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Preparing for CAT 2026 requires a focused strategy, especially because the DILR section has emerged as one of the most challenging parts of the exam. Aspirants often ask why DILR is crucial for CAT 2026, and the answer becomes clear when you analyse CAT previous year questions, the section’s unpredictable pattern and rising CAT difficulty level make it a decisive score booster. To excel in CAT DILR, candidates must strengthen core DILR concepts, practise a variety of logical sets, and consistently work on high-weightage topics that can significantly impact overall CAT 2026 preparation and percentile performance.
After qualifying for the CAT 2025 examination, shortlisted candidates will have to appear in three stages of the selection process, which are a written ability test (WAT), a personal interview (PI) round, and a group discussion (GD).
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The CAT 2026 assesses applicants' logical thinking ability through the IIMs Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning component. This DILR section examines your ability to make quick decisions with limited information. Before taking the CAT exam, you should be able to swiftly answer all questions about Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR).
This category distinguishes between a normal and an outstanding proportion. You cannot prepare for the CAT in 2026 if you are not time-conscious, as there is a section limit on the number of sections you can take.
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CAT 2026 evaluates the ability of candidates to use logical thinking skills and the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of the test. This DILR section checks your decision-making ability and speed using limited input. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), all types of questions should be easy for you before the CAT exam.
This is the category that makes the difference between a normal and a good percentage. Since there is a section limit to try a section, not focusing on time will prevent your CAT preparation in 2026.
DI & LR has generally 4 different types of graphs that can be asked in the exam:
| CAT 2026 DILR Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
Spider Graph | ||
Tables | ||
Triangular Graph | ||
You may encounter questions based on other topics that have not yet been asked. But the following are the favorite topics in the CAT-2026; be well prepared:
| CAT 2026 Puzzles Topics | ||
|---|---|---|
Matching puzzles | ||
Sets | Investment-based puzzles | |
Constraint-based arrangements | ||
The table below gives you an idea of the number of questions asked from each topic, as well as the level of the questions.
| Subject Name | Name of Topic | Expected no. of questions | Level of the questions |
|---|---|---|---|
Logical Reasoning | Seating Arrangement and Data Arrangement | 5-6 | Difficult |
Logical Reasoning | Blood relations | 2-3 | Moderate |
Logical Reasoning | Syllogisms & Venn Diagrams | 2-3 | Easy |
Logical Reasoning | Assumption & Binary Logic | 1-2 | Easy |
Logical Reasoning | Clocks and Calendars | 1-2 | Moderate/Easy |
Data Interpretation | Puzzles | 1-2 | Moderate |
Data Interpretation | Data Sufficiency | 3-5 | Moderate |
Data Interpretation | Graphs related | 5-8 | Moderate |
Data Interpretation | Tables & Caselets | 3-5 | Difficult |
To know the weightage of each topic in previous years, you can visit: CAT DILR topic-wise weightage
The more you practice CAT 2026 DI & LR questions, the better you will get. It is well known how the DI questions for CAT 2026 are calculated. After completing your daily preparation, schedule some brainwashing activities, such as solving Sudoku, family tree, blood ties, and crossword puzzles.
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Taking a look at any data provided to you is a good start in the CAT 2026 exam. This makes it easier for your brain to read data sets. Wherever you look at some of the data provided, your antennas should go up and look for assumptions you can make from them. This continuous practice will help you to solve the CAT question papers on data interpretation and logical reasoning with ease.
Apart from this, solve puzzles like 2048, Sudoku, Crossword, etc. This will help you create a strong sense of intuition. When you see different obstacles at once, the key/ important control is to jump up and scream at you. This is what it means to "create intuition," & it comes with practicing simple puzzles like Sudoku daily.
Step-by-step CAT 2026 preparation process, as recommended by CAT toppers, is:
Take note of the CAT exam pattern and the CAT 2026 syllabus.
Try some CAT mock tests and previous test documents to find your strong and weak headlines in the DILR section.
Dedicate at least 2-3 hours daily to focused preparation.
Plan your study schedule to balance building a solid foundation and improving conceptual clarity using the recommended books and study materials.
Focus more on your weak areas by allocating extra time to strengthen them.
The candidates must refer to the DILR Ebooks curated by Careers360. These ebooks are suitable CAT 2026 study materials along with previous year's questions and sample papers. Go through the table below to get the download links for the Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation ebooks.
| Important CAT DILR 2026 Ebooks | Download Link |
|---|---|
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions | |
CAT 2026 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics | |
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightage | |
CAT 2026 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can prepare for the CAT exam without training. However, it will require a single-minded commitment.
The most important topics for CAT DILR are as follows:
1) Seating Arrangements and Data Arrangements
2) Blood Relations
3) Syllogisms
4) Venn Diagrams
5) Assumptions and Binary Logic
6) Clocks and Calendars
7) Puzzles
8) Data sufficiency
9) Graphs
10) Tables and Caselets
No, to distort the CAT exam, candidates have to prepare with the help of CAT preparation books, tutorials, and mock tests.
The amount of questions varies depending on the topic. For example, seating arrangements may include 5-6 questions, whereas blood relations may have only 2-3.
Practice solving puzzles, making seating configurations, and answering data interpretation questions. Focus on increasing your speed, as time management is essential.
Daily practice with scheduled mock tests and a thorough comprehension of important concepts will help you increase your speed and accuracy.
You can increase your capacity to deal with time pressure by practising on a regular basis and focusing on making faster decisions.
Concentrate on recognizing patterns in seating arrangements, blood relationships, and riddles. Work to improve your logic and reasoning skills.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
For a raw score of 56 in CAT 2025 Slot 3, your expected overall percentile is likely to be in the range of the 90th-95th percentile. The exact percentile can vary slightly on the final normalization process and the process and performance of all test-takers. In this article you'll find more about the CAT result.
I hope it will clear your query!!
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.
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