CAT 2016 Question Paper: Analysis, Link to Download CAT 2016 Question Paper PDF with Answer Key
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 13th, 2023

CAT 2016 Question Paper was set by IIM Bangalore, and the exam was conducted on 4 December 2016. There were a total of 100 questions, including 34 questions in VARC, 32 questions in DILR, and 34 questions in QA. So, the aspirants winking of appearing for the upcoming CAT exam must download CAT 2016 Question Paper with Solutions and start preparation.
As per expert analysis, the VARC section in CAT 2016 Question Paper was the easiest of the other two sections. In comparison, the DILR section had easy-looking difficult questions, and quant threw high-difficulty questions in front of the aspirants. Check the detailed analysis of the CAT 2016 Question Paper and be prepared for the upcoming exam.
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Download CAT 2016 Question Paper PDF
The aspirants preparing for the upcoming exam can download CAT Question Paper with Solution PDF file and start their preparation. Apart from this, they can also attend BYJU’S Exam Prep Online Classes and attempt CAT Mock Tests to understand their preparation level. Click on the link below and download CAT 2016 Question Paper PDF with solutions.
The below-mentioned paper is a compilation of the CAT Exam 2016 computer-based test for practice and reference.
☛ Download CAT 2016 Question Paper PDF
CAT 2016 Question Paper- Number of Questions
There were 2 slots in the CAT Question Paper 2016, including 3 sections, such as VARC, DILR, and QA. The total number of questions in both slots was the same. Check the table below to analyze question numbers that are asked in CAT 2016 Question Paper. Know more about CAT Eligibility.
Exam Section |
Number of Questions in CAT 2016 Question Paper |
Number of MCQs |
Number of TITA Questions |
Difficulty Level of CAT 2016 Question Paper |
Good Attempts |
Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension |
34 |
24 |
10 |
Easy |
27-28 |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning |
32 |
24 |
8 |
Moderate – Difficult |
14-16 |
Quantitative Ability |
34 |
27 |
7 |
Moderate – Difficult |
22-25 |
Total Questions |
100 |
75 |
25 |
Moderate to Difficult |
68-72 |
CAT 2016 Question Paper Analysis
As per expert analysis, the paper format was similar to the previous year. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension sections were easy enough with respect to DILR and QA. Both DILR and QA threw a difficult set of questions along with the topic distribution. Here is a detailed analysis of slot 1 of the CAT 2016 Question Paper.
CAT Question Paper 2016 VARC Section Analysis
This section was a repetition of the previous year’s paper. Most of the questions in RC were from Economics and Environmental Studies. The questions were a little trickier, and aimed for high accuracy, as the factual questions were asked in RCs. Check the table below and understand the VARC section of the CAT 2016 Question Paper (Slot 1).
Area |
Chapters |
Question Number |
Details |
Reading Comprehension Passages |
24 |
Total 5 Passages, including 3 passages (450-650 words) and 2 passages (300 words) in each Difficulty levels varied from easy to moderate |
|
Verbal Ability |
Para Jumble |
4 |
5 Sentences types, including the ambiguous sentence too Questions were extremely time-taking |
Summary |
3 |
Small paragraph of about 150 words followed by four options. |
|
Para Jumble (Odd Sentence Out) |
3 |
5-sentence paragraph. Questions were a little tricky |
CAT 2016 Question Paper DILR Section Analysis
The questions from this section were little difficult as most of the DI sets had intensive calculations. Logical reasoning questions were moderate to difficult, and no DS questions were asked in CAT 2016 Question Paper. Note the table below to get a detailed analysis of the DILR section of CAT 2016 slot 1 Question Paper. Go through the CAT Syllabus and understand the topics covered.
Area |
Chapters |
Question Number |
Doable |
Data Interpretation |
Veg/Non-Veg – Moderate/Difficult |
4 |
1-2 |
Train – Difficult |
4 |
1-2 |
|
Movies – Easy |
4 |
4 |
|
Pass percentage – Moderate |
4 |
2-3 |
|
Logical Reasoning |
T-shirt – Easy |
4 |
3 |
Folders – Easy |
4 |
4 |
|
Venn Diagram (Laptop/Smartphone/Tablet)-Moderate |
4 |
3 |
|
Marks – Easy |
4 |
4 |
CAT 2016 Question Paper- QA Section Analysis
The difficulty level was marginally higher as basic fundamentals were asked. There were some regular topics, including Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic, Modern Math, and Number Systems. Note the below table for a detailed analysis of the QA part of the CAT 2016 Question Paper.
Area |
Chapters |
Question Number |
Doable |
Quantitative Ability |
Geometry and Mensuration |
7-8 |
4-5 |
Arithmetic |
10 |
7-9 |
|
Algebra |
10-11 |
8-10 |
|
Modern Math |
2 |
1 |
|
Number System |
4 |
3 |
(Note: Algebra questions were based on quadratic equations and inequalities. Arithmetic questions were asked from TSD and commercial math. One pyramid question was asked in Geometry)
CAT 2016 Question Paper Pattern
There were 2 slots in the CAT Exam with total of 180 minutes time duration for each slot. Check the table below and get an idea of the CAT Exam Pattern.
Key Highlights |
Details of CAT 2016 Question Paper |
CAT Exam Sections |
3 sections VARC: 34 Questions, DILR: 32 Questions, QA: 34 Questions |
Total Questions in CAT 2016 Question Paper |
100 Questions |
Exam Duration |
180 Minutes (with 60 Minutes sectional time limit) |
Number of Slots in CAT 2016 Question Paper |
2 Slots |
Marking Scheme |
+3 For Correct Answers -1 For Incorrect Answers No negative Marking For TITA Questions No marking for unanswered questions |