CAT Previous Year Question Papers (1991-2024): Download PDFs with Solutions

CAT Previous Year Question Papers (1991-2024): Download PDFs with Solutions

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CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 29 Aug 2025, 12:01 PM IST

CAT Previous Year Question Papers help CAT 2025 aspirants prepare smarter and faster. By solving these papers in PDF format, candidates clearly understand the exam pattern, marking scheme, and section-wise weightage. Practising past questions improves speed, accuracy, and time management, all crucial for scoring well. Aspirants can download CAT 2024, CAT 2023, and other previous year question papers along with CAT sample papers. Careers360 offers these PDFs to support focused and effective CAT 2025 preparation.

This Story also Contains

  1. CAT Previous Question Papers
  2. CAT Question Paper with Solution PDF (1991-2023)
  3. CAT Previous Year Paper PDF (2017-2024)
  4. CAT Previous Year Question Paper with Answers- Slot-wise
  5. CAT Question Paper - Overview
  6. When to Start Practising CAT Question Papers?
CAT Previous Year Question Papers (1991-2024): Download PDFs with Solutions
CAT Question Papers

CAT Previous Question Papers

CAT Previous Year Question Papers with Answer Key are essential for CAT 2025 preparation. They help identify strengths and weaknesses, improve time management, and offer insights into the exam pattern. Covering the official CAT syllabus Quantitative Aptitude, Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability, these papers enhance analytical and critical thinking. Solving the CAT 2024 and CAT 2023 question papers improves accuracy and speed. Used with CAT 2025 Mock Tests, the CAT question paper with solution PDF helps understand detailed solutions, making it a valuable resource for mastering the CAT 2025 exam structure and difficulty level.

CAT Question Paper with Solution PDF (1991-2023)

The complete list of CAT exam papers from 1991 to 2023 is provided below for candidates’ reference. Each CAT previous year question paper PDF serves as a valuable resource for thorough CAT preparation, offering real exam questions that reflect the actual CAT difficulty level and pattern. Practising these papers helps aspirants familiarise themselves with question trends and improve their overall exam strategy.

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CAT Previous Year Paper PDF (2017-2024)

Gaining a clear understanding of the CAT exam question paper pattern, high-weightage topics, and commonly asked challenging questions becomes much easier with the help of CAT previous year question papers with solutions. Candidates can download slot-wise CAT question papers from the past eight years (2017 to 2024) directly from this page. Additionally, don’t forget to check out the official CAT mock test to get a better idea of the actual exam format and difficulty level.

CAT Previous Year Question Paper with Answers- Slot-wise

The CAT exam 2025 is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI-LR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Download topic-wise previous year CAT questions PDF.

CAT 2024 Question Paper PDF

Title

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CAT 2024 Slot-wise ebook

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CAT Question Paper 2022 PDF

CAT previous year question papers PDF

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CAT 2022 VARC Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2022 VARC Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2022 VARC Section (slot 3)

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CAT 2022 DILR (Slot 1)

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CAT 2022 DILR (Slot 2)

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CAT 2022 DILR (slot 3)

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CAT 2022 Quant Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2022 Quant Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2022 Quant Section (slot 3)

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CAT Question Paper PDF 2021 Section Wise

CAT previous year question papers PDF

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CAT 2021 VARC Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2021 VARC Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2021 VARC Section (slot 3)

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CAT 2021 DILR (Slot 1)

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CAT 2021 DILR (Slot 2)

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CAT 2021 DILR (slot 3)

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CAT 2021 Quant Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2021 Quant Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2021 Quant Section (slot 3)

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CAT 2020 Question Paper PDF Section-Wise

CAT previous year question papers PDF

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CAT 2020 VARC Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2020 VARC Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2020 VARC Section (slot 3)

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CAT 2020 DILR (Slot 1)

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CAT 2020 DILR (Slot 2)

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CAT 2020 DILR (slot 3)

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CAT 2020 Quant Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2020 Quant Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2020 Quant Section (slot 3)

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CAT Previous Year Questions 2019

CAT previous year question papers PDF

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CAT 2019 VARC Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2019 VARC Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2019 DILR (Slot 1)

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CAT 2019 DILR (Slot 2)

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CAT 2019 Quant Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2019 Quant Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2018 Question Paper PDF Section-Wise

CAT previous year question papers PDF

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CAT 2018 VARC Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2018 VARC Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2018 DILR (Slot 1)

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CAT 2018 DILR (Slot 2)

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CAT 2018 Quant Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2018 Quant Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2017 Question Paper Section-Wise PDF

CAT previous year question papers PDF

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CAT 2017 VARC Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2017 VARC Section (slot 2)

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CAT 2017 DILR (Slot 1)

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CAT 2017 DILR (Slot 2)

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CAT 2017 Quant Section (slot 1)

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CAT 2017 Quant Section (slot 2)

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Solving CAT PYQ is one of the major success mantras of CAT toppers. For better CAT exam preparation, also check out the One Year Study Plan for CAT 2025 and know the Best Study Material for CAT 2025.

