How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - The section most candidates consider to be the toughest in CAT is Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). This mostly is on account of presumed complexity and unpredictability of Data Interpretation for CAT. However, unlike the Quant Section or VARC, the gestation time to learn and ace DILR is far lower. Moreover, the chances of high accuracy in DILR also makes it the most interesting section to prepare and crack. In this article, we talk of tips and trick on how to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT exam.

Given that 40 minutes are allotted to complete the Data Interpretation in CAT Exam where 5 sets of data have to be solved, the key to solving them is in building familiarity and consistent practice.

MBA Admission Open Now:

Also read

• CAT Syllabus 2021 for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

• CAT 2021 Exam Pattern

How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - Key topics

While the CAT exam consists of sets having Data Interpretation, pure Logical Reasoning and a mix of both. This article focusses on acing the Data Interpretation for CAT exam. The table given below touches CAT Data Interpretation topics that are important to crack the section.

Important Topics in Data Interpretation for CAT Exam

Each of these topics expand on ways to dissect the presented data and analyze it. Simplifying data given into easily analyzable forms is the most important skill one needs to master to crack Data Interpretation and of course, use the skill to succeed as a manager later on. Strong fundamentals in certain quantitative areas will aid you in your preparation for Data Interpretation.

To crack DI in CAT, proficiency in these quantitative topics is also required:

• Ratios

• Profit & Loss

• Percentages

• Averages

Note: Focussing on the above-mentioned math topics at the start of your quantitative aptitude preparation can also help your DI preparation for CAT.

Check out Best Books, Study Material & Preparation Tips for CAT 2021

Preparation for Data Interpretation - The Winning Strategy

Your preparation for DI strategy can be broken down into two phases. The first phase includes the general building of concepts and strengthening fundamentals. The second phase of preparation sees you gauging on what works for you and what doesn’t. The goal is to discover a winning strategy that combines speed in answering and accuracy in solving.

Other MBA Entrance Exams that you can apply for

How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - Phase 1

A maximum of 2 sets of pure DI and at least one set of logic-based data interpretation questions is expected in CAT 2021 which means the paper will not cover all the above-given topics. But you cannot afford to miss out on questions from any particular topic. Therefore, it is necessary to cover the entire breadth of topics in your initial preparation for DI. Clear fundamentals of each concept during this phase and solve basic problems. You can also refer to and solve the DI questions from past CAT questions papers. The more questions you see from a particular topic, the better your ability to understand the data. Aim to finish a chapter in two days of study and then move on to the next. During this phase, the time you take to solve a question can be ignored.

Parallelly, improving your calculation speed is essential. Data Interpretation is a game of speed. The more time you save in DI - the more time you have to give to other sets. Although a calculator will be available during the exam, you can save precious seconds by doing the calculations yourself. Some tips in this direction are

• Multiplication tables till 20 is a must-know.

• Knowing the decimal values from 1/2 to 1/20 can help save time in some percentage-related questions.

• Adding numbers faster, finding whole number estimates of fractions help in solving that little bit quicker.

• Techniques of Vedic math for multiplications can be handy.

If you find yourself bad at basic calculation, start your preparation for DI by spending at least 30 minutes a day doing calculations with random numbers. The speed and accuracy of calculations are incredibly crucial in CAT 2021 exam. Repetition will help in improving and getting better at calculations.

Also check: CAT 2021- Know best books to prepare for DI and LR

DI Preparation for CAT - Phase 2

Once your fundamentals are in place, we begin to factor in the time taken to solve a question. Practice 3 to 4 sets (excluding the mock questions, if any) of DI questions every day with a timer. Each set should ideally take less than 8 to 10 minutes. Any longer, and you should bid goodbye to the set (during mocks). Fixating on a particular set can cost you the exam which you will eventually discover during your mock writing sessions. But remember, worrying about the time isn't going to help you solve the question at hand. Instead focus solely on the question and the time taken will automatically be shaved off.

Once your fundamentals are secure, start by giving topic tests and mocks. The crucial part isn't taking the test; it is the post-test analysis that helps you improve. See how long you spent on each of the DI sets and what you could have done differently that would have saved you time. Solve the DI sets again outside the test with a timer on.

Note: DO NOT brush off calculation mistakes as silly. Make a conscious effort to improve accuracy.

Ultimately, repetition is the name of the game more so when it comes to preparation for Data Interpretation for CAT exam. The more you become familiar with standard templates, the faster you synthesize the data. The more you solve, the quicker you calculate. And the more aware you are, the better your accuracy. Also, having a way with numbers will be mighty handy in acing the DI section in CAT. The aim is simple - save time here to use elsewhere.

An aura of unpredictability surrounds this section, creating an unnecessary fear/pressure which makes you put the paper on a pedestal. You need to realize that all other candidates must face the same paper, and the one who maintains equanimity will come out on top.

Browse Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score: Location-Wise

Other Tips for DI Preparation:

• Try not to get intimidated by seeing voluminous data sets. Very often, these are the easiest, and the data is there to throw you off the track.

• Practice questions on increasing/decreasing percentages and comparing ratios.

• When solving a set in DI, do not solve the dataset entirely before moving to questions. Read the question first and do the bare minimum to be able to answer that question. Tabulate the values you have obtained during the calculation as they might help solve questions that come later.

• Learn to use options to get to the answer. If comparing numbers, do not drill down to decimal places. Instead, bring them to comparable forms (fractions mostly).

• Using the on-screen calculator can be helpful for lengthier calculations. Hence a few hours can be devoted to getting comfortable with the calculator. However, accurate mental calculations would be ideal for saving time.

Other Top MBA Entrance Exams