CAT 2024: Prepare for the DILR Section

Updated on | 2nd May 2023 | 12:45 pm | #CAT2024DILR

The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section is considered to be the most unpredictable section of CAT for most aspirants. There are various reasons that DILR is feared, including the following:

DILR is not taught in schools or colleges, so aspirants are unaccustomed and have no prior preparation
The syllabus for DILR includes puzzles, graphs, and charts, implying a neverending amount of questions
Preparation for the section mostly relies on practice and there is nothing to be taught like English and mathematics

Thus, the section focuses on familiarizing with various questions, puzzles, and graphs and requires more preparation and practice due to the unfamiliarity.

However, higher difficulty also means that it is the easiest to score 99%ile by answering a few questions correctly. Typically an attempt of 50% is sufficient for a 99%ile score in CAT and a 30% attempt is sufficient for an 85%ile score.

CAT 2024: DILR Exam Pattern

You must familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus of DILR before you begin preparing for the section. As of 2022, the section comprises 20 questions that are divided into 4 sets of 5 questions each. Here is an overview of the syllabus and exam pattern:

DILR Section	Details
Number of Questions	20
Number of Sets	4 (5 questions each)
Time Allotted	40 minutes
Marking Scheme	+3 for every correct answer -1 for every incorrect answer No negative marking for TITA

CAT 2024: DILR Syllabus

DILR is divided into two subsections; Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. DI comprises charts, diagrams, etc while LR is focused on puzzles. The main topics covered in the DILR section are as follows:

DILR Main Topics
Line & Pie Chart	Venn Diagrams	Blood Relations
Set Theory	Binary Logic	Number & Letter Series
Coding- Decoding	Caselets & Tables	Seating Arrangement
Logical Sequence	Bar & Column Graphs	Matching/ Puzzles

Grab the DILR Prep PDF

Click here for the detailed CAT Syllabus

Tips to Improve DILR for CAT 2024

To improve your performance in the DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section of CAT 2024, here are some tips:

Practice daily

DILR requires a lot of practice. So, ensure that you set aside time atleast an hour every day to practice questions. You can attempt CAT previous papers, mock tests, puzzles in magazines, etc.

Develop a strategy

As you go on attempting questions and familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern, you will be able to formulate a strategy that works for you. Identify how you will choose the sets you will answer, moving from the easiest to the difficult ones, the time you will spend on each question, and how you will approach each type of question.

Understand the question

Do not jump into the set without reading the question and understanding it properly. This is also crucial for you to identify the difficulty and time you will need to crack it. Read the question carefully, and look for information to reach the answer quickly.

Focus on accuracy and speed

When you are practicing, time yourself and try to solve each question accurately within the time frame. Utilize the first 5 minutes to identify the sets that you will be attempting in the DILR section. It will help you save time moving forward and also help you focus on easier sets you are confident in answering.

Learn from your mistakes

After each practice session, review your mistakes and learn from them. If you were unable to answer a question, review the methodology and understand it. Identify the types of questions that you are struggling with and work on improving those specific skills.

Leave difficult questions

If you are unable to solve a question, simply leave it and move on to the next one. In each set, it is not imperative that you must answer every question. If you find yourself unable to answer due to the difficulty or time, just leave the set and come back if you have time left.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I start preparing for DILR?

The DILR section is often avoided by aspirants due to unfamiliarity. However, this section should be given attention from the first day of preparation. If you are starting your CAT 2024 preparation today, ensure that you give ample time to DILR daily. This section is highly rewarding if you regularly practice and learn from your mistakes.

How do I start preparing for DILR in CAT 2024?

The best way to start preparing for DILR is by familiarizing yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern. You should, then, start practicing by taking up mocks, attempting puzzles in magazines, and reviewing past year's papers. You will be able to answer similar problem sets quicker only with practice, so give atleast one hour daily to DILR.

Should I start preparing for CAT 2024 already?

Yes, you can start preparing for CAT 2024 at any time that is suitable for you. Starting now will give you ample time to steadily cover the syllabus and practice at your own pace. It will allow you to review the syllabus, attempt mocks and cover all your weak areas.

How do I get a 99-%ile in DILR in CAT 2024?

To get a good score in the DILR section in CAT 2024 here are some tips to follow:

Practice DILR questions daily
Track your speed and accuracy
Identify the easiest sets in the first five minutes
If you cannot answer a question in a set, leave it
Do not calculate the exact answer, estimate it