Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2025
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As the CAT 2024 test date approaches near, you may be looking at how to prepare efficiently in only two months, what method to take, and which online resources are ideal for theory and practice. Questions like how long to prepare, whether a 2-month crash course is enough, and if you can pass the CAT in two months are often addressed, from this article you will clear all your queries. In this article, we’re providing important CAT-solved question papers based on previous years' exams. We’ve crafted a comprehensive study plan based on the CAT syllabus for 2024. Up to Day 15, we’ve outlined strategies for each day, including preparing for Cube (Logical Reasoning), Subject-Verb Agreement, and Polynomials (Algebra) on Day 15. Follow our 60-day CAT exam preparation strategy to stay on track and effectively manage your study schedule.
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CAT 2024: 60-day study material | CAT'23 Official Question with Solutions (Slot 1, 2, 3)
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This CAT Sample paper (CAT solved question papers)consists of three Sections:
This Practice Set consists of three Sections:
Part- A consists of 8 questions.
Part- B consists of 7 questions.
Part- C consists of 9 questions.
CAT Quant solved questions are given below:
Q1. If the roots of equation x2 + ax + b = 0 differ by 4, then which of the following is true? (CAT Exam)
(a) a2.b2 = 4(1 + b)
(b) 4a + b = 1
(c) b2 = 4 + a
(d) a2 = 4 (b + 4)
Q2. For what value of c does the quadratic equation x2 – (c2) x + 3(2c -1) = 0 have the sum of the roots as one-third of their product? (CAT Exam)
(a) 5 (b) 1 (c) 7 (d) 3
Q3. The difference between a fraction and its reciprocal equals 48/7. Find the fraction __________(CAT Exam- TITA]
Q4. For the given pair (x, y) of positive integers, such that 3x- 7y=1 and both x and y < 50, how many integer values of y satisfy the given conditions? (CAT Exam)
(a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 8 (d) 9
Q5. In CAT 2017 there were 62 questions. Each correct answer was rewarded with 3 marks and each wrong answer was penalised by 1 mark. In how many different combinations of the correct and wrong answers is a score of 50 possible? (CAT Exam)
(a) 14 (b) 15 (c) 16 (d) None of these
Q6. ‘Green & Fresh’ purchases y litres of fruit juice from the ‘Juice n Fruits’ for a total price of 6y^2 and sells the entire y litres at a total price of 10 × (7 + 8y/5). Find the minimum value of ‘y’ so that the ‘Green & Fresh’ does not make any loss. (CAT Exam)
(a) 50 (b) 5 (c) 15 (d) 7/3
Q7. If x2 – 2x - 3 is a factor of x4 – ax2 + b = 0 then the values of a and b are (CAT Exam)
(a) –10, –9 (b) 10, 9 (c) –10, 9 (d) 10, –9
Q8. In the land of famous architects, an architect sells his design for Rs 720 at some profit. Had he sold the design at Rs 540, the loss incurred would have been double that of the profit earned. What are the expenses to make a design? (CAT Exam)
(a) Rs 600 (b) Rs 625 (c) Rs 660 (d) None of these
Direction (Q1-Q4): (CAT Exam)
Direction: The following questions are based on the information given below:
A cuboid-shaped wooden block has 10cm length, 8 cm breadth, and 1 cm height.
Two faces measuring 10 cm x 1 cm are coloured in blue.
Two faces measuring 8 cm x 1 cm are coloured in yellow.
Two faces measuring 10 cm x 8 cm are coloured in Pink.
The block is divided into 10 equal cubes of side 1 cm (from 10 cm side), and 8 equal cubes of side 1 cm(from 8 cm side).
