Download CAT [ 1999 - 2024 ] Previous Year Paper (PDF File)
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a prestigious national-level entrance exam for aspiring management professionals seeking admission to top business schools in India, including the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). Conducted annually on a rotational basis by the IIMs, the CAT exam serves as a gateway to MBA and equivalent postgraduate management programs. Known for its rigorous assessment and high standards, CAT attracts thousands of candidates each year who aspire to secure a place in premier institutions.
CAT is a computer-based test (CBT) that evaluates candidates across three core sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). This comprehensive assessment tests analytical, logical, and language skills, making it a robust tool for identifying managerial potential. With its structured format and focus on critical thinking, CAT sets the benchmark for management entrance exams in India.
For aspirants, CAT is more than an exam—it is the first step towards achieving their dream of joining world-class management programs. Its acceptance by top-tier institutions and the opportunity it provides to enhance career prospects make it one of the most sought-after exams in the country. Whether you are a fresh graduate or a working professional, CAT opens doors to transformative learning and career growth.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most challenging and prestigious management entrance exams in India. To ace the exam, understanding its structure and practicing effectively is crucial. Reviewing CAT previous year question papers is an essential part of any preparation strategy. These papers provide valuable insights into the exam pattern, types of questions, difficulty levels, and time management skills required.
You can download Previous Year Paper of CAT 2024, CAT 2023, CAT 2022, CAT 2021, CAT 2020 & Previous Year Paper of 2019, 2018 in PDF Format Below.
Table of Contents:
- Introduction to CAT
- CAT 2024 Exam Structure
- CAT Previous Year Question Paper
- Why Solving Previous Year CAT Papers is Crucial
- Conclusion
Introduction to CAT
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is one of the most challenging entrance exams in India, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their flagship MBA programs. Cracking the CAT Exam requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and a strategic approach. One of the most crucial aspects of CAT preparation is solving CAT Previous Year Question Papers. These papers offer invaluable insights into the exam pattern, difficulty level, and the types of questions that are likely to appear.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Admission Test (CAT) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) |
| Purpose | Admission into MBA/PGDM programs at top business schools in India |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Total Sections | 3 (VARC, DILR, QA) |
| Number of Questions | Approximately 66 (varies slightly year to year) |
| Question Types | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs (TITA: Type in the Answer) |
| Marking Scheme | 3 for correct answers, (-1 )for incorrect answers in MCQs, no negative marking for TITA questions |
| Language | English |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) |
CAT Exam Pattern Overview
CAT Exam will have total of 66 questions, divided into 3 sections. The candidates appearing for
CAT will be given 120 minutes to solve the paper.
The paper will be divided in
3 Sections: Quantitative Aptitude (QA),
Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI), Verbal Ability (VA).
Here's a breakdown of the test structure:
| Section | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Data Interpretation: Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Data Sufficiency, Tables, Bar Graphs Logical Reasoning: Binary Logic, Syllogisms, Puzzles, Direction Sense, Blood Relations, Logical Connectives, Coding-Decoding, Logical Matching, Seating Arrangement, Venn Diagrams, Data Arrangement, Clocks and Calendars |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Sentence Completion, Antonyms and Synonyms, Para Jumbles, Idioms and Phrases, Odd Sentence Out, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Cloze Test, One-word Substitution, Para Summary, Error Detection |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Arithmetic: Mixtures and Allegation, Time Speed and Distance, Averages, Real Numbers, Percentage, Simple and Compound Interest, Time and Work, Ratio and Proportion, Complex Numbers, Profit and Loss, HCF and LCM Algebra: Polynomials, Surds and Indices, Inequalities, Quadratic Equations, Functions, Logarithm, Series Geometry and Mensuration: Circles, Area and Volume of 2D and 3D Figures, Triangles, Polygons, Quadrilaterals, Lines and Angles, Coordinate Geometry Modern Math: Permutation and Combination, Set Theory, Probability |
Note: In the CAT Exam there will be sectional time limits.
CAT Official Previous Year Question Paper Year Wise:
Having east access to original previous year papers of CAT plays a crucial role in preparation for the exam, we have compiled
Previous Year Question Paper of CAT from year
1999 to 2024 that you can download directly. These PDFs are completely free, and there's no signup required. Download year-wise CAT Previous Year Question Papers below:
Why Solving Previous Year CAT Papers is Crucial
Practicing
CAT previous year papers
is an essential step in preparing for the exam.
These CAT PYQ allow candidates to understand the nature of the questions, difficulty level, and CAT exam pattern, which is vital for effective CAT preparation.
CAT previous year question papers offer numerous benefits, including:
1. Understanding the Exam Pattern
The CAT exam is divided into three sections:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Quantitative Ability (QA)
Solving previous papers helps aspirants familiarize themselves with the distribution of questions, marking schemes, and sectional time limits.
2. Gaining Insight into Question Trends
By analyzing past question papers, candidates can identify recurring topics, frequently asked concepts, and the level of difficulty for each section.
3. Enhancing Time Management
Regular practice with past papers allows aspirants to gauge how much time they should allocate to each question and section, ensuring efficient time utilization during the actual exam.
4. Building Confidence
Attempting real CAT questions from previous years builds confidence and reduces exam-day anxiety, as candidates become accustomed to the format and pressure.
Conclusion
CAT previous year question papers are a treasure trove of information and practice for aspiring MBA candidates. By solving these papers diligently and incorporating them into your study plan, you can significantly enhance your chances of success. Pair this practice with focused preparation, regular mock tests, and expert guidance to achieve your dream of cracking the CAT.
Frequently asked Questions:
