CAT 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 PREVIOUS YEAR PAPERS
Welcome to FundaMakers’ Most Comprehensive Collection of CAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP, and Other Management Entrance Test Previous Year Papers!
At FundaMakers, we understand the importance of solving previous year papers as an integral part of your CAT preparation journey. This page is a detailed compilation of past CAT exam questions, curated to help aspirants excel in their preparation.
In addition to full-length papers, CAT aspirants can also access a topic-wise database of CAT past year questions, enabling focused practice on specific areas of the CAT syllabus.
For those preparing for CAT 2025 and CAT 2026, solving these papers will help you:
- Build a thorough understanding of core concepts.
- Gain complete command over the CAT syllabus.
- Enhance your ability to tackle a wide variety of question types.
Start solving today and elevate your preparation to the next level!
WHAT IS CAT ?
The Common Admission Test (CAT): Your Gateway to India’s Top B-Schools
The Common Admission Test, popularly known as CAT, is the premier entrance examination for admission into Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top-notch B-Schools in India, such as FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR Mumbai, IMI New Delhi, IMT Ghaziabad, and hundreds of other renowned MBA colleges.
For aspirants of CAT 2025 and CAT 2026, the exam remains the most important stepping stone for pursuing:
- Two-year full-time MBA/PGDM programs at IIMs and other leading institutes.
- One-year MBA programs at prestigious management institutes.
- Fellowship Programs in Management (FPM) offered by IIMs.
Since 2012, top-tier institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have also started accepting CAT scores for their management programs, further amplifying its importance.
With its ability to open doors to unparalleled opportunities, CAT continues to be the gold standard for management entrance tests in India. Start your preparation early to make the most of this crucial exam and secure your spot in India’s best B-Schools!
CAT ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Appear for CAT?
One of the unique aspects of the Common Admission Test (CAT) is its accessibility—there is no age limit to appear for the exam. However, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to secure admission:
- Graduation Requirement: Candidates must have completed their graduation with at least 50% marks (or equivalent CGPA). For candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/PwD), the minimum requirement is 45% marks.
- Final-Year Students: Students in the final year of their graduation are also eligible to appear for CAT. This provides an excellent opportunity to secure early admission into IIMs and other top B-Schools.
With its broad eligibility criteria, CAT welcomes aspirants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, ensuring a level playing field for all.
CAT REGISTRATION
CAT Registration: Key Details for Aspirants
The Common Admission Test (CAT) registration process is conducted entirely online, making it convenient for candidates across the country. Here are the key highlights of the registration process:
- Comprehensive Registration: A single registration covers your eligibility for the entire admission process of all 20 IIMs.
- Program Applications: During registration, you can apply for more than 50 programs offered by IIMs.
- Registration Window: The registration window typically remains open for 45+ days, starting from early August to mid-September.
- Exam Shifts: The CAT exam is usually conducted on a single day across three shifts of 2 hours each.
- Registration Fees:
- General and Open Category: ₹2,300/-
- SC/ST/PwD Candidates: ₹1,150/-
Be sure to complete your registration early and double-check all details to avoid last-minute issues. CAT’s streamlined process ensures that you’re ready to take the next step in your journey toward admission into India’s top management institutes!
