For DILR section of CAT 2025, focus on practicing a wide variety of data sets, logical puzzles, to build recognition skills. Start with basic problems and gradually increase the difficultly of questions. Time management is highly crucial, so try to practice within the time frame to boost up speed as well as accuracy. Regular mock test analysis helps in refining your approach and improve overall performance. Here’s a strategy-driven guide to follow and gain CAT Preparation tips for DILR 2025.
| PARTICULARS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
|
Total Questions
|
20
|
|
Total time allotted
|
40 Minutes
|
|
No. of MCQs
|
15-16
|
|
No. of TITA
|
4-5
|
|
No. Of Sets
|
4 (Each set with 4-6 questions)
|
|
Type of Questions
|
Data interpretation sets
Logical reasoning sets
|
|
Marking |
+3 for correct answers
-1 for incorrect answers
No negative for TITA
|
CAT 2025 DILR Syllabus
- The DILR section of the CAT exam measures a candidate’s ability to interpret data and apply logical reasoning to solve tricky problems.
- A clear understanding od DILR syllabus is required to identify question patterns and develop effective solving strategies.
- Mastering key areas like puzzles, data arrangements, and chart-based sets can significantly improve the chances of scoring well in the section.
- Consistent practice and smart decision making of choosing the right question plays a vital role in maximizing the chances if scoring high.
Also read, How to Start CAT Preparation for Beginners
CAT 2025 DILR Focus Areas
- The DILR section is designed to measure the candidates analytical thinking, logical reasoning, and ability to interpret data.
- Data interpretation involves analysing data sets like charts, graphs, tables, and arriving at logical conclusions.
- Logical reasoning tests sequencing, pattern recognition, and ability to solve situations and puzzles.
- Time management and choosing right set to solve are crucial for solving well in the section.
- Regular practice and understanding different types of questions formats can significantly improve accuracy and speed.
- For better overview, refer the table below:
| CAT 2025 DILR Syllabus | QUESTION NUMBERS | DIFFICULTY LEVEL |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Interpretation (Tables, Charts, Graphs) |
10-12
|
Moderate
|
|
Logical Reasoning (Grouping, Arrangements, Puzzles)
|
8-10
|
Moderate to Difficult
|
|
Total number of sets
|
4
|
Moderate
|
|
Total questions
|
2-3
|
Easy to Moderate
|
CAT 2025 DILR Preparation Tips
Master Set Selection
Don’t try to solve all the questions rather than choose the one which match your strengths and you are confident about. Spend first 2-3 minutes scanning all the 4 sets. Choose the sets that you are confident about and solve them within the time constraint and full accuracy.
Build Your Basics First
Understand the common puzzle types and data formats. Start with basic DI (Charts, graphs, tables) and LR sets (grouping, arrangements, seating) and gradually move to advance level.
Practice one set daily (initially)
Solve at least 1 DILR set every day and gradually increase to 2-3 sets as you improve.
Revise solved sets
Many DILR Sets may follow similar logic. Keep a notebook maintained for DILR to note tricky sets, new patterns and shortcuts and revisit them regularly.
Time Your Practice
Solve each set in 10-12 minutes. Time-based solving improves pace and stimulates real exam conditions.
Take Regular Sectional Tests
Start with 1 test per week, and then 2 per week from august. Analyse not just your answers but also your approach and set selection.
Focus on Accuracy First
Aim for 100% accuracy in the sets you choose. Even solving 2 sets correctly can get you 99+ percentile.
Cover all type of sets
Be ready for any pattern, venn diagrams, tournaments, caselets, games and puzzles, distribution and scheduling, matrix-based problems, graph/table combinations.
Refer CAT Past Papers
Solve 2017-2024 CAT papers. They are really helpful in understanding CAT exam’s level of difficulty and style better than any book or coaching module.
Stay Calm and Logical
Unlike VARC and QA, DILR is pure logic-no formula and theory. Stay calm and visualize the data carefully.
CAT 2025 DILR Preparation - Topics
Data Interpretation (DI)
- Highly scoring yet bit tricky.
- DI sets generally appear in 2-3 sets (around 10-12 questions).
- Requires speed, high accuracy, and ability to interpret data from various tricky representations.
- Consistent practice with calculation techniques like averages, percentages, ratios, averages help improve performance.
- Focus on sets from previous year papers and mocks for better variety and level of complexity.
Logical Reasoning (LR)
- Known for its puzzle-based problems and unpredictability.
- LR covers 2-3 sets (around 10-12 questions)
- Topics include arrangements (circular, linear), directions, puzzles, games and tournaments, selection and grouping, condition-based reasoning.
- Many sets are found to be mixed-type, combining multiple LR concepts and topics in one,
- Emphasis more on building scenarios through diagrams and tables, elimination method, logical deduction.
DI-LR Combined Sets
- CAT includes mixed/hybrid sets which combine both LR and DI.
- They require both numerical aptitude and analytical skills to solve, making them challenging yet scoring.
- Examples: selection puzzles with numerical condition, matrix-based puzzles with data.
- Practicing such sets improve time management and adaptability.
Best DILR Resources for CAT 2025 Preparation
DILR is the second section of CAT exam paper and requires thorough understanding of analytical, logical, and numerical concepts. The more you practice DILR section the better you get versed with variety of problems to solve the questions.
| CAT Books for DILR | Author |
|---|---|
|
Arun Sharma
|
|
|
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT
|
Nishit K Sinha
|
|
Past CAT Papers (Question papers from 2017-2023)
|
CAT preparation tips for DILR 2025: Key Points
- For effective preparation, candidates should refer to How to Prepare for DILR for CAT by Arun Sharma, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha and practice from previous year CAT papers and sectional mocks from platforms like Mindworkzz.
- Since this section mainly focuses on pattern recognition and logical- building, students need to dedicate 3-4 months for structured practice of both LR and DI sets.
- Self-study is highly effective with above mentioned essential resources, especially when combined with regular practice of full-length mocks, section/topic wise tests, and analysis of past year papers DILR section.
- The CAT DILR section comprises of 20 questions split up into 4 sets. Each of the correct answer erns 3 marks, while each incorrect answer in MCQ will deduct 1 mark, and there are no negative marks for TITA questions.
- To score 99+ percentile in DILR section, candidates need to score around 30-33 marks which means you need to attempt around 10-11 questions correctly with full accuracy.
- It is highly important to master various types of caselets, graphs/tables, puzzles.
- Candidates should be comfortable with logical structuring, set selection, and logical structuring.
Conclusion
- DILR preparation is all about analytical thinking, pattern recognition and strategic set selection.
- Mocks, previous year papers, topic-wise selection tests are crucial to develop real exam stamina and logical adaptability.
- Success in DILR comes from accuracy, smart-decision making rather than just rote learning.
FAQS CAT Preparation Tips for DILR 2025
To get 99 percentile in DILR, candidates should focus on daily practice of 2-3 quality sets from previous CAT papers and mocks, strategic set selection skills, proper speed, and great accuracy through solving under timed conditions, attempt 10-11 questions with full accuracy.
Yes, DILR is considered to be one of the most unpredictable sections in CAT due to mix of LR and DI sets with no clear pattern. It requires logical reasoning, quick comprehension, pattern recognition. With consistent practice, mastering DILR sets becomes easier and scoring well is highly achievable.
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma is the best book for DILR.
