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

Last Updated on 22 Jun 2026

cat 2019 question paper

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.

Table Of Contents

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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:

  • CAT 2019 Slot 1 Question Paper
  • CAT 2019 Slot 2 Question Paper
Download All Slots PDF

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.

Practice with CAT PYQs:

CAT Previous Year Papers CAT 2025 Question Paper
CAT 2024 Question Paper CAT 2023 Question Paper
CAT 2022 Question Paper CAT 2021 Question Paper
CAT 2020 Question Paper CAT 2019 Question Paper

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.

Explore additional free resources for CAT Exam:

Free CAT Mock Test PDF CAT VARC Mock Test
CAT Quant Mock Test CAT DILR Mock Test

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

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 Syllabus CAT Quant Syllabus
CAT DILR Syllabus CAT VARC Syllabus
CAT Exam Analysis CAT Admit Card
CAT Cut Off CAT Results
CAT Answer Key CAT Score vs Percentile
CAT Eligibility Criteria CAT Exam Pattern
Best books for CAT CAT Practice Questions
CAT Quant Questions CAT VARC Questions
CAT Reading Comprehension Questions CAT Verbal Ability Questions
CAT Study Material  

Discover additional preparation resources for CAT Exam:

India’s Top CAT/MBA Prep Programs:

Best Offline Coaching Programs for CAT:

CAT Coaching in Jaipur CAT Coaching in Indore
CAT Coaching in Mumbai CAT Coaching in Bhopal
CAT Coaching in Jodhpur CAT Coaching in Gwalior
CAT Coaching in Nagpur  

FAQs On Previous Year Question Papers

CAT 2019 had 2 slots, unlike later years which had 3.

The exam had 100 questions in total.

Yes. +3 marks for every correct answer, –1 for wrong MCQs, and no negative marking for TITA questions.

The paper was moderate to difficult, with Quant being the toughest, VARC relatively manageable, and DILR moderately tough.

There were 5 Reading Comprehension passages in each slot.

CAT 2019 had 8 sets in total (4 DI and 4 LR), with 32 questions overall.

A good attempt was around 65–70 questions with high accuracy.

Yes, each section had a strict 60-minute time limit.
Nidhi Priya

Nidhi Priya

Nidhi Priya has over 6 years of experience in EdTech content and SEO. She specializes in content strategy, organic growth, and mentoring editorial teams, with previous experience at iQuanta, CollegeDekho, and Careers360.

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