CAT 2025 2024 2023 2022 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 2026 and CAT 2027, 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 2026 and CAT 2027, 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
To appear for the CAT exam, candidates must fulfill the following criteria. There is no upper age limit for taking the test.
Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or institution is mandatory.
Minimum Marks: Candidates must secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA in their bachelor’s degree.
Reserved Categories: A relaxation is provided for candidates belonging to the SC/ST/PwD categories, who require a minimum of 45% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA.
Final Year Students: Students in the final year of their undergraduate degree, or those awaiting their final results, are eligible to apply provisionally. They must submit their degree completion proof before the start of the academic year.
Professional Degrees: Candidates with professional degrees like CA, CS, ICWA, or FIAI, who meet the minimum mark criteria, are also eligible.
CAT REGISTRATION
The CAT registration process is conducted online via the official IIM CAT website (iimcat.ac.in).
Key Steps to Apply
- New Candidate Registration: Visit the official website and create an account by providing basic personal details, including your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number. Your details must match your Class 10 certificate.
- OTP Verification: Verify your email and mobile number using the OTP received, which generates your User ID and Password.
- Application Form Filling: Log in and complete the detailed application form, including personal, academic (Class 10, 12, and graduation), and work experience details (if applicable).
- IIM/Program Selection: Choose the IIM programs you wish to apply to.
- Test City Selection: Select up to six preferred exam cities in order of preference.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature, ensuring they meet the specified format and size guidelines (e.g., usually JPG/JPEG format, photo with white background, not older than 6 months). Category/PwD certificates must also be uploaded if applicable.
- Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable application fee online.
Expected Registration Timeline
Event | CAT 2026 (Expected) | CAT 2027 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
Notification Release Date | July 26, 2026 / Last week of July 2026 | Last week of July 2027 |
Registration Start Date | August 1, 2026 / First week of August 2026 | August 1, 2027 / First week of August 2027 |
Registration Last Date | September 20, 2026 (5:00 PM) / Third week of September 2026 | September 20, 2027 / Third week of September 2027 |
Exam Date | November 29, 2026 (Sunday) | November 28, 2027 (Sunday) |
Note: CAT 2026 is expected to be conducted by IIM Indore.
CAT QUESTION PAPER FORMAT
The CAT 2026 and CAT 2027 exam pattern is expected to remain consistent with recent years. It is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted in three separate slots on a single day.
CAT Exam Pattern (Expected for CAT 2026 & 2027)
Sections | No. of Questions (Expected) | Total Marks (Expected) | Duration | Marking Scheme (MCQs) | Question Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
I: VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 Minutes | +3 / -1 | MCQ & TITA |
II: DILR | 22 | 66 | 40 Minutes | +3 / -1 | MCQ & TITA |
III: QA | 22 | 66 | 40 Minutes | +3 / -1 | MCQ & TITA |
Total | 68 | 204 | 120 Minutes | +3 / -1 (MCQ) | ~48 MCQ / 20 TITA |
Key Features
- Sectional Timing: Each section is strictly limited to 40 minutes. You cannot switch between sections during the exam. The sequence is fixed: VARC > DILR > QA.
- TITA Questions (Non-MCQs): These are Type In The Answer questions where you must type the answer directly. Crucially, they carry no negative marking.
- On-Screen Calculator: A basic on-screen calculator is provided for use during the exam.
- Exam Slots: The exam is typically conducted in three slots:
- Slot 1: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
- Slot 2: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
- Slot 3: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
CAT EXAM SYLLABUS
While no official fixed syllabus is prescribed by the IIMs, the exam tests conceptual clarity based on topics generally up to the Class 10-12 level. The syllabus below reflects the key topics and expected weightage based on past years’ trends.
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)
This section primarily tests reading speed, comprehension, and analytical ability, with Reading Comprehension (RC) dominating the section (approx. 16 questions).
Topic | Key Sub-topics | Expected Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Reading Comprehension (RC) | Inference, Main Idea, Tone/Attitude, Vocabulary, Logical Structure | ~66% (16 questions) |
Verbal Ability (VA) | Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out, Completion | ~34% (8 questions) |
RC Passages typically cover topics like: Science & Technology, Social Issues, Philosophy, Economics & Business, History & Politics, and Literature.
DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)
This section requires strong analytical and logical thinking skills, often being the most challenging section.
Topic | Key Sub-topics |
|---|---|
Data Interpretation (DI) | Tables, Bar/Line/Pie Charts, Caselets, Mixed Graphs, Venn Diagrams |
Logical Reasoning (LR) | Arrangements, Puzzles, Games/Tournaments, Sequences, Blood Relations, Selection |
QA (Quantitative Ability)
The section tests mathematical aptitude across five main areas, with Arithmetic and Algebra holding the highest weightage.
Topic Area | Key Sub-topics | Expected Weightage | Expected Qs |
|---|---|---|---|
Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio, TSD, Time & Work, Interest, Mixtures | ~40% | 8–10 |
Algebra | Equations, Functions, Inequalities, Logarithms | ~30% | 5–7 |
Geometry | Triangles, Polygons, Circles, Coordinate Geometry, Mensuration | ~15-20% | 1–3 |
Number System | Divisibility, HCF/LCM, Remainders, Surds & Indices | ~7-15% | 1–2 |
Modern Math | P&C, Probability, Set Theory, Progressions | ~10% | — |
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:
Start your CAT preparation online with access to plenty of free CAT-relevant content curated for aspirants.Expert Guidance:
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.
- 2,000+ Highly Relevant CAT Questions with detailed explanations to ensure conceptual clarity and measurable improvement.
- Engage with our sessions to strengthen your foundation and witness noticeable progress in your preparation.
At FundaMakers, we believe in empowering aspirants with the right tools, personalized strategies, and expert mentorship to unlock their true potential.
DOWNLOAD CAT PREVIOUS YEAR PAPERS
TO GO FOR CAT 2026
YOUR 1st STEP TO IIM
FREE B-SCHOOL GUIDANCE
or call/ whatsapp at
- No Spam, No Sharing, 100% confidentiality
CAT PREPARATION RESOURCE
CAT Results – FundaMakers
FundaMakers: Building Dreams, Creating History Every Year ! At FundaMakers, we don’t just prepare students for entrance exams; we empower them to transform their aspirations
Symbiosis Entrance Test : Undergraduate Programs
SET/SITEEE Entrance Test 2027 The Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET) is a mandatory, university-level, computer-based entrance examination conducted by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) (SIU). It serves