Historical exam practice
CAT Previous Year Question Papers
Access CAT question papers from 2018 to 2024. Every listed PDF includes either an answer key or worked solutions as identified in the catalogue.
Important: Answer keys identify correct responses; only PDFs explicitly labelled “Worked solutions” include explanations.
Quick answer
How will CAT papers help?
Previous CAT papers help you study historical question styles, section balance and difficulty. Attempt a paper under timed conditions, then use its answer key or worked solutions to review errors.
Catalogue
2018–2024 paper collection
The collection contains 18 slot-wise PDFs. Availability is controlled by verified Media Library uploads.
Paper directory
CAT previous year paper catalogue
| Year | Paper/slot | Included material | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Slot 1 | Answer key — page 27 | |
| 2024 | Slot 2 | Answer key — page 28 | |
| 2023 | Slot 1 | Answer key — page 26 | |
| 2023 | Slot 2 | Answer key — page 25 | |
| 2023 | Slot 3 | Answer key — page 27 | |
| 2022 | Slot 1 | Answer key — page 24 | |
| 2022 | Slot 2 | Answer key — page 25 | |
| 2022 | Slot 3 | Answer key — page 30 | |
| 2021 | Slot 1 | Answer key — page 28 | |
| 2021 | Slot 2 | Answer key — page 27 | |
| 2021 | Slot 3 | Answer key — page 28 | |
| 2020 | Slot 1 | Worked solutions | |
| 2020 | Slot 2 | Worked solutions | |
| 2020 | Slot 3 | Worked solutions | |
| 2019 | Slot 1 | Answer key — page 40 | |
| 2019 | Slot 2 | Answer key — page 47 | |
| 2018 | Slot 1 | Worked solutions | |
| 2018 | Slot 2 | Worked solutions |
Recommended method
How to analyse a previous paper
- Attempt honestlyUse a realistic time limit and avoid checking answers.
- Check solutionsReview both correct answers and better methods.
- Classify errorsSeparate concept, selection, timing and careless errors.
- Update your planRevise weak topics and test them again in mocks.
Quality control
Answer keys and solutions are labelled separately
A PDF labelled “Answer key” contains correct responses without claiming explanations. “Worked solutions” is used only when explanatory solutions are included.
Paper identity confirmedSource and usage rights recordedAnswer-key location checkedDocument type labelled accurately
Complete the preparation loop
CAT resources
Connect historical questions with the current exam overview and new mock-test practice.