The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) is an indispensable section of the Common Admission Test (CAT), which is a highly competitive national entrance exam for individuals who aspire to study at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top B-Schools for a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). Noteworthy, the CAT 2025 exam has officially been scheduled on November 30, 2025. Registrations are open from August 1, 2025 to September 13, 2025. Candidates can download their admit cards from November 5, 2025 onwards.
The CAT 2025 exam will consist of 68 questions in total. To complete the exam, the clock is allocated to run for 120 minutes between three sections. The first section is Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), second and third are Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA), respectively.
The following article has been curated to cover DILR’s marking scheme, syllabus, key trends (from 2021-2024) and vital strategies to ace the section. To lend a hand, Hitbullseye has also added a few free resources (Ebooks, Mock Test and Sample Papers) within the article.
CAT DILR Marking Scheme
DILR has been framed to infer a candidate’s comprehension abilities when it comes to solving data, patterns and puzzles under a restricted time frame. The section is divided into two sub sections: Data Interpretation (DI), which focuses on dissecting data from charts, tables and graphs, and Logical Reasoning (LR), which is centered around solving puzzles and other scenarios that require logical deduction.
Before taking a look at the syllabus, let us understand the marking scheme from the table below:
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Question Type
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Correct Answer
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Incorrect Answer
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Negative Marking
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Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQuestions)
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+3 marks
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-1 mark
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Yes
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Type in the Answer (TITA)
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+3 marks
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0 marks
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No
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As mentioned before, CAT 2025 exam has sectional timing equally divided between three sections, DILR will be allocated for 40 minutes to the candidate.
2. CAT DILR Syllabus
In recent years, the CAT DILR section has been in conversation to include hybrid sets (around 4-5), meaning the section will be an amalgamation of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, both. To illustrate, one set might consist of data in a table but then requires the candidate to use logical deductions in filling the missing values before calculating their answers.
Data Interpretation (DI) is commonly known to appear 3-5 times in one set often expecting the candidate to do quick calculations. On the other hand, Logical Reasoning (LR) is designed to test a candidate's efficiency to handle different levels of logical puzzles. To understand the two broad categories in more detail, refer to the table below:
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TOPIC
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QUESTION TYPE
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Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Pie Charts
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Percentage calculations, ratio comparisons, trend analysis
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Tables, Caselets
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Data comparison, aggregation, missing value identification
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Mixed Charts
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Multi-format data integration, cross-referencing data points
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Data Sufficiency
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Determining if given data is sufficient to answer a question
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Arrangements
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Seating arrangements, ordering, matrix-based puzzles
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Grouping and Distribution
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Team formation, resource allocation, categorization
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Games and Tournaments
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Tournament scheduling, match outcomes, ranking
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Blood Relations
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Family tree analysis, relationship mapping
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Puzzles
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Grid puzzles, scheduling tasks, selection criteria
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Logical Sequences and Venn Diagrams
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Sequence prediction, set-based analysis using Venn diagrams
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Now that you have understood the DILR section’s marking scheme and syllabus in detail. Hitbullseye recommends that you waste no time and start sharpening your conceptual knowledge.
