CAT 2024 Previous Year Question Paper PDF with Solutions and Answer Key PDF

Updated By Aarushi Jain on 28 Jul, 2025 16:13

Registration Starts On August 01, 2025

The CAT previous year question papers are available for download on this page. Solving old papers is crucial as it helps you understand the exam pattern and the types of questions asked. Also, practising these papers within a time limit can significantly enhance time management skills, build confidence, and reduce exam anxiety, leading to better performance on the actual exam day.

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CAT Question Paper 2024 Overview

After the CAT 2024 exam held on November 24, 2024, IIM Calcutta did not release a separate CAT 2024 question paper. Instead, candidates could review the questions while going through their response sheets and the official answer key. If you appeared for CAT 2024 or plan to take CAT 2025, studying the previous year’s paper is a smart move. It helps you understand the changes in exam patterns and highlights the kinds of questions that top scorers focus on.

A notable change in CAT 2024 was the increase in total questions—from 66 to 68—mainly due to adjustments in the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section. Unlike before, where there were four sets of five questions each, CAT 2024 featured three sets with four questions and two sets with five questions. Also, the exam’s difficulty varied by slot: Slot 1 ranged from very easy to moderate, Slot 2 was moderately challenging, and Slot 3 was generally easier to moderate. Overall, CAT 2024 was considered slightly less tough, especially in the DILR and Quantitative Ability sections, compared to CAT 2023.

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CAT 2024 Question Paper Pattern

CAT 2024 featured 68 questions across three sections—VARC, DILR, and QA. Each section lasted 40 minutes with no switching allowed. The exam balanced moderate difficulty and included both MCQs and TITA questions. TITA had no negative marking, while MCQs followed standard scoring rules.

Particulars

Details

CAT 2024 Exam Mode

Computer Based Test

Exam duration

2 hours or 120 minutes, divided equally across sections

CAT 2024 Exam Slots

3 exam slots:

  • Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
  • Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
  • Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Total Number of Questions

68

CAT 2024 Sections

3 sections:

  • Quantitative Aptitude (QA): 24 questions
  • Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI): 22 questions
  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): 22 questions

Total Marks

204

Medium of CAT 2024 Question Paper

English

Type of Questions

MCQs and TITA (Type in The Answer) questions

Marking Scheme

  • +3 marks awarded for each correct response in MCQs
  • +3 marks awarded for each correct response in TITA questions
  • -1 mark deducted for each incorrect response (for MCQs only)
  • No negative marking for incorrect response in TITA-type questions
  • No negative marking for unanswered or unattempted questions

CAT Question Paper 2024 Slot 1 PDF Download

The Slot 1 exam, conducted from 8:30 to 10:30 AM, was a bit easier than last year’s Slot 1. There were five DILR sets instead of four, and para jumbles were not included in the VARC section. The Quantitative Ability part felt more approachable, with straightforward questions on Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry. Instead of para jumbles, the exam featured three questions each on para summaries and para completion, making the overall paper smoother and more manageable.

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Particulars

Download Link

Full CAT 2024 Slot 1 Question Paper

Click Here

Slot 1 Analysis

Section

No. of Questions

Difficulty

Good Attempts

Type of Questions

Key Observations

VARC

24

Moderate

17–18

  • RC passages were based on behavioural economics, wildlife (extinction of an Australian species), craftsmanship vs materialism and one on cultural changes
  • Para Summary - 3
  • Misfit sentences - 3
  • Odd one out - 2 TITA questions

No para jumbles, lengthy RCs, high accuracy possible in 12 RC & 5 VA

DILR

22

Moderate

10–12

5 sets – with 3 sets of 4 questions each and 2 sets of 5 questions each
The four sets were:
  • Distribution (lengthy but easy)
  • Venn Diagram with graph (slightly difficult)
  • Candlestick graphs of the stock market (easy)
  • Tournaments and Games (tricky)
  • Points distribution among players (easy)

