CAT 2023 Question Paper: Slot 1, 2, 3 (PDF With Solution)

Preparing for CAT exam is not just about studying concepts but also about practicing with CAT Previous Year papers. The CAT 2023 question paper is one of the most reliable tools to understand the level of difficulty, the type of questions, and the pressure you will face in the exam. 

By solving the CAT question paper 2023 PDF, you can assess your preparation, identify weak areas, and learn the right strategies for improvement. 

Below, we are sharing all three slots of CAT 2023 papers with PDF download links, along with detailed analysis to guide your preparation journey.

CAT 2023 Question Paper Pattern

ParticularsDetails
Exam Date26 November 2023 (Sunday)
Mode of ExamComputer-Based Test (CBT)
Number of Sessions3 (Slot 1, Slot 2, Slot 3)
Total Duration120 minutes (2 hours)
Sectional Duration40 minutes per section
Total Questions66
SectionsVARC, DILR, QA
Marking Scheme+3 for correct, –1 for incorrect (MCQs), No negative for TITA

Download CAT 2023 Question Paper PDF

We’ve compiled the CAT 2023 question paper PDFs for all three slots, along with solutions. Practicing the CAT question paper 2023 gives you real exam exposure and helps you prepare smarter for upcoming attempts.

SlotsPDF Link
CAT 2021 Slot 1 Question PaperClick to Download
CAT 2021 Slot 2 Question Paper
CAT 2021 Slot 3 Question Paper

CAT 2023 Question Paper: Slot 1 Analysis

Check below the analysis of CAT 2023 slot 1 question paper:

SectionTotal QuestionsDifficulty LevelGood Attempts
VARC24Moderate16–18
DILR20Moderate to Difficult10–12
QA22Difficult12–13
Overall66Moderate to Difficult38–43

Mentor’s Insight: Slot 1 was challenging, especially for QA, which leaned heavily on advanced arithmetic and algebra. 

DILR had tricky sets that tested patience. VARC was balanced but demanded strong comprehension. Students who managed time across QA and DILR gained an edge.

CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 1: Quant

CAT 2023 Question Paper: Slot 2 Analysis

Check below the analysis of CAT 2023 slot 2 question paper:

SectionTotal QuestionsDifficulty LevelGood Attempts
VARC24Moderate17–19
DILR20Difficult10–12
QA22Difficult10–12
Overall66Difficult37–42

Mentor’s Insight: Slot 2 turned out to be the toughest of the day. Both DILR and QA were demanding, leaving little margin for error.

VARC was slightly easier compared to Slot 1 but still required sharp accuracy. This slot tested resilience more than speed.

CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 2: VARC

CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 2: LRDI

CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 2: Quant

CAT 2023 Question Paper: Slot 3 Analysis

Check below the analysis of CAT 2023 slot 3 question paper:

SectionTotal QuestionsDifficulty LevelGood Attempts
VARC24Easy–Moderate16–18
DILR20Moderate10–11
QA22Difficult12–14
Overall66Moderate to Difficult38–43

Mentor’s Insight: Slot 3 gave some relief in VARC, which was easier compared to the first two slots. DILR was manageable but time-consuming, while QA remained tough. Students who had a calm approach could perform better here compared to Slot 2.

CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 3: VARC

CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 3: LRDI

CAT 2023 Question Paper Slot 3: Quant

Practice More CAT PYQs:

Why Solve CAT 2023 Question Paper?

1. Experience the Real Exam Level

By solving the CAT 2023 question paper, you experience the actual structure and toughness of the exam. Practicing with the CAT question paper 2023 PDF prepares you for the types of RC passages, DILR sets, and QA problems that appeared recently, helping you train smarter for your next attempt.

2. Understand Difficulty Trends

The CAT 2023 exam paper was rated moderate to difficult, with DILR especially challenging. Working through this paper shows you how difficulty varies across slots and sections. As mentors, we encourage you to use the CAT 2023 question paper to adapt your strategy for tougher situations.

