How To Prepare For Data Interpretation in CAT?

Published on 14th October 2024, 11:45 AM

The Common Admission Tests (CAT) section Data Interpretation (DI) is a high-scoring section but poses a lot of challenges. The DI section is quite demanding and hence, it cannot be easily mastered unless you put in a lot of effort and practice regularly. As the name sounds, data interpretation expects you to explain the data given in the form of graphs, diagrams, symbols, tables, and so on to find an answer to the related set of questions. 

The best method to ace the CAT Data Interpretation (DI) questions is to understand the basics of Maths and have a good knack for calculation. However, just having a strong command over calculations is far from enough. You need to practice solving DI sets within a specific time limit. With regular practice, you will see how much you have improved your pace and your accuracy rate. 

Data Interpretation - Overview & Exam Pattern 

Below is the overview and crux of the exam pattern based on past trends for Data Interpretation covered in the DILR section of the CAT exam for your reference:

Also Check: CAT Syllabus | CAT Exam Pattern

Data Interpretation Tips For CAT 2024

So now let’s find out below the tips and methods to prepare for data interpretation in CAT:

> Solve as Many Questions Papers as You Can: The best way to improve is to practice CAT data interpretation questions as much as you can. You can do so by solving CAT previous year question papers. Through consistent practice, you will increase your pace and build confidence by acquainting yourself with the related questions. Furthermore, you can also solve plenty of CAT mock tests, which will enable you to familiarize yourself with data interpretation questions. 

> Utilize Your Time Carefully: While solving questions, ensure that you assess the difficult problems first as it demands more time. Through this, it will help you to make a proper strategy for attempting various types of problems and use your time effectively.

> Set a Time-bound for Each Data Set: Since the CAT exam is limited in duration, planning the length of time spent per question is extremely crucial. Ideally, the time distribution for each question should be in direct proportion to the marks given. So before proceeding to solve the question, it is important to first understand the data set.

> Maintain Composure: Be able to stay calm when you are solving a particular problem. When you go through a question, your full attention is necessary to come to a precise response. It takes only a tiny bit of distraction to shatter your focus completely, which can result in getting negative marks. Therefore, students are advised to always maintain composure and remain focused no matter how difficult a question is.

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Data Interpretation Prime Tips For CAT Preparation

The most important and prime tips to ace the DILR section of CAT 2024, which focuses majorly on improving your data interpretation and analysis know-how, are as follows:

> Focus on Interpretation and Not Only Mathematics: In the CAT DILR section, most questions are based on interpretation. Any misinterpretation of the hidden message might end in negative marks. Check for words like “maximum/minimum”, “possible”, “can be”, and so on in the question. These words will provide your proper interpretation of the questions stated. 

> Arrange the Data: The main purpose of the DI section of the CAT exam is to test the candidate's data analysis skills. Therefore, to add more difficulty, the data specified to you might not be arranged in an orderly manner. So make sure that the data specified is organized and neatly arranged according to your preference before you move forward with more calculations. 

> Avoid Assumptions: Carefully assess the problem statement for a certain passage or question and make a note of the stated facts without any assumption over the given facts. Assumptions, in most cases, can lead to confusion and, hence, incorrect responses, which results in negative markings. So students are urged to stick to the given facts or information and not make unnecessary assumptions.

> Be Cautious of Sitter Questions: The sitter questions in the CAT data interpretation section are questions that are impossible to solve unless you use the data provided. However, it takes plenty of time to answer these questions. Attempting the sitter questions will not only make you waste time but also interrupt the smooth flow of the exam. Look over these questions and skip them or return for later.

> Use Your Time Wisely: If you come across a difficult question, skip it. Otherwise, you may spend a lot of time calculating it and trying to find the proper values. This is very simple but valuable advice. Students often tend to forget how to use their time wisely once they are set on a particular question. Keep the ones that you can’t solve for later and in case only relative values are asked, do not calculate the same ones and approximate them. 

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Best of Luck!!