Q1. How many cubes will have blue colour on two sides and the rest of the four sides having no colour? (CAT sample Paper)
(a) 24 (b) 48 (c) 8 (d) 32
Q2. How many small cubes will be formed? (CAT sample Paper)
(a) 80 (b) 19 (c) 40 (d) None of these
Q3. How many cubes having blue, yellow, and pink colours on at least one side of the cube will be formed? (CAT sample Paper TITA]
(a) 4 (b) 8 (c) 7 (d) 3
Q4. How many cubes will remain if the cubes having blue and pink coloured are removed? (CAT sample Paper)
(a) 80 (b) 12 (c) 40 (d) None of these
Direction (Q5- Q8)
A family of three generations has eight members A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H of them standing in a playground.
1. D’s daughter stands 6m south of her father.
2. A stands 4m north of his wife.
3. B is the mother of D. 5m towards the northeast of B is D.
4. C is the daughter-in-law of A and the mother of F.
5. D’s nephew stands 12m to the south of D and D’s sister-in-law stands in the middle of both of them.
6. E’s father stands 3m west of D.
7. E is the brother of D. E stands 10m towards the north-east of his father.
8. G stands 6m north of his daughter and 6m south of his brother-in-law.
9. G’s wife stands towards the west of her husband.
Q5: How is B related to F? (CAT sample Paper)
B is the grandmother of F
F is the nephew of B
B is the mother of F
Relation cannot be determined.
Q6. Which of the following about C is not true? (CAT sample Paper)
C is 6 m north of F
C is the daughter of B
C is the mother of F
E is the husband of C
Q7. Which of the following is not true? (CAT sample Paper)
C and H are on the same line
H is the cousin of F
The distance between E and C is 12 m.
E is the husband of C
Q8. If a male member from the 1st generation is the head of the family, then who is the head of the family? (CAT sample Paper)
(a) E (b) G (c) A (d) F
In the questions below, find the phrase with an error.
Q1: If I was the chief minister of the country, I will make primary education and poverty my top priorities. (CAT sample Paper)
If I was the chief minister of the country, I would
If I were the chief minister of the country, I would
If I were the chief minister of the country, I will
No correction required
Q2. One of the problems of the diamond industry are the increasing incidences of child exploitation. (CAT sample Paper)
Industry is the increasing incidence
Industry are the increasing incidence
Industry is the increasing incidences
No correction required
Q3. The large number of people have all but blocked all the highways in the city. (CAT sample Paper)
The sheer number of people have all
The large number of people has all
The greater number of people have all
No correction Required
Q4. Being a teacher, I was hoping if there were some tips you can give me on how to handle a class. (CAT sample Paper)
Being a teacher, I was hoping that you could give me some tips.
As you are a teacher, I was hoping if you could give me some tips
Being that you are a teacher, I was hoping if you could give me some tips
As you are a teacher, I was hoping that you could give me some tips.
Q5. As a child (1)/ I always want to (2)/ have a bicycle of my choice. (3)/ No error (4)
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
Q6. Without appointment, (1)/ your desire to meet(2)/ the prime minister cannot fulfill.(3)/ No error(4)
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
Q7. The professor is (1)/ delivering the lecture(2)/ for the last three hours.(3)/ No error(4)
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
Q8. The skilled labors (1)/ had always contributed (2)/ in the economy.(3)/ No error (4)
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
Q9. My wife paints (1)/ furniture whenever (2)/ she had time. (3)/ No error(4)
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 4
Ans 1: (d)
Let roots be α and β;
Sum of roots; α + β = -a
Product of roots; αβ = b
Also, α – β = 4
(α + β)2 = (α – β)2 + 4αβ
So, (-a)2 = 42 + 4b
⇒ a2 = 42 + 4b
⇒ a2 = 4(4 + b)
Ans 2: (b)
Sum of roots = c2 (Using sum of roots = -b/a)
Product of roots = 3(2c - 1)
According to question
c2 = 1/3 (3(2c - 1)) = 2c - 1
⇒ c2 - 2c + 1 = 0
⇒ (c -1)2 = 0
⇒ c = 1
Ans 3: 7
Let the fraction be ‘x’
It's reciprocal will be 1/x
So, x – 1/x = 48/7
⇒ x2 – 1 = 48x/7
⇒ 7x2 – 48x – 7 = 0
⇒ 7x2 – 49x + x – 7 = 0
⇒ 7x (x – 7) + (x – 7) = 0
⇒ (x – 7) (7x + 1) = 0
⇒ x = 7 or x = -1/7
So, x = 7 will be the answer.
