Sample papers play a very important role in preparing for any entrance test. Anyone who has performed well in any competitive exam has hailed sample papers as the ultimate prep tool.
To succeed in tests like CAT, you need a well-thought study plan involving focused study. The actual application of the concepts takes place once you solve CAT Sample Papers.
Sample papers help the candidate get an idea of the exam pattern and the questions asked. This article will provide you with the best CAT sample papers and mock tests to help you ace your exam.
CAT 2022
CAT is one of the most popular MBA entrance tests, held annually for admissions in IIMs and other elite b-schools in India. In 2022, CAT will be conducted in November. CAT exam pattern has varied over the years, and we may see changes this year too, but before that, let’s talk about the syllabus.
CAT: Exam Pattern
It is a computer-based test divided into three sections. It includes Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The exam is expected to have 66 questions, and you will have 120 minutes to complete them. Every correct answer carries +3 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. There is no negative marking for Non-MCQ questions. Although the CAT exam pattern keeps changing every year, there are chances that this year’s pattern will likely remain the same. Let’s take a quick overview of the CAT exam pattern:
| Sections | No. of Questions | Duration | Marks |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
(VARC) |
24 | 40 minutes | 72 |
| Data Interpretations & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 minutes | 60 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes | 66 |
| Total | 66 | 120 minutes | 198 |
CAT: Syllabus
CAT exam consists of three sections. It includes both MCQs and non-MCQs. It also includes negative markings for the incorrect answers. Here is a section-wise description of the CAT syllabus:
| CAT Syllabus – Sections | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
(VARC) |
Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Long and Short Passages, Odd Sentence Out. |
| Data Interpretations & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Seating Arrangements, Coding-Decoding, Team Formation, Clocks and Calendars, Venn Diagrams, Bar Graphs |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | Modern Maths, Number System, Geometry, Mensuration, Algebra, Arithmetic |
CAT: Marking Scheme
Before attempting the exam, it is important to know the marking scheme to know the no. of questions, marking scheme, time duration, language, and other mandatory details. Below is the marking scheme for the CAT exam to help you in your preparation:
| Sections | No. of questions | Marks | Negative Marks |
| VARC | 24 | 3 | -1 |
| DILR | 20 | 3 | -1 |
| QA | 22 | 3 | -1 |
| Total | 66 | 198 | – |
Advantages of CAT Sample Paper
Consistent practice of sample papers and CAT mock tests clears your concepts and helps prepare those questions that are asked yearly. Sample papers help you build a base for a strong conceptual preparation. Availing these CAT exam sample papers smartly is all that a student needs to do.
These CAT model papers will help you effectively shape your preparation.
Improves Time Management
Students often complain about time management even after having a proper schedule. Time management is a crucial aspect of an exam. Solving sample papers will increase your speed of solving questions, helping better time management.
Creates Exam Environment
Solving CAT mock tests and sample papers with a running timer helps the candidate get used to the exam-like environment. This helps reduce the anxiety and pressure of sitting in an exam unprepared.
A Source of New Questions
Creating new questions is a tough job rather than solving them. Therefore these new questions are not included in the study material. Instead, they are used in CAT exam sample papers and mock tests. Practising these new questions helps to strengthen the core concepts of a candidate.
Proficiency in all topics
Sample Papers have questions from the entire course. It concentrates on all the exam topics rather than the text questions of each chapter. It provides questions on all the topics giving the benefit of all-inclusive preparation.
Demo of exam papers
These papers are designed according to your exams, enhancing your skills in solving papers. It keeps you updated regarding the paper pattern, thus helping you be prepared to answer any questions that could be asked in the exams.
Self Assessment
The best part of solving CAT model papers is that you can analyze yourself, helping you to be aware of your weaker sections and mistakes. Knowing the possible mistakes and weaker sections before your exams will help you prepare an effective strategy to tackle tricky questions.
Enhances Accuracy and Speed
Practising sample papers and previous year’s question papers helps the candidate solve the actual CAT question paper more swiftly and accurately, as it familiarises them with different question variations.
Helps in Devising a Strategy
After knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you can decide which questions to attempt first and which ones to take up later. Such minor tweaks can have a huge impact on your overall scores.
Important Preparation Tips
CAT is a very tough exam. Therefore, a proper plan and preparation schedule are required to crack it. Maintaining consistency with the schedule and hard work are keys to preparing CAT. Here are some tips to help you in your preparation and ace your exam:
- Start your day by reading the newspaper, latest news and headlines.
- Developing a reading habit proves to be very helpful during the exam. Reading speed increases by manifolds. After all, CAT is indeed a game of speed mixed with accuracy.
- Practice at least 30 questions on the topic.
- Candidates must design their own strategy to solve CAT question papers by practising multiple sample papers.
- Please don’t start with random topics. Schedule your daily topics, and then start working on them.
- Keep track of time while learning and even during practice.
- Make short notes of the important formulas of quant and revise them daily as it will be beneficial.
- Solve at least one comprehension passage daily.
- Try to be consistent and avoid any days off.
Conclusion
Solving CAT model papers and CAT mock tests will help you overcome your weaker sections and fill the remaining gap. Candidates should know the question structure, and sample papers help you do so.
These papers help you concentrate on self-assessment and know where you are lagging.
Our website provides you with the best sample papers for the CAT exam. You can download these sample papers from our website.
FAQs regarding CAT Sample Papers