5 sets instead of 4, calculation-based but doable

QA

22

Easier

12–14

  • Algebra- Functions, Roots, Tangent, Mode: 5-6 questions
  • Arithmetic, Ratio, Allegation Profit/Loss, etc: 10+ questions
  • Others (Set theory, permutation, etc) – 7-8
  • P&L, TSD, Avg, SI-CI

Arithmetic-focused, Algebra a bit time-consuming

Overall

68

Moderate

39–44

-

TITA questions are slightly more difficult

CAT Question Paper 2024 Slot 2 PDF Download

The Slot 2 exam took place from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM and followed a similar format to Slot 1. However, many found it a bit tougher, particularly the DILR section. In the LRDI part, there were five sets: two containing five questions each and three with four questions each, with difficulty varying from moderate to challenging. The VARC section was notably lengthy, requiring careful time management. Overall, Slot 2 tested both speed and accuracy more intensely than the earlier slot.

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Particulars

Download Link

Full CAT 2024 Slot 2 Question Paper

Click Here

Slot 2 Analysis

Section

No. of Questions

Difficulty

Good Attempts

Type of Questions

Key Observations

VARC

24

Moderate

16–17

  • RC passages were based on Technology and its unintended consequences, European colonisation and spices, peer review, and human animal and conflict
  • Para Summary - 3
  • Misfit sentences - 3
  • Odd one out - 2 TITA questions

4 RCs (Spice Trade, Tech Effects, Peer Review, Carnivore Conflict), no para jumbles

DILR

22

Most Difficult

10–12

5 sets – with 3 sets of 4 questions each and 2 sets of 5 questions each
The four sets were:
  • 3 Coaches 7 Students, rating: moderate
  • Direction-based, maps, distance and routes; easy
  • Chart-based profitability; easy but calculative
  • Mathematical table Sudoku type, easy
  • Statistical data, bar chart distribution - difficult

5 sets, mix of moderate and tough, some sets were calculation-heavy

QA

22

Easy to Moderate

13–15

  • Algebra - Sequence, Series, Inequality, functions – 7 questions
  • Arithmetic - TSD, percentage, profit & loss, Time & work, Average, SICI – 8 questions
  • Number system - Exponent’s remainder surd – 3 questions
  • Geometry -2 question, log 1 question and P&C 1 question

Dominated by Arithmetic (8), followed by Algebra (5), and others

Overall

68

Moderately Difficult

42–50

-

Slot 2 was longer and more tricky than Slot 1

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CAT Question Paper 2024 Slot 3 PDF Download

Slot 3 took place from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, featuring a tough Quantitative Ability (QA) section, while Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) were more straightforward. Success relied heavily on effective time management and precise answers. The difficulty level ranged from easy to moderate, with a mix of question types including 3 Data Interpretations, 2 Logical Reasoning, around 7-8 Arithmetic problems, 6-7 Algebra questions, and 8 Verbal Ability items.

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Particulars

Download Link

Full CAT 2024 Slot 3 Question Paper

Click Here

Slot 3 Analysis

Section

No. of Questions

Difficulty

Good Attempts

Type of Questions

Key Observations

VARC

24

Easy to Moderate

16–18

  • RC passages were based on Native languages going extinct, the Consequences of AI, a NASA-based study on contamination of outer space/planets, and Chinese wine
  • Para Summary - 3
  • Odd one out - 2
  • Para completion - 3

Mixed RCs, some tricky odd-one-out, and summary questions

DILR

22

Moderate

11–13

5 sets – with 3 sets of 4 questions each and 2 sets of 5 questions each
The four sets were:
  • Nutritional values, find non-zero multiples (Table Based) - 4
  • AC and power modes (Line Graph) - 5
  • GDP and per capita of 8-12 countries (Table Based) - 4
  • OTT Platform across kids, adults and others (Venn Diagram) - 4
  • Networking, Roads, Intersections and placement of ATMs - 5

Some sets are direct, others logic-heavy

QA

22

Difficult

9–10

  • Algebra - 8
  • Number System - 2
  • Geometry & Mensuration - 3
  • Arithmetic - 8
  • P&C - 1

More Arithmetic than Algebra, many TITA questions

Overall

68

Moderate

40–47

-

Accuracy is important due to QA’s difficulty

Section-wise CAT 2024 Question Paper Analysis

The CAT 2024 analysis for all three sections have been provided below across Slots 1, 2, and 3.

