CAT 2025 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

CAT 2025 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 23 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 · Reading Comprehension

   Read the passage below and answer the question that follows. The modern economy has witnessed a transformation in how value is generated, with intangible assets increasingly dominating corporate balance sheets. Traditional metrics like physical capital and labor are being eclipsed by knowledge, brand equity, and network effects. Yet this shift poses serious challenges for regulators who rely on outdated frameworks that emphasize tangible production. The question is not whether regulators should adapt, but how swiftly they can evolve to prevent market distortions. Which of the following best summarizes the main argument of the passage?

   • A. Intangible assets are replacing physical capital and require updated regulatory frameworks.
   • B. Regulators are intentionally ignoring the rise of intangible assets in corporate valuations.
   • C. Traditional production metrics are still the most reliable measure of economic value.
   • D. Market distortions can be avoided by maintaining current regulatory practices.
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   The passage emphasizes the shift toward intangible assets and stresses the need for regulatory adaptation, making A the correct summary.

2. Q2 · Sentence Correction

   Choose the option that corrects the grammatical error in the sentence below. The committee have decided to postpone the meeting until next week, when all members can attend. Which option is correct?

   • A. The committee have decided to postpone the meeting until next week, when all members can attend.
   • B. The committee has decided to postpone the meeting until next week, when all members can attend.
   • C. The committee have decided postponing the meeting until next week, when all members can attend.
   • D. The committee have decided to postpone the meeting until next week, when all member can attend.
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The collective noun 'committee' is singular and should take the singular verb 'has,' making option B grammatically correct.

3. Q3 · Logical Puzzles

   Four friends A, B, C, and D participated in a quiz contest with four rounds. Each round had a unique winner, and the following information is known: • A won exactly two rounds • B did not win Round 1 or Round 4 • C won Round 3 • D won more rounds than B • The winner of Round 2 also won Round 4 Who won Round 1?

   • A. A
   • B. B
   • C. C
   • D. D
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   C won Round 3. A won exactly 2 rounds. The winner of Round 2 also won Round 4 (same person wins both). Since A won 2 rounds and C won 1, if A won Rounds 2 and 4, then D must have won Round 1 (B didn't win Round 1). D won 1 round which is more than B's 0 rounds. Hence D won Round 1.

4. Q4 · Games & Tournaments

   Eight teams participate in a cricket tournament where each team plays every other team exactly once. A win earns 3 points, a draw earns 1 point, and a loss earns 0 points. After all matches, the team finishing in 5th position has 10 points. What is the minimum number of wins this team must have achieved?

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

   Answer: A

   Each team plays 7 games. Need 3W+D=10 with W+D≤7. W=1 requires D=7 giving W+D=8>7 (impossible). W=2 requires D=4, total games=6≤7, valid, yielding 6+4=10 points. Thus minimum wins is 2.

5. Q5 · Algebra

   If x + 1/x = 5, what is the value of x³ + 1/x³?

   • A. 110
   • B. 125
   • C. 130
   • D. 140
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   We know x + 1/x = 5. Then (x + 1/x)³ = x³ + 1/x³ + 3(x + 1/x). So 5³ = x³ + 1/x³ + 3(5), which gives 125 = x³ + 1/x³ + 15. Therefore, x³ + 1/x³ = 110.

6. Q6 · Modern Math

   In how many ways can 12 identical books be distributed among 4 students such that each student receives at least 2 books?

   • A. 15
   • B. 20
   • C. 35
   • D. 28
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Give each student 2 books first, using 8, leaving 4 to distribute freely among 4 students. Number of ways = C(4+4-1, 4-1) = C(7,3) = 35.

7. Q7 · Modern Math

   A box contains 5 red, 6 blue, and 4 green balls. Three balls are drawn at random without replacement. What is the probability that all three balls are of different colors?

   • A. 24/91
   • B. 48/91
   • C. 36/91
   • D. 60/91
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Total ways to choose 3 from 15 = C(15,3)=455. Choosing one of each color = 5×6×4=120. Probability = 120/455 = 24/91.

8. Q8 · Word Analogies

   Identify the relationship between the given pair and select the pair that shares the same relationship: SCULPTOR : CHISEL

   • A. Author : Manuscript
   • B. Surgeon : Scalpel
   • C. Musician : Symphony
   • D. Architect : Blueprint
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   A sculptor uses a chisel as a primary tool to perform their craft; similarly, a surgeon uses a scalpel as their primary tool.

9. Q9 · Mixed / Combined DI

   A table shows the number of employees in three departments (HR, IT, Finance) across two cities (Mumbai, Delhi). Mumbai has 80 HR, 120 IT, 100 Finance. Delhi has 60 HR, 150 IT, 90 Finance. A bar chart shows that the average salary in IT across both cities is ₹8 lakh, while in Finance it is ₹7 lakh. What is the total salary expenditure (in lakh ₹) on IT employees across both cities?

   • A. 2160
   • B. 2100
   • C. 2240
   • D. 2000
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Total IT employees = 120 + 150 = 270. Total salary = 270 × 8 = 2160 lakh ₹.

10. Q10 · Cubes

    A cube is painted red on all six faces and then cut into 64 smaller identical cubes. How many of the smaller cubes have exactly two faces painted red?

    • A. 12
    • B. 24
    • C. 8
    • D. 16
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    A 4×4×4 cube has 12 edges. Cubes with exactly two painted faces lie along the edges (excluding corners). Each edge has 2 such cubes, so 12 edges × 2 = 24 cubes.