CAT Question Paper - Overview

Understanding the CAT question paper structure is crucial for effective exam preparation. Knowing the number of questions, section-wise distribution, time limits, and marking scheme helps candidates plan their strategy, manage time efficiently, and prioritise high-scoring areas. Familiarity with the CAT 2025 question paper format also reduces exam-day anxiety and boosts confidence.


Particulars

Details of the CAT Question Paper

Sections in the CAT question paper

  • VARC (24 questions)

  • DILR (22 questions)

  • QA (22 questions)

CAT 2025 questions (total)

68

Duration of the CAT paper

120 minutes (2 hours)

53 minutes and 20 seconds for PwD candidates

The section time limit in the CAT exam question paper

40 minutes

CAT question paper - marking scheme

  • +3 marks for every correct answer

  • -1 for every wrong answer

  • No negative marking for non-MCQs

Total marks in the CAT question paper

204

To crack CAT 2025, understanding the CAT pattern is crucial. The CAT exam pattern 2025 is given below to aid students in checking the same and knowing what to expect in the exam.

CAT Previous Year Question Paper

The CAT exam question paper pattern for 2025 includes topics such as comprehension-based questions, number system problems, and puzzles. Practising with CAT solved question papers and CAT sample papers helps candidates enhance their critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management skills. Candidates can also download the CAT question paper 2024, the CAT question paper 2023, and other previous year CAT question papers for thorough preparation. For added convenience, candidates can access the CAT question paper with solution PDF to better understand the solutions and strategies to excel in the exam.

CAT Questions - Official CAT Mock Test Links

CAT Question Papers: Topics for Reading Comprehension

Familiarity with Reading Comprehension (RC) topics from previous CAT question papers is essential for understanding the complexity and variety of passages asked in the exam. These topics often range from abstract philosophy to economics and social issues, testing both comprehension and critical thinking. Practising past RC passages helps improve reading speed, interpretation skills, and accuracy, crucial for scoring well in the VARC section of CAT.

Migration of Northern Seals

Piracy in international trade

The need for economic literacy in the general population

Anarchism

Investing in renewable energy technologies

Travel Writing and Feminism during Colonial Times

Grammar/Vocabulary

A study of visualisation

An Analysis of Human Nature

Currency of the Tang Dynasty

Freudian models of aggression

Screen time and undercurrents of social class

CAT Question Paper - Important Topics

The CAT PYQ comprises three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. CAT questions test the students on their analytical, logical, and comprehension skills. The CAT paper includes a mix of multiple-choice questions and non-multiple-choice questions. Some of the questions are based on case studies, graphs, and data interpretation.

Therefore, important topics that have been part of the CAT's previous years' question papers are useful to get a grip on the preparation and score well. Use the CAT 2025 Preparation Material and know how to score 100 Percentile in CAT 2025.

QA Topics from Past CAT Question Papers

Reviewing Quantitative Aptitude (QA) topics from past CAT question papers is vital for identifying the most frequently asked areas and understanding the level of difficulty. It helps aspirants focus on high-weightage topics, build conceptual clarity, and develop effective problem-solving strategies. Practising these topics boosts speed, accuracy, and confidence in the QA section—key factors in securing a high percentile.

HCF LCM

Factors

Factorials

Remainders

Digits

Percents, Profit Loss, SICI

Ratio, Mixtures: Averages

Logarithms & Exponents

Speed Time Distance

Pipes, Cisterns, Work Time

Geometry

Set Theory

Mensuration

Co-Geo

Pipes Trigonometry

Functions

Linear & Quadratic

Polynomials

Inequalities

Progression and Permutation Probability

VARC Topics from CAT Previous Question Papers

Going through the VARC topics from the CAT previous year question papers is essential to understand the types of questions and reading material that commonly appear in the exam. This helps candidates become familiar with the style, tone, and complexity of passages, as well as the pattern of Verbal Ability questions. Regular practice with these topics improves comprehension, inference skills, grammar knowledge, and accuracy—key to excelling in the VARC section.

Sentence Correction

Para Jumble

Paragraph Completion

Sentence Elimination

Reading Comprehension

Word Usage

Critical Reasoning

Text Completion

Para Summary

Idioms

DILR Important Topics Based on CAT Question Papers

Understanding the DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) topics from past CAT question papers is crucial for mastering this unpredictable and often challenging section. By analyzing previous year trends, candidates can identify common problem types, improve logical thinking, and develop strategies to approach sets efficiently. Practising past DILR sets boosts both speed and accuracy—essential for maximising your score in CAT 2025.

Pie Charts

Bar Graphs

Word Problems

Multiple Graphs

Line Graphs

Grid Puzzles

Sequencing

Visualization

Math Puzzles

Other Patterns

Quick Links

Why Solve CAT Previous Year Papers?

Solving CAT previous year papers is a crucial part of the preparation process. By working through the CAT question papers 2025, candidates can familiarise themselves with the CAT 2025 question papers pattern and get an understanding of the types of questions that are likely to appear. These CAT question papers allow candidates to understand their difficulty level and practice time management skills, which are vital for success in the exam.

