Get free CAT 2020 question paper PDF and know section wise topics, questions, difficulty level, topic-wise weightage and RC topics of CAT question paper 2020 slot 1, 2 and 3. Download here.
CAT 2020 question paper
In this article, we will look at the CAT 2020 question paper of slot 1, slot 2 and slot 3 in detail for you to prepare well for CAT exam. You can also download the CAT 2020 question paper and previous years CAT question papers below.
CAT 2020 Question Paper: Highlights
CAT previous year question papers are an important resource of exam preparation. CAT 2020 question papers of slot 1, 2 and 3 are structured in the same manner. Check the key highlights of CAT question paper 2020.
| Features |
Details |
|---|---|
| Sections |
1.VARC (26 questions) 2.DILR (24 questions) 3.QA (26 questions) |
| Total number of questions |
76 |
| Total time duration |
120 minutes |
| Sectional time limit |
40 minutes |
| Marking scheme |
+3 for every right attempt -1 for every wrong attempt No negative marking for non-MCQs |
| Total marks |
228 |
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Now let’s look at the CAT question paper 2020 slot-wise. The first slot question paper has 57 MCQs and 19 non-MCQs. All the three sections are moderate to tough, with VARC being the toughest among all three. Section-wise number of questions and distribution is mentioned below:
| CAT 2020 Sections |
No. of Questions |
MCQs |
Non-MCQs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
26 |
21 |
5 |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) |
24 |
18 |
6 |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
26 |
18 |
8 |
| Total |
76 |
57 |
19 |
Q: What is the structure of CAT question paper?
Q: Which CAT slot has the toughest question paper?
Q: What are the benefits of solving CAT question papers?
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1: VARC
There are four RC passages in CAT question paper 2020 . While two passages are of medium difficulty, the other two are tough. There are only eight questions on Verbal Ability Check the break up of VARC section of CAT 2020 slot 1 paper:
| Area / Questions |
No. of Questions |
Type |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
18 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-1: Currency in Tang Empire |
4 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| RC- 2: Elephant Seal Migration |
5 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-3: Importance of Grammar |
5 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| RC-4: Subsets of Anarchist philosophy |
4 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Verbal Ability |
08 |
MCQ & TITA |
Overall: Moderate |
| Parajumbles ( 4 sentences) |
3 |
TITA |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Out of Context sentence |
2 |
TITA |
Easy to Moderate |
| Summary |
3 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
-- |
Moderate to Difficult |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1: DILR
The 24 questions of DILR section of CAT question paper 2020 slot 1 are divided into three Data Interpretation sets and two logical reasoning sets. Check the break up of this section below:
| Area |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation– 6 students appearing for exam in 5 subjects |
6 |
Moderate |
4 MCQ + 2 TITA |
| Logical Reasoning–4 companies competing for Contracts |
6 |
Difficult |
6 MCQ |
| Data Interpretation–1,000 patients getting treated with 4 different drugs |
4 |
Easy to moderate |
4 TITA |
| Data Interpretation–10 musicians |
4 |
Moderate to difficult |
4 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Payment to taxi drivers |
4 |
Moderate to difficult |
4 MCQ |
| Overall |
24 |
Moderate to difficult |
-- |
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CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1: Quantitative Ability
In the Quantitative Ability section of CAT question paper 2020 slot 1, you will find maximum questions from Arithmetic and Algebra. Check the break up of this section below.
| Area/Question Type |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers |
2 |
Moderate |
| Arithmetic |
10 |
Easy to moderate |
| Algebra |
8 |
Moderate |
| Geometry |
3 |
Easy to moderate |
| Modern Maths |
3 |
Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
Moderate to Difficult |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2
The overall difficulty level of CAT question paper 2020 slot 2 was slightly higher than that of slot 2 with QA and DILR bordering on the difficult side. VARC was on par with slot 1.
