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The CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section has become one of the most unpredictable and challenging parts of the exam in recent years. While the overall difficulty remains moderate, many candidates struggle due to multi-layered puzzles and unfamiliar logic-based sets. Understanding the CAT DILR topic-wise weightage is crucial, as it helps aspirants focus on high-frequency topics like tables, graphs, arrangements, and games & tournaments. This detailed analysis, drawn from previous year papers and the CAT 2024 exam analysis, highlights the most important topics for CAT 2025.
The CAT DILR section has constantly maintained a moderate level of difficulty throughout the CAT previous year question papers. In the CAT 2024 question paper, 2 questions were added to the CAT DILR section, which resulted in an increase in the number of questions from 20 to 22. The CAT exam pattern of the DILR section is almost identical to the CAT quantitative Aptitude section, with 22 questions. The complete insight into the CAT DILR section is provided below for the reference of the candidates.
Section Details | Information |
Total Questions | 22 |
Types | MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) |
Sectional time limit | 40 minutes |
Marking Scheme | +3 for the correct answer No mark awarded or deducted for unattempted questions. |
Sub-sectional question arrangements | Jumbled. |
There is no definitive CAT DILR syllabus released by IIMs. But after properly analysing the CAT previous year question papers, the candidates can shortlist the set of topics from which the questions were asked in the CAT examination. Identifying the CAT DILR syllabus and creating a CAT timetable for completing this CAT DILR syllabus in time is one of the first steps in the CAT DILR preparation of the candidates. The complete syllabus of the CAT DILR section is provided below.
Games & Tournaments (Points, Knockouts, Tables)
Arrangements - Linear & Circular
Scheduling & Sequencing
Venn Diagrams
Binary Logic
Blood Relations
Selection & Distribution
Team Assignments (Matrix Grids)
Routes, Directions & Networks
Decision Making / Logical Deductions
Analytical Reasoning Puzzles
Syllogisms
Cubes, Dice, and Visual Puzzles
Tables
Bar Charts
Line Graphs
Pie Charts
Mixed Graphs (Bar + Table, Pie + Line)
Spider/Radar Charts
Scatter Plots
Reasoning-based DI
Caselet-based DI
As mentioned before, the CAT 2024 examination saw a change in the CAT DILR section with two extra questions added in the CAT DILR section. The CAT DILR topic-wise weightage analysis of the CAT 2024 question paper will help the candidates to understand the list of topics that they should take care of before starting their CAT DILR preparation. If the CAT 2024 exam trends are followed in 2025, preparing for the CAT 2025 examination will give a competitive edge to the candidates over their counterparts. The complete CAT DILR topicwise weightage for the 2024 examination is provided below.
Set Number | SLOT 1: Set - Topic/Area | SLOT 2: Set - Topic/Area | SLOT 3: Set - Topic/Area | No. of Questions |
1 | Games & Tournaments - Logical Arrangement (LR) | Linear Arrangements - Ordering Logic (LR) | Network Flow - ATM Cash Distribution (LR) | 5 |
2 | Distribution - Stars Distribution (LR) | Games & Tournaments - Gymnasts & Coaches (LR) | Caselets - Temperature & AC Operation (DI) | 5 |
3 | Venn Diagram - Countries Visited Overlap (DI) | Quant Based DI - Rating Distribution (DI) | Line & Bar Graphs - Country vs GDP (DI) | 4 |
4 | Line & Bar Graphs - Candlestick Charts (DI) | Line & Bar Graphs - Growth Analysis (DI) | DI Tables - Nutrient Composition (DI) | 4 |
5 | Quant Based LR - Voter Behaviour & Election Campaign (DI) | Network Flow Diagrams - Path Optimisation (DI) | DI Tables - Subscriber Category & App Usage (DI) | 4 |
From the analysis of the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of the CAT 2025 question paper, the following points were found.
The analysis of the CAT DILR topic-wise weightage reveals that most questions were asked from the concepts of Data Interpretation.
As far as the logical reasoning section of the CAT 2025 examination is concerned, the CAT DILR topic-wise weightage of the CAT 2024 examination revealed that the topics such as games and tournaments, quantitative aptitude based logical reasoning, logical arrangement and ordering and routes and networks are considered to be the ost important CAT logical reasoning topic.