3. Identify Important Topics and Patterns

The CAT 2023 question paper PDF highlights which topics got maximum weightage—Arithmetic in QA, RC in VARC, and logical caselets in DILR. By analyzing it, you understand where to focus your preparation. Solving the CAT 2023 paper ensures you invest energy in the most relevant areas.

4. Practice Under Updated Exam Conditions

The CAT 2023 question paper had 66 questions across three sections with strict sectional timing. Practicing it under real exam conditions helps you manage time pressure, avoid panic, and build stamina. This habit of solving the CAT question paper 2023 PDF makes you exam-ready.

5. Boost Confidence with Authentic Practice

Solving the CAT 2023 exam question paper gives you authentic practice, unlike mock tests that may differ in level. It builds confidence by showing you exactly where you stand against the actual standard of IIM admissions. Each attempt with the CAT 2023 paper PDF sharpens your preparation.

How to Use CAT Question Paper 2023 for Preparation?

1. Attempt It Like the Real Exam

Treat the CAT 2023 question paper as a full-length mock. Set 120 minutes, divide time section-wise, and avoid breaks. Practicing the CAT question paper 2023 PDF this way gives you the same pressure and stamina required on exam day, sharpening your accuracy and time management.

2. Analyze Every Mistake in Detail

After solving, don’t just check your score. Go through the CAT 2023 question paper with solutions and understand why you made errors. Did you misread, rush, or lack concept clarity? This reflection helps you avoid repeating mistakes and ensures steady improvement before your next attempt.

3. Build a Section-Wise Error Log

Use the CAT question paper 2023 to track your weaknesses in VARC, DILR, and QA. Maintain a logbook of wrong answers, the reason behind them, and the correct approach. Revisiting this error log regularly strengthens weak areas and turns them into scoring opportunities over time.

4. Compare Across Slots for Deeper Insights

Since CAT 2023 had three slots, solve them all. Comparing Slot 1, Slot 2, and Slot 3 of the CAT 2023 paper PDF reveals how difficulty varied across sections. This practice makes you adaptable and prepares you for surprises in the next CAT exam.

5. Revise Key Concepts After Practice

Every time you struggle with a question from the CAT 2023 exam paper, revise that concept immediately—be it arithmetic in QA, RC in VARC, or puzzles in DILR. This loop of practice, error-checking, and revision is what separates average scores from top percentiles.

More important resources for CAT exam:

CAT Exam: All DetailsCAT Exam Pattern
CAT Exam AnalysisCAT VARC Syllabus
CAT Exam EligibilityCAT Answer Key
CAT DILR SyllabusCAT Exam Syllabus
CAT Admit CardCAT Percentile vs Score

FAQs About CAT Question Paper 2023

How many questions were in CAT 2023?

The CAT question paper 2023 had 66 questions in total—24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, and 22 in QA.

What was the duration of CAT 2023?

The exam lasted 120 minutes, with 40 minutes fixed for each of the three sections.

How many slots were there in CAT 2023?

CAT 2023 was conducted in three slots on 26 November 2023.

Which slot of CAT 2023 was easiest?

Slot 3 was considered relatively easier, especially in VARC, while QA remained tough.

Which slot of CAT 2023 was toughest?

Slot 2 was widely seen as the toughest, particularly for DILR and QA.

What was the overall difficulty level of CAT 2023?

The CAT 2023 exam paper was moderate to difficult overall, with QA being the most challenging section.

Was VARC tough in CAT 2023?

VARC was moderate in Slot 1 & 2, and easy–moderate in Slot 3.

How many good attempts in CAT 2023?

Across slots, 38–43 good attempts with accuracy were considered safe.

Were there surprises in CAT 2023 paper?

Yes, some unexpected tricky DILR sets and challenging QA questions surprised aspirants.

Did CAT 2023 have more Arithmetic in QA?

Yes, Arithmetic had maximum weightage, followed by Algebra and a few Geometry/Number System questions.

How many sets were in CAT 2023 DILR?

DILR had 4 sets in each slot, varying in difficulty.

What was the toughest section in CAT 2023?

QA was the toughest across all three slots.