Students are advised to use CAT previous year question papers to prepare as it will boost their preparation level. This article provides students with CAT 2023 questions PDF with answers keys. The exam pattern of CAT examination varies over years and students must be prepared to face distinct question patterns. Students should regularly solve the CAT previous year question papers to know how much are they prepared for the examination.
CAT is a national level entrance exam conducted annually by one of the IIMs on a rotational basis, the CAT exam tests candidates on their aptitude in Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). Refer to the following to find CAT question papers 2023 and start preparing for the test. The CAT 2023 question paper can be downloaded with just one click if students are already registered.
CAT Question Papers 2023
Students can refer to the following table to download CAT question paper of 2023 academic year.
CAT Exam sections | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | |||
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | |||
Quantitative Ability (QA) |
CAT 2023 Paper Analysis
The CAT 2023 was conducted on November 26, 2023 and the overall difficulty level for the exam was considered to be moderate to difficult. Along with the CAT question paper 2023, students are provided with CAT paper analysis to help them analyze the overall difficulty level. For section wise CAT paper analysis for 2023 academic year, students can refer to the following.
CAT 2023 VARC Section Analysis
Component | Details |
Total Questions | 24 |
Reading Comprehension (RC) | 16 Questions (4 Passages x 4 Qs each) |
Verbal Ability (VA) | 8 Questions (Para Summary, Odd Sentence, Para Jumbles) |
Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
Dominant RC Themes | Psychology, History, Economics, Science |
RC Passage Length | Moderate (450–600 words) |
Good Attempts | 17–19 |
Accuracy Needed for 90%ile | ~75% |
CAT 2023 DILR Paper Analysis
Component | Details |
Total Questions | 20 |
Number of Sets | 4 Sets (5 Questions each) |
Types of Sets | Games & Tournaments, Bar Graphs, Puzzles, Matrix |
Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Logical vs Data Focus | Balanced mix |
Set Selection Importance | High (2 doable, 2 time-consuming) |
Good Attempts | 10–12 |
Accuracy Needed for 90%ile | ~85% |
CAT 2023 QA Section Analysis
Component | Details |
Total Questions | 22 |
Dominant Topics | Arithmetic (Time-Speed, Percentages, SI/CI), Algebra, Geometry |
Arithmetic Weightage | ~50% |
Difficulty Level | Moderate to Tough |
Calculation Intensive? | Yes, especially in Arithmetic & Geometry |
Good Attempts | 13–15 |
Accuracy Needed for 90%ile | ~80% |
CAT 2023 Key Takeaways
The following table contains all the important highlights about the CAT examination conducted in 2023.
Key Insight | Summary |
Overall Difficulty | Slightly tougher than CAT 2022 |
Most Challenging Section | VARC (due to tricky RCs and close options) |
Easiest Section | QA (relative to past years, though still challenging) |
Time Management Crucial In | DILR and RC-heavy VARC |
Smart Set Selection Important in DILR | 2 doable sets, 1 moderate, 1 tough |
No Surprises in Pattern | Followed expected 66-question format |
Percentile Cutoff for 99%ile (Est.) | VARC: ~42, DILR: ~32, QA: ~36 |
Balanced Preparation Still Key | Cannot afford to neglect any section |
Tips to Solve CAT 2023 Question Papers
- Begin with the most secure question to create confidence and conserve time early in the paper.
- Scan the entire section first to see the easy or known questions and try them first.
- Do not spend too much time on one question, skip if it takes over 2 minutes.
- In VARC, read questions first before reading the RC passage in order to understand what to search for.
- For Para Jumbles, apply the "mandatory pair" and transition logic strategy to organize sentences.
- In DILR, pick sets carefully, try the 2 easiest sets initially and reserve the harder ones for later.
- Make tables, charts, or diagrams while solving DILR in order to better see data.
- Apply approximations in QA whenever possible to avoid wasting time on calculations.
- Don't guess answer choices, apply elimination if stuck.
- Monitor the timer and keep sectional pace (VARC: 40 min, DILR: 40 min, QA: 40 min).
- Try TITA (Type In The Answer) questions cautiously, no penalty for incorrect answers, therefore never skip them.
- Check marked questions during the last 5 minutes if there is time.
- Relax and keep your cool, don't get anxious if a section seems challenging; it probably is challenging for everyone.
Also Check: CAT 2024 question paper download and difficulty analysis