3. CAT DILR Section: Key Trends from 2021-2024
The DILR section in the CAT 2025 exam has been dedicated to include 20 questions consistently over the past five years. These 20 questions are typically organised into 4-5 sets with varying difficulty levels. The DI is often dictated to test candidates' calculations and data comparison through percentages, ratios, etc. Meanwhile LR focuses on arrangements, grouping and puzzles that require logical insights. For more details on the key trends that have followed through 2021 to 2024, refer the table below:
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Year
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Difficulty Level
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Dominant Topics
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Question Analysis
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TITA Questions
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Good Attempt
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2021
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Moderate
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DI: Tables, Charts
LR: Arrangements, Grouping
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2 DI sets (10 Questions)
2 LR sets (10 Questions)
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4-6
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12-14
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2022
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Moderate to tough
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DI: Bar Graphs, Caselets
LR: Tournaments, Puzzles
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2 DI sets (8 Questions)
3 LR sets (12 Questions)
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4-5
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10-13
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2023
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Tough
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DI: Mixed Charts
LR: Complex Arrangements, Scheduling
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3 DI sets (12 Questions)
2 LR sets (8 Questions)
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3-4
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8-12
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2024
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Moderate
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DI: Tables, Pie Charts
LR: Arrangements, Selection
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2 DI sets (10 Questions)
2 LR sets (10 Questions)
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4
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10-14
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4. Strategy and Preparation Tips for DILR
Ever heard about crisis management and problem solving? The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section in the CAT exam is designed to test something along similar lines. The section might not need root concept clarity but is structured to test candidate’s approximation and calculation speed when they are provided with raw and incomplete data. To make optimal use of the candidate's knowledge spectrum, the candidate is advised to follow these key strategies:
- The first and foremost step is to familiarize yourself with the most common yet crucial DI and LR concepts like tables, charts, arrangements and grouping. It is important to visually see this data and then form a mental understanding.
- Now, when tackling DI questions, the key strategy lies in acing quick calculations and approximation techniques to save more time. Crack the pattern in these questions by practicing topics like percentages, averages, Tables, Caselets among other DI topics.
- Further, it is vital to apply logical thinking by upskilling pattern recognition and logical deduction when solving LR questions. Start with simple puzzles like linear arrangements and slowly move towards advanced level questions.
- Practice as many mock tests as you can to stimulate the exam environment, building confidence, speed and accuracy. However, adapt the smart strategy of taking around 30 seconds to 1 minute to skim through sets and choosing to solve easy questions first.
- When attempting the DILR section, it is commonly observed that candidates end up overthinking their answers and in turn losing time. To avoid making this mistake, dedicate only 8-10 minutes per set. If you find yourself stuck on a set for over 12 minutes, move on!
- Lastly, practice is the key to mastering any entrance exam. Practice at least 4 DILR sectional tests every week but make sure to look back, analyze and convert your weaknesses into your strengths!
- Bonus! Leverage TITA questions without fail as they do not carry any negative marking.
Now that you are aware of the key strategies and have learned that sectional mock tests are the key to shine in DILR! Let’s start NOW by practicing this mock test?
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CAT DILR Sectional Test
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Take Actual Test
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CAT DILR Sectional Test
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5. Sample Papers
CAT aspirants with the vision of entering their dream IIM are advised to stay consistent when it comes to practicing sample papers. They help you get accustomed with the concepts and types of questions. Additionally, with negative marking and sectional timing, the candidate should be aware of their strengths and weaknesses to make optimal use of their potential. To be able to do so, Hitbullseye has curated a few sample papers for those appearing.
Download the FREE Sectional Sample Papers below and master CAT DILR!
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CAT DILR practice paper
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Download link
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Sample paper - I
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Sample paper - II
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Sample paper - III
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Sample paper - VI
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Sample paper - V
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6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many questions are there in the CAT 2025 DILR section?
A: The DILR section ideally has 20 questions, divided into 4-5 sets. The time allotted to this section is 40 minutes.
- What is the marking scheme for the QA Section?
A: Correct answers amount to +3 marks; incorrect MCQs deduct -1 mark. TITA questions do not have negative marking.
- What topics are covered in the CAT DILR syllabus?
A: The syllabus for DILR is vast, however, important and recurring topics include tables, charts and caselets for Data Interpretation and arrangements, grouping, puzzles and tournaments for Logical Reasoning.
- How can I prepare for CAT DILR?
A: Practice diverse DI and LR sets, prioritize set selection, take sectional mock tests and analyze mistakes to build confidence, improve speed and accuracy.
- What is a good attempt for the DILR section?
A: A good attempt for DILR varies on various factors, however, on an average, it ranges between 8-14 questions (2-3 sets).
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