CAT QUESTION PAPER FORMAT
CAT Exam Pattern: Key Details for CAT 2025 and CAT 2026
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 68 questions divided across 3 sections (as per recent trends). |
| Time Duration | 2 hours total (120 minutes). |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 minutes per section. |
| Sections and Questions | – VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension): 24 questions |
| – DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning): 22 questions (as seen in CAT 2024) | |
| – Quantitative Aptitude (Quant): 22 questions | |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult (based on past trends). |
| Section Order | Pre-fixed; no option to switch between sections. |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-Based Test (CBT). |
| Paper Source | Conducted each year by one of the six older IIMs: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Lucknow, Indore, or Kozhikode. |
| – CAT 2021: Conducted by IIM Ahmedabad. | |
| – CAT 2022: Conducted by IIM Bangalore. | |
| – CAT 2024: Featured 22 questions in the DILR section. | |
| Official Notification | Released in July every year |
CAT EXAM SYLLABUS
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
CAT exam syllabus has limitised its testing canvas in Verbal Ability and has completely eliminated questions based on vocabulary explicitly like fill in the blanks, sentence correction, synonyms, antonyms,etc. It now tests Reading Comprehension (RC Skills) and in Verbal Ability restricts its testing pointers to Para Jumbles, Odd one out and Summary Questions. The CAT exam Syllabus has a rigorous list of topics from where questions are asked is as follows-
| Inferences, Statements, Arguments | 10-12 Questions |
| Main idea in the RC Passage | 2-3 Questions |
| Author’s assumption | 1-2 Questions |
| Meaning of the phrase | 3-4 Questions |
| Para Summary | 2-3 Questions |
| Jumbled paragraphs | 2-3 Questions |
| Paragraph Completion | 2-3 Questions |
| Sequence of sentences | 1-2 Questions |
| Critical Reasoning based questions in Reading Comprehension | 2-3 Questions |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI)
The CAT Exam Syllabus of Data Interpretation skills do not have a difference on the basis of form of data but the data differs from other examinations in its ability to discomfort a student who attempts to comprehend the data given in the graph or table. It requires analysis, focus and observation to get through the craftly placed elements in a DI caselet. Logical Reasoning in CAT differs from other examinations on the basis that it does not ask individual logical reasoning question (like blood relations, series, coding-decoding, etc) and the questions always appear in caselets for example linear arrangement caselet, tabular caselet, circular arrangement, grouping and llikewise other forms of caselets, not limiting to the aforementioned types.
The CAT Exam Syllabus has a rigorous list of topics from where caselets are formed is as follows:
- Bar charts
- Simple, Stacked, Composite Bar charts
- Pie charts
- Data Analysis
- Data comparison from Tables
- Team formation
- Seating Arrangement
- Linear and matrix arrangement
- Set Theory
- Venn Diagrams
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
The syllabus of Quantitative Aptitude can be primarily said to be based on High School level Mathematics. But a few chapters like Permutations and Combinations (and according to some boards the chapters on Progressions, Logarithms, etc.) might be additional. However, whatever chapters are included this section can never be assumed as a pure mathematical section because of the touch of logic given to the questions. Many questions in the past CAT year papers can be seen testing awareness and wiry nature of a candidate more than their command over formulas and theorems.
A rigorous list of topics from where questions are asked is as follows-
| Averages; Ratio & Proportion | 1-2 Questions |
| Speed, Time and Distance; Time and Work | 1-2 Questions |
| Percentages, Profit and Loss | 1-2 Questions |
| Number System | 2-3 Questions |
| Algebra | 2-3 Questions |
| Geometry/Mensuration | 4-5 Questions |
| Linear Equations; Quadratic Equations Complex Numbers | 1-2 Questions |
| Logarithm; Progressions | 1-2 Questions |
| Binomial Theorem | 1-2 Questions |
| Surds and Indices; Inequalities | 1-2 Questions |
| Permutation and Combination | 1-2 Questions |
| Probability Functions | 1-2 Questions |
| Set Theory; Mixtures and Alligations | 1-2 Questions |
| Co-ordinate Geometry | 1-2 Questions |
| Trigonometry | 1-2 Questions |
BEST COACHING CAT
CAT Exam: A Journey to Success with the Right Guidance
The CAT exam is not inherently difficult; what makes it challenging for many aspirants is the lack of proper resources, guidance, and strategy. At FundaMakers CAT Coaching Classes, we have developed an ingenious method to help aspirants achieve success in the exam.
Here’s how we support your preparation:
Free CAT Preparation Resources:
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If you face difficulties in formulating a strategy tailored to your strengths and weaknesses, reach out to us—we’re always happy to help!FundaMakers YouTube Channel:
- 400+ Free CAT Practice Sessions designed to cover every topic comprehensively.
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At FundaMakers, we believe in empowering aspirants with the right tools, personalized strategies, and expert mentorship to unlock their true potential.
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