Ans 4: (a)
3x = 1+ 7y
For integral solutions, (1 +7y) should be a multiple of 3.
y= 2, x = 5
y = 5, x = 12
y = 11, x = 26
y = 14, x = 33
y = 17, x = 40
y = 20, x = 47
y = 23, x = 54, where x is greater than 50. So the total solutions are 6.
Ans 5: (d)
Let correct questions be x, wrong questions are y and non-attempted are z.
So, x + y + z = 62
and 3x -y + 0 = 50 (according to question)
The minimum value of x for which 3x – y = 50 is 17.
The maximum value of x is when z = 0.
If z = 0, x + y = 62 or y = 62 – x
So, 3x – (62 – x) = 50
So, x = 28.
Therefore, No. of valid values for x will be from 17 to 28 = 12.
Ans 6: (b)
Profit = 10(7 +8y/5) – 6y2
To find the minimum profit
10(7 +8y/5) – 6y2 ≥ 0
Or, 70 + 16y – 6y2 ≥ 0
Or, 6y2 – 16y -70 ≤ 0
On solving, we get
Or, y ≥ 5 or y ≤ -7/3
So, the minimum value of y is 5.
Ans 7: (b)
Factor of x2 – 2x + 3 are (x-3) and (x + 1)
So, x =3 and x = -1 will also satisfy x4 – ax2 + b = 0
At x = 3, 34 – a x 32 + b = 0 ⇒ 81 - 9a + b = 0
At x = -1, (-1) 4-a (-1) 2+b = 0 ⇒ 1 – a + b = 0
On solving the above equations, a = 10, b = 9.
Ans 8: (c)
Profit = 720 – CP
Loss = CP – 540
According to the conditions;
Loss = 2 x Profit
CP – 540 = 2 (720 – CP)
So, CP = Rs 660.
Ans 1: (b)
Except for boundary cubes, all other cubes will satisfy this condition.
Total cubes will be 80 and boundary cubes will be 32 so the rest cubes will be 80 – 32 = 48.
Ans 2: (a)
Since the block is divided into 10 equal cubes of side 1 cm (from 10 cm side), and 8 equal cubes of side 1 cm(from 8 cm side). So, the total number of small cubes = 10 × 8 = 80.
Ans 3: (a)
only corner cubes will have three surface paints and this cuboid has only four corner faces. so, the answer will be 4.
Ans 4: (b)
Only a single side-colored yellow cube will be left out. So, the answer will be
6 + 6 = 12 cubes.
Ans 5: (a)
B is the grandmother of F
Ans 6: (b)
C is the daughter of B. All are true except (2).
Ans 7: (c)
The distance between E and C is 12 m.
The distance between E and C cannot be determined since we don’t know the distance between C and H.
Ans 8: (c)
From the given information, draw a family tree and distance diagram as shown:
Ans 1: (b)
‘Was’ is associated with the past tense. In discussing hypothetical situations, the subjunctive mood is used.
The correct usage is ‘If I were…I would….’
Ans 2: (c)
One of the problems is singular, as it refers to one of many problems. So, the right verb to be used with this subject is ‘is’, not ‘are’. The correct usage is “One of the problems……..is…
Ans 3: (b)
The expression ‘the number’ indicates a single arithmetical value. So, it is followed by a singular verb. On the other hand, the expression ‘a number’ serves as an indefinite pronoun meaning many. So, it is followed by a plural verb.
Ans 4: (d)
The first error is corrected by either saying ‘as you are a teacher’, or ‘being that you are a teacher’. The second error is in the use of ‘if’ after ‘hoping’. ‘Hoping’ is normally followed by a noun clause beginning with ‘that’(either explicitly stated or implied), or it is followed by ‘for’, or ‘to’.