When the CAT DILR topic-wise weightage for the Data Interpretation section is analysed, the candidates should focus on different types of graphs, such as:
Bar Charts
Line Graphs
Pie Charts
Mixed Graphs (Bar + Table, Pie + Line)
Spider/Radar Charts
Scatter Plots.
Apart from the graph topic, the candidates should also focus on topics such as Table-Based Data Interpretation and Quant-Based Data Interpretation.
The CAT DILR topic-wise weightage for all the slots of the CAT 2024 examination and the other previous year exams is provided below for the candidate’s reference. While the candidates can expect tricky questions from this topic, analysing the topic-wise weightage of the CAT 2025 examination will help the candidates to shortlist the topics on which they should focus. The topic-wise division is provided below for the reference of the candidates.
Section | Topic | Number of Questions | Weightage |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Games and Tournaments | 5 | 22.73 |
Bar Graph (DI) | 8 | 36.36 | |
Candlestick Chart | 4 | 18.18 | |
Decision Making (18) | 5 | 22.73 |
Section | Topic | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Games and Tournaments | 5 | 22.73 |
Line & Bar Graphs | 4 | 18.18 | |
Quant-Based DI | 4 | 18.18 | |
Linear Arrangements | 5 | 22.73 | |
Network Flow Diagrams | 4 | 18.18 |
Section | Topic | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Network Flow Diagrams | 5 | 22.73 |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Caselets | 5 | 22.73 |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Line & Bar Graphs | 4 | 18.18 |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | DI Tables | 8 | 36.36 |
Going through the CAT DILR topic-wise weightage of the CAT previous year question papers will give the candidates the most important insights into the topics of the CAT DILR section that the candidates should focus on. While analysing the previous year's question papers of the CAT examination, one of the key trends observed in the CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section is that the difficulty level of the DILR section is slightly increasing each year due to the presence of questions from multiple concepts. Also, the presence of lengthy questions has also made it slightly difficult for the candidates to answer the CAT DILR questions. The CAT DILR section’s topic-wise weightage of the previous year's question papers is provided below.
Number | CAT DILR Topics | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
1 | Graph | 5 | 22.73% |
2 | Token Value | 5 | 22.73% |
3 | Linear Arrangements | 5 | 22.73% |
4 | DI - Metro Lines | 5 | 22.73% |
Number | CAT DILR Topics | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
1 | Diagram-based LR Set - Widget Supplies | 5 | 22.73% |
2 | LR - Salesmen + 4 Companies | 5 | 22.73% |
3 | DI - Cosmetic Sales | 5 | 22.73% |
4 | DI - Company Revenue and Cost | 5 | 22.73% |
Number | CAT DILR Topics | Number of Questions | Weightage (%) |
1 | LR - Arrangements / Rankings / Team Formation | 5 | 22.73% |
2 | LR - Games and Tournament - 4 People | 5 | 22.73% |
3 | DI Based on Graph - Gender + Colour | 5 | 22.73% |
4 | DI - Ratio-based | 5 | 22.73% |
Topic | Number of Questions | Weightage |
Ordering and Sequencing | 6 | 10% |
Bar Graphs | 8 | 13% |
Reasoning-based DI | 19 | 32% |
Table-based DI | 21 | 35% |
Games and Tournaments | 4 | 7% |
After referring to the CAT topic-wise weightage of the DILR section, a list of highly probable topics for the CAT DILR is designed to enhance the CAT DILR preparation of the candidates.
Section | Important Topics |
Logical Reasoning | Games and Tournaments |
Routes and Networks | |
Logical Arrangement and Ordering | |
Quant-Based Logical Reasoning | |
Data Interpretation | Graphs |
Table-Based DI | |
Quant-Based DI |
When it comes to CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning preparation 2025, the candidates have a lot of CAT preparation books to choose from. While this is good for the candidates, it can also be confusing for those inexperienced candidates who might choose books those books which might not be very helpful for the candidates. To help the candidates tackle this pressure and enhance their CAT 2025 exam preparation, Careers360 has shortlisted the best CAT DILR preparation books for the candidates, which are provided below.
Book Title | Author |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha |
Effective CAT topic-wise preparation tips help you focus on each section strategically: Quant, DILR, and VARC. Breaking your preparation into topics allows better time management, clarity of concepts, and targeted practice, ultimately boosting your overall score in the CAT 2025 exam.
