CAT 2025 QA Exam Analysis: Check Slot Wise Paper Analysis from 2022 to 2017
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Content Writer | Updated On - Nov 28, 2025
CAT 2025 QA Paper Analysis will be updated here as soon as the CAT 2025 exam is concluded. Aspirants can refer to the previous year’s CAT QA Exam Analysis, which can help them in CAT Preparation. In 2022, the difficulty level of the QA section in all three slots was moderate to difficult. The questions from QA were lengthy and time-consuming. The maximum weightage in Slots 1, 2, and 3 was given to concept-based questions from Arithmetic, Geometry, Numbers, and Algebra.
- Based on past years' analysis, a total of 22 questions will be asked out of which 14 will be MCQ type and 8 will be TITA type. Check CAT 2025 Exam Pattern
- According to experts, 16 to 18 questions would be a good attempt in the QA section.
- Major topics for the CAT QA section are Number Systems, Algebra, Arithmetic, Geometry, Mensuration, and Modern Math.
- CAT Question Paper PDFs are now available for download along with the CAT Answer Keys for all slots.
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Table of Content
2.1 CAT 2022 QA Analysis Slot 1
2.2 CAT 2022 QA Analysis Slot 2
2.3 CAT 2022 QA Analysis Slot 3
3.1 CAT 2021 QA Analysis Slot 1
3.2 CAT 2021 QA Analysis Slot 2
3.3 CAT 2021 QA Analysis Slot 3
4.1 CAT 2020 QA Analysis Slot 1
4.2 CAT 2020 QA Analysis Slot 2
4.3 CAT 2020 QA Analysis Slot 3
5.1 CAT 2019 QA Analysis Slot 1
5.2 CAT 2019 QA Analysis Slot 2
6.1 CAT 2018 QA Analysis Slot 1
6.2 CAT 2018 QA Analysis Slot 2
CAT 2025 QA Paper Analysis
CAT 2025 exam date is November 26, 2025. CAT 2025 Paper Analysis will be updated here once the CAT 2025 exam concludes. Candidates will be provided with the section-wise analysis along with difficulty level, good attempt and the expected CAT 2025 Cutoff.
| Exam Slot | Paper Analysis |
|---|---|
| Slot 1 | TBU |
| Slot 2 | TBU |
| Slot 3 | TBU |
Check
CAT 2022 QA Paper Analysis
- CAT 2022 was conducted in three slots – Morning, Afternoon and Evening.
- A total of 22 questions are asked in the QA section which is to be solved in 40 minutes.
- The questions are MCQ and TITA-type.
- The overall difficulty level of the CAT 2022 QA section was moderate to difficult.
The table below shows the slot-wise analysis of the CAT 2025 QA section:
| Particulars | Slot 1 Analysis | Slot 2 Analysis | Slot 3 Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| Number of MCQs | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Number of Non-MCQs | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult | Difficult | Moderate to Difficult |
| Topics with Maximum Weightage |
|
|
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| Good Attempts | 14-15 | 13-14 | 14-15 |
CAT 2022 QA Analysis Slot 1
The table below shows the CAT 2022 QA Analysis of Slot 1 exam:
| Topics | No. of questions | Ideal Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | 1 |
| Algebra | 8 | 5 |
| Arithmetic | 8 | 5 |
| Modern Math | 2 | 2 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3 | 3 |
CAT 2022 QA Analysis Slot 2
Given below is the CAT 2022 QA Analysis of the Slot 2 exam:
| Topics | No. of questions | Ideal Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | 1 |
| Algebra | 7 | 5 |
| Arithmetic | 9 | 6 |
| Modern Math | 1 | 1 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 4 | 3 |
CAT 2022 QA Analysis Slot 3
The table below shows the topic-wise number of questions and good attempts for the Slot 3 exam:
| Topics | No. of questions | Ideal Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | 1 |
| Algebra | 7 | 5 |
| Arithmetic | 9 | 6 |
| Modern Math | 1 | 1 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 4 | 3 |
CAT QA Exam Analysis 2021
According to analysts, the slot 1 exam in CAT 2021, was similar to that of CAT 2020. However, the CAT 2021 exam was somewhat easier than the CAT 2020 exam. As predicted, the CAT panel decreased the number of questions to 66. The quantitative portion was somewhat easier. The majority of the fundamental concepts, such as Profit & Loss, TSD, Time & Work were adequately represented.