Ans 5: (b)
use the 2nd form of the verb. Wanted in place of want.
Ans 6: (c)
Be fulfilled in place of fulfil
Ans 7: (a)
replace is with has been
Ans 8: (b)
have in place of “had”.
Ans 9: (c)
replace had with has
Yes, CAT is termed as one of the toughest and most challenging MBA entrance exams in India, because of its vast syllabus
According to the CAT test marking methodology, candidates will get +3 points for each right answer. Further, every wrong response will result in a -1 deduction.
Key areas include:
Sentence correction and completion
Para Jumbles
Summary-based questions
Yes, there will be 5-8 TITA questions where candidates must type their answers without options.
Yes, 3 months can be sufficient if you have a solid strategy and plan.
No, there is no limit on the number of attempts for the CAT exam. Students can give exam each an every year
The student cannot join the postgraduate MA program directly in the second year of the MA after completing the MBA.
Universities generally expect students to begin the first year of a masters' program even though they had qualifications at the level of a bachelor's degree. The university's curriculum along with the courses are planned to give an in-depth knowledge of the subjects.
But you could opt for:
Postgraduate Studies:
Research Career: In case research interests you, then you can pursue a Ph.D. in your specific interest.
Specialized Master's Programs: Find any specific master's course that supports the career goal.
Professional Certifications:
Make a professional certification in CFA, CA, or FRM to enhance the professional skills and better opportunities in the career field.
Job Entry via MBA
After gaining an MBA from a renowned institution, it's possible to get entry into the corporate world where the diversity in the career field is assured.
In the end, it would depend on what you would like and what you are particularly interested in. It will be better if you take a suggestion from your academic advisor or career counselor.
Hello Pratik,
If your family income exceeds 8 LPA, it will affect your eligibility for the NC-OBC category under the CAT reservation rules. The NC-OBC category requires that the family income should be below 8 LPA to qualify. If you anticipate that your income will exceed this threshold, you should update your status and notify the CAT authorities .
Here's what you can do:
Email the CAT authorities
: Inform them about the potential change in your income status and request to be considered under the
General
category, if applicable. You should do this before the examination or any further processing, as your eligibility for the OBC category depends on the income criteria.
Documents and Proof
: Make sure you have a valid
OBC certificate
and any relevant documentation regarding your family income, in case they require verification. Also, be aware that if your income exceeds 8 LPA, you might need to apply under the
General
category, as the OBC-NC reservation is no longer applicable.
General Category Consideration : If your application is accepted as General, you will be evaluated based on the General category criteria, including cutoffs and ranking.
To summarize, notifying the CAT authorities is the correct approach to avoid discrepancies later, and if your income is above the threshold, you will be treated as a General candidate for the admissions process.
For more details about CAT exam you can check out an article by Careers360 whose link is given below:
Link: https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/cat
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hi Shreya ,
Having a tattoo on your wrist should not create a problem during the CAT exam as long as it does not contain any content that violates exam rules , such as communication-related symbols , unauthorised messages or any text resembling formulas or answers .
For a safe side , it is recommended :
1. Inform the Invigilators : Let them know about your tattoo during the identification check , so there are no misunderstandings .
2. Follow the Guidelines : Ensure you follow all instructions regarding permissible items and dress code on the exam day .
Hope this helps you .
ALL THE BEST .
To know about this please prefer our college predictor
Hello,
Yes, you can also join IIMs two years after graduation, depending upon the justification in interviews and your performance in entrance exams. If you are not sure about CAT, try those other management exams less hard:
Common Management Admission Test: Easier than CAT; 4-5 months of continuous preparation will suffice.
MAT : Much easier and takes place thrice a year.
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): A bit easier than CAT, apt for Symbiosis Institutes.
Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT : Hence, easier than CAT but the unique decision-making section.
Use exams like CMAT and MAT as a challenge to be competitively prepared. This can be given about 4-5 months, along with a few rounds of mock tests and smart studying.
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