper for CAT allows you to identify weak areas and improve steadily. You can also download a CAT exam sample PDF to solve offline without distractions. Regular weekly practice helps develop speed and ensures you stay consistent throughout your CAT preparation journey.
When preparing for CAT 2025, it’s important to understand the difference between CAT sample papers and previous year papers, as both serve unique and complementary purposes. CAT sample papers are mock versions designed by experts to reflect the current exam pattern, difficulty level, and section-wise structure.
They are ideal for practising time-bound tests, simulating the real exam environment, and improving your performance across Quantitative Ability, DILR, and VARC. These papers are especially useful when you're following a One-Year Study Plan for CAT 2025, as they can be scheduled weekly or monthly to track progress.
In contrast, previous year CAT papers, though unofficial and memory-based, provide valuable insight into the actual types of questions that have appeared in the exam. They help you analyse trends, difficulty shifts, and the style of questions over time. For instance, if you're focusing on how to prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability, previous year papers can highlight frequently asked question formats, while sample papers help you sharpen speed and accuracy.
Ideally, combine both: use CAT previous year papers to understand real exam expectations, and sample papers to fine-tune your test strategy. For focused practice, don’t miss our guide on CAT tips to crack quantitative ability questions to boost your prep even further
Particulars | CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus |
CAT exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) & (160 Minutes for PwD) |
Name of the Section | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC); Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Section-wise CAT exam time duration | 40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA) & 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section. |
CAT slot timings | - CAT slot 1 timing: 8:30 am - 10:30 am (Morning Session); CAT slot 2 timing: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm (Afternoon Session) & CAT slot 3 timing: 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm (Evening Session) |
How many questions are in the CAT exam | 68 Questions |
Total marks of the CAT exam | 204 marks |
Mode of the CAT 2025 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme | - For every right answer, +3 will be awarded, & for every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted, & no negative marks for Non-MCQs |
CAT sample papers are most effective when they’re treated like mock exams, not just another set of practice questions. They help you sharpen your strategy, manage time better, and get comfortable with the pressure of the real exam. But the real benefit comes when you use them correctly and consistently. Here’s how to make your sample paper practice truly impactful.
1. Similar to the CAT Exam
Attempt the sample paper in a quiet space with a strict timer, just as you would in the actual CAT exam. Sit for the full duration, usually 120 minutes, without pausing or checking answers midway. This helps build exam stamina, trains your mind to stay focused for longer durations, and gets you mentally prepared for test-day pressure.
2. Set Sectional Time Limits
Follow the official CAT exam pattern by giving each section: Quantitative Aptitude, DILR, and VARC. This not only helps in time management but also trains your brain to switch between different skill sets. Practising under real-time improves speed and accuracy across all sections.
3. Review Every Attempt Thoroughly
Don’t just solve and forget. After completing a paper, review it in detail. Go over every question, especially the ones you got wrong, skipped, or guessed. Understand the concept behind the correct answer. This is where true learning happens and where you can close knowledge gaps.
4. Maintain an Error Log
Keep a dedicated notebook or digital sheet to record your mistakes. Note the type of error, conceptual, calculation, or time-related, and revisit it during revision. Over time, you’ll notice patterns in your errors that can be corrected with focused practice, especially in areas like Quantitative Ability or tricky DILR sets.
5. Analyse Time Spent Per Section
Use a stopwatch or app to track how long you’re taking in each section and on specific question types. If you’re consistently running out of time in VARC or spending too long on one LR set, you’ll know it’s time to tweak your strategy. Fine-tuning your timing can make a significant difference in your final score.
6. Use Them for Weekly Evaluation
Make it a habit to attempt at least one full-length CAT sample paper every week. Treat it like a progress report. Track your scores, accuracy, and improvements over time. This weekly checkpoint helps you evaluate what’s working in your CAT preparation and what needs to change, especially if you're following a study plan.
The CAT 2025 eBooks by Careers360 are a great resource for serious aspirants. These free PDFs cover everything from the updated CAT syllabus and high-scoring topics to previous year papers and important formulas. Each eBook is designed to simplify your preparation and help you focus on what matters. Whether you’re revising concepts or practising question patterns, these downloadable PDFs are a smart addition to your CAT 2025 study plan.
eBook Title | Download Links |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | |
Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions | |
Boost your CAT preparation with a comprehensive 60-day study material by Experts | |
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions | |
CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics | |
CAT Mock Test Series - 20 Sets, Questions with Solutions By Experts | |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | |
CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material |
To efficiently prepare for CAT 2025, start by understanding the exam pattern, going through all the concepts mentioned in the syllabus, referring to expert-recommended books for CAT, and then practising sample question papers as well as previous years’ questions.
A CAT sample paper is a practice set that includes questions similar to the actual CAT exam. It helps students understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and important topics.
Solving sample papers boosts your speed, accuracy, and time management. They also help identify your strong and weak areas, making preparation more focused.
Yes, most sample papers follow the real CAT exam pattern. They cover Quant, DILR, and VARC sections with both MCQs and TITA questions.
Try to solve at least 2–3 sample papers weekly. This keeps your practice consistent and prepares you for exam pressure.
You can download CAT sample papers with solutions from trusted sources like Careers360, official CAT websites, and top coaching platforms.
Try to solve at least 10–12 full-length sample papers before CAT 2025. It’s even better if you solve one every week and review your performance in detail.
You can download free CAT 2025 sample paper PDFs from Careers360. These usually include solutions, too, which help you learn better from your mistakes.
Absolutely. Regular practice with sample papers builds speed, accuracy, and confidence, all of which are key to performing well in the CAT exam.
Hello Aspirant,
On the CAT form, you should put your name exactly as it is on your class 10 marksheet, as that will be the official educational record. Then during document verification, you can bring a Gazette notification or affidavit for name change so that documents can match your Aadhaar.
Hello aspirant,
The CUSAT CAT 2025 inaugural real-time spot admission will take place at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) from August 4–6. For admission to a variety of undergraduate (B.Tech) and graduate (MSc) programs, the Common Admission Test, or CUSAT CAT, is an entrance exam. Every year, it features sections in mathematics/biology, chemistry, and physics.
For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:
https://www.careers360.com/exams/cusat-cat
Thank you
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, if your caste is listed under Central OBC and you come under the category of Non-Creamy Layer, then you shall be eligible for the OBC-NCL reservation in the CAT exam and IIM admissions, irrespective of its being categorized as OEC in Kerala. Remember to get a valid OBC-NCL certificate obtained as per the format prescribed by the Government of India.
Hey Vijay:)
Thanks for reaching out!
OEC,(Other Eligible Communities) is a state-specific reservation category used in Kerala,and it is not recognised as a separate category in central-level exams like the CAT.
For Central govt exams candidates must choose from the recognised categories: General,SC,ST,OBC-NCL,EWS or PwD.If your community is listed under OEC-SC or OEC-ST in Kerala,you should check whether it falls under SC or ST in the central list and apply accordingly.
Similarly,If your OEC community is in the central OBC list and you meet the non-creamy layer(NCL)rules,you can apply as OBC-NCL, otherwise you need to apply under the general category.
You can verify caste's status in the central list on the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) website.
Hope this clears your doubt!
You can easily get CAT previous year question papers online in PDF format, with solutions too. Websites like CollegeDunia, Careers360, SelfStudys, Cracku, and Aglasem have papers from CAT 2024, 2023, 2022… even back to the 1990s.
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