| Particulars | Slot 1 | Slot 2 | Slot 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 22 (Revised) | 22 (Revised) | 22 (Revised) |
| Number of MCQs | 14 | 14 | 14 |
| Number of Non-MCQs | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Easy to Moderate | Easy but Tricky |
| Topics with Maximum Weightage | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry | Arithmetic, Algebra | Arithmetic, Algebra |
| Good Attempts | 16-18 | 16-18 | 16-18 |
CAT 2021 QA Analysis Slot 1
CAT 2021 Slot 1 was successfully held by IIM Ahmedabad from 8.30 am to 10.30 am. The table below shows the topic-wise number of questions and good attempts:
| Topic | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra | 5 | Moderate | 3-4 |
| Arithmetic | 11 | Moderate | 6-7 |
| Number System | 2 | Moderate | 1-2 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3 | Moderate | 1-2 |
| Modern Maths | 1 | Moderate | 1 |
CAT 2021 QA Analysis Slot 2
CAT 2021 Slot 2 was quite similar to Slot 1. Many students thought the part was a little lengthy. Slot 2 of the CAT was conducted from 12.30 PM to 2.30 PM. Slot 2 paper was found to be Moderate when compared to Slot 1.
| Topic | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Numbers | 2 | Moderate | 1 |
| Arithmetic | 11 | Easy-Moderate | 7-8 |
| Algebra | 5 | Easy-Moderate | 3-4 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 3 | Moderate | 2-3 |
| Modern Maths | 1 | Moderate | 1 |
CAT 2021 QA Analysis Slot 3
The 3rd Slot of the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2021 was conducted from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. In terms of the exam pattern Slot, 3 was similar to the previous 2 Slots of CAT 2021. The difficulty level of the Slot 3 paper was moderate as compared to Slot 1 being Easy-Moderate and Slot 2 being Moderate. Despite the fact, the students found the portion lengthy.
| Topic | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra | 6 | Easy-Moderate | 4-5 |
| Arithmetic | 11 | Easy-Moderate | 7-8 |
| Geometry | 4 | Easy-Moderate | 2-3 |
| Modern Maths | 1 | Moderate | 1 |
Also Check:
CAT QA Exam Analysis 2020
IIM Indore conducted CAT 2020 on Sunday, November 29, 2020, in 3 Slots of 120 minutes each. According to the analysis, the general difficulty level ranged from moderate to challenging.
The stipulated time for each section was 40 minutes. The segment included six non-MCQs. Interestingly, the emphasis was on numbers rather than geometry. For a 99+ percentile in the QA portion, an attempt of 18-19 questions with accuracy would be optimal. However, students who took the CAT 2020 exam reported that the QA test was simple in comparison to the other two sections (VARC and DILR).
CAT Exam Analysis 2020 for Slot 1
| Topic | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Numbers | 2 | Medium |
| Algebra | 8 | Medium |
| Arithmetic | 10 | Easy to medium |
| Geometry | 3 | Easy to medium |
| Modern Maths | 3 | Medium |
CAT Exam Analysis 2020 for Slot 2
| Topic | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Number Systems | 1 | Medium |
| Arithmetic | 9 | Easy to medium |
| Geometry | 5 | Medium |
| Algebra | 7 | Medium to difficult |
| Modern Maths | 4 | Medium |
CAT Exam Analysis 2020 for Slot 3
Given the circumstances, the paper pattern for CAT 2020 Slot 3 was modified that year. In terms of complexity, the QA component of Slot 3 of 2020 was identical to Slot 2.
