CAT Previous Year Question Papers PDF (2018–2025)
Download 21 verified CAT slot-wise papers from 2018 through 2025, with every file labelled according to its included answer material.
Download CAT previous year question papers
Select a year and slot from the verified catalogue. Each record is labelled according to the answer material contained in its PDF.
Previous year paper catalogue
| Year | Paper/slot | Included material | Online practice | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Slot 1 | Answer key — page 15 | Attempt Test | |
| 2025 | Slot 2 | Answer key — page 14 | Attempt Test | |
| 2025 | Slot 3 | Answer key — page 14 | Attempt Test | |
| 2024 | Slot 1 | Answer key — page 27 | Attempt Test | |
| 2024 | Slot 2 | Answer key — page 28 | Attempt Test | |
| 2023 | Slot 1 | Answer key — page 26 | Attempt Test | |
| 2023 | Slot 2 | Answer key — page 25 | Attempt Test | |
| 2023 | Slot 3 | Answer key — page 27 | Attempt Test | |
| 2022 | Slot 1 | Answer key — page 24 | Attempt Test | |
| 2022 | Slot 2 | Answer key — page 25 | Attempt Test | |
| 2022 | Slot 3 | Answer key — page 30 | Attempt Test | |
| 2021 | Slot 1 | Answer key — page 28 | Attempt Test | |
| 2021 | Slot 2 | Answer key — page 27 | Attempt Test | |
| 2021 | Slot 3 | Answer key — page 28 | Attempt Test | |
| 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 | — |
21 of 21 listed papers are available for download.
Online previous-year paper attempt
CAT previous-paper coverage on PrepGoal
21 verified PDFs
The catalogue contains 21 slot-wise CAT paper records.
2018–2025 coverage
Papers are organised by examination year and slot for easier selection.
Clearly labelled material
Each file identifies whether the available supporting material is an answer key or explicitly verified worked solutions.
How CAT previous papers help your preparation
Study real question styles
Observe how VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude questions were framed in earlier CAT papers.
Compare slots and years
Review variation in paper balance and difficulty without assuming that every slot is identical.
Practise question selection
Learn when to attempt, revisit or leave a question under time pressure.
Identify weak areas
Track concepts, passage types and reasoning sets that repeatedly cause difficulty.
Review pacing
Compare time spent across sections and recognise where accuracy falls under pressure.
Plan revision
Turn incorrect and skipped questions into a focused topic list before the next attempt.
How to analyse a CAT previous year paper
- Choose a paper: select a year and slot you have not recently reviewed.
- Confirm the current context: CAT patterns can change, so verify current official instructions separately.
- Attempt it honestly: use realistic conditions and avoid viewing the answer key during the attempt.
- Review all questions: include correct, incorrect and unattempted items in your analysis.
- Separate error types: distinguish concept, interpretation, selection, timing and careless mistakes.
- Review sets together: analyse RC passages and DILR sets as connected groups.
- Revise and retest: address high-impact weaknesses before attempting another paper or mock test.
Answer keys and worked solutions are different
Answer key
Identifies the correct response for each question but may not explain the reasoning or calculation.
Worked solutions
Provide explanatory steps or reasoning. This label is used only when such material is actually included and verified.
Continue your CAT preparation
CAT exam guide
Review the current schedule, eligibility, sections and preparation process.
Explore CATCAT mock tests
Use the full-length practice mock, available previous-year online attempt and sectional tests.
Take CAT TestsFrequently asked questions
How many CAT previous year papers are available on PrepGoal?
The verified catalogue currently contains 21 slot-wise CAT PDFs covering 2018 through 2025.
Are CAT 2025 papers available?
Yes. CAT 2025 Slot 1, Slot 2 and Slot 3 records are included in the verified catalogue.
Can I download CAT previous papers for free?
Use the access option displayed for each catalogue record. If a lead form is shown, submit the required details and consent to receive the configured PDF download.
Do all CAT previous papers have detailed solutions?
No. Some PDFs include answer keys rather than worked explanations. Each catalogue record is labelled according to the material it contains.
Should I solve the oldest or newest CAT paper first?
Recent papers may be closer to the current structure, while older papers provide more practice variety. Verify the current pattern and use both strategically.
Are CAT previous papers enough for preparation?
No. Combine them with concept study, revision, sectional practice and mock tests. Previous papers are strongest when their mistakes lead to a specific improvement plan.
Is CAT 2026 included in the catalogue?
No. CAT 2026 will not be listed as a previous paper before the examination and verification of the relevant files.
Practise after analysing a CAT paper
Use the available full-length, previous-year online and sectional test options to apply what you learned from the paper.