CAT 2018 Question Paper with Answer Key, Download PDF
CAT 2018 was conducted on 25 November 2018 in online mode by IIM Calcutta for MBA/PGP admissions across India. The exam included VARC, DILR, and QA sections with a total of 100 questions designed to evaluate reasoning ability, comprehension strength, and quantitative aptitude. CAT 2018 was conducted across three slots with a 3-hour duration
CAT 2018 Slot 1 Question Paper and Answer Key PDF
CAT 2018 Slot 2 Question Paper and Answer Key PDF
CAT 2018 Exam Pattern
CAT 2018 was a computer-based exam with 100 questions across 3 sections. Candidates had 180 minutes in total, with 60 minutes per section. In 2018 CAT exam pattern included both MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) questions.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Question Types | MCQ + TITA (Non-MCQ) |
| Duration | 180 Minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +3 (MCQ), -1 (MCQ only) |
CAT 2018 Sectional Structure
CAT 2018 was operationally conducted across multiple slots. The structure ensured standardized evaluation while controlling difficulty distribution across a large candidate volume.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Slots | 3 Slots |
| Section Timing | 60 minutes per section |
| Navigation | No switching between sections |
| Exam Format | Strict sectional CBT |
| Difficulty Variation | Minor across slots |
Each section was independently timed, making sectional performance and question selection strategy critical for scoring efficiency.
CAT 2018 Most Repeated Topics
This section captures the core areas that repeatedly appeared across CAT 2018 slots. CAT 2018 focused more on concepts than formulas. Key areas included Arithmetic (ratios, mixtures, TSD), Algebra (inequalities, logs), Reading Comprehension, and DI-LR logic-based sets.
| Section | Topics | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | Reading Comprehension (inference-based) | 18–22 |
| Para-based reasoning questions | 8–10 | |
| DILR | Puzzle & arrangement sets | 12–16 |
| Data interpretation sets | 10–14 | |
| QA | Arithmetic applications | 14–18 |
| Algebra-based problems | 10–12 |
CAT 2018 Paper Analysis
CAT 2018 was designed from a testing perspective. It focuses on question nature, cognitive demand, and skill evaluation pattern rather than basic description.CAT 2018 followed a balanced but strategically segmented difficulty approach where each section tested a distinct area.
- VARC emphasized reading depth and inference accuracy, requiring candidates to interpret complex passages rather than rely on surface understanding.
- DILR was structurally the most demanding section, with set-based questions designed to test logical sequencing, data structuring, and decision-based elimination under time pressure.
- Quantitative Ability reflected a moderate-to-difficult level, with a stronger focus on arithmetic and algebra-based problem-solving.
CAT 2018 focused on conceptual clarity and question selection strategy rather than attempt maximization, making accuracy and time allocation the key performance differentiators.
| Relevant Link | |
|---|---|
| CAT Exam Pattern | CAT Syllabus |
| CAT Eligibility Criteria | CAT Moct test |
CAT 2018 FAQs
Ques: How does CAT 2018 help in understanding current CAT exam strategy?
Ans: CAT 2018 provides a structural baseline for modern CAT exams, especially in terms of sectional timing, DILR set complexity, and VARC passage depth. These elements continue to define the current CAT preparation strategy.
Ques: What does CAT 2018 indicate about question selection strategy in CAT?
Ans: CAT 2018 clearly shows that maximizing attempts is not effective; instead, selecting solvable sets in DILR and manageable RC passages plays a decisive role in score optimization.
Ques: How was CAT 2018 different from purely knowledge-based exams?
Ans: Unlike direct recall exams, CAT 2018 was designed around application and reasoning. Even quantitative questions required interpretation rather than formula substitution.
Ques: Why is CAT 2018 still used in mock test practice?
Ans: Because it closely mirrors the foundational structure of CAT exams, especially in balancing difficulty across sections and maintaining consistent CBT-level interface behavior.
Ques: What was the key performance differentiator in CAT 2018?
Ans: The main differentiator was time management within sections, particularly in DILR where set selection determined overall scoring potential.
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