The Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning section of the CAT exam is sometimes considered challenging for a lot of students. But, if you look at it closely, it can be one of the scoring sections for you. The CAT preparation for the DILR section can be tricky, only to ensure the exam ain’t so.
Once as a candidate, you know your syllabus and have a route map in mind on how to go about this section, half of the battle is already won.
Let us first quickly check what the DILR section consists of so that you can plan your preparation strategy accordingly.
DILR Overview
The Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning section consists of two sections namely Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) and the weightage of the same is as follows.
| CAT Exam Sections | Number of Questions | Weightage |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 72 |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation (LRDI) | 20 | 60 |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 66 |
- You will have 40 minutes to solve 20 questions which include MCQ and TITA (Type in the answer).
This section aims to test your logical reasoning and data interpretation skills. It is structured in a way that will test your quick thinking along with the applied logic behind it.
Furthermore, the data interpretation section will test you on how proficient you are when it comes to concluding the given data.
Let us now see what this section comprises and understand the probable questions that are waiting for you.
Main topics of DI(Data Interpretation)
- Tables
- Bar Graphs
- Charts
- Caselets
- Line Graphs
- Pie Charts
- Miscellaneous data types – spider, triangle, scatter diagram
Main topics of LR(Logical Reasoning)
- Seating Arrangement
- Venn Diagrams
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Order & Ranking
- Dices
- Clocks
- Data Sufficiency
- Directions and others
- Logical Sequence
- Coding and Decoding
- Calendars, Cubes, and Clocks
- Premise
- Binary logic
- Matrix arrangement
- Linear arrangement
- Conclusion
The CAT The Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation 2024 question paper is expected to have the below weightage.
| Question Type | Expected Number of Questions |
| Logical Reasoning | 15 |
| Data Interpretation | 5 |
CAT DILR Preparation Tips 2024
Now that you know the topic from which you might have to tackle a question, let us quickly jump into some important points that will help you prepare for the same.
Understanding the Concept
The critical thing you have to do for your preparation to be fruitful is to rely on understanding the concept rather than blindly mugging formulas. A subject like Data Interpretation or Logical Reasoning relies more on your interpersonal skills rather than a certain set of steps and predefined formulas.
You have to make your concepts your only reliable source to crack this exam, so that using formulas comes to you as a spontaneous response rather than the only response to come out of an equation.
It would be best if you sharpen your conceptual skills for logical reasoning through solving puzzles, brain-teasers, and other exercises regularly.
Focus more on increasing calculation speed
The DILR section is similar to math, but different in how you approach the problem. Getting hold of the logic that is required for you to solve the equation at hand is only going to come to you after a hefty amount of practice.
But your job does not end there, you also have to ensure that you have a decent track record of solving an equation in hand to ensure you can make the most out of this section.
The data interpretation part of DILR is going to be an indispensable part of your corporate life too, since the corporation functions on data and the pictorial representation of it. So you have to ensure you not only understand the concepts that you are looking at but are swift in solving them too.
Manage your time
The trick is to divide your time judiciously so that you are not constantly worried about missing out on one practice while dealing with the other. Before starting your preparations, it is best practice that you create your timetable for DILR Preparations and manage the time according to your study.
The idea is to Divide the time for each section and cater to your preparations like there is a restriction for you to solve an equation at hand. This self-imposed time restriction and time watch is going to make your exam journey not only less stressful but also help you understand where you stand in each section.
Understand the Exam Pattern
Even though almost every candidate is aware of data interpretation, logical reasoning can be a challenge for a few. But the best part about it is, it is easily accessible once you understand the question. Hence, you must understand the question pattern to be able to solve it on the big day.
Once you know the pattern and understand the behavior of the CAT Exam, you will be able to train your mind to achieve the desired analytical skills to win over this one.
Manage the time for revision
Revision is an indispensable part of your preparation, and you have to ensure that you commit enough time to it after every topic that you finish from the DILR syllabus. Revision is also an optimal way to understand the knowledge retention capability of your brain and help you make organized study plans especially days before the exam.
Maintain your health
It is normal to feel overwhelmed both physically and mentally whilst preparing for an exam as big as the CAT. So taking care of yourself should also be on your to-do list for the exam. Try to maintain your stress levels by unwinding through yoga or meditation, or doing something that gives you joy.
You have to remember that the exam or anything else is your second priority when it comes to your health, so make sure nothing poses a threat or hindrance to it. A good restful sleep should always be on your exam’s priority list, along with some nutritious food to give you the desired boost.
Conclusion
I understand that the Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning section seems like an unachievable task sometimes but it is rarely the case. Like any other section of the exam, once you understand the idea behind the questions it will become your favorite section in no time.
I hope the preparation tips will add an extra edge to your routine and help you ace this section of the exam in no time.
Do remember, a little focus can take you a long way.
I wish you all the best in your CAT endeavor.
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Thankyou for all your efforts that you have put in this. very interesting information.