| Non MCQs | 6 |
| Short Questions | 26 |
| Minutes | 40 |
| Difficult Ratings | Arithmetic and Algebra |
| Topic | No. of Questions | Ideal Attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 3 | 2 |
| Algebra | 5 | 3 |
| Arithmetic | 10 | 7 |
| Geometry & Mensuration | 5 | 3 |
| Coordinate Geometry | 3 | 2 |
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CAT QA Exam Analysis 2019
In CAT 2019 the VARC section was somewhat more challenging, whereas DILR and Quant were both slightly simpler than the prior year. According to our experts, this portion gave adequate chances to candidates who were capable of separating questions based on difficulty and approaching them.
- Compared to 2018, the CAT 2019 QA part was easier. This was owing to the introduction of several less lengthy questions.
- The paper had a fair amount of Arithmetic questions covering areas such as percentages, time, speed, distance, and more. It consisted of 14 questions in total.
- The paper featured more Algebra and Geometry questions than Numbers problems. It contained 11 questions in all.
- There was a decrease in Modern Math questions, with only one question in Slot 1 and three questions in Slot 3.
CAT Exam Analysis 2019 Slot 1
| Chapter | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 14 | Easy to Moderate |
| Algebra | 11 | Difficult |
| Geometry | 6 | Moderate |
| Modern Maths | 2 | Moderate |
| Numbers | 1 | Difficult |
CAT Exam Analysis 2019 Slot 2
When you compare Slot 2 quants to Slot 1, you can easily observe that there is no difference in difficulty or question distribution. Even though there was no Modern Math, the number of questions in Numbers rose to three as compared to Slot 1.
| Chapter | Number of Questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | 14 | Easy to Moderate |
| Algebra | 11 | Difficult |
| Geometry | 6 | Moderate |
| Numbers | 3 | Difficult |
CAT QA Exam Analysis 2018
On November 26, 2018, IIT-Calcutta successfully administered the 2018 Common Admission Test. The exam was conducted in two sessions. In CAT 2018 the Quantitative Aptitude section was challenging. The Quant part required many calculations. The Quants section included a total of 34 questions to be solved in 60 minutes.
CAT Exam Analysis 2018 Slot 1
- There were 11 non-MCQ questions and 23 MCQ questions in total.
- There were 1-2 questions on each of the following topics: Number System, Venn diagram, Higher Math, and Probability.
- Algebra and Geometry each included 5-6 problems, with 8-10 questions on Ratio/Time Distance/Work, etc.
- With 20-21 questions, the part was dominated by Algebra, Geometry, and Arithmetic problems.
| Topic | Number of Questions | Good Attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 4 | 4 |
| Algebra | 10-11 | 8-10 |
| Arithmetic | 11 | 7-9 |
| Modern Math | 2 | 2 |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 6-7 | 4-5 |
CAT Exam Analysis 2018 Slot 2
Similar to Slot 1, the Slot 2 QA section was complex and difficult. There were 8 non-MCQ questions and 24 MCQ questions. With roughly 22 problems, Arithmetic and Algebra dominated the portion as usual.
| Topic | Number of Questions | Good Attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 4 | 2-3 |
| Algebra | 12 | 9-10 |
| Arithmetic | 12 | 9-10 |
| Modern Math | 2 | 1 |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 4 | 2-3 |
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CAT QA Exam Analysis 2017
The 2017 Common Admission Test was held on November 26 at IIM-Lucknow in two sessions: morning and afternoon. The Quant portion had 34 questions in total. Many applicants claimed that Quants was the most straightforward portion of the CAT 2017. Geometry, Arithmetic, and Algebra were the most frequently asked questions. There were just two questions on the subject of Numbers. The level of questions was tough when compared to the prior year's Quants, therefore achieving a score over 28 with 85 per cent precision may be regarded as a solid effort.
