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Question Papers - CAT

Question Papers - CAT 2025: Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern, Registration, Question Paper, Answer Key

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Abhijeet Chatterjee

Updated on December 9, 2025

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CAT Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions - Free PDF Download

Download CAT Previous Year Question Papers with Answer Keys and Solutions. Our comprehensive collection includes 27 solved papers from 2017 to 2021 covering all subjects, shifts, and sessions. Practice with these CAT question papers to understand exam patterns, improve time management, and boost your preparation.

CAT Question Paper Collection Highlights

  • Total 27 question papers available for free download
  • Papers from 2017 to 2021 - 5 years covered
  • 5 subjects including Common, DILR, QA, Quant, VARC
  • All shifts and sessions covered with detailed solutions
  • Free PDF download - No registration required
  • Official answer keys for accurate self-evaluation

CAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Understanding the CAT exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. Here is the detailed exam pattern:

ParameterDetails
Exam Duration2 hours
Exam ModeComputer Based Test (CBT)
Total Questions66 questions
Total Marks198 marks
Marking Scheme+3 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQ)
SectionsVARC, DILR, Quantitative Ability
Conducting BodyIIMs (Rotating)

Download CAT Previous Year Question Papers - Year-wise

Year Subject Question Paper Answer Key
2021 DILR CAT 2021 Question Paper PDF -
2021 DILR CAT 2021 Question Paper PDF -
2021 QA CAT 2021 Question Paper PDF -
2021 VARC CAT 2021 Question Paper PDF -
2021 VARC CAT 2021 Question Paper PDF -
2020 DILR CAT 2020 Question Paper PDF CAT 2020 Answer Key PDF
2020 DILR CAT 2020 Question Paper PDF CAT 2020 Answer Key PDF
2020 DILR CAT 2020 Question Paper PDF CAT 2020 Answer Key PDF
2020 QA CAT 2020 Question Paper PDF CAT 2020 Answer Key PDF
2020 QA CAT 2020 Question Paper PDF CAT 2020 Answer Key PDF
2020 QA CAT 2020 Question Paper PDF CAT 2020 Answer Key PDF
2020 VARC CAT 2020 Question Paper PDF CAT 2020 Answer Key PDF
2020 VARC CAT 2020 Question Paper PDF CAT 2020 Answer Key PDF
2020 VARC CAT 2020 Question Paper PDF CAT 2020 Answer Key PDF
2019 DILR CAT 2019 Question Paper PDF CAT 2019 Answer Key PDF
2019 DILR CAT 2019 Question Paper PDF CAT 2019 Answer Key PDF
2019 Quant CAT 2019 Question Paper PDF CAT 2019 Answer Key PDF
2019 Quant CAT 2019 Question Paper PDF CAT 2019 Answer Key PDF
2019 VARC CAT 2019 Question Paper PDF CAT 2019 Answer Key PDF
2019 VARC CAT 2019 Question Paper PDF CAT 2019 Answer Key PDF
2018 DILR CAT 2018 Question Paper PDF CAT 2018 Answer Key PDF
2018 DILR CAT 2018 Question Paper PDF CAT 2018 Answer Key PDF
2018 Quant CAT 2018 Question Paper PDF CAT 2018 Answer Key PDF
2018 Quant CAT 2018 Question Paper PDF CAT 2018 Answer Key PDF
2018 VARC CAT 2018 Question Paper PDF CAT 2018 Answer Key PDF
2018 VARC CAT 2018 Question Paper PDF CAT 2018 Answer Key PDF
2017 Common CAT 2017 Question Paper PDF -

Benefits of Solving CAT Previous Year Question Papers

Solving CAT previous year question papers is one of the most effective preparation strategies. Here is why:

  • Understand Exam Pattern: Previous year papers help you understand the question format, marking scheme, and distribution of questions across different topics
  • Identify Important Topics: By analyzing papers from 2017 to 2021, you can identify frequently asked topics and high-weightage chapters
  • Improve Time Management: Practicing with actual exam papers helps you develop strategies to complete the paper within the given time
  • Build Exam Confidence: Regular practice with previous year papers reduces exam anxiety and builds confidence
  • Assess Your Preparation: Use answer keys to evaluate your performance and identify areas that need improvement
  • Learn from Mistakes: Analyzing incorrect answers helps you understand concepts better and avoid similar mistakes in the actual exam

How to Use CAT Previous Year Question Papers Effectively

Follow this strategic approach to maximize your preparation using CAT previous year papers:

  • Start with Recent Papers: Begin with 2021 and 2020 papers as they reflect the current exam pattern
  • Simulate Exam Conditions: Solve papers within the actual time limit without any distractions
  • Do Not Check Answers While Solving: Complete the entire paper before checking the answer key
  • Analyze Your Performance: Calculate your score and identify weak areas that need more practice
  • Review Incorrect Answers: Understand why you got certain questions wrong and revise those concepts
  • Maintain a Progress Tracker: Keep a record of your scores to monitor improvement over time
  • Solve Multiple Shifts: Different shifts may have varying difficulty levels - practice all available shifts

CAT Preparation Tips Based on Previous Year Analysis

  • Focus on NCERT textbooks and standard reference books for conceptual clarity
  • Create formula sheets and revision notes for quick revision before the exam
  • Practice numerical problems daily to improve calculation speed and accuracy
  • Take regular mock tests to simulate the actual exam environment
  • Join study groups or online forums to discuss difficult problems and concepts
  • Maintain a balanced study schedule covering all subjects equally

Frequently Asked Questions about CAT Question Papers

Where can I download CAT previous year question papers for free?

You can download CAT previous year question papers for free from FindMyCollege. We provide PDF downloads with detailed solutions and official answer keys for all years from 2017 to 2021.

Are CAT question papers available with solutions?

Yes, all CAT question papers on our website include detailed step-by-step solutions and official answer keys. You can verify your answers and understand the solving approach for each question.

How many CAT question papers are available for practice?

We have 27+ CAT question papers available covering 5 years (2017-2021) and 5 subjects including all shifts and sessions.

What is the best way to use CAT previous year papers for preparation?

Start with recent CAT papers to understand current patterns. Solve under timed conditions, check with answer keys, analyze mistakes, and focus on weak areas. Aim to complete at least 10-15 papers before the exam.

Which year CAT papers should I solve first?

Start with 2021 and 2020 papers as they reflect the latest exam pattern. Then move to older papers for more practice. Focus on subjects where you need improvement.

Is there negative marking in CAT?

+3 for correct, -1 for wrong (MCQ). Always read the instructions carefully before attempting the exam.

How can I improve my score using previous year papers?

Consistent practice with previous year papers helps identify weak areas. Focus on accuracy first, then speed. Analyze your mistakes, revise concepts, and practice similar questions to improve your score.

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