Scheduled for November 30, 2025, the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 is a highly competitive exam that tests your ability to think critically and solve problems under pressure. It has three main sections, namely Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA), designed to assess the skills essential for success. In the last few weeks, we covered the whole exam pattern and its analysis, followed by VARC and QA sectional analysis. This week, Hitbullseye aims to complete the series by evaluating DILR to understand the section’s key Insights, Trends and Winning Strategies!
Before we dive into the sectional analysis, let’s briefly understand the CAT exam pattern and a few important details of the exam. The CAT 2025 exam will consist of 68 questions across three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The questions need to be completed in 120 minutes, with 40 minutes dedicated to each section. The official details of the exam have been released. Registrations are open from August 1 to September 20, 2025. Admit cards available from November 5, 2025, making it a pressing need to channel your energy and start preparing strategically.
The following guide is designed to inspire and equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to conquer the DILR section. From its marking scheme to syllabus details, past trends (2021–2024), and actionable preparation tips, we’ll break it down to help you approach this section with confidence and clarity. So let’s begin!
1. Understanding the DILR Marking Scheme
The DILR section is crafted to evaluate your ability to analyze data and solve complex puzzles within a tight timeframe. It’s split into two key areas: Data Interpretation (DI), which involves interpreting data from charts, tables and graphs. Logical Reasoning (LR) challenges you with puzzles and scenarios requiring sharp logical thinking.
Here’s the marking scheme for this section:
|
Question Type
|
Correct Answer
|
Incorrect Answer
|
Negative Marking
|
|
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
|
+3 marks
|
-1 mark
|
Yes
|
|
Type in the Answer (TITA)
|
+3 marks
|
0 marks
|
No
|
With 40 minutes allocated to DILR, time management is critical. Every second counts, so understanding the stakes of each question type will help you strategize effectively.
2. Exploring the DILR Syllabus
The DILR section commonly features 4–5 hybrid sets of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning to test both analytical and deductive skills. For example, a set might present data in a table but require logical reasoning to fill in missing values before calculating answers. DI questions (typically 3–5 per set) demand quick calculations, while LR questions focus on puzzles and logical patterns. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key topics:
- Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts: Involves percentage calculations, ratio comparisons and trend analysis.
- Tables, Caselets: Focuses on data comparison, aggregation and identifying missing values.
- Mixed Charts: Requires multi-format data integration and cross-referencing data points.
- Data Sufficiency: Tests the ability to determine if given data is sufficient to answer a question.
- Arrangements: Includes seating arrangements, ordering and matrix-based puzzles.
- Grouping and Distribution: Covers team formation, resource allocation and categorization.
- Games and Tournaments: Involves tournament scheduling, match outcomes, and ranking.
- Blood Relations: Focuses on family tree analysis and relationship mapping.
- Puzzles: Includes grid puzzles, scheduling tasks and selection criteria.
- Logical Sequences and Venn Diagrams: Involves sequence prediction and set-based analysis using Venn diagrams.
This diverse syllabus tests the candidate’s caliber to showcase your problem-solving prowess.
3. DILR Trends: Key Insights from 2021–2024
Over the past five years, the DILR section has consistently included 20 questions, organized into 4-5 sets of varying difficulty. DI questions test your ability to handle calculations, percentages and ratios, while LR questions challenge your logical insights through arrangements, grouping and puzzles. Here’s a snapshot of trends from 2021 to 2024:
|
Year
|
Difficulty Level
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Dominant Topics
|
Question Analysis
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TITA Count
|
Good Attempt
|
|
2021
|
Moderate
|
>DI: Tables, Charts
LR: Arrangements, Grouping
|
2 DI sets (10 Questions)
2 LR sets (10 Questions)
|
4–6
|
12–14
|
|
2022
|
Moderate to Tough
|
DI: Bar Graphs, Caselets
LR: Tournaments, Puzzles
|
2 DI sets (8 Questions)
3 LR sets (12 Questions)
|
4–5
|
10–13
|
|
2023
|
Tough
|
DI: Mixed Charts
LR: Complex Arrangements, Scheduling
|
3 DI sets (12 Questions)
2 LR sets (8 Questions)
|
3–4
|
8–12
|
|
2024
|
Moderate
|
DI: Tables, Pie Charts
LR: Arrangements, Selection
|
2 DI sets (10 Questions)
2 LR sets (10 Questions)
|
4
|
10–14
|
These trends highlight the importance of preparing for a mix of question types and difficulty levels. Use this insight to prioritize your practice and focus on areas where you can excel.
4. A working plan to make DILR your strong suit!
The DILR section is like a high-stakes puzzle, testing your ability to stay calm and solve problems under pressure. While it doesn’t require deep conceptual knowledge, it demands quick thinking, pattern recognition and efficient time management. Here are proven strategies to help you shine:
- Master the Basics: Familiarize yourself with core DI and LR concepts like tables, charts, arrangements and grouping. Visualize the data to build a mental framework for solving questions.
- Hone Quick Calculations for DI: Practice percentages, averages and data comparisons to boost your speed and accuracy. Look for patterns in tables and caselets to simplify calculations.
- Sharpen Logical Thinking for LR: Start with simple puzzles like linear arrangements and gradually tackle complex ones. Focus on pattern recognition and logical deduction.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Take mock tests to build confidence, speed, and accuracy. Spend 30 seconds to 1 minute skimming sets to identify easier ones to solve first.
- Manage Time Wisely: Allocate 8–10 minutes per set. If you’re stuck for over 12 minutes, move on to the next section to avoid losing time.
- Practice Consistently: Aim to complete 4 DILR sectional tests weekly. Analyze your performance to turn weaknesses into strengths.
- Leverage TITA Questions: Since TITA questions carry no negative marking, attempt them confidently to maximize your score.
With dedication and smart practice, you can turn the DILR section into a scoring opportunity.
5. The Power of Sample Papers
Consistency is key to cracking the CAT. Regularly practicing sample papers helps you get comfortable with question types, refine your approach and balance speed with accuracy. With negative marking and sectional timing, knowing your strengths and weaknesses is crucial to optimizing your performance. Sample papers allow you to simulate the exam environment, helping you build the resilience and confidence needed to succeed.
To conclude, The DILR section is not just a test of skills, it’s a chance to prove your ability to think critically and act decisively. With CAT 2025 approaching, now is the time to commit to consistent practice, sharpen your problem-solving skills and approach the exam with confidence. By mastering the strategies outlined above and leveraging past trends, you’re not just preparing for a test, you’re paving the way to your dream IIM. Stay focused, stay motivated, and let your hard work shine on November 30, 2025!
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