CAT 2023 Question Paper — Complete Overview, Analysis & How to Use It for Preparation 

Overview: The CAT 2023 question paper is one of the most important resources for MBA aspirants preparing for CAT 2026 exams. 

Solving the actual question paper not only gives you insights into the exam pattern and difficulty level but also improves your time management and accuracy two crucial skills needed to ace the Common Admission Test (CAT).

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Whether you are just starting your preparation or brushing up your CAT strategy, understanding the CAT 2023 paper with solutions PDF, slot‑wise question distribution, and performance benchmarks is key to success.

CAT 2023 Exam Pattern & Structure

The CAT 2023 question paper followed the standard format of three sections:

• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
• Quantitative Ability (QA)

A total of 66 questions were asked across all these sections, maintaining a balance between MCQs and TITA types. The structure provides insight into how the CAT exam has evolved over the years. 

Download CAT 2023 Question Papers PDF

CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 1	Download Now
CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 2	Download Now
CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 3	Download Now

CAT 2023 Sectional Breakdown

Each section had a strict sectional time limit of 40 minutes, and candidates were not allowed to switch between sections.

Section Name	Total Questions	MCQs	TITA* (Non-MCQs)	Time Limit
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)	24	19	5	40 Minutes
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)	20	14	6	40 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)	22	14	8	40 Minutes
Total	66	47	19	120 Minutes

While all slots have the same pattern, the level of difficulty and topics vary slightly in each slot of the CAT 2023 paper. 

CAT 2023 Paper Analysis: Slot-Wise Insights

CAT 2023 was conducted in three slots, each with a slightly different difficulty level. Here’s a slot-wise overview to help you understand where aspirants struggled most and how performance translated to percentiles: 

Slot 1 Balanced & Most Manageable

• Overall difficulty: Moderate
• VARC: Standard passages with familiar question types
• DILR: Mixed sets with moderate complexity
• QA: Concept‑driven but solvable questions
• Good attempts: Around 9–11 questions per section

Initial Percentile Estimates: Candidates scoring ~80 overall were likely in the 99%ile range.

Also Read:  CAT 2024 Exam Paper PDF Download

Slot 2 Slightly Tougher Across Sections

• VARC had thematic RCs with tricky inference
• DILR had time‑consuming sets
• QA required deeper concept knowledge
• Good attempts remained similar to Slot 1, but accuracy was key

Estimated Scores for High Percentiles: 100+ overall marks were needed for 99.9%ile in this slot. 

Slot 3 Most Challenging

• QA was more difficult than the other two slots
• DILR needed a careful selection of sets
• VARC passages were denser in reading load

Score Trends & Percentiles: Around 75–80 overall could fetch 99%ile in Slot 3. 

CAT 2023 Question Paper PDF with Solutions

Practising the CAT 2023 question paper with solutions can skyrocket your preparation efficiency. These PDFs allow you to:

• Understand real exam‑level questions
• Identify repeated question types and patterns
• Benchmark your performance against actual aspirants
• Improve speed and accuracy with real-time replicating practice 

 You can download the slot‑wise question paper PDFs from trusted sources online, which include solutions and detailed answer explanations.

Why Solving CAT 2023 PYQs Matters? 

Here’s why high‑performing aspirants rely heavily on CAT previous year question papers during their prep journey: 

1. Get Actual Exam Pattern Experience

CAT papers showcase how questions are framed and how time pressure affects performance.

2. Build Time Management & Strategy

Attempting the real paper under timed conditions sharpens your exam timing skills.

 3. Find Your Weak Spots

Analysing which questions took more time helps you revise those topic areas.

 4. Improve Confidence

Solving SPI level questions in the CAT 2023 question paper gives you a psychological edge over mocks that are either too easy or too difficult.

How to Use CAT 2023 Question Paper for Preparation

Step 1: Simulate Real Exam Conditions
Attempt slot‑wise sections with 40 minutes per section, just like the actual CAT.

Step 2: Track Performance
Record your attempts, accuracy and time taken for each question.

Step 3 Review & Learn
Go through solutions and understand where you lost marks — especially for DILR and QA.

Step 4: Compare Percentile Trends
Use the CAT 2023 slot-wise analysis to understand what score translates into which percentile. 

Conclusion

The CAT 2023 question paper remains one of the most reliable preparatory tools for MBA aspirants. 

Practising it not only gives you a clear insight into future CAT questions but also helps you adjust your strategy based on real benchmark data. 

Combining slot‑wise analysis, percentiles, and solved papers will give you a competitive edge in your CAT preparation journey.

Whether you’re aiming for a 99+ percentile or targeting top IIM calls, mastering CAT PYQs, especially the CAT 2023 question paper, is non‑negotiable.