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The Common Aptitude Test for admission in the most prestigious B-schools of India is set to be held on Sunday, 30 November 2025, across different cities of India in three shifts. This is the right time for a candidate to revise all the topics in three different sections. This article is mainly focused on must-do topics in DILR. The DILR section of CAT 2025 is the most unpredictable yet high-scoring segment for well-prepared candidates. DILR section will likely have 22 questions, a mix of moderate to highly challenging sets. The key factor to do well in this section is “selecting the right sets” and focusing on “CAT high-yield topics”. In this article, you will be familiar with the most important topics of the CAT 2025 DILR, exam day strategies and recommended ebooks and study materials which will help you in your preparation.
This Story also Contains
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) becomes more important for CAT due to
Its difficulty level influences the overall percentile
It’s a logical approach rather than mugging up any concept
Smart selection that can boost your score even by solving just 2 or 3 sets.
Below are the high-frequency, must-practice topics observed across CAT 2017–2024 papers and most likely to appear in CAT 2025.
S. No. | Topic | Variants of questions | Why is it important? |
1 | Arrangements & Puzzles |
| It is the backbone of DILR, and every year you may find 1 to 2 sets from it |
2 |
| In recent years, the sets from Games and Tournaments are always there. 1 set is expected | |
3 |
| These sets are usually easier and calculation based. Take lesser time to solve. | |
4 | LR DI Hybrid sets (Modern CAT Style) |
| In previous 3 -4 years, 1 -2 sets are from LR DI Hybrid sets. |
5 |
| Easier and faster | |
6 | Matrix based Reasoning |
| Sets are with clear logic and time efficient |
7 |
| Logical and moderate, also it is emerging topic in CAT. |
You may find DILR topics difficult to solve and sometimes may get frustrated while solving the DILR sets for CAT. Here are few key points that will certainly help you to get rid of fear of DILR for CAT:
Solve 8 -10 high quality sets per week based on past CAT.
You can also read: CAT DILR practice sets
Select appropriate sets to practice
On exam day: Pick sets with clear logic and avoid over conditioned logic puzzles.
You have to build a structured notation style while solving DILR puzzles.
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You can use tables, flow charts, short naming, symbols while interpreting the question.
Consistent practice and mock tests are required.
Do not use a calculator during practice DI questions.
Provided below is the last week's strategy of what to do and what to avoid. This will help you use most of your time for preparation effectively.
Do | Don’t |
Solve last 8 to 1o years CAT DILR sets | Start new topics |
Solve 2 -3 sets every day | Solve random puzzles unrelated to CAT |
Focus on the must do topics only | Spending too much time on a single set |
This section will help you understand the stepwise strategies to approach the DILR sets with strong clarity and confidence, to pick the right questions and manage your time while giving the exam.

In this section, we have provided you a comprehensive list of CAT 2025 ebooks related to DILR aligned with CAT 2025 syllabus to boost your confidence while preparing and practicing for the exam.
Title | eBook |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT PDF | |
CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | |
CAT 2025 DILR Masterbook - Practice 100 DILR Sets to score 90+ Percentile | |
Ultimate DILR CAT 2025 Guide: Concepts, Practice Sets and Detailed Solutions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There’s no fixed rule. Start with whichever set looks clearer and less time-consuming at first. A quick 30 - 40 second scan usually helps you identify your easiest starting point.
Focus on Sets & Venn Diagrams, Games & Tournaments, Arrangements, Puzzles, Cube/Matrix-based sets, and basic Data Interpretation calculations. These areas show up almost every year and usually form the core of the section.
In my opinion, you should not spend more than 12 minutes on a single set.
3 sets with 100 per cent accuracy are sufficient to score 99 percentiles.
Based on the previous 3-4 years' trends, CAT ‘DILR generally has 22 questions spread in 4 sets.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
With a projected CAT percentile of 87% but not clearing sectional cutoffs, your chances at top IIMs are limited because they require both overall percentile and sectional minimums. However, you still have a good shot at other reputed management institutes and non-IIM B-schools. Consider colleges like NMIMS, SPJIMR, IMT, TAPMI, Great Lakes, and other well-ranked private or state-level B-schools that accept CAT scores and weigh your profile holistically. Your academic record, BSc in Animation with 80%, and 5 years of work experience at Ubisoft India are strong points and may help in institutes that value work experience in their selection process. Also, explore institutes that accept XAT, MAT, or CMAT, where your profile can be competitive.
Hope this helps you.
Good Morning,
NIT Rourkela CAT cutoff range is between 70-85 percentiles for the general category. 70 is the minimum percentile needed to apply, and 85 is the highest percentile. However, the maximum percentile depends on the particular year competition. It can be changed.
Thank You.
If you filled the UGC NET form under EWS but you don’t have a valid EWS certificate, then forget using the EWS category. They won’t accept it. You’ll automatically be treated as General category during document verification.
And no, this won’t make your form “invalid” or “illegal.” It just means you won’t get the EWS benefit.
So yes — you can still go for General category posts and Professor recruitment. Just don’t try to submit a fake/invalid certificate; that will get you disqualified.
Hello,
If your CAT admit card shows your surname first followed by your first name as entered in the form, it is correct. You do not need to worry about this format as long as it matches the details you provided. Ensure all other information on the admit card is accurate and carry it to the exam along with the required identification documents.
Hope this helps you.
Hello,
If your CAT admit card has a different date of birth than your Aadhaar card, you should get it corrected immediately . Here’s what you can do:
Check the CAT website : Log in to your candidate portal and look for the option to correct personal details.
Contact the CAT helpdesk : Email or call them explaining the issue. Attach a copy of your Aadhaar card as proof.
Do not ignore it : The date of birth must match your ID, otherwise you may face problems at the exam or during admission.
Usually, the CAT authorities allow corrections before the exam, so act quickly.
Hope it helps !
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