CAT Previous Years' Papers: Answers & Detailed Solutions

CAT Previous Year Papers: Key Changes

Prior to 2009, CAT was held as a paper-based test and established itself as one of the toughest exams in the country. Since CAT 2010, it has moved into the computer-based test mode.

In terms of the exam pattern, CAT has shifted from having 2 sections from CAT 2011 to CAT 2014 to 3 sections. Here are the key changes that have been observed in CAT:

  • The paper comprised 100 questions from 2014 to 2019. Owing to the pandemic, the number of questions was reduced to 76 in CAT 2020 and further reduced to 66 questions in CAT 2021.
  • The exam had a time limit of 3 hours till CAT 2019. In CAT 2020, there were significant changes and CAT was reduced to 2 hours with 40 minutes each for the individual sections. These changes were brought keeping in mind the COVID restrictions.
  • On the other hand, the marking scheme has remained the same with the aspirant awarded 3 marks for each correct answer and penalized 1 mark for each incorrect attempt.
  • For non-MCQs, there is no negative marking although the reward for a correct attempt remains the same.
  • Almost all the top colleges also have an individual sectional cut-off that aspirants must clear. If the aspirant fails to meet the sectional cut-off, the overall score will not matter and they will not be called for further rounds of the admission process.

How will CAT previous years' question papers help you ace CAT 2024?

Practising previous CAT question papers can significantly contribute to your preparation for CAT 2024 and improve your test-taking strategy. Here are some pointers on how the CAT past years’ papers can help you ace the exam:

  • Get insights into the exam pattern and distribution of questions, enabling you to manage time effectively.
  • Identify recurring topics and concepts that are frequently tested in CAT and prepare them well in advance.
  • Simulate the exam conditions and improve your strategy accordingly.
  • Solve a variety of problems asked in CAT and sharpen your problem-solving skills.
  • Pinpoint your strengths & weaknesses and tailor your study plan accordingly.

Why choose Career Launcher for MBA preparation?

  • Guidance from MBA experts with 28+ years of experience
  • Both live classes and recorded sessions available
  • Consistent practice using both CAT and non-CAT mocks
  • Detailed analysis of each mock to enhance performance
  • Access to practice questions and section-wise tests
  • Test Series closest to the actual MBA entrance exams

FAQs

Previous years’ CAT papers are easily accessible online. You can refer to our past year's papers available above and even download the PDF with answers and solutions.

Yes, doing the previous years’ papers is beneficial for the following reasons:

  • It allows the candidate to familiarise themself with the exam pattern.
  • The candidate can understand the type of questions and level of difficulty of CAT exams.
  • They give an insight into your speed and accuracy when giving an actual CAT paper.

The IIM that conducts the CAT for the respective year is in charge of preparing the question paper.

CAT is split into three sections focusing on English, reasoning, and mathematics.

  • Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
  • Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
  • Quantitative Aptitude

Toppers' Speak

CAT 2022 Achievers

Sweta Ramesan

I was part of Career Launcher's PDP Personalized program and online test series. Specifically for my interview preparation, PDP Personalized helped me a lot. It taught me how to introduce myself, what are my career ambitions, what are my strengths and weaknesses and properly prepped and groomed me to give and convert all the interview calls that I received. So I really want to thank Career Launcher for this opportunity.

Converted: IIM Calcutta, Lucknow & Kozhikode

Anjali Bhardhwaj

My background is that I've done my B.Com Honours and my Master's in Commerce from Delhi University. Throughout my one year at Career Launcher, I have gained a lot of knowledge not just about the course, and the CAT prep material, but overall personality development. That helped me with my interview process as well. I was someone with a sort of weak point for quant. But over the year, with one on one guidance from my mentors and my teachers, I was able to do very well in the subject and get a very good percentile.

Converted: MICA, NMIMS, XIMB, NMIMS Mumbai, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI and FORE

Atulya Aman

CL was a big help as the course included a PDP program where you are assigned a mentor who helps you throughout the PI process. Also, ARKSS sir was a huge help to me. I also attended a couple of his seminars and they were very helpful. When you have to write the SOPs for the interviews, your mentor checks them and gives you different pointers which could really uplift your application.

Converted: NMIMS Mumbai, IIM Amritsar & Nagpur

Nishtha Sethi

It was a two-year-long journey with Career Launcher, which began with VARC 1000. I used to be afraid of taking mocks but Gejo Sir changed that entirely due to the tests that were inherently a part of VARC 1000. I also took the DILR 1000 last year, which helped me get a detailed overview of all the past CAT papers from 1990 to 2006 and 2017 to 2021. Sreeni Sir has also been a huge motivator. Whenever I felt that my mock scores were going down, he was always there to help motivate and cheer me up. And the interviews were also a smooth ride because of all the mentors and their constant guidance.

Converted: IIM B, C, L, K, S, CAP, FMS, SPJIMR

Radhika Vaish

I was enrolled with CL for the Night Online Classes as well as the PDP Personalized program. I've converted my best call, MDI Gurgaon for its HR program. And I'm really thankful to the CL mentors, all the CL mentors for all their guidance and all their help. They've answered all my queries and provided me with great guidance with extreme patience.

Converted: MDI Gurgaon, NMIMS, IIM Udaipur, IIM Ranchi, IMT Ghaziabad, IIM Kashipur