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When preparing for CAT Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR) sections usually it has been noticed that there is a mix of easy and difficult questions. However, it is the most challenging one as well. The DILR sections consist of charts, tables, patterns etc. Although the total number of CAT DILR questions is the lowest among the three sections, it requires an equal amount of practice as Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and Verbal and Reading Comprehension (VARC) or maybe even more. Preparing for the DILR section of the CAT exam needs a different strategy. Moreover, it is beneficial if you have a liking for riddles and puzzles. Continue reading below to find out more about How to Prepare for CAT DILR?
| Exam Name | CAT 2024 |
| Number of Sections | VARC, QA & DILR |
| Eligibility | Graduate with 50% marks (general) and 45% marks (SC/ST students) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Official Website | https://iimcat.ac.in |
Table of Contents
Understanding Exam Pattern of CAT Exam 2024
CAT exam pattern is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to solve reasoning or mathematical problems. The duration of the CAT exam is 2 hours. Candidates planning to appear for the CAT exam must familiarize themselves with the exam pattern as established by the exam conducting authority.
| CAT DILR Number of Questions | 20 |
| CAT DILR Marks Per Question | 3 |
| CAT DILR Negative Marking | -1 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test |
| Exam Medium | English |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours (40 Minutes for Each Section) |
| Available Exam Slots | Morning: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM Afternoon: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM Evening: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM |
| Type of Question | MCQ and Non-MCQ |
| Total Marks | 198 |
| Number of Questions | 66 |
| Number of Answer Choices | 4 |
Also Read: Is CAT Necessary for MBA? Evaluate and Check MBA Options without CAT
How to Prepare for CAT DILR Syllabus 2024?
Practising previous year’s papers, and mock tests, understanding the exam pattern, and making notes, is an integral part of CAT exam preparation. Preparing for the CAT exam demands focus and a study plan.
Study Schedule for CAT DILR Syllabus 2024
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section entails some important topics related to puzzles, seating arrangement, assumptions, data sufficient etc. Each section has a different question format/template that CAT generally sticks with. Listed below tables show you the syllabus for the DI & LR and how one can spend time for each topic preparation.
| Session No. | Topic | Time (Hours) |
| Session 1 | DI Basic | 3 |
| Session 2 | DI Pie Chart | 3 |
| Session 3 | DI Word Problem | 3 |
| Session 4 | DI Tables | 3 |
| Session 5 | DI Toughest Sets | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
| Session No. | Topic | Time (Hours) |
| Session 1 | LR Touranaments and Visualisation | 3 |
| Session 2 | LR Grids and Tables | 3 |
| Session 3 | LR Math-Based Puzzles | 3 |
| Session 4 | LR Sequences & Selection | 3 |
| Session 5 | LR Tougher sets | 3 |
| Total | 15 | |
Also Read: DILR Syllabus for CAT 2024: Important Topics, Weightage
Five-Step Preparation Strategy for CAT DILR Syllabus
Candidates must prepare for each section of the CAT exam. The CAT exam has mainly three sections, CAT VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Candidates can prepare for each section by following the 5-step preparation strategy.
- Gather ample study material available online and offline.
- Make notes for all the important topics or information you think is useful.
- Practise the previous year’s questions paper.
- Make a study timetable for each section and follow it.
- Always revise your own handwritten notes for clarity of concepts. You can also refer to other study materials available.
Also Read: CAT Algebra Formulas: Check Weightage & Questions
Recommended Best Books To Prepare for CAT DILR
For the past 4 CAT exams, both Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning were quite tough for a few sets. Practising for this section has become more challenging with time. So, in the same way, the previous year’s paper’s practice and the revisions you do must be similar to the CAT exam pattern. Practising problems/questions from different publishers and authors is a must. Here are some books you can refer to while preparing:
| Best Books | Authors/Publishers |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha – Pearson Publication |
| How To Prepare For The Data Interpretation And Logical Reasoning | Ananta Ashish |
| Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency for CA | Nishit K. Sinha – Pearson Publication |
Read More: Best DILR Book for CAT 2024 Preparation
Problems Faced by Students While Preparing for CAT
Practice questions are either too easy or too tough and the first step is very difficult to figure out. It is very important to understand the thought process of someone who scores well in the section. So, comprehending the thought process of an expert when cracking a CAT-level DILR question set will help students bridge the gap and get to the 99th percentile. Concentrate, especially on finding the right puzzle in an exam setting. Make it important that students attempt the right puzzles, not the toughest ones.
Also Read: Important Topics in DILR for CAT with Preparation Tips
CAT DILR Previous Year Question Paper 2024
Candidates can download the CAT DILR Previous Year Question Paper given below:
Related Reads on CAT
FAQs
Here are some tips that might help you: Choose 1-2 sets that are simple to solve first, and then move towards the more difficult sets. Set Selection: LR DI sets include a difficulty level from easy to difficult. Choose the easiest sets to attempt first. Candidates must avoid leaving the easy sets and getting stuck on the difficult ones.
The tips to practise for DILR for CAT are as follows: Practice Mock Tests, review previous year papers, do revision tests etc.
It has almost a third of the total CAT marks. For numerous candidates, this is the most difficult part of the exam. Questions in the DILR for CAT usually include a set of data in the form of charts graphs or sets. The students have to analyze the data and answer the questions that follow.
This was all about how to prepare for CAT DILR. For more informative blogs, check out our Management Exams Section, or you can learn more about us by visiting our Indian exams page of Leverage Edu.