CAT Examination Question Papers

Solving CAT question papers is necessary while preparing for CAT. Solving the previous years’ CAT question papers and sample papers will help you get acquainted with the exam pattern, marking scheme and the types of questions asked. Now that CAT is an online exam, the actual CAT question papers are not released by the exam authorities. However, a few of the question papers of previous years are available. You can download the CAT question papers of 2017, 2018 and 2019 from the links highlighted below.

You can also practice from the sample papers and mock test series launched by various MBA coaching institutes like TIME, Career Launcher, IMS, MBAGuru and others.

Also Check CAT 2020 Mock Test

Importance of CAT Question Papers / Sample Papers / Mock Tests

Solving the question papers of the previous years will help in improving your problem-solving skills within the time limits prescribed. These sample papers will also give you an insight into the type of questions asked from each section – Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). The greatest benefit of solving CAT sample papers is that it prepares you for all kinds of questions – tough, easy, lengthy, tricky or even surprise questions.

CAT toppers and CAT mentors recommend solving at least 30-40 mock tests during CAT preparation. Many toppers attempt almost 80 such tests to prepare for the exam. The following are some of the main benefits of solving the previous year papers/sample papers/mock tests.

  • Beneficial in getting a better understanding of the CAT exam pattern and marking scheme of each question
  • Boosts speed and accuracy of the candidate
  • Improves time management skills
  • Trains the candidate for all types of questions 
  • Useful in discovering tricks and shortcuts to solving the questions faster

Also Check CAT 2020 Preparation Plan for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

When to Start Practicing CAT Question Papers and Sample Papers?

Start solving the CAT question papers or sample papers only after you finish the CAT syllabus. Unless you finish the syllabus you will not be able to solve the questions asked in the sample papers. Start with the syllabus, learn all the formulas and theorems well and then move on to attempting the sample papers.

The ideal time to start solving them is three months before the exam. CAT 2020 will be held on November 24, 2020, so you must start taking your mocks at least by September. Also, remember to solve last year’s CAT question paper to get an idea of the latest question paper pattern.

Also read:

CAT Question Paper FAQs

Q: What are the benefits of solving CAT question papers while preparing for the CAT exam?

A: Solving CAT question papers will help the candidates get an overview of the exam pattern and the types of questions asked. It is also helpful in gaining an idea of the question-wise weightage allotted to topics and their difficulty level.

Q: Are CAT question papers of slot 1 and slot 2 different from each other?

A: Yes, there is a slight variation in the questions of each slot to prevent questions from being leaked or copied before the start of the next slot. As the questions in each of the slots are different, the difficulty level is also different.

Q: Which CAT question paper is more difficult – slot 1 or slot 2?

A: Either of the question papers can be more difficult than the other. There is no certain pattern to this as each year a different IIM conducts the exam and a different team sets the question papers.

Q: How many non-MCQ type questions are there in the CAT 2020 question paper?

A: There will be about 28 non-MCQs in CAT 2020 question paper, spread across all three sections.

Q: What is the sequence of sections in CAT question paper?

A: The sequence of CAT question paper is – Section 1: VARC, Section 2: DILR, Section 3: QA.

Q: What is the sectional time limit in CAT exam?

A: Each section is allotted 60 minutes. For PWD candidates the sectional time-limit is 80 minutes for every section.

Q: What is the medium of instruction of the CAT question paper?

A: The medium instruction of the CAT question paper is English.

Q: Can I download the CAT question paper after the exam?

A: As the CAT exam is an online examination, the question paper cannot be downloaded.

Q: Which among the three sections of the CAT question paper is lengthy?

A: Most of the candidates find VARC section lengthy as it includes tough RC passages.

Q: Can I solve QA questions first?

A: No, the CAT question paper is to be answered in the given sequence only. There is no option to change the order of the sections.




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