CAT Previous Year Question Papers: The CAT 2025 exam is around the corner, with only one month left for the exam. Candidates preparing for the examination should speed up their exam preparation with top-quality CAT study materials. Amongst all, the CAT previous year question papers PDF is the most important. It offers an in-depth idea of the changing pattern of CAT over the years. Additionally, candidates can attempt the CAT question paper with solutions as a practice resource to aid their preparation. Practising with previous year question papers helps candidates to develop problem-solving skills for tricky questions that could be asked in the CAT 2025. In this article, we have provided set of previous year question papers, along with their benefits and other useful resources for CAT 2025. CAT question paper PDF will be available along with the release of CAT response sheet.
This Story also Contains
- CAT Past 10 Year Question Papers (2015-2024) PDF Download
- CAT Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2017-2024)
- CAT Previous Year Sectionwise Question Papers
- CAT 2024 Exam Analysis Slot Wise
- CAT 2023 Exam Analysis Slot Wise
- CAT Question Paper with Solution PDF (1991-2024)
- Important Topics for CAT 2025 Based on Previous Year Papers Analysis
- Best Approach to Solve the CAT Question Paper PDF for CAT 2025
- How Many CAT Previous Year Papers Should You Solve for CAT 2025?
- Common Mistakes to Avoid While Solving CAT Question Paper PDFs
- Why Solving Previous Year Papers Matters More Than CAT Mocks
- CAT 2025 Preparation Resources
CAT Question Papers
CAT Past 10 Year Question Papers (2015-2024) PDF Download
CAT aspirants can boost their preparation by practicing with the CAT past 10 year question papers from 2015 to 2024. Download this PDF to understand exam trends, difficulty levels, and frequently asked question types in the last decade for CAT.
Download Now to practice Past 10 years CAT Question Papers with Solutions
CAT Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2017-2024)
Additionally, candidates can also use them as a study material for their exam preparation. A complete analysis of these papers also provides insight into how many questions to attempt for the 99 percentile in CAT, helping you plan your preparation effectively.
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| CAT 2024 Official Question Paper with Solutions (Slot 1, 2 and 3) | Download Now |
| CAT 2023 Official Question Paper and Answer Key (Slot 1) | Download Now |
| CAT 2023 Official Question Paper and Answer Key (Slot 2) | Download Now |
| CAT 2023 Official Question Paper and Answer Key (Slot 3) | Download Now |
| CAT 2023 Slot 1 Question Paper (Memory Based) PDF | Download Now |
| CAT 2023 Slot 2 Question paper (Memory-Based) PDF | Download Now |
| CAT 2023 Slot 3 Question Paper (Memory-Based) PDF | Download Now |
| CAT 2022 Question Papers With Solution PDF (Slot 1) | Download Now |
| CAT 2022 Question Paper (Slot 2) with Answer Keys | Download Now |
| CAT 2022 Question Paper (Slot 3) with Answer Keys | Download Now |
| CAT 2021 Question Paper (Slot 1) with Solutions | Download Now |
| CAT 2021 Question Paper (Slot 2) with Solutions | Download Now |
| CAT 2020 Question Paper (Slot 1) with Answers | Download Now |
| CAT 2020 Question Paper (Slot 1) with Answers | Download Now |
| CAT 2020 Question Paper (Slot 3) with Answers | Download Now |
| CAT 2019 (Slot 1) Question Paper with Solution | Download Now |
| CAT 2019 (Slot 2) Question Paper with Solution | Download Now |
| CAT 2018 Question Paper (Slot 1) with Answers | Download Now |
| CAT 2018 Question Paper (Slot 2) with Answers | Download Now |
| CAT 2017 (Slot 1) Question Paper PDF with Solutions | Download Now |
| CAT 2017 (Slot 2) Question Paper PDF with Solutions | Download Now |
CAT Previous Year Sectionwise Question Papers
Download CAT previous year question papers arranged section-wise to focus on specific sections like VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude for targeted practice.
CAT Question Paper 2022 Sectionwise and Slotwise PDFs
CAT Question Paper PDFs 2021 Section Wise and Slotwise
CAT 2020 Question Paper PDFs Section-Wise and Slotwise
CAT Previous Year Question Paper 2019 PDFs Sectionwise and Slotwise
CAT 2018 Question Paper PDFs Section-Wise Slotwise
CAT 2017 Question Paper Section-Wise Slotwise PDFs
CAT 2024 Exam Analysis Slot Wise
Get detailed CAT 2024 exam analysis slot-wise to understand the difficulty level, question distribution, and section-wise trends. This breakdown will help you plan your preparation strategy smarter and more effectively. Additionally, one can also go through the CAT in-depth video analysis to get a better understanding of the CAT topic wise weightage.