Focus on mastering Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Number Systems.
Start with basic concepts and gradually move to tougher problems.
Practice mental math daily to improve speed and accuracy.
Use CAT-level question banks and topic-wise tests.
Revise formulas regularly using a dedicated CAT formula sheet.
Build familiarity with bar graphs, pie charts, tables, and logical puzzles.
Practice a mix of easy to tough sets from previous year CAT papers.
Focus on accuracy first, then improve speed through timed practice.
Develop strategies for question selection during the CAT mock test.
Solve at least one DILR set daily to maintain consistency.
Read newspapers, editorials, and novels to improve reading skills.
Focus on RCs first as they carry higher weightage.
Practice para jumbles, sentence correction, and summary-type questions.
Build vocabulary and improve grammar basics.
Take section-wise VARC tests to improve comprehension and time management.
The candidates can download the various CAT preparation materials designed by experts of Careers360 for the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section as well as the other CAT sections, using the links given in the table below.
eBook Title | Download Links |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | |
Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions | |
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions | |
CAT 2025 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics | |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | |
CAT 2025 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material |
The DILR section is known for its unpredictable and tricky nature, often blending multiple logical and data interpretation concepts within a single set, which tests not only analytical ability but also time management under pressure.
The DILR section includes 22 questions with a mix of MCQs and TITA (Type In The Answer) formats, all to be solved within a strict 40-minute limit, following a +3/-1 marking scheme, making speed and accuracy equally vital.
High-weightage LR topics include Games & Tournaments, Logical Arrangements, Network Flow, and Quant-based reasoning—these appeared prominently across all CAT 2024 slots and are crucial for CAT 2025 prep.
Graph-based DI like bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and mixed formats, along with table-based and quant-driven caselets, dominated the 2024 paper and are expected to remain central in upcoming exams.
The CAT 2024 DILR section saw an increase in the number of questions from 20 to 22 and continued the trend of blending DI and LR topics within sets, signaling that CAT 2025 aspirants must prepare for integrated, concept-heavy problems rather than isolated question types.
Important topics for NIFT CAT are mostly based on your creativity, observation, design thinking, and visual communication skills. So here's list of important topics you should focus on:
- Observation and drawing skills: Human figures & gestures, nature & Scene drawing are important
- Creative Visualisation: In this you'll have to convert 2d shapes into 3d, making imaginary scenes from a theme, and story illustration from given situations.
- Design & Concept Development: You'll be making logo, posters with creative slogans, book cover design and many more designs.
- Color theory, creative use of texture & patterns.
- Imagination & Innovation: merging two object to make new thing, designing eco friendly or festive based products
Hello Aspirant,
On the CAT form, you should put your name exactly as it is on your class 10 marksheet, as that will be the official educational record. Then during document verification, you can bring a Gazette notification or affidavit for name change so that documents can match your Aadhaar.
Hello aspirant,
The CUSAT CAT 2025 inaugural real-time spot admission will take place at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) from August 4–6. For admission to a variety of undergraduate (B.Tech) and graduate (MSc) programs, the Common Admission Test, or CUSAT CAT, is an entrance exam. Every year, it features sections in mathematics/biology, chemistry, and physics.
For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:
https://www.careers360.com/exams/cusat-cat
Thank you
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, if your caste is listed under Central OBC and you come under the category of Non-Creamy Layer, then you shall be eligible for the OBC-NCL reservation in the CAT exam and IIM admissions, irrespective of its being categorized as OEC in Kerala. Remember to get a valid OBC-NCL certificate obtained as per the format prescribed by the Government of India.
Hey Vijay:)
Thanks for reaching out!
OEC,(Other Eligible Communities) is a state-specific reservation category used in Kerala,and it is not recognised as a separate category in central-level exams like the CAT.
For Central govt exams candidates must choose from the recognised categories: General,SC,ST,OBC-NCL,EWS or PwD.If your community is listed under OEC-SC or OEC-ST in Kerala,you should check whether it falls under SC or ST in the central list and apply accordingly.
Similarly,If your OEC community is in the central OBC list and you meet the non-creamy layer(NCL)rules,you can apply as OBC-NCL, otherwise you need to apply under the general category.
You can verify caste's status in the central list on the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) website.
Hope this clears your doubt!
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