CAT 2019 Question Paper: Slot 1, 2, 3 (PDF With Solution)

The CAT 2019 exam was conducted on 24th November 2019 in two slots, following the 3-hour format with a total of 100 questions. The paper was divided into three sections: VARC (34), DILR (32), and Quantitative Aptitude (34). 

Overall, CAT 2019 was moderate to difficult, with Quant being the toughest section, VARC relatively manageable, and DILR posing moderate challenges. 

Since this was one of the last years with the longer 3-hour, 100-question format, solving CAT 2019 papers is highly valuable for aspirants. It not only builds exam temperament but also gives you exposure to how the exam has evolved over time.

CAT 2019 Question Paper Pattern

Particulars	Details
Exam Date	24 November 2019 (Sunday)
Number of Sessions	2 (Slot 1 & Slot 2)
Mode of Exam	Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Total Questions	100
Sections	VARC (34), DILR (32), Quant (34)
Duration	180 Minutes (3 Hours)
Marking Scheme	+3 for correct answer, –1 for wrong MCQ, 0 for TITA

CAT 2019 Question Paper PDF

You can download the CAT 2019 question papers of both slots in PDF format. Since this was the last year with the 3-hour, 100-question format, solving these papers will help you understand how CAT has evolved over the years.

Slots	PDF Link
CAT 2019 Slot 1 Question Paper	Click to Download
CAT 2019 Slot 2 Question Paper

CAT 2019 Question Paper – Slot 1 Analysis

Check below the analysis of CAT 2019 slot 1 question paper:

Sections	Difficulty Level	No. of Questions	Good Attempt
VARC	Moderate to Difficult	34	22–24
DILR	Difficult	32	16–17
Quant	Moderate to Difficult	34	18–20

Mentor’s Insight: Slot 1 was challenging with Quant being heavy and concept-driven. VARC was slightly tricky, requiring careful reading, while DILR tested logical stamina with complex sets.

For aspirants, this slot highlights the need to balance accuracy over attempts and not panic when multiple sections feel demanding.

CAT 2019 Question Paper – Slot 2 Analysis

Check below the analysis of CAT 2019 slot 2 question paper:

Sections	Difficulty Level	No. of Questions	Good Attempt
VARC	Moderate	34	23–25
DILR	Difficult	32	16–17
Quant	Moderate to Difficult	34	21–22

Mentor’s Insight: Slot 2 was slightly more approachable in VARC, offering scoring opportunities. However, DILR remained tough across the board, and Quant again demanded precision. 

The key lesson for aspirants is to quickly identify easy wins in VARC and secure marks before tackling tougher DILR and Quant questions.

CAT Question Paper 2019: Slot-Wise Comparison

Section	Slot 1 (Difficulty / Good Attempts)	Slot 2 (Difficulty / Good Attempts)
VARC	Moderate to Difficult / 22–24	Moderate / 23–25
DILR	Difficult / 16–17	Difficult / 16–17
Quant	Moderate to Difficult / 18–20	Moderate to Difficult / 21–22
Overall Paper	Tougher balance with Quant & DILR	Slightly easier with scoring in VARC

Practice More CAT PYQs:

• CAT 2025 Question Paper
• CAT 2024 Question Paper
• CAT 2023 Question Paper
• CAT 2022 Question Paper
• CAT 2021 Question Paper
• CAT 2020 Question Paper

Why Solve CAT Question Paper 2019?

1. Practice with Full-Length 3-Hour Paper

CAT 2019 was the last year with the 3-hour, 100-question format. Solving this paper helps you experience longer exam stamina, section sequencing, and time allocation strategies. It’s an excellent way to test your endurance and focus under extended exam conditions.

2. Understand Pre-Pattern Change Structure

Since CAT 2020 onwards, the exam shifted to 76 questions. By solving CAT 2019 papers, you learn how the exam evolved and how question distribution impacted performance. This perspective strengthens your adaptability and prepares you for unpredictable changes in future CAT papers.

3. Sharpen Sectional Strategies

The CAT 2019 question paper tested patience in DILR, careful comprehension in VARC, and strong fundamentals in Quant. Practicing it allows you to refine section-wise strategies—like identifying scoring areas quickly and not overcommitting to difficult sets. These skills are crucial for CAT success.

4. Improve Accuracy and Decision-Making

CAT exam is not just about attempts, but about smart accuracy. By solving the 2019 paper, you train yourself to decide which questions to attempt and which to skip. This enhances efficiency, improves your accuracy rate, and reduces negative marking in actual exams.

5. Gain Confidence from Authentic Practice

CAT 2019 papers are real exam-level questions created by IIMs. Practicing them gives you unmatched confidence, unlike generic mocks. When you solve past year papers like CAT 2019, you get closer to the actual test experience and build the confidence needed to aim for top percentiles.

How to Use CAT 2019 Question Paper for Preparation

1. Attempt in Real Exam Conditions

Set aside 3 full hours and attempt the CAT 2019 paper exactly like the actual exam. This trains you to manage stamina, focus, and accuracy over a longer duration.

2. Analyze Section by Section

Break down your performance in VARC, DILR, and Quant separately. Identify where you spent too much time, which questions you skipped, and where errors repeated. This analysis is the real value of solving the paper.

3. Compare Both Slots

CAT 2019 had two slots with variations in difficulty. By solving both, you expose yourself to a broader range of challenges, helping you adapt better on exam day if your slot turns out tougher.

4. Refine Time Management

With 100 questions in 180 minutes, CAT 2019 tested prioritization skills. Use the paper to experiment with strategies—like which section to maximize, how to pace RCs, and when to leave a tricky DILR set.

5. Reattempt for Growth Tracking

Don’t just solve CAT 2019 once. Attempt it again after a month to measure your progress. If your score improves, it shows your preparation is on track and your concepts are getting stronger.

More important resources for CAT exam:

CAT Exam Pattern	CAT Previous Year Question Papers
CAT Exam Analysis	CAT VARC Syllabus
CAT Exam Eligibility	CAT Answer Key
CAT DILR Syllabus	CAT Exam Syllabus
CAT Admit Card	CAT Percentile vs Score

FAQs About CAT 2019 Question Paper