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CAT Sample Papers/ Practice Papers/ Model Papers with Solutions - Download PDF here

Updated By Intajur Rahaman on 20 Sep, 2023 11:10

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CAT Sample Paper

CAT Sample Paper 1

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CAT Sample Paper 1 Answer key

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CAT Sample Papers

CAT sample papers play a very important role in the CAT exam preparation. Solving last year's CAT question papers, mock tests, and sample papers of the CAT exam not only helps enhance the final exam performance but also boosts the confidence of the test takers. Plenty of Toppers also sums up their CAT preparation strategy in three words - 'CAT Sample Papers'. They highly recommend solving CAT sample papers and CAT mock tests to crack the exam and get admission into top IIMs.

Practicing plenty of sample papers will be helpful in understanding how to approach CAT 2023 question paper. Not all CAT practice papers are full-length, some are short-time tests or sectional quizzes mainly designed to enhance the preparation of a particular /specific section or subject. Candidates will also get familiar with the CAT 2023 exam pattern, marking scheme, CAT 2023 syllabus, and the types of questions that may be asked in CAT 2023 through the CAT sample papers.

CAT exam 2023 is scheduled for November 26, 2023, and candidates who wish to get a good score must solve CAT previous year papers and sample papers. Download CAT practice papers PDFs on this page and check ahead all the important information related to it.

Also Read:

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CAT Sample Papers PDF Download

CAT sample papers will also help in knowing the type and nature of questions that might be asked in the CAT exam 2023. Solving CAT sample papers 2023 will help the candidates know about the number of questions and the time taken in each section. Candidates can download the sample papers for the CAT exam 2023 given below and incorporate them into their CAT preparation.

CAT Sample Paper 1

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CAT Sample Paper 2

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CAT Sample Paper 3

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CAT Sample Paper 4

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CAT Sample Paper 5

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CAT Sample Paper Answer Key

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Importance of CAT Sample Papers

CAT Sample Papers are an incredible way to improve your preparedness for the exam and move towards getting a good score in the exam. Check some of the advantages of solving CAT sample papers given below.

  • They help in improving speed, accuracy, and time management. Students will be able to know the time they have to devote to each section by solving the sample papers of CAT. Also, they will know what questions to solve first without losing any marks.

  • They help the students in identifying their strong and weak areas in CAT preparation. Aspirants can devote their time and adjust their preparation strategies accordingly.

  • Solving CAT sample papers 2023 will help the candidates get familiar with the nature and type of questions that will be asked in the CAT exam 2023. It will help them be better prepared and get to the answers quicker.

  • Students can also evaluate their performance against the candidates who were shortlisted for IIMs in that particular year. It would help them in enhancing their preparation and exam performance.

  • Aspirants can get their hands on the sample papers of CAT as many times as they want. They can come back and solve practice problems and analyse their progress.

  • CAT sample papers are often free of cost which means students would not have to spend a single penny on them.

  • Candidates can practice and utilize new tips and tricks, such as these Vedic Maths Tricks for CAT when solving sample papers. It is a good way to find out what works and what doesn't work.

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Tips to Solve CAT Sample Papers

When solving CAT 2023 sample papers, candidates must ensure that they are following the tips given below for the best results.

  1. Time Yourself - It is important to keep a timer running when solving sample papers of the CAT exam. It will help you get an idea of your speed vs accuracy when solving CAT questions. Note the time you take to solve a practice set and try to reduce it as much as possible till the time it does not affect your accuracy.
  2. Solve in One Go - Solving the sample paper in a single stretch is a good strategy to find out how many questions you can solve within the stipulated time limit for CAT 2023. It will also help build stamina to sit through the entire exam.
  3. Do Not Use Gadgets - Stay away from smartphones or any other form of gadgets to avoid distraction. Treat the test like the real CAT exam as it is the only way of enhancing the performance and getting a reality check. 
  4. Self-Assess - Self-assessment is the key to making the best use of CAT sample papers. Note down the areas where you are taking more time or making mistakes and work on them.
  5. Come up With a Better Strategy - Check whether you are making careless mistakes and need to pay more attention or whether you need to use a different strategy for a particular type of question. Circle out the eros and blunders and come up with a better strategy to rectify them.

CAT Sample Papers - Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

While solving the CAT 2023 sample papers, an individual must be well-versed in the pattern, structure, and marking scheme of the exam. It helps in calculating scores through CAT Sample Papers and analysing the performance. Candidates must check the crucial point explaining the pattern and marking scheme of the CAT exam 2023 mentioned below so that they can calculate the scores correctly.

  • The sections in the CAT 2023 exam are Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR).

  • A total of 66 questions are asked in the exam with around 22 questions from the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), 20 questions from Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and 24 from the Quantitative Ability (QA).