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

In RC, there were 4 passages with 4 Questions each. In Verbal Ability, there were 3 Summary questions, 3 Para-completion questions, and 2 questions on Odd One Out.

Slot 1Slot 2Slot 3
EasyDigital rights of content (streaming vs DVD/BluRay)Spice TradeThe success of Chinese liquor brand Moutai
Craftsmanship and creativityUnintended Consequences of TechnologyContamination of space
Revival of bandicoots in AustraliaPeer Review of ResearchLanguages have become endangered
MediumCritique of behavioural economicsCarnivore-Human ConflictThe need to regulate AI

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

There were 2 sets of 5 questions each and 3 sets of 4 questions each.

Slot 1Slot 2Slot 3
EasyStock prices6 firms profitabilityApp subscription
Web surfers and 30 startsRatings of a productRoom temperature
Medium3 persons visiting different countriesRating of 8 gymnastsProteins, Carbohydrates in food items
DifficultTournamentsLakes in a gated communityGDP of 10 countries
Two candidates contesting the election10 numbers in a gridNetwork of roads and ATMs

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

AreaSlot 1Slot 2Slot 3
Arithmetic888
Algebra757
Modern Math33
Geometry333
Numbers131

CAT Score vs Percentile 2024

Given below are the initial score vs percentile estimates for the CAT exam 2024 across all 3 slots.

Percentile

Slot 1

Slot 2

Slot 3

99.9%ile

120-124

118-123

118-123

99.5%ile

106-110

103-108

103-108

99%ile

95-98

92-95

92-95

98%ile

71-74

69-72

68-71

95%ile

59-61

57-59

55-57

90%ile

46-47

47-49

45-47

85%ile

41-42

42-44

39-42

80%ile

36-37

39-40

36-38

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FAQs about CAT Question Papers

How to calculate my scores using the CAT 2024 question paper?

First, you must calculate the total number of questions you answered correctly in the CAT 2024 exam. Next, calculate the number of MCQs you got incorrect in the CAT exam. After this, add 3 marks for each correct answer and deduct 1 mark for each incorrect answer. No marks will be deducted for unattempted responses or incorrect TITA responses. The raw score in the CAT exam will be determined by the result of the above calculations.

How many questions were asked in the CAT 2024 exam?

A total of 68 questions were asked in the CAT 2024 exam from three sections: Quantitative Aptitude (24 questions), Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (22 questions), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (22 questions). The total marks of the CAT 2024 exam was 204.

What were the changes observed in the CAT 2024 question paper?

The primary change observed in the CAT 2024 question paper was an increase in the number of questions in the DLIR section. Till 2023, there were 20 questions in the DILR section, while in 2024, there were 22 questions. The time limit for the exam was the same, i.e. 2 hours, and no other section had less questions. Which implies, in CAT 2024, there were 68 questions instead of 66 to be solved in the same time i.e. 120 minutes or 2 hours. The time limit for the DILR section was 40 minutes as in previous years.

How to download the CAT 2024 question paper?

To download the CAT 2024 question paper, you must first visit the official CAT website, iimcat.ac.in. Next, you are required to click on the ‘Login’ button available on the homepage. After this, you should enter CAT login credentials, including the Registration Number and Password. Next, you should navigate throughout the homepage and find the relevant link for CAT 2024 response sheet and answer key. Finally, download the response sheet and check all the questions asked in the CAT 2024 exam and the responses recorded on the exam day.

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