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CAT Question Paper 2023 PDF Download with Answer Key & Solutions

Shristy Kandwal

Nov 5, 2026

CAT Question Paper 2023 with Answer Keys and Detailed Solutions are available here to download in PDF format and attempt as an online test. CAT 2023 was conducted on Nov 26, 2023, in three slots: 8:30 AM–10:30 AM, 12:30 PM–2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM–6:30 PM.

CAT 2023 Question Paper and Answer Key PDF

CAT Slot 1 Question Paper 2023 and Answer Key PDF

CAT Slot 2 Question Paper 2023 and Answer Key PDF

CAT Slot 3 Question Paper 2023 and Answer Key PDF

CAT Question Paper 2023 Pattern

CAT 2023 was conducted by IIM Lucknow in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode. The paper contained 66 questions from three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). Candidates had 120 minutes to complete the paper, 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 2023 Marking Scheme:

  • Each correct answer carried 3 marks.
  • 1 mark was deducted for each incorrect MCQ answer.
  • There was no negative marking for non-MCQ (TITA) questions.
  • Candidates could not switch between sections during the allotted sectional time.

CAT Exam Analysis 2023

CAT Question Paper 2023 was generally rated moderate to difficult across the three slots. Quantitative Ability was among the most challenging sections, while DILR included lengthy and calculation-intensive sets. VARC was relatively manageable but required strong reading and comprehension skills. Candidates can use CAT question paper with solution PDF to understand the difficulty level and identify important question types.

Section Difficulty Level Key Observations
VARC Moderate Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and Para Completion were important question types.
DILR Moderate to Difficult Lengthy sets involving logical reasoning, arrangements, and data interpretation required careful selection.
QA Moderate to Difficult Arithmetic and Algebra formed a major part of the section, with several time-consuming questions.
Overall Moderate to Difficult Accuracy, time management, and selecting the right questions were important for scoring well.

Key Highlights of CAT 2023 Analysis:

  • CAT 2023 included 66 questions carrying 198 marks.
  • VARC contained four Reading Comprehension passages with 16 questions.
  • DILR had four sets of five questions each.
  • Arithmetic and Algebra were important areas in CAT question paper 2023 Maths section.
  • Quantitative Ability was considered particularly challenging across the slots.
  • Slot-wise difficulty varied, making question selection important for candidates.

CAT Mock Test Series

CAT Important Subjects and Topics

CAT Question Paper 2023 included questions from Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. Candidates preparing for CAT should practise these topics regularly to improve problem-solving speed and accuracy. Solving CAT 2023 free question papers with answers also helps candidates understand the types of questions asked in the examination.

Subject Important Topics
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Para Completion, Odd Sentence Out
Data Interpretation Tables, Charts, Data Analysis, Statistics, Numerical Data Sets
Logical Reasoning Arrangements, Scheduling, Logical Puzzles, Games and Tournaments, Distribution
Quantitative Ability (Maths) Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Mathematics

Important Maths Topics from CAT 2023:

  • Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, Mixtures, and Interest.
  • Algebra: Quadratic Equations, Logarithms, Indices, Functions, and Progressions.
  • Geometry: Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, and Mensuration.
  • Number Systems: Divisibility, Factors, and Properties of Numbers.
  • Modern Mathematics: Permutations and Combinations.

Candidates looking for CAT question paper 2023 Maths questions should focus especially on Arithmetic and Algebra. Practising CAT 2022 Question Paper, CAT Question Paper 2024, and CAT Question Paper 2025 will also help them compare paper difficulty, identify recurring topics, and prepare effectively through previous year papers and mock tests.

CAT Question Paper 2023 FAQs

Ques: Where can I download CAT Question Paper 2023 PDF for free?

Ans: Candidates can download CAT question paper 2023 PDF for free using the slot-wise download links provided on this page. Question papers for Slots 1, 2, and 3 can be used for exam preparation and revision.

Ques: Is CAT Question Paper 2023 PDF available with detailed solutions?

Ans: Yes, CAT question paper 2023 PDF with answers and detailed solutions is available for all three slots. Candidates can download the papers to check answers, understand question-solving methods, and improve accuracy.

Ques: What was the difficulty level of CAT Question Paper 2023?

Ans: CAT 2023 was generally considered moderate to difficult. Quantitative Ability was challenging, DILR contained lengthy sets, and VARC was comparatively manageable in several slot-wise analyses.

Ques: What are the important Maths topics in CAT Question Paper 2023?

Ans: Important Maths topics included Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, and Modern Mathematics. Questions from Percentages, Quadratic Equations, Time-Speed-Distance, Logarithms, and Geometry were particularly relevant.

Ques: How can I prepare using CAT 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 question papers?

Ans: Candidates should solve CAT 2022 Question Paper, CAT Question Paper 2023, CAT Question Paper 2024, and CAT Question Paper 2025 under timed conditions. Comparing answers, reviewing mistakes, and practising weak topics can help improve exam performance.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
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