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
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Date | 26 November 2023 (Sunday) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Sessions | 3 (Slot 1, Slot 2, Slot 3) |
| Total Duration | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
| Sectional Duration | 40 minutes per section |
| Total Questions | 66 |
| Sections | VARC, 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.
| Slots | PDF Link |
| CAT 2021 Slot 1 Question Paper | Click 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:
| Section | Total Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | 16–18 |
| DILR | 20 | Moderate to Difficult | 10–12 |
| QA | 22 | Difficult | 12–13 |
| Overall | 66 | Moderate to Difficult | 38–43 |
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:
| Section | Total Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
| VARC | 24 | Moderate | 17–19 |
| DILR | 20 | Difficult | 10–12 |
| QA | 22 | Difficult | 10–12 |
| Overall | 66 | Difficult | 37–42 |
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:
| Section | Total Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
| VARC | 24 | Easy–Moderate | 16–18 |
| DILR | 20 | Moderate | 10–11 |
| QA | 22 | Difficult | 12–14 |
| Overall | 66 | Moderate to Difficult | 38–43 |
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:
- CAT 2025 Question Paper
- CAT 2024 Question Paper
- CAT 2022 Question Paper
- CAT 2021 Question Paper
- CAT 2020 Question Paper
- CAT 2019 Question Paper
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 Details | CAT Exam Pattern |
| 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 Question Paper 2023
The CAT question paper 2023 had 66 questions in total—24 in VARC, 20 in DILR, and 22 in QA.
The exam lasted 120 minutes, with 40 minutes fixed for each of the three sections.
CAT 2023 was conducted in three slots on 26 November 2023.
Slot 3 was considered relatively easier, especially in VARC, while QA remained tough.
Slot 2 was widely seen as the toughest, particularly for DILR and QA.
The CAT 2023 exam paper was moderate to difficult overall, with QA being the most challenging section.
VARC was moderate in Slot 1 & 2, and easy–moderate in Slot 3.
Across slots, 38–43 good attempts with accuracy were considered safe.
Yes, some unexpected tricky DILR sets and challenging QA questions surprised aspirants.
Yes, Arithmetic had maximum weightage, followed by Algebra and a few Geometry/Number System questions.
DILR had 4 sets in each slot, varying in difficulty.
QA was the toughest across all three slots.