CAT 2024 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

CAT 2024 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 27 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 Jumbles

   Five sentences are given below, labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Arrange them to form a coherent paragraph. Choose the correct sequence. 1. However, this romanticized view overlooks the rigorous constraints placed upon artistic expression by patrons and religious institutions. 2. The Renaissance is often celebrated as a period of unbridled artistic freedom and creativity. 3. Thus, what we perceive as individual genius was frequently the outcome of negotiated compromises. 4. Many masterpieces were commissioned works that had to satisfy specific iconographic and thematic requirements. 5. Understanding these limitations provides a more nuanced appreciation of Renaissance art. What is the correct order?

   • A. 2-1-4-3-5
   • B. 2-4-1-3-5
   • C. 1-2-4-5-3
   • D. 4-2-1-5-3
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Sentence 2 introduces the topic, 1 contrasts that view, 4 provides evidence, 3 draws a conclusion, and 5 offers final insight, making 2-1-4-3-5 the logical sequence.

2. Q2 · Critical Reasoning

   Read the argument below and answer the question. A recent study claims that cities with higher public transportation ridership experience lower per capita carbon emissions. Critics argue that these cities also tend to be denser and have stricter environmental regulations, which independently reduce emissions. Therefore, they conclude that public transportation itself may not be the primary driver of lower emissions. Which of the following, if true, would most strengthen the critics' argument?

   • A. Cities with high public transportation ridership also invest heavily in renewable energy infrastructure.
   • B. A controlled study showed that increasing public transportation ridership in low-density cities had negligible impact on emissions.
   • C. Public transportation systems are generally more energy-efficient than private vehicles.
   • D. Urban density correlates positively with public transportation usage.
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Option B provides direct evidence that public transportation alone does not reduce emissions when other factors (density, regulations) are absent, thereby strengthening the critics' argument.

3. Q3 · Bar Charts

   A bar chart shows the quarterly revenue (in lakhs) of a startup for the year 2023: Q1 = 80, Q2 = 120, Q3 = 150, Q4 = 210. What is the percentage increase in revenue from Q1 to Q4?

   • A. 142.5%
   • B. 162.5%
   • C. 175%
   • D. 200%
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Percentage increase = [(210-80)/80] × 100 = (130/80) × 100 = 162.5%.

4. Q4 · Mixed / Combined DI

   A combined bar and line chart shows the production (in tons, bars) and cost per ton (in ₹, line) of a factory over four quarters: Q1 production=200, cost=500; Q2 production=240, cost=480; Q3 production=220, cost=510; Q4 production=260, cost=490. In which quarter was the total cost of production the highest?

   • A. Q1
   • B. Q2
   • C. Q3
   • D. Q4
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   Total cost = production × cost per ton. Q1=200×500=100000, Q2=240×480=115200, Q3=220×510=112200, Q4=260×490=127400. Q4 has the highest total cost.

5. Q5 · Coding-Decoding

   In a certain code language, 'OCEAN' is written as 'QEGCP' and 'RIVER' is written as 'TKXGT'. How will 'DELTA' be written in that code?

   • A. FGNVC
   • B. FGPVC
   • C. FGNVB
   • D. FGMVC
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   The pattern adds +2 to each letter: O+2=Q, C+2=E, E+2=G, A+2=C, N+2=P. Applying to DELTA: D+2=F, E+2=G, L+2=N, T+2=V, A+2=C, giving FGNVC.

6. Q6 · Routes & Networks

   Five cities A, B, C, D, and E are connected by direct flights. The following direct flights exist: A-B, A-C, B-D, C-E, and D-E. What is the minimum number of flights required to travel from city A to city E?

   • A. 1
   • B. 2
   • C. 3
   • D. 4
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   From A, direct flights go to B or C. From C, a direct flight goes to E (path A→C→E = 2 flights). Alternatively, A→B→D→E = 3 flights. The minimum is 2 flights.

7. Q7 · Modern Math

   A committee of 5 members is to be formed from 6 men and 4 women such that the committee has at least 2 women. In how many ways can this be done?

   • A. 186
   • B. 192
   • C. 210
   • D. 246
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Total ways = (2 women, 3 men) + (3 women, 2 men) + (4 women, 1 man) = C(4,2)×C(6,3) + C(4,3)×C(6,2) + C(4,4)×C(6,1) = 6×20 + 4×15 + 1×6 = 120 + 60 + 6 = 186.

8. Q8 · Modern Math

   In how many ways can 5 boys and 3 girls be seated in a row such that no two girls sit together?

   • A. 14400
   • B. 28800
   • C. 7200
   • D. 10800
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   First arrange 5 boys in 5! = 120 ways. This creates 6 gaps (including ends). Choose 3 of these 6 gaps for the girls: C(6,3) = 20 ways. Arrange 3 girls in these gaps: 3! = 6 ways. Total = 120 × 20 × 6 = 14400.

9. Q9 · Tables-based DI

   The table below shows the quarterly revenue (in ₹ crore) of five companies (P, Q, R, S, T) for the year 2023: Company | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 P | 45 | 52 | 48 | 60 Q | 38 | 42 | 50 | 55 R | 50 | 48 | 52 | 58 S | 42 | 46 | 44 | 50 T | 55 | 60 | 62 | 68 Which company showed the highest percentage growth from Q1 to Q4?

   • A. Q
   • B. P
   • C. R
   • D. T
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Company Q grew from 38 to 55, a 44.7% increase, which is the highest among all companies.

10. Q10 · Word Analogies

    Choose the pair that best expresses a relationship similar to: DROUGHT : FAMINE

    • A. Rain : Flood
    • B. Exercise : Fitness
    • C. Negligence : Accident
    • D. Study : Knowledge
    Answer and solution

    Answer: C

    Drought (a cause) leads to famine (an effect); similarly, negligence leads to an accident, both reflecting a cause-and-effect relationship.