CAT Exam Previous Year Question Papers (2024 – 2018): Free PDFs with Solutions

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is India’s most competitive entrance exam for MBA and PGDM programs, conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs).
Every year, over 3 lakh students compete for limited seats in top B-schools, such as IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta, as well as leading private institutes like ITM Business School.

CAT evaluates your analytical thinking, quantitative skills, and verbal reasoning - abilities essential for future leaders. A good score doesn’t just mean admission; it’s a gateway to India’s and the world’s most prestigious corporate careers.

For aspiring MBA students, cracking the CAT is the first major step toward turning ambition into achievement.

This guide covers everything you need - exam pattern, PYQ links, section-wise analysis, and tips from toppers.

Overview of CAT Exam Pattern and Structure

The CAT exam pattern assesses how you think under pressure - not just what you know.
It comprises three sections:

1. VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) – Tests language comprehension and logic.
2. DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) – Checks problem-solving and decision-making.
3. QA (Quantitative Aptitude) – Evaluates mathematical reasoning and numerical accuracy.

Over time, CAT has evolved - from 100 to 66 questions, with more conceptual and logic-based questions.
This change demands smart preparation and adaptability.

CAT Exam Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions (PDF Links)

If you’re serious about CAT 2025, previous year papers with solutions are your most authentic resource.They show you real question types and sectional difficulty - far better than generic mock tests.

Official CAT Exam Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions

For guidance on admissions and CAT-based MBA programs, check out ITM.edu.

Tip:While solving, note question types and slot-wise changes - this insight helps predict the next exam pattern.

Section-Wise Analysis of CAT Previous Year Papers

VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension)

• Long RC passages with inference and tone-based questions dominate.
• Grammar and vocabulary have declined in importance.
• Focus areas: Reading speed and critical reasoning.

DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning)

• Shift from simple tables to multi-layered caselets with realistic data.
• Requires logical sequencing and pattern identification.
• Tip: Choose solvable sets first to maximise attempts.

QA (Quantitative Aptitude)

• Emphasis on Arithmetic and Modern Math (Percentages, Ratio, P&C).
• Algebra and Geometry appear regularly but moderate in weightage.
• Key to success: Conceptual clarity + selective attempts.

By studying past trends, you can anticipate difficulty shifts and fine-tune your exam strategy for each section.

Benefits of Practicing CAT Previous Year Question Papers

Practicing CAT previous year papers (PYQs) is a game-changer for aspirants. Here’s why it works so well:

1) Recognise Trends & Difficulty Levels: PYQs reveal recurring topics and the depth of reasoning required. You learn where most students struggle and how to avoid those pitfalls.

2) Improve Time Management & Accuracy: Timed practice trains you to strike a balance between speed and precision - a critical skill for CAT.

3) Familiarise Yourself with the Real Exam Format: When you simulate the actual test environment, anxiety drops and confidence rises.

4) Identify Strengths & Weaknesses: Post-practice analysis helps you target high-impact areas for improvement.

Proven Insight: Toppers recommend solving at least 5–7 years of CAT papers multiple times.
Mock tests are great - but real papers teach you how IIMs think.

How to Use CAT Previous Year Papers Effectively

To get the most out of PYQs, follow this 4-step plan:

1) Simulate Real Exam Conditions: Attempt the entire paper in one go under timed conditions (2 hours + 40 minutes per section).

2) Maintain a Question Log: Record every error and identify areas for improvement. Tracking this helps you measure growth objectively.

3) Analyse Mistakes: Note if errors were due to concept gaps, haste, or poor time allocation.

4) Revise High-Weightage Topics: Revisit Arithmetic, Inference-based RCs, and Logic Games weekly.

Example: If you score 70 % accuracy in QA today and 85 % next month, you’ve grown significantly - that’s data-driven progress!

Common Mistakes to Avoid During CAT Paper Practice

Avoid these four common traps most CAT students fall into:

1) Ignoring Sectional Time Management - Spending too long on tough RCs or DILR sets hurts overall score.
2) Not Reviewing Wrong Answers - Without analysis, you repeat the same mistakes.
3) Over-reliance on Shortcuts - Conceptual clarity beats tricks in unpredictable questions.
4) Skipping Post-Test Analysis - Always review accuracy %, time splits, and question selection.

Remember: Practicing smart > hard.
95-percentilers master reflection, not just speed.

Expert Tips for Cracking CAT Exam 2025

1) Build a Realistic Study Plan: Set weekly targets for concept revision + mock practice.

2) Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Understand fundamentals in Quant, LR, and English - don’t memorize shortcuts.

3) Attempt Regular Mocks & PYQs: Treat every mock like the actual exam. Analyse scores to track progress.

4) Analyse Deeply After Every Mock: Spend as much time on analysis as on taking the test. Spot patterns in errors and improve accuracy.

Pro Mindset: CAT isn’t about perfection - it’s about consistency and strategy. Small, daily improvements can lead to significant percentile leaps.

Why ITM is a Top Choice After CAT Exam

ITM Business School has over 30 years of legacy in transforming aspiring students into industry-ready professionals.

Popular MBA Specialisations:

• Marketing Management
• Finance & FinTech
• Business Analytics
• Human Resource Management
• International Business

Admissions: ITM accepts scores from CAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, GMAT, ATMA, and CET.
Selection includes an application review, micro-presentation, and personal interview - evaluating potential beyond just test scores.

Placements: Top recruiters include Deloitte, HDFC Bank, Capgemini, Amazon, and ICICI Lombard.
Average packages hover around ₹8 LPA, with high-end offers up to ₹22 LPA.

Why ITM Stands Out:

• Global exposure programs
• Industry-linked curriculum
• Corporate mentorship
• 6500+ alumni network

ITM is consistently ranked among the best CAT-accepting B-schools in India for its academic rigour and placement success.

Conclusion: Prepare Smart, Practice Hard

Consistent practice with CAT previous year papers is the key to mastering speed, accuracy, and exam temperament.
It turns stress into strategy and effort into confidence.

After CAT, your choice of B-school matters - and ITM Business School offers the perfect blend of academic excellence, corporate exposure, and career growth.

Start today - solve one paper daily, track progress, and visualise your CAT success.
When you’re ready for the next step, visit ITM.edu to explore MBA admissions.

FAQs on CAT Exam Previous Year Question Papers

1) Where can I download CAT previous year papers with solutions

From trusted websites like IIMCAT, ITM, Gradeup, or Career360 - they’re free and official.

2) How many years of papers should I solve?

At least 5–7 years to understand patterns and improve speed + accuracy.

3) Are previous papers similar to the actual exam?

Yes - they mirror the CAT format closely and help you predict difficulty levels.

4) Is solving PYQs enough to crack CAT?

Not alone - combine them with mock tests and concept revisions for balanced prep.

5) Does ITM accept CAT scores for admission?

Absolutely! ITM Business School accepts CAT scores for its MBA programs in Marketing, Finance, Analytics, HR & more.