The DILR section is one of the most challenging parts of the CAT exam. Candidates’ ability to analyse data and make decisions is examined through Data Interpretation questions. So far, there is no established Logical Reasoning syllabus for the CAT released by the IIMs. Therefore, candidates should first familiarise themselves with the exam format and know what type of questions will be asked, the syllabus, and other details.

Does the DILR question consist of the highest number of questions?

While DILR is considered the most challenging section in the exam, this section can be your score booster when you attempt the questions with precision and accuracy. If you’re a beginner, you might have been stuck with the question of how to prepare for data interpretation for cat? Research through the syllabus thoroughly, which will give you a better understanding of what to expect in the exam. Questions are asked from topics like Caselets, Input-output Blood Relation, Venn Diagrams, Seating Arrangement and Syllogism, Tables and Charts, Calendars, Binary Logic, Graphs – line X-Y graphs, Clocks, Seating Arrangements, Logical Sequence, Puzzles, Blood Relations, Linear and Matrix Arrangement, Direction, Cubes, Syllogism, Set Theory, Pie Charts, Bar Charts etc.

This section comprises 22 questions. Whereas the QA section consists of 24 questions, the VARC section has 20 questions. In addition, there are approximately ten questions from Logical Reasoning and 12 questions from Data Interpretation. MCQ and non-MCQ questions are in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section. Prior to changes made in CAT structure in 2015, Data Interpretation was part of Quantitative Aptitude. Following the changes, both Data Interpretation questions and Logical Reasoning questions have become separate components of the DILR Section. This section contains questions ranging from moderate to challenging levels. There is no fixed number on the MCQs and Non-MCQs asked; they vary from year to year.

Important points on how to prepare for the DILR section of the CAT:

The points listed below will give you a grasp on how to prepare for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT:

• Create a plan for your preparations.

Schedule a structured study plan under the guidance of a mentor. It is necessary to formulate a clear strategy on how to prepare for logical reasoning for CAT. Examine your timetable for other tasks and set up a fixed period for DILR preparation. Weekly mock exams, sectional tests for Logical Thinking and Data Interpretation, Caselets, and previous years’ papers should all be included in this study schedule. Analysing your weekly performance and sticking to your plan is as important as planning and scheduling.

• Solve previous years’ papers:

To familiarise yourself with the exam’s real-time environment, to become acquainted with the exam structure and understand the changes over the years, you should solve previous years’ papers regularly. Examining past years’ papers will help give you an idea of the main topics on which questions are frequently asked

• Caselets are important

Make it a daily routine to solve at least one caselet. This will assist you in understanding the variety of questions, familiarising yourself with this important component of the exam, where 3-4 questions are asked.

• Make use of diagrams and visualisations.

Visualisation tools such as graphs, Venn diagrams, charts, grids, and tables will assist you in analysing and eliminating data. You’ll have all of the complex data organised in a precise manner

• When you’re stuck, move on

The trick is the right choice of questions. First, choose the questions you are most confident in answering. Then, when you’re puzzled by a tricky question, Make use of the elimination approach to save time. When you spend a lot of time on a question, you run the risk of missing a well-known question that you could answer and answering the question incorrectly, resulting in negative marking.

• Revision is important :

At the end of each week, go through whatever you’ve learned. It is vital to retain the vast syllabus and concepts. Weekly revisions will help you perform better in the exam.

• Make a list of the most important facts and highlight them.

There are no important formulas to memorise in Reasoning, unlike in QA. Every candidate understands the concept, but what sets them apart is how they use the shortcuts that must be used to solve the problem to reduce the amount of time they spend on it. Make a list of the shortcut techniques you learned and revise them thoroughly in your weekly review.

• Solve Puzzles and riddles frequently.

It’s extremely important to note that mastering the Logical Reasoning section demands analytical thinking. Regularly solving puzzles, riddles, brainteasers, and Sudoku will develop your critical thinking skills.