CAT 2017 QA Analysis: Slot 1
The below table shows the question wise section wise questions asked in CAT 2017 AQ Analyst in slot 1:
| Total Questions | 23-26 |
| Non-MCQ | 8 |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 7 Questions |
| Maths | 3 Questions |
| Topic Name | Total Questions | Good Attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 4 | 3 |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 7 | 4-5 |
| Algebra and Arithmetic | 21 | 17-19 |
| Modern Maths | 2 | 1 |
CAT 2017 QA Analysis: Slot 2
Even though the content of this section was the same in both Slots, Slot 2 included 11 Non – MCQ questions as opposed to 7 in Slot 1.
| Topic Name | Total Questions | Good Attempt |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 4 | 3 |
| Geometry and Mensuration | 4 | 3 |
| Algebra and Arithmetic | 24 | 20-21 |
| Modern Maths | 2 | 1 |
CAT Exam Analysis for QA: Previous Year Comparison
Candidates taking the forthcoming test can review the CAT 2021 Analysis to gain vital information on the examination style, amount of questions, and complexity level. Our specialists have provided a thorough analysis of the CAT 2021 Question Paper, as well as exam analysis for 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
| Previous Years CAT Exam Analysis | Conducting IIM | Highlights of CAT | Exam Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2021 Analysis | IIM Ahmedabad | Total Questions - 66 | Moderate; VARC was easier |
| CAT Exam Analysis 2020 | IIM Indore | Total Questions- 76 (59 MCQs + 17 Non - MCQs) Exam Conducted by IIM Ahmedabad | Moderately-Difficult |
| CAT Exam Analysis 2019 | IIM Kozhikode | Total Questions – 100 | Moderate Difficult Level where VARC was slightly more difficult. |
| CAT Exam Analysis 2018 | IIM Calcutta | Total Questions - 100 | Moderate Difficult |
| CAT Exam Analysis 2017 | IIM Lucknow | Total Questions- 100 | DILR was difficult while VARC was easier |
FAQs
Ques. Which questions were highly weightage in CAT QA section?
Ans. Arithmetic, Geometry, Numbers & Algebra are the high-weightage topics.
Ques. What specifically is the CAT Exam assessment?
Ans. The Cat Exam Analysis is a simple technique for determining the degree of difficulty of a question. It will considerably aid test takers by allowing them to understand the different types and levels of complexity of questions. As a result, pupils will be able to better study for and plan for their approaching exam. If you're a student who is prepping tentatively, make sure to read over the prior year's CAT Exam Analysis as well.
Ques. How can I improve my CAT Quantitative Ability score?
Ans. The greatest method to improve your CAT Quant score is to work on your speed and accuracy. This may be accomplished by reviewing past year's question papers and planning your studies appropriately. Additionally, be comprehensive with key formulae and effective techniques for arithmetic and algebra problems.
Ques. Do the CAT question papers alter depending on the time slot?
Ans. Yes, this is done to protect the exam's confidentiality by preventing fellow candidates from engaging in malpractices such as copying or leaking the answers. So CAT question papers are divided into three slots, each with a separate set of questions and a changing level of difficulty.
Ques. Which part of the CAT is the most difficult?
Ans. Many students presumably believe that the Quants component of the CAT is the most difficult. The intensive math and formulae are to reason, according to the students. To avoid this, students must improve their abilities in discovering efficient strategies for completing this portion properly within the time allotted.
Ques. What is the sectional cut-off for CAT Quantitative Ability 2021?
Ans. To be enrolled in major IIMs, the Sectional Cut-off for the Quant test would be around 90%. However, for institutes other than IIM, the sectional cut-off will be around the 80-90 percentile.
Ques. What are the most significant hints for acing the CAT QA section?
Ans. The CAT has no set curriculum. As a result, applicants should be willing to prepare from a wide range of topics to keep pace, rather than relying primarily on prior-year study material. To paint a clear image, pupils should adhere to the topper's schedule and the expert's guidance. Additionally, students can take regular online mock examinations to improve their Quant abilities.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.
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