| Section Name |
MCQs |
TITA |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC |
21 |
5 |
26 |
| DI and LR |
18 |
6 |
24 |
| QA |
18 |
8 |
26 |
| - |
57 |
19 |
76 |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2: VARC
The VARC section of CAT question paper 2020 slot 2 is similar to slot 1 in segmentation and difficulty level. It has four RC passages – two tough and two easy. The Verbal Ability section has only eight questions. Check the break up of VARC section of CAT 2020 slot 2 question paper:
| Area / Questions |
No. of Questions |
Type |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
18 |
MCQ |
Overall: Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-1: Piracy in International Waters |
4 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| RC- 2: Renewable Energy Technologies |
5 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-3: The Study of Visual Culture |
5 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| RC-4: Aggression - Theories and Models |
4 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Verbal Ability |
08 |
MCQ & TITA |
Overall: Moderate |
| Para jumbles ( 4 sentences) |
3 |
TITA |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Out of Context sentence |
2 |
TITA |
Easy to Moderate |
| Summary |
3 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
-- |
Moderate to Difficult |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2: DILR
The CAT question paper 2020 of slot 2 also had 12 questions each on DI and LR. There were two DI sets and three LR sets. Check the break up of this section below:
| Area |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation–Elections |
6 |
Moderate |
4 MCQ + 2 TITA |
| Logical Reasoning–Set on scheduling of seminars |
6 |
Difficult |
6 MCQ |
| Data Interpretation–Apparel and home decor of 4 cities over two years |
4 |
Moderate |
4 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Parking lot |
4 |
Easy to Moderate |
4 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Matrix arrangement set on beads of different colours |
4 |
Moderate to difficult |
4 TITA |
| Overall |
24 |
Moderate |
-- |
Q: From where can I download CAT question papers?
Q: How many RC questions does CAT have?
The CAT VARC section is dominated by RC questions. Out of 24 questions about 14-16 are based on Reading Comprehension passages and the rest of them are based on parajumbles, para completion, etc.
CAT has about 12-16 RC question. In CAT 2022, there were four RC passages each having four questions. The ideal attempt was estimated at 13. Since, it is not mandatory to solve all the questions, candidates can maximize their scores by leaving out the questions related to the passage they find the toughest. There is negative marking in CAT so candidates must ensure that they mark only the correct options or do not mark any option at all.
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 2 Quantitative Ability
Like slot 1, the QA section of slot 2 of CAT question paper 2020 also has maximum questions from Arithmetic (nine questions) and Algebra (seven questions). This section also has eight TITA questions. Students will find this section of CAT 2020 question paper slightly more difficult that CAT 2019 question paper.
| Area/Question Type |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers |
1 |
Moderate |
| Arithmetic |
9 |
Easy to moderate |
| Algebra |
7 |
Moderate to difficult |
| Geometry |
5 |
Moderate |
| Modern Maths |
4 |
Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
Moderate |
DOWNLOAD NOWCAT 2020 Question Paper with Answers Slot-2 |
Download CAT previous year papers pdf
- CAT Question Paper 2022 Download Free PDF
- CAT Question Paper 2021 Download Free PDF
- CAT Question Paper 2019 Download Free PDF
- CAT Question Paper 2018 Download Free PDF
- CAT Question Paper 2017 Download Free PDF
- CAT Previous Year Papers and Analysis
CAT 2020 Question Paper: Slot 3
The CAT question paper 2020 of slot 3 has the same structure as the first two slots and the difficulty level is also same.
| Section Name |
MCQs |
TITA |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC |
21 |
5 |
26 |
| DI and LR |
18 |
6 |
24 |
| QA |
18 |
8 |
26 |
| Overall |
57 |
19 |
76 |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3: VARC
The VARC section of slot 3 of CAT question paper 2020 was similar to slot 1 and 2 in difficulty level and structure. There were four RC passages – two tough and two easy. And, Like slot 1 and 2, there are eight questions from VA in slot 3 question paper too.
