CAT 2023 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

CAT 2023 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 25 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Para Summary

   Read the paragraph and choose the option that best summarizes it. Digital currencies are reshaping global finance by enabling borderless transactions and reducing reliance on traditional banking infrastructure. However, concerns over volatility, regulatory oversight, and potential misuse for illicit activities continue to hinder mainstream adoption. Policymakers worldwide are striving to balance innovation with consumer protection. Which option best captures the essence of the paragraph?

   • A. Digital currencies offer efficiency but pose regulatory and security challenges that impede widespread acceptance.
   • B. Traditional banking is being completely replaced by digital currencies across all economies.
   • C. Policymakers are universally opposed to the adoption of digital currencies.
   • D. Digital currencies have resolved all issues related to volatility and illicit use.
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   The paragraph highlights both the benefits and challenges of digital currencies, making A the most accurate summary.

2. Q2 · Word Analogies

   Choose the pair of words that best expresses a relationship similar to that of the given pair. CATALYST : REACTION :: ___________

   • A. Obstacle : Progress
   • B. Incentive : Motivation
   • C. Barrier : Entry
   • D. Penalty : Compliance
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   A catalyst accelerates or enables a reaction; similarly, an incentive stimulates or drives motivation, making B the correct analogy.

3. Q3 · Line Charts

   A line chart depicts the monthly sales (in units) of a product over six months: Jan = 500, Feb = 550, Mar = 480, Apr = 620, May = 700, Jun = 660. In how many months did the sales increase compared to the previous month?

   • A. 2
   • B. 3
   • C. 4
   • D. 5
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Sales increased in Feb (550>500), Apr (620>480), and May (700>620), totaling 3 months.

4. Q4 · Venn Diagrams

   A Venn diagram shows the number of students studying three languages: Hindi (H), English (E), and French (F). n(H only)=30, n(E only)=25, n(F only)=20, n(H∩E only)=15, n(E∩F only)=10, n(H∩F only)=12, n(H∩E∩F)=8. How many students study at least two languages?

   • A. 35
   • B. 40
   • C. 45
   • D. 50
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Students studying at least two languages = n(H∩E only) + n(E∩F only) + n(H∩F only) + n(H∩E∩F) = 15+10+12+8 = 45.

5. Q5 · Number / Letter Series

   Find the missing number in the series: 3, 8, 18, 38, 78, ___

   • A. 158
   • B. 148
   • C. 138
   • D. 168
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   The pattern is: each term = (previous term × 2) + 2. So 3×2+2=8, 8×2+2=18, 18×2+2=38, 38×2+2=78, 78×2+2=158.

6. Q6 · Cubes

   A cube of side 6 cm is painted red on all faces and then cut into smaller cubes of side 1 cm. How many of the smaller cubes have exactly two faces painted?

   • A. 24
   • B. 36
   • C. 48
   • D. 12
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Cubes with exactly two painted faces lie along the edges but not at corners. Each edge has 6 - 2 = 4 such cubes. A cube has 12 edges, so 12 × 4 = 48 cubes have exactly two faces painted.

7. Q7 · Number Systems

   How many three-digit numbers are divisible by 7 but leave a remainder of 3 when divided by 5?

   • A. 25
   • B. 26
   • C. 27
   • D. 28
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Need n≡0 mod7 and n≡3 mod5, so n≡28 mod35. First three-digit term is 133, last is 973. Count = (973-133)/35+1 = 840/35+1 = 24+1 = 25.

8. Q8 · Modern Math

   From a group of 7 people, in how many ways can we select a team of 4 people?

   • A. 21
   • B. 28
   • C. 35
   • D. 42
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Number of ways to select 4 people from 7 = C(7,4) = 7!/(4!×3!) = (7×6×5)/(3×2×1) = 35.

9. Q9 · Bar Charts

   A bar chart displays the exports (in million USD) of three products—A, B, and C—over three years (2020, 2021, 2022). In 2020, exports were A: 120, B: 180, C: 200. In 2021, they were A: 150, B: 200, C: 210. In 2022, they were A: 180, B: 190, C: 230. Which product experienced the highest absolute increase in exports from 2020 to 2022?

   • A. Product A
   • B. Product B
   • C. Product C
   • D. All equal
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Product A increased by 60 million (180–120), Product B by 10 million, and Product C by 30 million; thus, A had the highest absolute increase.

10. Q10 · Caselets

    In a college festival, four teams—Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta—participated in a debate competition. Alpha scored 20% more than Beta. Gamma scored 10% less than Alpha. Delta scored the same as Beta. If Gamma's score was 108, what was Beta's score?

    • A. 90
    • B. 100
    • C. 110
    • D. 120
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    Gamma = 0.9 × Alpha = 108, so Alpha = 120. Alpha = 1.2 × Beta, thus Beta = 100.