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CAT papers, 2016 – 2025
Pick a year and slot to see its pattern and topic mix, then take it as a timed mock or work through it with solutions open.
| Year | Pattern | Slots |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 68 questions · 120 min VARC 24 · DILR 22 · QA 22 | |
| 2024 | 68 questions · 120 min VARC 24 · DILR 22 · QA 22 | |
| 2023 | 66 questions · 120 min VARC 24 · DILR 20 · QA 22 | |
| 2022 | 66 questions · 120 min VARC 24 · DILR 20 · QA 22 | |
| 2021 | 66 questions · 120 min VARC 24 · DILR 20 · QA 22 | |
| 2020 | 76 questions · 120 min VARC 26 · DILR 24 · QA 26 | |
| 2019 | 100 questions · 180 min VARC 34 · DILR 32 · QA 34 | |
| 2018 | 100 questions · 180 min VARC 34 · DILR 32 · QA 34 | |
| 2017 | 100 questions · 180 min VARC 34 · DILR 32 · QA 34 | |
| 2016 | 100 questions · 180 min VARC 34 · DILR 32 · QA 34 |
CAT at a glance
CAT is the computer-based entrance test the IIMs use to shortlist students for their MBA and other postgraduate management programmes. It is held once a year, usually on the last Sunday of November. Many other business schools, such as FMS Delhi, MDI Gurgaon, SPJIMR and IIT management schools, also accept CAT scores.
| Conducted by | IIM Indore for CAT 2026, on behalf of all IIMs |
|---|---|
| Exam date | Sunday, 29 November 2026 (three slots) |
| Mode | Computer-based test at test centres |
| Duration | 120 minutes (40 minutes per section) |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, QA |
| Questions / marks | 68 questions, 204 marks (2024 and 2025 pattern) |
| Marking | +3 correct; -1 wrong MCQ; no negative mark for TITA |
| Application fee | Rs 2,700 (General); Rs 1,350 (SC/ST/PwBD) |
| Test cities | About 170 cities |
| Score valid till | 31 December 2027 (CAT 2026 score) |
Next dates · CAT 2026
- 4 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026 Admit card download
- 29 Nov 2026 CAT 2026 exam (3 slots)
- Dec 2026 Response sheet and provisional answer key, with objection window (expected)
- Dec 2026 Final answer key (expected)
- Dec 2026 – Jan 2027 Result (scorecard) (expected)
CAT guides
CAT exam datesEvery date of the current cycle, with the official notice it comes from.CAT eligibilityWho can apply, checked against the official notice.CAT how to applyStep-by-step form filling, documents, photo and signature rules, fee and common mistakes.CAT exam patternSections, number of questions, marks, time and negative marking.CAT syllabusThe official syllabus as a checklist, with links to practice questions for each topic.CAT cut-offPrevious cut-offs by category, with the exact metric and source for each figure.CAT preparationA plan by time left, the books worth using, and mistakes to avoid.