The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section in the CAT Exam is challenging but highly rewarding. It tests how well you read data, connect clues, and make decisions under time pressure. A close CAT Exam analysis shows that this section often surprises aspirants with its varying difficulty levels and unique question formats each year. With a focused eight-week plan and the right habits, you can push your accuracy, speed, and confidence to a new level. This SuperGrads guide gives you a clear, practical roadmap.
Understanding the CAT DILR Section with SuperGrads
| Particulars | Details |
| Section Name | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
| Number of Questions | 20 |
| Duration | 40 minutes |
| Question Types | MCQs and Non-MCQs |
| Marking Scheme | +3 correct, −1 incorrect (MCQs), 0 for Non-MCQs |
| Weightage | ~33% of total CAT score |
DILR broadly has two parts:
- Data Interpretation (DI): Tables, graphs, charts, caselets
- Logical Reasoning (LR): Arrangements, selections, puzzles, games & tournaments
SuperGrads 8-Week Study Plan to Crack CAT DILR Section
Week 1–2: Build Strong Fundamentals with SuperGrads
Start with core reasoning ideas and basic DI reading.
- Learn/refresh basics: linear/circular arrangements, sequences, ranking, blood relations
- Solve simple DI sets: tables, bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs
- Focus on reading data quickly and picking relevant info
- Practice at least 2 beginner sets daily using SuperGrads DILR practice material
Resources
- Arun Sharma’s LRDI for CAT
- SuperGrads DILR Practice Workbook & Live Sessions
Goal: Comfort with formats and clean interpretation habits
Week 3–4: Strengthen Skills and Improve Speed with SuperGrads
Move to moderate sets with timing discipline.
- Attempt mixed DI+LR sets; target 10–12 minutes per set
- Practise past CAT trends using the SuperGrads Previous Year CAT Question Bank
- Build pattern recognition and quick table setups
Focus Topics
- Binary logic
- Seating/ordering puzzles
- Venn diagrams (2/3-set intersections)
- Caselets with multiple variables
Goal: 70–75% accuracy with stable speed
Week 5–6: Master Advanced DILR Sets with SuperGrads
Tackle complex, multi-layered reasoning.
- Solve 3–4 hard sets daily
- Take SuperGrads DILR sectional tests twice a week
- Do full analysis: time spent per question, error types, missed inferences
- Practise under a strict 40-minute timer
Focus Topics
- Games & tournaments
- Network/flow diagrams
- Advanced distributions
- Multi-constraint caselets
Goal: Higher accuracy with smarter set selection and fewer dead-ends
Week 7: Focused Mock Tests and Performance Analysis with SuperGrads
Simulate the exam and refine decisions.
- Attempt 2–3 full-length SuperGrads CAT mocks
- Track metrics: accuracy, time per set, first-pass selection quality
- Revisit weak areas and re-solve similar sets to close gaps
- Curate a “favourite set types” list you’ll prioritise on D-day
Goal: 85%+ accuracy and confident temperament
Week 8: Final Revision and Strategy Refinement with SuperGrads
Consolidate and sharpen.
- Revisit previously solved high-yield sets
- Polish shortcuts: ratio logic, approximation, elimination
- Do 1–2 maintenance sets daily
- Sleep well, keep a calm, methodical mindset
Goal: 90%+ accuracy with disciplined time management
SuperGrads Expert Tips to Crack the DILR Section
- Nail set selection first: Scan all sets, pick the 2–3 most approachable ones to lock quick marks.
- Hard stop at 10–12 minutes: If progress stalls, mark and move; don’t sink time.
- Keep a mistakes log: Note misreads, wrong assumptions, diagram misses—review it every 2–3 days.
- Build templates: Create quick grids, variable tables, and diagram frames you can reuse.
- Use approximations smartly: Especially for DI with heavy calculations.
- Stay calm on tough papers: Everyone finds them tough; relative performance matters.
SuperGrads’ Quick Daily Drill (Sample)
- 10 mins: Scan a past DILR slot; pick 1–2 favourite set types
- 25–30 mins: Solve 2 timed sets (moderate → tough)
- 10 mins: Post-solve analysis (why it worked/failed, faster route?)
- 5 mins: Update your mistakes log and templates
Conclusion:
Be systematic, not random. Start with fundamentals, practise with a timer, analyse deeply, and refine your set-selection instincts. With SuperGrads’ structured study material, sectional tests, and full-length CAT mocks, you can turn DILR into a scoring section and lift your overall percentile.
