CAT Previous Year Papers PDF: Download CAT Question Paper with Solutions for 2022, 2021, 2020

CAT Previous Year Question Papers

CAT aspirants must be aware of CAT previous year question papers which are one of the vital sources of preparation for the CAT exam. Students often put more emphasis on CAT previous year papers than sample papers to understand the CAT 2023 syllabus and exam pattern. CAT previous year question papers also give an understanding of the distribution of questions across sections, the number of questions, and the time allotted for each section followed by the CAT question paper. 

CAT Question Papers

Regularly solving CAT question papers from previous years will help you know the sectional breakdown which will allow you to allocate your time and effort based on your strengths and weaknesses. Practicing CAT previous year papers PDF under timed conditions can help you develop time management skills, ensuring you complete the entire paper within the given time. Students can also identify trends in terms of topics and frequently asked questions by analyzing CAT previous year question papers.

CAT difficulty levels can vary from year to year. By solving CAT previous year question papers, you become adaptable to varying levels of difficulty, which is important as CAT doesn't have a fixed difficulty standard. The CAT exam 2023 will be conducted on November 26, 2023, by IIM Lucknow in around 155 test cities around India. If you have done CAT registration 2023 and wish to study in IIMs or other top B-schools, then download the official CAT papers from previous years available on this page!

Related Links:

CAT Question Paper with Solution PDF

CAT question paper with solution PDF is released by the exam authority after the completion of the exam. Candidates preparing for the CAT 2023 must download the CAT previous year papers PDF to boost their preparation. The question papers for the past 6 years will be updated below in the PDF form. Solving them will an insight to the test-talers into the exam patter, important topics, and types of questions. Candidates can check their preparation level and learn time management. Check the year-wise CAT question paper provided below.

CAT Previous Year Question Paper: Slot-Wise

Download CAT question papers from the past years provided slot-wise in the table below.

CAT Previous Year Papers: Section-Wise

Download CAT question papers from the past years provided section-wise in the table below.

How to Download CAT Previous Year Question Paper PDF?

Candidates preparing for CAT 2023 must solve CAT previous year papers after completing the syllabus to improve their chances of getting a good percentile. Candidates can easily download CAT previous year question papers by following the steps given below.

• Click on any of the above-mentioned links for CAT Previous Year Question Papers.

• A new page displaying the CAT Question Paper in PDF format.

• Download the CAT question papers with solutions and start practicing. 

Advantages of Solving Previous Year CAT Paper

The benefits of solving the CAT previous year question papers are enlisted here.

• Solving CAT question paper PDFs from previous years is a crucial aspect of CAT 2023 preparation as they help one understand the exam pattern and structure of CAT. Candidates need not search for references in order to check the exam pattern if they are into a regular practice of solving CAT previous year papers.

• If candidates download the CAT exam question papers and solve them, then they will be able to keep a check on the time taken to solve the entire paper. Candidates can also solve the paper section-wise to figure out the time taken in each section. This in a way will help candidates improve time management for the main examination.

• By taking mock tests and solving previous year papers, candidates can understand how to use a calculator in CAT 2023.

• It will also help candidates in identifying their weak sections of CAT. Once the areas are identified, candidates can work on them and improve their performance. This in a way also helps in the identification of easy and quick sections that can be dealt with first in the main paper.

• Time management in terms of preparation can also be sorted out by solving the question papers of the past years, as it helps to find the strengths and weaknesses of the preparation, and this in return helps to set the time for better preparation and get solutions for CAT.

• CAT past year papers can help candidates convert their weaknesses into their strengths. Tricky questions can be conquered once they are identified.

• Try to solve as many CAT papers as possible as it will help you build self-confidence and inner strength, which is required at the time of examination.

• Lastly, by practicing CAT old question papers, you will get an insight into CAT paper analysis that will be helpful in cracking the exam.

When to Start Practicing CAT Previous Year Question Papers?

It is crucial for MBA aspirants to get accustomed to the CAT previous year question papers to strengthen their preparation. It helps candidates understand the paper pattern, improve time management, and identify weak areas. The best time to start practising CAT previous year papers is well in advance, ideally after completing the syllabus and gaining conceptual clarity.

• Begin solving the CAT previous year question papers at least 2-3 months before the exam.
• Once familiar with the syllabus, attempt one paper per week to assess progress.
• Gradually increase the frequency to 2-3 papers per week closer to the exam date.
• Analyze performance, identify weaknesses, and work on improving them.
• Use previous papers to get an understanding of the correct approaches to questions.
• Simulate exam conditions while solving papers for better time management.
• Utilize previous papers in PDF format for easy access and practice.
• Solve a mix of easy, moderate, and challenging papers to gauge overall readiness.
• Continue practicing past papers until just a few weeks before the exam for optimal preparation.

How to Utilize Previous Papers to Get 100 Percentile in CAT 2023?

