CAT 2022 Question Paper with Answer Key – Download PDFs for All Slots

The CAT 2022 exam followed the same structure as CAT 2021, with a total of 66 questions to be solved in 120 minutes across three sections – VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning), and QA (Quantitative Ability). The paper was conducted in three slots on November 27, 2022, and while the overall difficulty level was considered moderate to difficult, the challenge varied across sections. The VARC section had 24 questions, mainly dominated by Reading Comprehension (16 questions) with a few Para Summary, Para Jumbles, and Odd Sentence Out questions. The RC passages were slightly denser than 2021, making this section moderately tough. The DILR section had 20 questions across four sets, of which two were rated difficult, one moderate, and one relatively doable. This section was considered the toughest of the three, as has been the trend in recent years.

The Quantitative Ability (QA) section, with 22 questions, was moderately difficult but easier compared to CAT 2021. Arithmetic dominated the section, followed by Algebra, Geometry, and Numbers, making it more approachable for students with a strong foundation. Overall, the slot-wise analysis showed minor variations, with Slot 2 generally considered the toughest and Slot 3 the most balanced. The expected 95–99 percentile scores were around 95–98 marks, while a score of 70–75 could fetch around the 90th percentile. CAT 2022 thus maintained its unpredictable nature with a challenging DILR, tricky VARC, and slightly easier QA. Candidates who managed their time efficiently and cracked one moderate DILR set along with consistent attempts in QA and VARC had a good chance of securing high percentiles.

CAT 2022 Question Paper

Students can find the sectional papers of 2022 attached here. The table provides the question papers of QA, VARC, and DILR.

Also Read: CAT Exam 2025

CAT 2022 Question Paper: Sectional Composition 

The CAT 2022 question paper had 66 questions across three sections: VARC – 24 questions (mainly RC and verbal reasoning), DILR – 20 questions (four sets, toughest section), and QA – 22 questions (dominated by Arithmetic and Algebra). Each section had a 40-minute time limit, making time management crucial. The table provides a detailed analysis about the Question Paper. 

CAT 2022 Question Paper: Marking Pattern 

The CAT 2022 marking scheme followed a consistent pattern: candidates received +3 marks for each correct answer, while –1 mark was deducted for incorrect MCQs. Importantly, non-MCQ (TITA) questions carried no negative marking, encouraging candidates to attempt them. Unanswered questions carried zero marks, making strategic attempts essential. The table provides a detailed analysis of the marking pattern for CAT 2022. 

Also Check; CAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key

CAT 2022 Question Paper: VARC

The VARC section of CAT 2022 had 24 questions, with 16 from Reading Comprehension and 8 from Verbal Ability (Para Jumbles, Odd Sentence, Para Summary). RC passages were slightly dense, making comprehension tricky. Overall difficulty was moderate to tough, requiring strong reading skills, accuracy, and time management for a high score. The table presents a detailed analysis of the Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension  - VARC for CAT 2022 exam.

CAT 2022 Question Paper: Reading Comprehension 

The Reading Comprehension (RC) part of CAT 2022 VARC comprised 16 questions across four passages. Topics ranged from science and history to social issues. Passages were moderately dense, with inference-based and detail-oriented questions. Difficulty was moderate to tough, demanding careful reading, analytical reasoning, and efficient time management to maximize accuracy and attempts. The table presents a detailed analysis of the Reading Comprehension (RC) part of CAT 2022 VARC.

CAT 2022 Question Paper: DILR

The DILR section of CAT 2022 had 20 questions across four sets. Two sets were difficult, one moderate, and one relatively easier. The section was considered the toughest of the paper, requiring logical structuring, quick interpretation, and smart selection of solvable sets. Effective time management was critical for scoring well. The table presents a detailed analysis of the DILR section of CAT 2022.

CAT 2022 Question Paper: DILR Topics

The DILR section of CAT 2022 featured 20 questions across four sets, covering topics like arrangements, scheduling, games and tournaments, and data-based puzzles. Two sets were highly complex, one moderate, and one relatively easier. The section required analytical reasoning, quick data interpretation, and smart set selection, making it the toughest part of the exam. The table presents a detailed analysis of the DILR Topics for the CAT 2022 exam.

CAT 2022 Question Paper: QA

The QA section of CAT 2022 had 22 questions, largely dominated by Arithmetic, followed by Algebra, Geometry, and Number System. Overall difficulty was moderate, easier than CAT 2021. Candidates with strong basics could attempt more questions. Strategic selection and speed were key, as the section tested both conceptual clarity and problem-solving efficiency. The table presents a detailed analysis of the QA section of CAT 2022.

CAT 2022 Question Paper: FAQs 

Ques: How many questions were there in CAT 2022?

Ans: CAT 2022 had a total of 66 questions, divided across three sections: VARC (24), DILR (20), and QA (22).

Ques: What was the time duration of CAT 2022?

Ans: The exam was 120 minutes long, with 40 minutes fixed per section.

Ques: What was the marking scheme of CAT 2022?

Ans: Candidates received +3 marks for each correct answer, –1 for incorrect MCQs, and no negative marking for TITA (non-MCQs).

Ques: Which section was the toughest in CAT 2022?

Ans: The DILR section was considered the toughest, with two difficult sets.

Ques: Which section was the easiest in CAT 2022?

Ans: The QA section was the most manageable, dominated by Arithmetic, and easier than 2021.

Ques: How difficult was the VARC section in CAT 2022?

Ans: The VARC section was moderately tough, with dense RC passages and tricky para-based questions.

Ques: Were there any changes in the CAT 2022 pattern compared to 2021?

Ans: No, the pattern remained the same as CAT 2021 with 66 questions and sectional time limits.

Ques: What was the distribution of questions in RC for CAT 2022?

Ans: There were 16 RC questions across 4 passages, covering diverse topics.

Ques: What was the expected score for the 99th percentile in CAT 2022?

Ans: A score of around 95–98 marks was estimated to fetch the 99th percentile.

Ques: Did CAT 2022 have equal weightage across all sections?

Ans: Yes, each section contributed equally to the overall percentile, with separate cutoffs for IIM shortlisting.