| Area / Questions |
No. of Questions |
Type |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension |
18 |
MCQ |
Overall: Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-1: On Travel Writing |
5 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-2: Economic crises |
4 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| RC-3: Views on Human Nature |
5 |
MCQ |
Moderate to Difficult |
| RC-4: Screen Time and class |
4 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| Verbal Ability |
08 |
MCQ & TITA |
Overall: Moderate |
| Para jumbles ( 4 sentences) |
3 |
TITA |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Out of Context sentence |
2 |
TITA |
Moderate to Difficult |
| Summary |
3 |
MCQ |
Easy to Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
-- |
Moderate to Difficult |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3: DILR
The question paper of slot 3 of CAT 2020 also has a total five sets of DI and LR. Two sets have six questions while three have four questions each. Check the break up of this section of CAT 2020 question paper slot 3 below:
| Area |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
Question Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation–Four facilities in a school |
4 |
Easy to Moderate |
2 TITA + 2 MCQ |
| Data Interpretation–Organization delivering groceries |
4 |
Moderate to Difficult |
4 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Game of six rounds |
6 |
Moderate to Difficult |
4 TITA + 2 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Farmer and four daughters |
6 |
Moderate to Difficult |
6 MCQ |
| Logical Reasoning–Patients undergoing blood test |
4 |
Easy to Moderate |
4 MCQ |
| Overall |
24 |
Moderate to Difficult |
-- |
Download Free DILR Question Bank for PracticeClick to Download |
Download Free VARC Question Bank for Practice |
Download Free QA Question Bank for Practice |
CAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 3: Quantitative Ability
Like slots 1 and 2, the QA section of slot 3 of CAT 2020 question paper is alos was dominated by Arithmetic (10 questions). However, the number of Algebra questions are lower than in slot 1 and 2 question papers. Take a look at the break up of this section below:
| Area/Q Type |
No. of Questions |
Level of Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers |
3 |
Moderate |
| Arithmetic |
10 |
Easy to moderate |
| Algebra |
4 |
Moderate to difficult |
| Geometry |
4 |
Moderate |
| Modern Maths |
5 |
Moderate |
| Overall |
26 |
Moderate |
Practice:
- CAT Verbal Ability (VA) solved questions
- CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA) solved questions
- CAT Data Interpretation (DI) solved questions
- CAT Data Interpretation (DI) solved questions - Part 2
- CAT Logical Reasoning (LR) solved questions
- CAT Logical Reasoning (LR) solved questions - Part 2
CAT Mock Test
Try this CAT Mock Test by Shiksha, to assess your preparation level and time-management skill.
| CAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_Set_2 | CAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Read More:
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CAT Question Paper FAQs
Q: What is the structure of CAT question paper?
A: CAT question paper has three sections – VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. The CAT question paper opens on computer screen in the same order. Candidates have to solve VARC section first, then DILR section and then Quantitative Aptitude section.
Q: Is CAT question paper difficult?
A: CAT question paper is moderate to high difficulty level. In the past five years, the difficulty level of the paper has remained the same, i.e. moderate to high. However, if candidates prepare well for the exam they can crack it.
Q: Who prepares CAT question paper?
A: CAT question paper is prepared by the competent authority of the IIM, which has been given the responsibility to conduct the exam in a particular year. CAT 2020 question paper was prepared by IIM Indore faculty and CAT 2021 question paper was prepared by IIM Ahmedabad faculty.
Q: What is the sequence of CAT question paper?
A: The sequence of CAT question paper is as follows:
- Section 1: VARC
- Section 2: DILR
- Section 3: QA
Q: How many questions are there in VARC section of CAT paper?
A: Until 2019, the VARC section of CAT question paper had 34 questions, but from 2020 onwards it has 26 questions. Out of 26 questions, 18 are RC passages based. From 2021 onwards, the CAT VARC section has 24 questions.
Q: Which section has the maximum number of questions in CAT?
A: In CAT question paper, VARC and Quantitative Aptitude sections have equal number of questions, i.e. 24 and 22 questions respectively. The DILR section has only two less, i.e. 20.
