Logical Reasoning often happens to be the favourite part of CAT aspirants. LR questions intend to evaluate your ability to identify patterns, clues and relationships with the help of given data. While the questions seem quite interesting, there is a tendency to arrive at the wrong answer if you pay less attention to crucial hints. This article outlines the importance of LR in CAT, what to expect in LR and how to prepare for it.
Significance of Logical Reasoning in CAT
Logical Reasoning forms the other half part of DILR section. In other words, LR holds 50% weightage in DILR section and 15% weightage in CAT. Each correct answer carries 3 marks and -1 is deducted for every incorrect answer. There are both MCQs and non-MCQs in DILR. The time limit for DILR section is 40 minutes.
The number of LR questions has increased from the previous years. LR section checks the candidate’s logical, analytical and reasoning skills in form of variety of questions. You are expected to conclude or deduce based on a set of conditions, relationships and statements. The questions are generally from arrangements, binary logic, puzzles or numerical reasoning.
LR questions basically require you to use common sense along with some logic. The syllabus of LR part is limited to a few standard areas. The breakup of various topics in CAT LR is given in the table below.
Syllabus for CAT Logical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning features in form of following set of questions:
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Types of Sets
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Number of questions
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Data/Information given
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Set-1: Arrangements/Rankings/Team
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4
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Set of conditions to form a sequence
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Set-2: Puzzles/numerical reasoning
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4
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Puzzles on words, letters, etc.
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Set-3: Syllogisms/Logical Deduction
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4
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Statements/Arguments
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Set-4: Venn Diagrams/Binary Logic
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4
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Based on Set theory/ diagrams
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Since now you are aware of the different kinds of LR questions, let’s talk about the preparation strategy to ace the section.
CAT Logical Reasoning: The Right way to Prepare
There are no fixed rules or formulae to solve logical reasoning questions. But you can always decide upon a broad strategy to handle them. A great way to enhance proficiency in LR is to practice different kinds of question sets. The following tips will guide you in solving any LR question efficiently:
- Systematic Process: Always approach the question in a systematic way. You can also make a flowchart for a clearer thought process. In this manner, you can also crosscheck or verify your answer.
- Simplify the Data: Usually you will see that the information is present in a complex form. It is often a good idea to write/draw the data in a simplified way so as to arrive at the right conclusion.
- Practice from Easy to Difficult: Learn to solve the easy questions accurately before moving on to the difficult level. Make sure that you practice variety of sets and do not get stuck with solving the similar sets.
Finally, keep track of the latest exam trends and solve the relevant LR sets from mock tests and previous year CAT papers.