Accessing the CAT previous year question papers PDFs along with CAT previous year question papers with solutions, helps candidates understand how to approach different questions effectively. These CAT question papers with solution PDF serve as valuable resources, providing detailed explanations and helping candidates improve their problem-solving skills.

For a structured preparation, topic-wise CAT solved question papers and CAT sample papers are highly beneficial. They help candidates concentrate on challenging areas, ensuring targeted practice. Additionally, understanding the CAT exam question paper pattern is crucial for devising effective strategies for each section. Candidates can also download CAT question papers for focused preparation.

With online resources, candidates can easily find the CAT online question papers 2025 and even download the CAT question paper 2024 PDF free for practice anytime. Solving these papers boosts confidence and ensures better performance in the actual exam.

Also Read:

CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages
Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Download Now

When to Start Practising CAT Question Papers?

Solving the previous year's question papers allows candidates to find out which section they have prepared well for and which section they need to work on. If a candidate is starting everything from scratch, it is recommended to have a look at the CAT's previous year's paper. Practising CAT solved question papers and CAT sample papers is essential to get familiar with the CAT exam question paper pattern. However, candidates should avoid solving them before completing their preparation, as it may not yield effective results.

After a good look at the CAT 2025 syllabus and topics, candidates can start their preparation. With the completion of each chapter and topic, it is vital to test the level of preparedness by solving CAT questions. The mock tests and CAT previous question papers are the right tools for this.

CAT toppers and CAT mentors recommend solving at least 30-40 mock tests during CAT preparation. Some toppers attempt as many as 80 mock tests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What kind of questions are asked in CAT?
A:

The CAT exam asks questions from three main sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). 

Q: What all questions are asked in CAT exam?
A:

The CAT exam includes questions from Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. It features both MCQs and non-MCQs, testing speed, logic, and comprehension.

Q: Is CAT written or MCQ?
A:

CAT is having questions that are MCQs along with TITA questions.  

Q: Are previous year questions enough for CAT?
A:

While previous year questions for the CAT exam are a useful resource, they alone might not be enough for comprehensive preparation. They help you understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked, but it's also important to study other materials and practice different question types. This way, you can cover a wider range of topics and improve your problem-solving skills. Balancing past papers with other study methods will give you a better chance of doing well.

Q: Does CAT repeat questions from previous year?
A:

Generally, the CAT exam does not repeat questions from previous years. The test aims to assess your understanding and application of concepts rather than memorization of specific questions. However, practicing past questions can still be beneficial as they give you a sense of the exam's style and difficulty, which can help you prepare effectively.

Q: Can I crack a CAT by solving previous year papers?
A:

Solving previous year papers alone might not be enough to crack the CAT. While they are helpful for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and types of questions, they don’t cover all the topics and strategies you need. It's important to also study the core concepts, work on your weaknesses, and practice a variety of problems to build a strong foundation and improve your overall test-taking skills.

Q: Is CAT tougher than IIT?
A:

CAT exam is seemingly tough only because of the many applicants and limited IIM seats. The entrance exam to IIT admissions for MBA is through CAT while engineering admissions are through JEE Advanced which is a tough as it requires subject knowledge. A comparison between the two would be futile because of the lack of similarities in course or admissions.

Q: Which type of questions are asked in CAT?
A:

There are basically questions from three major sections in CAT exam paper:

  • Section 1: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Section 2: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Section 3: Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Q: Which IIM makes toughest paper?
A:

As per experts and students, IIM Bangalore prepares tougher CAT question papers in comparison to other IIMs.

Q: Which year CAT was tough?
A:

As per students, CAT 2012 conducted by IIM Kozhikode was the toughest in terms of difficulty level.

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Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects

Hello

As you said you by mistakenly done that,  you don't need to get worry regarding that ,

Just inform the help desk and carry the correct certifications , the state certificate will not disqualify you .

The steps you can follow is -

1. You can check if the correction window is available or not

2. Contact the CAT desk immediately.

Hope this helps

In CAT registration, you cannot create a new user ID with the same mobile number, even if you use a different email ID. Each mobile number and email can be linked to only one account. If you already registered once, the system will not accept a duplicate with that number. To register again, you must use a new mobile number and new email ID. If you lost your old login, you can recover it through the forgot password/user ID option on the CAT portal.



Yes, you can fill the CAT form even if you currently have a backlog. CAT eligibility requires you to be in your final year of graduation or already graduated backlogs don’t stop you from applying.

While filling the form:

  • Enter the aggregate percentage/CGPA of marks you have obtained up to the latest semester for which results are declared (in your case till 4th semester).

  • There will be an option to mention that you have a backlog.

  • If you clear the backlog later, you’ll just need to show the updated marks during admission.

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, you can apply for the CAT exam as a final-year student. You must declare your backlog on the online application form. You do not write about it on the final-year student certificate; that document is to certify your enrollment status. You must clear all backlogs before the final admission process to any MBA college.