Q: What is the marking scheme of CAT exam?
A: In CAT exam, three marks are awarded for each correct attempt and minus one mark is awarded for each incorrect attempt. For unanswered question and non-MCQ, there is no negative marking.
Q: How much time is allotted to complete CAT question paper?
A: Time allotted to complete CAT question paper is 120 minutes without break. Each section of the question paper has sectional time limit of 40 minutes. For PwD candidates, sectional time limit is 60 minutes, which means they can complete the paper in 180 minutes.
Q: What type of questions CAT’s DILR section has?
A: CAT’s DILR section has questions on Data Interpretation based on graphs and tables while the Logical Reasoning questions are set and series based.
Q: Which are the main topics of CAT Quantitative Aptitude section?
A: The main topics of CAT Quantitative Aptitude section are Numbers, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Modern Maths. Most of the questions are asked from different topics of Arithmetic.
Q: What type of questions are there in Verbal Ability CAT?
A: The Verbal Ability questions in CAT exam are usually based on parajumbles, out of context sentence, para summary. Parajumble questions are a set of four-five statements to be arranged in the right order.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 16 hours ago
No, CAT is not compulsory to get into PGDM course of ISMS Pune. The institute accept other national-level exam scores for selection as well. Aspirants with a valid score of CMAT/MAH CET can also apply for admission. The institute may accept scores of other entrance exams as well. Apart from this, it
H
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 18 hours ago
It's great that you're exploring opportunities with your CAT score! With a 50 percentile in CAT, there are several MBA colleges in India that you can target. These colleges often consider other aspects of your profile such as academic background, work experience, and performance in the group discuss
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered Yesterday
It depends on your goals and the requirements of PSIT (Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology) for their MBA program. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Admission Criteria:
- PSIT may accept CAT (Common Admission Test) scores, along with other exams like MAT, XAT, or UPSEE for MBA admissions.
- If you w
G
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 2 days ago
Bhavan's Royal Institute of Management provides admission based on merit and entrance. However, candidates are required to qualify graduation and secure a bachelor's degree in any discipline. Apart from this, candidates must secure valid scores in entrance exams such as CAT, CMAT, KMAT etc. If the
M
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 days ago
Another option for those scoring low in CAT exam is applying to non-IIM. Many B-Schools like SPJIMR, IIM DELHI, lal bahadur sastri institute of management accept CAT score between 80-90 percentile. these institutes rank above some of the IIM in the NIRF - MHRF's ranking list.
A
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 days ago
The admission to the PGP course offered by MET Institute of Software Development and Research does not need candidates to crack the CAT exam, rather there is a separate test called MET Online Test. MET Institute of Software Development and Research admission is entrance-based for courses offered at
P
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
GNIOT CAT cutoff 2024 is yet to be released. However, in 2023, MBA cutoff for the unreserved category stood at 25. Over the period of three years, the CAT cutoff remained constant. Candidates can refer to the table given below to check out CAT percentile till 2023:
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 6 days ago
Every year, over 2 Lacs candidates appear for the CAT exam and about 10-14 test takers score 100 percentile. In CAT 2024, the number of 100 percentiler was 11, and in CAT 2023 the number of 100 percentilers was 14. In CAT 2022, the number of 100 percentilers was 11. In CAT 2021, only 9 candidates sc
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
Yes, it is possible to score 99.99 percentile in CAT in first attempt. Many candidates have scored 99.99 percentile in their first attempt in previously. But for that one needs to have a preparation strategy which is comprehensive and covers all the aspects of CAT. Apart from covering CAT syllabus t
M
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 6 days ago
Candidates can take reference of subjects and topics from CAT study material for Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude, but XAT preparation has to be exam specific and must include exam specific study material. Aspirants can use CAT sample questions too for practice purpose,
E
Beginner-Level 2
Is CAT compulsory to get into PGDM course of ISMS Pune?