Preparing for CAT 2023 requires a systematic approach and utilization of various resources to enhance your chances of success. Here are some valuable preparation tips to consider:

• Start your preparation early to cover the extensive syllabus and give yourself plenty of time for practice.
• Learn about the structure of the CAT exam, including the number of sections and types of questions asked.
• To gain knowledge about the difficulty level of the CAT exam, question types, and time management, practise online CAT papers.
• Analyse your performance thoroughly after practising authentic CAT previous year papers, identify your weak areas, and make efforts to strengthen them.
• Create a comprehensive research plan, allotting a sufficient amount of time for each segment, and strictly follow it.
• To imitate exam conditions, enhance speed, and develop endurance, take regular mock tests.
• Devote some extra time strengthening your weakest areas by practising more questions and, if required, enrolling in coaching classes or seeking guidance from mentors to get expert advice and strategies.
• Keep up with current affairs and topics that will be covered in the General Awareness section.
• By routinely reading newspapers, articles, and editorials, you may improve your reading and comprehension skills.
• To properly handle each component in the actual exam, practise time-bound solving.

By incorporating these preparation tips, along with consistent practice with the CAT exam paper, you can build confidence, refine your skills, and maximize your chances of excelling in the CAT 2023 exam.

Who Can Benefit from CAT Previous Year Papers?

The previous years' papers of CAT are an indispensable tool for candidates preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT). These papers offer a comprehensive understanding of the exam pattern, enabling students to enhance their preparation effectively. By solving these papers, candidates can fine-tune their time management skills and identify crucial topics for focused study. With the availability of CAT exam papers in PDF format, candidates can conveniently access and practice them as mock tests. Moreover, the inclusion of solutions in these papers facilitates learning and boosts candidates' confidence.

Aspirants preparing for the CAT exam can significantly benefit from CAT paper from past years in the following ways:

• Gain insights into the exam pattern, question types, and sectional distribution.
• Improve time management skills by practicing under exam-like conditions.
• Identify important topics and prioritize their preparation accordingly.
• Assess their readiness and adapt to the exam's difficulty level.
• Identify weak areas and work on improving problem-solving abilities.
• Become familiar with the CAT format, including MCQ and non-MCQ questions.
• Boost confidence and reduce exam-related stress and anxiety.
• Verify answers and learn correct approaches through papers with solutions.
• Track progress and set targets for improvement in preparation.

The CAT exam question paper from past years serves as an invaluable resource for MBA aspirants, helping them ace the exam and secure admission to top-notch MBA programs. Regular practice with these papers strengthens their overall preparation and maximizes their chances of achieving a commendable CAT score.

CAT 2023 Sample Papers

CAT sample papers help understand the type and nature of questions that might be asked in the CAT exam 2023. Check out the CAT sample papers 2023 provided in the table below.

CAT 2023 Mock Test

CAT mock tests are an essential aspect of exam preparation since they help one understand the exam pattern, syllabus, types of questions, etc. By taking mock tests, candidates can check their preparation level and work on their weaknesses. If you are preparing for CAT 2023, then click on the links below to attempt mock tests and boost your preparation.

CAT 2023 Question Paper Pattern

This year, there will be a total of 66 questions in CAT from three sections, namely Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Earlier, CAT used to have a total of 100 questions which was reduced to 76 in CAT 2020 and then 66 in CAT 2021. Check the section-wise CAT exam pattern 2023 provided below.

• Total Sections: 3 (Quantitative Ability, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)
• Total Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
• Sectional Time Limit: Approximately 40 minutes per section
• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Non-MCQs (Type in the Answer)

CAT Previous Year Papers - Changes in CAT Exam Pattern Over the Years

Take a look at the changes introduced in CAT exam pattern over the years. 

How to Answer CAT 2023 Questions?

A combination of critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and time management is required to solve CAT questions. Here are some strategies to help you answer CAT questions effectively:

• Candidates are required to read the question carefully to understand its requirements and constraints. Determining the key information and the type of problem provided is also an essential part.
• Dividing complex problems into smaller, manageable parts, and simplifying the problem step by step will help to solve questions effectively. 
• Use the elimination method to eliminate options that are obviously incorrect, if the question has multiple-choice answers. Your options are reduced as a result, improving the probability that you will choose the correct answer.
• Make a reasonable assumption based on your comprehension of the question if you are unsure about an answer. Avoid making random guesses since CAT has negative marking.
• Set time constraints for yourself during practice sessions. This prepares you for the time restrictions you'll encounter during the actual exam.
• Start by answering the questions that you find easier. This gives you some extra confidence and allows time for subsequent, more difficult questions.
• Learn and practice shortcut techniques for mathematical calculations and problem-solving. These techniques can save you valuable time.
• Before reading the questions, just read through the passage to acquire a broad understanding. Identify the primary concepts, main points, and details that support them.
• Concentrate on understanding the context, syntax, and logical flow of the text to complete sentences, identify errors, and improve reading comprehension.

Best CAT Coaching Institutes in India

Candidates preparing for CAT 2023 can check out the best CAT coaching institutes in different cities of India provided in the table below.