Most Repeated Questions in CAT: Frequency, Difficulty Level, and Examples

Content Specialist | Updated On - Nov 8, 2024

If you want to improve your GATE preparation methods, getting to know the most common question types in the CAT is helpful. CAT is one of the highly looked forward to exams across the country every year. Every year nearly 2 lakh candidates appear for the CAT examination. The questions from certain sections and topics are discovered to be repeated more than once. Although, the figures and the language used in the question may differ it is possible to find the type and the application of the question to be similar. The sections where you might get repeated questions are::

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC).
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

For example: A function f(n+2) = f(n+1) - f(n) appeared twice in CAT and is represented differently both times.

Check:

A candidate may get 10 to 15 questions repeated if he appears for the CAT several times. These questions might not be the same but if the candidate has practiced in the previous CAT question papers then, they will be able to correlate these questions. Hence, you must answer the questions from the previous CAT papers in order to succeed. It also assists in adding greater value to the overall competency of the candidate and their CAT score.

Table of Contents

CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
1.1 Reading Comprehension (RC)

1.2 Para jumbles

1.3 Sentence Completion & Error Spotting
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
2.1 Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, and Tables

2.2 Seating Arrangements

2.3 Games and Tournaments

2.4 Venn Diagrams and Sets
CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
3.1 Arithmetic

3.2 Algebra

3.3 Geometry and Mensuration
CAT Question Types Examples
4.1 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

4.2 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

4.3 Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

The VARC section evaluates the candidates on their ability to read English and verbal skills.

Reading Comprehension (RC)

RC passages are common in the VARC section, testing comprehension, analysis and information interpretation.

Check: CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Syllabus

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Inference-Based Questions	20–25 times	3 per question	Moderate to High
Main Idea/Theme Questions	15–20 times	3 per question	Moderate
Tone and Style Questions	10–15 times	3 per question	Moderate

Also Check:

Para jumbles

Para jumbles require arranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph, testing logical sequencing and understanding of context.

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Sentence Rearrangement	15-20 times	3 per question	Moderate

Sentence Completion & Error Spotting

These questions assess vocabulary, grammar, and contextual understanding.

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Sentence Completion	10-15 times	3 per question	Moderate
Error Spotting	5-10 times	3 per question	Moderate

Check:

CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

The DILR section assesses students’ analyzing and logical thinking skills via passage-based questions which are solved using numbers and logic.

Check: CAT DILR Syllabus

Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, and Tables

These questions involve interpreting data presented in various graphical formats.

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Data Interpretation Sets	15-20 times	3 per question	Moderate to High

Seating Arrangements

Seating arrangement puzzles test spatial reasoning and logical sequencing.

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Linear/Circular Arrangements	10-15 times	3 per question	Moderate

Games and Tournaments

These questions involve logical puzzles based on game scenarios or tournament structures.

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Tournament-Based Puzzles	5-10 times	3 per question	High

Venn Diagrams and Sets

These questions will assess your ability to analyze and interpret data involving multiple sets.

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Set Theory Problems	5-10 times	3 per question	Moderate

CAT Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

Within the QA section, most questions are related to arithmetic logic and critical thinking in general.

Check: CAT Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

Arithmetic

Arithmetic questions are fundamental and frequently appear in the QA section.

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Percentages, Ratios, Proportions	20-25 times	3 per question	Moderate
Profit, Loss, and Discount	15-20 times	3 per question	Moderate
Time, Speed, and Distance	10-15 times	3 per question	Moderate

Algebra

Algebraic questions, particularly involving equations and progressions, are common.

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Quadratic Equations	10-15 times	3 per question	Moderate
Arithmetic/Geometric Progressions	5-10 times	3 per question	Moderate

Geometry and Mensuration

Geometry questions test knowledge of shapes, areas, volumes, and properties.

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Triangles, Circles, Polygons	10-15 times	3 per question	Moderate
Coordinate Geometry	5-10 times	3 per question	Moderate

Number Systems

Number system questions explore properties of numbers, divisibility, and factors.

Question Type	Estimated Frequency (Past 5 Years)	Maximum Marks	Difficulty Level
Divisibility, Factors, Primes	10-15 times	3 per question	Moderate

CAT Question Types Examples

There are multiple question types that you might get repeated in the CAT Exam. These questions can be found in previous year's question papers and in the best books for CAT. The example questions are: