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The DILR section in CAT 2025 holds significant weight in determining your overall performance. Known for its lengthy and slightly tricky sets, this part of the exam often tests not just accuracy but also time management. Recent trends indicate that Data Interpretation usually carries more marks than Logical Reasoning, making it a key focus area. Since the DILR syllabus is wide and can feel overwhelming, the smart approach is to prioritise topics that have repeatedly appeared in CAT previous year question papers. In this article, we will highlight the most important areas for CAT 2025 DILR preparation, along with CAT 2024 all slot analysis, topicwise weightage, so you can streamline your efforts and boost your chances of achieving a top score.
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Before the CAT exam day, it is beneficial for the candidates to gain a good knowledge of what they can expect in the CAT 2025 question paper. This will help them not to be surprised on the CAT exam day.
As per the latest CAT previous year question paper analysis, the difficulty level of the CAT 2025 examination is expected to be moderate. The same difficulty level was maintained in CAT 2023 as well. The candidates can expect a few easy sets, a couple of moderate sets, followed by a difficult set.
Apart from going through all the key topics in DILR for CAT 2025, the candidates should also have a very good understanding of which set to attempt. CAT time management is essential, and choosing a difficult set and not completing it can lead to the wastage of time and effort.
There is a sectional time limit in place for the CAT 2025 DILR section. The candidates are allowed 40 minutes to answer all 22 questions. Since it is a Computer-Based Test, the window closes immediately after the time is up without the provision of extra time.
As far as the CAT 2024 exam analysis is concerned, the candidates were asked 12 MCQs and 10 TITA (Type in The Answer) questions without options.
The candidates can also expect almost the same division for the CAT 2025 examination as well going by the latest exam trends.
Looking at previous year CAT question papers and the recent exam trends, the expected CAT Exam Pattern 2025 has been shared below. The quantitative aptitude section is likely to range from moderate to difficult in terms of difficulty. Candidates can refer to the pattern below to understand the exam structure better.
Aspect | Details |
CAT exam time duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) & (160 Minutes for PwD) |
Name of the Section | - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) - Quantitative Aptitude (QA) |
Section-wise CAT exam time duration | - 40 Minutes for Each Section (VARC, DILR, QA) - 53 Minutes 20 Seconds for PwD candidates for each section |
Number of Questions | 68 |
Total Marks | 204 |
Mode of the CAT 2025 exam | Computer-Based Mode (CBT) |
CAT Marking Scheme | - For every right answer, +3 will be awarded - For every wrong answer in MCQs, -1 will be deducted - No negative marks for Non-MCQs |
There is no official syllabus for the CAT 2025 DILR section. But going through the CAT 2-25 sample papers,and previous year question papers, we can shortlist the CAT 2025 DILR important topics from which most of the questions will be asked. After the careful analysis, the syllabus and CAT 2025 mock tests is listed below for the reference of the candidates.
Games & Tournaments (Points, Knockouts, Tables)
Arrangements – Linear & Circular
Scheduling & Sequencing
Selection & Distribution
Team Assignments (Matrix Grids)
Routes, Directions & Networks
Decision Making / Logical Deductions
Analytical Reasoning Puzzles
Cubes
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
The key topics in DILR for the CAT 2025 examination can be shortlisted by properly analysing the CAT previous year question papers. The candidates can make the best use of the remaining time for their CAT 2025 preparation by understanding the most important DILR sets for CAT and learning them first. Careers360 have conducted a proper analysis of the previous year CAT question papers and has shortlisted a set of the most important DILR sets for CAT. They are listed below:
In the CAT 2024 examination, 9 CAT DILR questions were asked in slots 1 and 3 under the logical reasoning section of the CAT DILR 2024 examination. 10 questions were asked under slot 2 of the CAT DILR section’s logical reasoning topic. This collectively constitutes 45% of the total CAT DILR section. Some of the important topics that the candidates should take care of under the CAT Logical Reasoning section are:
While analysing the CAT DILR previous year topics, it was observed that 2 sets of the CAT DILR section were solely focused on the games and tournaments topic. The first five questions of the CAT 2024 slot 1 examination were based on the games and tournament set. The difficulty level of this question was moderate. In the same manner, the last five questions of the CAT 2024 slot 2 examination were also asked from the games and tournaments topic. Due to the frequency with which the questions are repeating from the games and tournaments topics in the recent CAT examinations, the games and tournaments topic becomes one among the most important DILR sets for CAT.
Similar to the games and tournaments topic, 10 questions were collectively asked from both the CAT DILR slots 1 and 2, marking one of the key topics in DILR for CAT 2025. Going by the previous year's CAT question paper analysis, it can be observed that the candidates can expect a question from the routes and networks topic in the CAT 2025 examination. The questions asked under the routes and networks concepts are generally slightly more lengthy and hence, the candidates must prepare well for this section.
Among all the logical reasoning CAT 2025 topics, the logical arrangement and ordering topic is one of the most probable CAT DILR topics 2025 that is sureshot for the CAT 2025 examination. This is mainly because, under this topic, questions can be asked from topics such as:
Linear Arrangements.
Circular Arrangements
Distribution questions
Selection questions
Ordering questions
Since there are a lot of possibilities of questions that may be asked in the logical arrangement and ordering section, this is a very important CAT DILR topic and must be prioritised during the candidate’s CAT DILR preparation.
Quant-Based Logical Reasoning in CAT involves reasoning problems that are grounded in numerical and mathematical logic. These sets often include topics like number series, age problems, time and work, time-speed and distance, clocks, calendars, and puzzles involving mathematical operations. Unlike pure logic-based sets, these require candidates to apply arithmetic concepts along with logical thinking to arrive at the correct answers. They test both quantitative aptitude and the ability to deduce patterns or sequences logically under time pressure.
The CAT previous year analysis indicates that the greatest weightage of the CAT DILR section is given to the Data Interpretation section. One of the key data interpretation CAT 2025 topics that the candidates can expect in the CAT 2025 examination is a question on graphs. Similarly, there are a few most important DILR sets for CAT that the candidates should be aware of. The most important CAT DI topics are listed below after a thorough analysis of the CAT's previous year question papers.
Questions on graphs cannot be overlooked during the candidate’s DILR preparation. Graph questions are a must in the CAT examinations. While various types of graph questions may be asked in the CAT examination, a set of questions from the topic is confirmed. Some of the topics from which the candidates can expect questions under the graph concepts include:
Bar Charts
Line Graphs
Pie Charts
Mixed Graphs (Bar + Table, Pie + Line)
Spider/Radar Charts
Scatter Plots.
In the CAT 2024 examination, the graphical questions were asked from topics such as line charts, bar graphs and candlestick charts. 4 questions were asked from each slot of the CAT 2024 examination under the graph topic. The candidates can secure 12 marks in the CAT examination with efficient graph preparation. Hence, topic graphs are one among the most important DILR sets for CAT and should be prioritised during the data interpretation section preparation of the candidates.
Table-based DI questions appeared in slot 3 of the CAT 2024 examination. The candidates were asked a total of 4 questions under this topic. While it may not be as frequently asked topic as the graphs, there is a good chance that the table-based DI questions may appear in the CAT 2025 examination. Hence, the candidates are advised to solve the various questions of the table-based DI topic to enhance their CAT DI preparation.
The Quant-based DI questions are very frequently asked under the Data Interpretation section of various management entrance examinations. Quant-Based Data Interpretation in CAT involves numerical data given to candidates where they must apply mathematical concepts like ratios, percentages, and averages to analyse and answer the questions accurately. The data presented to the candidates can be in a graph, table or even passages. This type of question assesses the quantitative reasoning skills of the candidates along with their attention to detail. Making it one of the favourite CAT DILR topics 2025 for the examiners.
Daily preparation for CAT DILR requires a balanced approach that moves from the basics to advanced problem-solving. A consistent practice plan helps build accuracy, logical clarity, and time management—three key skills to ace the CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section. Following a step-wise strategy from beginner to advanced ensures you steadily improve speed and confidence.
Day 1–5: Learn fundamentals of sets, tables, bar graphs, line graphs, and basic arrangements. Solve 3–4 easy DI sets (30 minutes) and 2 LR puzzles (30 minutes).
Day 6–7: Revise concepts and solve a mixed practice test of 4 sets (1 hour). Analyse mistakes.
Daily Routine:
DI (45 mins): Solve 3 moderate-level sets on charts, tables, and caselets.
LR (45 mins): Practice 2 puzzles on seating arrangements, games, and tournaments.
Analysis (30 mins): Review solutions and note shortcut techniques.
Weekly sectional test (1 hour, 4–6 sets).
Daily Routine:
DI (1 hour): Solve 4 high-level sets from previous year CAT papers and mock tests.
LR (1 hour): Attempt 3 advanced puzzles—circular seating, binary logic, and unconventional caselets.
Timed Drill (30 mins): Pick 2 sets and solve under strict time limits to improve speed.
Weekly full-length mock (3 hours) with detailed analysis.
Alternate between sectional tests and full mocks.
Focus on accuracy and selection of the right sets.
Practise 20–25 DILR sets weekly under exam conditions.
Revise solved examples and error log daily.
The CAT DILR section (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) looks tough for many students. Most of the time, it is not about how much you know, but about avoiding small mistakes. If you know these mistakes in advance, you can save time, stay calm, and get a better score.
Many students keep trying one hard puzzle for 20 minutes. This wastes time and reduces attempts. Remember: all sets have the same marks. If one set feels too tough, leave it and try an easier one.
Some students start solving the first set they see. This is risky. Always spend 2–3 minutes at the beginning to check all sets. Pick the ones that look clear and simple first.
In DI, you need to calculate fast. If you depend only on long methods, you will lose time. Learn quick tricks for percentages, ratios, averages, and approximations. This saves minutes in the exam.
One small mistake in reading a table, chart, or puzzle rule can make the whole answer wrong. Read the question slowly. Underline or write down key conditions before you start solving.
Some students try to solve too many sets in less time. But wrong answers give negative marks. It is better to solve fewer sets correctly than many sets with mistakes.
Many candidates just take mock tests and move to the next one without checking errors. This is a big mistake. Always check where you went wrong and write it in an “error notebook.” This helps you avoid the same mistakes again.
The CAT DILR section has changed a lot over the years in terms of question style and difficulty. From long calculation-based DI sets to logical puzzles and unconventional caselets, the focus has shifted to testing smart thinking, data handling, and time management rather than pure mathematics.
DILR was mixed with Quant. Most questions were calculation-heavy DI sets like tables, bar graphs, and pie charts. Logical reasoning had basic seating arrangements and puzzles.
DILR became a separate section with 32 questions. Difficulty went up sharply. DI had more reasoning-based caselets instead of direct calculations. LR included games, tournaments, and complex arrangements. Many students found it the toughest section.
The number of questions reduced to 24. Still, the section was tricky because most sets needed deep logical thinking. Direct DI questions almost disappeared.
CAT DILR had 20 questions in 40 minutes. Sets were fewer but tougher. Choosing the right 2–3 sets was key. Most were reasoning-based puzzles like Venn diagrams, distribution, and hybrid sets.
CAT DILR continues to test smart selection. You don’t need to solve all sets—just pick the doable ones and solve them with accuracy. The focus is on logical clarity, not speed alone.
Now that the candidates have almost 6 months for CAT preparation, they should begin by practising the important topics of each section by following the effective CAT 2025 preparation strategies. Some of the necessary CAT DILR preparation tips that can be followed by the candidates to enhance their preparation are listed below.
Focus on understanding different types of DI sets like tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and caselets. The candidates should solve as many CAT 2025 DILR sample questions as possible.
Practice calculations involving percentages, ratios, and averages to improve speed and accuracy.
Develop the ability to quickly interpret data and spot trends or inconsistencies.
The candidates should work on their approximation skills to save time during lengthy calculations.
Solve previous year CAT DI questions to get familiar with the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Attempt sectional tests and mock exams regularly to improve time management.
CAT DILR questions can be tricky, but with the right approach, you can solve them faster and more accurately. Here are some simple, effective tricks to help you save time and reduce errors.
Read the entire set before attempting. It helps you understand the context and choose the right approach from the start.
Break down large data sets into smaller parts. It makes analysis easier and helps in identifying useful patterns.
Use the options to your advantage. Try eliminating wrong choices instead of solving everything from scratch.
Sketch rough diagrams or tables for arrangements and puzzles. A quick visual often clears up confusion.
Don’t get stuck on one tough set. Move on and return later if time allows. Prioritise solvable sets first.
Practice mental calculations regularly. Fast approximations can give you an edge, especially in Data Interpretation questions.
We have provided below a detailed breakdown analysis, topic-wise weightage from CAT 2024, all slots, i.e. Slot 1,2 and 3, to help students get familiar with the important topics, exam pattern, and frequently asked questions:
Arrangements (Games & Tournaments) – 5 Questions
Distribution (Stars Distribution) – 4 Questions
Venn Diagram / Binary Logic (Countries & Travel Patterns) – 3 Questions
Line & Bar Graphs (Candlestick Charts) – 4 Questions
Quant-based LR (Election Campaign & Voter Behavior) – 4 Questions
Total: 20 questions spread across 5 major themes.
Network Flow Diagrams (Optimization Problems) – 4 Questions
Linear Arrangements (Ordering & Seating) – 5 Questions
Quant-based DI (Rating Distribution) – 3 Questions
Line & Bar Graphs (Growth Analysis) – 4 Questions
Games & Tournaments (Gymnasts & Coaches) – 4 Questions
Total: 20 questions, balanced across 5 clusters.
Network Flow Diagrams (ATM Grid – Cash Distribution) – 5 Questions (Q1–Q5)
Caselets (Temperature & AC Operation) – 5 Questions
Line & Bar Graphs (Country vs GDP) – 4 Questions
DI Tables (Nutrient Composition, Subscribers, Missing Data) – 6 Questions
Games & Tournaments – 2 Questions
Total: 22 questions distributed across 5 areas.
Slot 1 leaned on Arrangements, Binary Logic, and Quant-based DI.
Slot 2 gave heavy weight to Linear Arrangements + Games & Tournaments, with moderate Network Flow & Graphs.
Slot 3 stood out for heavy DI Tables & Caselets, with Network Flow again being significant.
When it comes to CAT preparation 2025, the candidates have a plethora of CAT 2025 best preparation books to choose from. While advantageous, this can also be confusing and inexperienced candidates might choose books which may fall short of catering for the exact needs of the candidates. To help the candidates avoid this pressure and prepare well for the examination, Careers360 has shortlisted the best CAT DILR study material for the candidates.
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 |
Careers360 provides various resources for CAT 2025 preparation, such as detailed syllabus guides, topic-wise study materials, mock tests, and expert strategy articles. Candidates can access these CAT 2025 study materials through the links provided 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Focus more on high-weightage topics like arrangements, Venn diagrams, and caselets, but also practise variety to avoid surprises.
Seating arrangements, Venn diagrams, games and tournaments, and data caselets usually carry the most weight. These topics appear almost every year.
CAT DILR does not divide evenly, but usually 10–12 are reasoning-heavy and 8–10 are data-based
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.
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.
On Question asked by student community
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You can consider private dental colleges, state quota seats in other states, or reattempt NEET next year to improve your chances.
Hello dear candidate,
YES, with NEET score 344in the ST category you have high chances of getting admission in a BDS College in J&K through JKBOPEE counselling.
check the seat availability and next participate in JKBOPEE Counselling with all the necessary documents.
Thank you.
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