  • Each question carries 3 marks and 1 mark is reduced for each incorrect answer. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions or non-MCQs.

  • Sections can not be switched in the middle of the question paper. Candidates have to attempt questions of the CAT exam 2023 one by one.

Particulars

Details

CAT Exam Sections

  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
  • Quantitative Ability (QA)

Mode of Examination

Computer Based Test

Total Exam Duration

120 minutes or 2 hours

Sectional Time Limit

40 minutes

Total Number of Questions

66

Section-wise Division of Questions

  • VARC - 24
  • DILR - 20
  • QA - 22

Total Marks

198

Question Paper Language

English

Type of Questions

MCQs and Non-MCQs (TITA)

Number of MCQ choices

Four

Marking Scheme

  • +3 marks for every correct answer
  • -1 for every incorrect MCQ answer
  • No negative marking for wrong non-MCQ answers

Where Can I Find CAT Sample Papers?

CAT 2023 sample papers are made available in both online as well as offline mediums. Provided below is the list of places where an individual can find the sample papers of CAT.

  • Best Books of CAT 2023: Aspirants buying the study materials for the exam, can find the sample papers in the CAT best books 2023. Most of the practice and preparation books come with model papers and sample questions for the candidates.

  • Coaching Centres of CAT 2023: Top CAT coaching institutes prepare an individual for the exam and also provide an individual with free and paid CAT sample papers mock tests and sample papers for practice and enhancing performance. Look for reputed coaching centers or reliable online platforms that provide CAT study material.

  • Online Sources: There are plenty of online resources such as CollegeDekho.com where a candidate can get their hands on the sample papers of CAT 2023 free of cost. Conduct an online search using keywords like "CAT sample papers" or "CAT previous year's question papers." You will find numerous websites offering downloadable PDFs or online practice tests.

Also Read:

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CAT Question Papers and Solutions

50+ Important Formulas for CAT Preparation

Do’s & Don’ts for Writing the CAT Exam

How Many Questions to Attempt in CAT for a 99 Percentile Score

CAT Exam Day Instructions

Want to know more about CAT

FAQs about CAT

Is solving CAT Sample Papers enough for preparing for the CAT exam 2023?

No, solving CAT Sample Papers is not enough to prepare for the CAT exam. You will have to cover the CAT syllabus thoroughly and practice the previous year's question papers and mock tests as well. If you have enough time left, you can move on to practice some CAT sample papers. 

How much time should one take to solve each CAT Sample Paper?

Candidates must take two hours to solve each CAT sample paper as this is the time allotted for the full paper in the real CAT exam. They must set a timer while practicing the papers and try to complete them within time. The CAT exam also has a section time limit of 40 minutes, so students should also try solving each section within this time frame.

How many CAT Sample Papers should I solve?

There is no limitation to solving CAT sample papers, but one must solve at least ten CAT sample papers for thorough revision. This will help students predict their scores and optimize their performance in the real exam. If there is time-crunch solving, at least five CAT sample papers will do good. 

Is it mandatory to solve CAT Sample Papers?

Solving CAT sample papers is not mandatory. However, solving them will increase the confidence of candidates. The more they practice these sample papers, the better will be their performance. Therefore, on finishing revision, one must start practicing CAT sample papers as soon as possible.

Will it be wise to skip solving CAT Sample Papers?

Though it will not be wise to skip solving CAT sample papers, students might do so if they have already solved the previous year's CAT papers and CAT Mock Test. Considering its importance, it is advisable that students find some time to practice these sample papers before taking the CAT exam 2023.

What is the purpose of solving CAT Sample Papers?

The purpose of solving CAT sample papers is that they can help you understand the level of preparation across all three sections of the papers. You can identify the areas that require attention and your time management skills and accuracy will increase. 

What is the difficulty level of CAT Sample Papers?

The difficulty level of CAT sample papers is between moderate to high. Usually, the difficulty level varies with the question papers; however, test framers try to maintain uniformity in the difficulty level to match the standards of the real CAT exam.

Are CAT Sample Papers also called CAT Model Papers?

Yes, CAT Sample Papers are also called CAT Model Papers. They have similarity with the real CAT question paper and helps students assess and predict their performances. These papers are designed by MBA experts to help candidates boost their CAT preparation.

Where can I find CAT Sample Papers?

Candidates can find CAT sample papers on various online portals and CAT books. Students can go through the papers that are available and practice only those that are authentic and up to the CAT standards. To ensure quality practice, students should download CAT sample papers provided on this page.

What are CAT Sample Papers?

CAT sample papers are mock test papers that replicate the original test format and question types. They can be accessed online and downloaded in PDF format. Students get to know the weightage of each topic and the difficulty level of questions by practicing CAT sample papers. 

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