CAT Exam Analysis 2016 - The first slot of CAT 2016 exam came to an end on December 4, 2016.The CAT 2016 exam was taken by over a lakh students who sat for the exam with high hopes on making into top B- Schools in India.
In this article, we bring for you an analysis of the CAT 2016 exam that was conducted in Slot I.
The first slot of CAT 2016 exam was conducted at 9 AM to 12 PM. The test takers gave the reviews that the level of difficulty of exam was moderate to tough. As per the exam takers, we were told that the CAT 2016 exam has the following mentioned bifurcation of MCQ and non-MCQ questions. As per the CAT exam analysis, out of total 100 questions, 25 were non-MCQs or TITA questions.
CAT 2016 Exam Pattern (Slot 1)
| Section |
Total No. of Questions |
No. of MCQs |
No. of Non-MCQs |
Duration |
| VARC |
34 |
24 |
10 |
1 hour |
| DI & LR |
32 |
24 |
8 |
1 hour |
| QA |
34 |
27 |
7 |
1 hour |
| Total |
100 |
75 |
25 |
3 Hours |
In addition, we have also researched on the sectional analysis of the CAT exam. In all the three sections, i.e. Verbal and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Ability section, we have come up with the data of number of questions that were asked from each topic.
CAT 2016: Exam Analysis Slot II
In the CAT Quantitative Aptitude Section, the test takers mentioned that the level of questions was difficult and there was not much usage of the calculator to solve the questions. In addition, this section comprised the least number of non-MCQ questions. The test takers also mentioned that there was 1 question in which they faced a typographical error. They expect the CAT conducting body to exclude that question from the final evaluation. In other questions, the image of Square Root sign resembled like a PI symbol.
Quantitative Ability Section Questions
| Topic |
No. of MCQs |
No. of Non-MCQs |
Total No. of Questions |
| Arithmetic |
8 |
3 |
11 |
| Numbers |
4 |
1 |
5 |
| Algebra |
5 |
2 |
7 |
| Geometry/Mensuration |
8 |
|
8 |
| Pure Math/CG |
1 |
1 |
2 |
| Venn Diagram |
1 |
|
1 |
| Total |
19 |
7 |
34 |
Moving ahead, in the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning section, the exam takers mentioned that the level of difficulty was moderate to difficult. This was the trickiest section which consumed most of their time.
| Topic |
No. of MCQs |
No. of Non-MCQs |
Total No. of Questions |
| LR – Distribution/Arrangement |
4 |
|
4 |
| LR – Venn Diagrams |
2 |
2 |
4 |
| LR – Arrangement of files in folders |
3 |
1 |
4 |
| LR – Students using various Trains and the fares for the same |
3 |
1 |
4 |
| DI – Table (Student Pass percentages over 5 years) |
3 |
1 |
4 |
| DI – Comprehension |
3 |
1 |
4 |
| DI – Films, Launch, Completion, Release and Profits |
3 |
1 |
4 |
| DI – Table on Consumption of protein |
4 |
1 |
4 |
| Total |
24 |
8 |
32 |
Finally, in the last section i.e. Verbal and Reading Comprehension, test takers mentioned that level of difficulty of these questions were easy to moderate. In order to crack this section, a strong base of vocabulary was mandatory. This section also carried highest number of non-MCQ/ TITA questions. TITA question does not invite any negative marking and hence, the exam takers were able to give answers without worrying much
Verbal and Reading Comprehension Questions
| Topic |
No. of MCQs |
No. of Non-MCQs |
Total No. of Questions |
| RC – Govt. and Poverty |
3 |
|
3 |
| RC – Education System |
3 |
|
3 |
| RC – Sustainable Economic Development |
6 |
|
6 |
| RC – Anthropology |
6 |
|
6 |
| RC – Status of Languages in 2115 |
6 |
|
6 |
| Odd Para Jumbles |
|
3 |
3 |
| Para Jumbles |
|
4 |
4 |
| Para Summary/Essence of Passage |
|
3 |
3 |
| Total |
24 |
10 |
34 |
Conclusion
As per the CAT 2016 exam analysis, we expect that the expected cut-off in 2016 year might go low in comparison to last year (2015) because the difficulty level of majority of the question was high. In the previous year, CAT exam takers who scored 180 marks were able to score 99 percentile, but the same cannot be expected in this year.
Further, there were a few changes in the marking scheme that were introduced by the conducting body (i.e. IIM Bangalore). This move led to panic and confusion among CAT exam takers. As per the CAT 2016 exam, instruction that were provided in the beginning of CAT entrance exam, total marks were mentioned as 300. But in the end ,the overall marks were notified as 100. What happened next was something you should not miss out on.
Stay tuned for more updates on CAT 2016 exam.
The result of CAT 2016 is awaited followed by the GD and PI round. We advise you to start preparing for the WAT and PI round from now onwards to avoid the last minute rush and anxiety.
Important Dates for CAT 2016
| Event |
Date |
| Start of CAT 2016 Registration |
8th August 2016 |
| Last date of CAT 2016 registration |
27th September 2016 |
| CAT 2016 Application form changes |
1st October 2016 – 5th October 2016 |
| CAT 2016 Admit card download |
24th October 2016 (1:00P.M. onwards) |
| CAT 2016 Online tutorial, sample test paper |
Postponed (10-12 days) |
| CAT 2016 exam date |
4th December 2016 |
| CAT 2016 result |
2nd week of January 2017 |
About CAT
Common Admission Test (CAT) is the most coveted management entrance test which grants admission to top B-Schools in India which comprises of all the 20 IIMs as well. The other top rated B-school are FMS, SPJIMR, MDI, IMI, IMT, NITIE, JBIMS etc.
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