CAT 2023 Exam Analysis Slot Wise
The CAT 2023 exam slot wise analysis is provided in this section with number of questions in each section. Candidates must go through the CAT 2023 analysis to understand what kind of questions were asked in different sections in each subject.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Area | Set Descriptions | No. of Qs | LOD | Q. Type |
LR | (Arrangements) Professors in depart- ments | 5 | Easy to Medium | 5 MCQs |
DI | (Reasoning-based DI) Gig workers and Restaurants, Mathematical Reasoning Involved Measures of central tendency | 5 | Medium to Difficult | 1MCQ+4 TITA |
LR | Houses on sale | 5 | Medium to Difficult | 3MCQ+2 TITA |
DI | Visa Office Special Equation handling | 5 | Medium to Difficult | 3MCQ+2 TITA |
Quantitative Aptitude
Area | Slot 1 (Total: 22) | Slot 2 (Total: 22) | Slot 3 (Total: 14) |
Arithmetic | 7 | 7 | 8 |
Algebra | 8 | 8 | 4 |
Geometry | 4 | 3 | 3 |
Modern Maths | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Numbers | 1 | 2 | 3 |
MCQs | 15 | 14 | 14 |
TITA | 7 | 8 | 8 |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Section | No of Qs. | Difficulty Level |
RC-1: Return of wolves' predation in a French region | 4 | Easy |
RC-2: Current Economies of North and South Korea | 4 | Easy |
RC-3: Indian Ocean Literature | 4 | Medium |
RC-4: Modern materialism versus ancient societies | 4 | Difficult |
CAT Question Paper with Solution PDF (1991-2024)
Here you can download CAT previous year question papers year-wise in PDF format for free. These papers will help you analyze question trends and improve speed and accuracy.
Important Topics for CAT 2025 Based on Previous Year Papers Analysis
CAT doesn’t test everything, it tests what matters. Analyzing past year papers reveals a clear pattern of frequently asked topics across QA, VARC and DILR. Here are the most important areas you should master first for a high score in CAT 2025.
Quantitative Aptitude
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
Topic | Important Subtopics |
Reading Comprehension | Passages Inference Main Idea Tone |
Para Jumbles | Sentence Rearrangement Coherence |
Sentence Correction | Grammar Syntax Error Detection |
Vocabulary | Synonyms Antonyms Word Usage |
Critical Reasoning | Assumptions Conclusions Strengthen/Weaken Arguments |
Best Approach to Solve the CAT Question Paper PDF for CAT 2025
Solving the CAT question paper PDF effectively requires a smart strategy that balances speed, accuracy, and question selection. Practicing with CAT previous year papers PDF helps aspirants understand the CAT exam pattern, difficulty level, and most repeated question types. To score a 99+ percentile in CAT 2025, a logical approach with consistent practice and analysis is essential.
Section-Wise Strategy
Start each mock or CAT previous year paper by attempting the section you are most comfortable with. This boosts confidence and ensures early accuracy. Insights from CAT question papers with solutions show that a strong sectional approach helps maximize attempts in VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude strategically.
Time Management for CAT 2025
Time is the biggest challenge in the CAT exam. Allocate a fixed time per question and avoid spending more than 2 minutes on a single question. Use timers while solving CAT question paper PDFs to build exam-level stamina and speed. This technique prevents panic and allows better control during sectional time limits.
Smart Question Selection
High accuracy matters more than high attempts in CAT. Begin with questions you can solve quickly and correctly. Analysis of CAT previous year question papers shows that toppers avoid trap questions and focus on high-scoring and moderate-difficulty questions first. Skip difficult questions initially and return only if time permits.
Use Shortcuts and Formulas Wisely
Shortcuts save time only when basics are clear. Use CAT 2025 important formulas, approximation tricks, and percentage shortcuts only after understanding concepts. Regular practice with CAT previous year papers PDF with solutions improves speed and helps identify where shortcuts are most effective.
Post-Attempt Review and Error Analysis
Reviewing each attempt is more important than just solving more papers. After completing a CAT question paper PDF, analyse:
- Accuracy percentage
- Time taken per question
- Common mistake areas
- Silly errors and calculation gaps
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Consistent error tracking and revision help improve scores faster for CAT 2025 preparation.
How Many CAT Previous Year Papers Should You Solve for CAT 2025?
CAT experts recommend solving at least 8–10 CAT previous year question papers along with sectional tests and full-length mocks. Start with recent papers (CAT 2024, 2023, 2022) to understand the current trend and then move to older papers to gain exposure to a variety of question types.
Importance of CAT Study Material Along with Question Papers
In addition to CAT previous year papers, aspirants must use standard CAT study materials for conceptual clarity. Books and online resources help strengthen fundamentals while PYQs build exam temperament and strategy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Solving CAT Question Paper PDFs
Avoiding common mistakes while solving CAT question paper PDFs is crucial for improving accuracy and overall exam performance. Identifying these errors early helps CAT 2025 aspirants build a smarter preparation strategy and avoid losing marks due to avoidable pitfalls. Avoid these frequently made mistakes during CAT preparation:
Skipping Performance Analysis
Just solving papers isn’t enough. Without reviewing mistakes, learning remains incomplete. Always analyze incorrect answers to improve accuracy over time.
Not Tracking Time
Ignoring time per question leads to slow attempts and low sectional scores. Always use a timer while solving CAT question papers with solutions.
Over-Practicing Easy Questions
Comfort-zone practice doesn’t improve percentile. Balance your practice across easy, moderate, and advanced-level questions to match CAT difficulty.
Ignoring Repeated Topics
CAT papers often include high-frequency topics such as Arithmetic (Quant), Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Logical Puzzles (DILR). Focus on these for faster score improvement.
Blind Memorisation Instead of Conceptual Understanding
Shortcut tricks without concept clarity fail in CAT due to tricky variations. Focus on concept clarity + application practice for consistent improvement.
Why Solving Previous Year Papers Matters More Than CAT Mocks
Solving previous year CAT papers matters more than relying solely on CAT mocks because it exposes aspirants to real question patterns, difficulty levels, and examiner trends.
Identify the Pattern of Real Question
CAT previous year papers show the exact questions that have been asked in the examination. Unlike CAT mocks, these questions help you to also analyse the difficulty level. These papers also highlight the level of difficulty that one could expect in CAT 2025 and are beneficial for cracking the logic behind the tricky questions.
Map Difficulty Level
Solving the CAT question paper PDF is a great way to know the actual difficulty level in the exam. These papers are real ones that IIMs draft for a particular session. Thus, it is the gold standard for CAT study material. Candidates can attempt these and also understand where they stand in terms of their CAT 2025 exam preparation. They can easily mark strong and weak zones and work on them accordingly before the exam.
Understand High Frequency Topics
A proper analysis of the CAT question paper with solutions for the last ten years helps to get a strong hold of the repeated CAT questions. Although, CAT exam does not repeat questions however sometimes there is a similarity in the pattern or the logic. It is beneficial for the Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning sections as these sections account for the maximum tricky questions in the exam.
CAT 2025 Preparation Resources
CAT 2025 preparation resources help the candidates’ preparation by providing them with the right study material. These resources include sample papers, mock tests, books, and practice papers. Candidates who use these resources along with the CAT previous year question papers are found to have a competitive edge in the exam. Read on to know more about the preparation resources for CAT 2025 exam below.
CAT 2025 Sample Papers
CAT 2025 Sample Papers give aspirants real practice with the type of questions they encounter in the CAT exam. They help students apply concepts from books and improve problem-solving speed and accuracy. Practising these sample papers alongside the CAT previous year papers builds familiarity with question patterns. Referring to the CAT question paper PDF resources further strengthens preparation.
CAT 2025 Books
CAT Books are essential resources for aspirants preparing for the exam. It covers Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Logical Reasoning. Using these books alongside the CAT previous year papers helps students understand question patterns and practise effectively. Many CAT 2025 books also provide solved examples similar to the CAT question paper PDF format, making it easier to grasp concepts and shortcuts.
Subject | CAT Book Name | Author / Publisher |
Quantitative Aptitude | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude | Arun Sharma |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K. Verma |
Data Interpretation & LR | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Arun Sharma |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation | Nishit K. Sinha |
Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey |
Verbal Ability & RC | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Arun Sharma |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin |
CAT 2025 Mock Test
CAT Mock Test 2025 is a full-length practice exam designed to help aspirants assess their preparation under exam-like conditions. It tracks speed, accuracy, and question-solving patterns while highlighting strengths and weak areas. Regular mock tests help refine strategies, manage time effectively, and improve decision-making on different question types. It is different from the CAT question paper PDF, but they both serve the same purpose.
CAT 2025 MCQs
CAT 2025 MCQs are multiple-choice questions in the CAT exam, covering Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and DILR sections. Each question has four options, with only one correct answer. These CAT questions test understanding, accuracy, and logical thinking. Practising CAT MCQs helps students recognise common patterns, improve problem-solving speed.
CAT 2025 Formula Sheet
The CAT Formula Sheet PDF is a revision sheet that includes the Quantitative Aptitude important formulas all in one place. Candidates must use these formulas while solving mock tests and during revision as well. It helps aspirants revise frequently tested concepts like Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, and Number System without flipping through multiple books. The high-frequency CAT formulas and shortcuts in one sheet help you boost mental recall and cut down the solution time per question.
CAT 2025 eBooks
The CAT 2025 eBooks help candidates to get conceptual clarity for different subjects. These ebooks are prepared for different topics and subjects. One can use these ebooks along with the CAT previous year question papers to maximise their marks. Go through the table below to get the download links of CAT ebooks 2025.
CAT eBook Title | Download Link |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | Download Now |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | Download Now |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | Download Now |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | Download Now |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material | Download Now |
Boost your CAT preparation with a comprehensive 60-day study material by Experts | Download Now |
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions | Download Now |
Ultimate DILR CAT 2025 Guide: Concepts, Practice Sets and Detailed Solutions | Download Now |
CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | Download Now |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | Download Now |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | Download Now |