CAT Question Paper 2021 with Answer Key and Solutions PDF Free Download
CAT Question Paper 2021 with Answer Keys and Detailed Solutions are available here to download in PDF format and attempt as an online test. CAT 2021 was conducted on Nov 28, 2021, in three slots: 8:30 AM–10:30 AM, 12:30 PM–2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM–6:30 PM.
CAT 2021 Question Paper and Answer Key PDF
CAT Slot 1 Question Paper 2021 and Answer Key PDF
CAT Slot 2 Question Paper 2021 and Answer Key PDF
CAT Slot 3 Question Paper 2021 and Answer Key PDF
CAT Exam Pattern 2021
CAT 2021 was conducted by IIM Ahmedabad in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The question paper included 66 questions divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The total exam duration was 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allotted to each section.
| Section | Total Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 | 40 Minutes |
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 60 | 40 Minutes |
| Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 66 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 66 | 198 | 120 Minutes |
CAT 2021 Marking Scheme:
- Each correct answer carried 3 marks.
- 1 mark was deducted for every incorrect MCQ answer.
- There was no negative marking for incorrect non-MCQ (TITA) answers.
- Unattempted questions carried zero marks.
- Candidates could not switch between sections during the examination.
CAT Exam Analysis 2021
CAT Question Paper 2021 was generally rated moderate to difficult, although the difficulty varied across Slots 1, 2, and 3. VARC required careful reading and interpretation, while DILR included lengthy sets that tested reasoning and time management. Quantitative Ability was largely based on Arithmetic and Algebra, with the difficulty changing across slots. Candidates can download CAT question paper with solution PDF to review the questions and understand the exam's overall difficulty level.
| Section | Difficulty Level | Key Observations |
|---|---|---|
| VARC | Moderate to Difficult | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Odd Sentence Out were important question types. |
| DILR | Moderate to Difficult | Four sets involving arrangements, data interpretation, charts, and logical puzzles required careful selection. |
| QA | Moderate | Arithmetic and Algebra dominated the section, while Geometry and Number Systems also appeared. |
| Overall | Moderate to Difficult | Accuracy, question selection, and sectional time management were important for scoring well. |
Key Highlights of CAT 2021 Analysis:
- CAT 2021 included 66 questions carrying a total of 198 marks, compared with 76 questions in CAT 2020.
- VARC contained four Reading Comprehension passages with four questions each.
- DILR included four sets: two sets of six questions and two sets of four questions.
- Arithmetic and Algebra contributed a significant share of Quantitative Ability questions.
- DILR was considered one of the more time-consuming sections across the three slots.
- Slot-wise difficulty varied, particularly in Quantitative Ability, making accuracy and time management important.
CAT Important Subjects and Topics
CAT Question Paper 2021 covered Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Candidates preparing for CAT Question Paper 2026 should focus on these subjects and practise CAT previous year question papers to understand commonly asked topics and improve problem-solving speed.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out |
| Data Interpretation | Tables, Bar Graphs, Charts, Data Comparison, Data-Based Sets |
| Logical Reasoning | Arrangements, Distribution, Games and Tournaments, Logical Puzzles, Scheduling |
| Quantitative Ability | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Mathematics |
Important Quantitative Ability Topics from CAT 2021:
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, and Interest.
- Algebra: Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Functions, Linear Equations, and Progressions.
- Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Mensuration, and Coordinate Geometry.
- Number Systems: Divisibility, Factors, Remainders, and Properties of Numbers.
- Modern Mathematics: Permutations and Combinations, Probability, and Set Theory.
Candidates looking for CAT question paper 2021 PDF free download should practise all three slots under timed conditions. Along with CAT 2021, solving CAT 2022 Question Paper, CAT Question Paper 2023, CAT Question Paper 2024, and CAT Question Paper 2025 PDF with solutions can help candidates compare exam patterns, question types, and difficulty levels. Regular practice with CAT previous year question papers and mock tests is useful for identifying weak areas and improving exam readiness.
| Relevant Link | ||
|---|---|---|
| CAT Exam Pattern | CAT Syllabus | CAT Cutoffs |
| CAT Eligibility Criteria | CAT Results | CAT Application Process |
CAT Question Paper 2021 FAQs
Ques: Where can I download CAT Question Paper 2021 PDF for free?
Ans: Candidates can download CAT question paper 2021 PDF free of cost from the slot-wise download links provided on this page. Question papers for Slots 1, 2, and 3 can be used for practice and revision.
Ques: Is CAT Question Paper 2021 PDF available with detailed solutions?
Ans: Yes, CAT question paper 2021 with answers and detailed solutions is available for all three slots. Candidates can use CAT question paper with solution PDF to check their answers, understand the solutions, and improve accuracy.
Ques: What was the difficulty level of CAT Question Paper 2021?
Ans: CAT 2021 was generally considered moderate to difficult. VARC included challenging Reading Comprehension questions, DILR had lengthy reasoning sets, and Quantitative Ability varied in difficulty across the three slots.
Ques: How many questions were asked in CAT 2021?
Ans: CAT 2021 included 66 questions across three sections: 24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, and 22 in Quantitative Ability. The question paper carried 198 marks, and the total exam duration was 120 minutes.
Ques: Which CAT previous year question papers should I practise for CAT 2026?
Ans: Candidates preparing for CAT 2026 should practise CAT 2022 Question Paper, CAT Question Paper 2023, CAT Question Paper 2024, and CAT Question Paper 2025 PDF with solutions along with CAT 2021. These papers help candidates understand question trends, improve time management, and identify important topics.
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