XAT- Xavier Aptitude Test 2026
75+ years of legacy | #1 Entrance Exam | Score accepted by 250+ BSchools | Apply now
Data Interpretation (DI) on the CAT exam measures your ability to comprehend and analyze data presented in tables, charts, and graphs. Many students find this subject, along with Logical Reasoning (DILR), to be difficult due to its complexities and not expected nature. However, with the appropriate strategy and consistent practice, DI may become a lot easier to manage. In reality, when compared to sections like Quantitative Aptitude or Verbal Ability, DI can be easier to master if you apply effective tactics. With constant work and a concentrated study technique, you can comfortably take the DI section of the CAT exam. The following article contains practical strategies and techniques to help you prepare for DI and improve your performance.
Also read
Given that 40 minutes are allotted to complete the data interpretation in CAT 2025, where 5 sets of data have to be solved, the key to solving them is building familiarity and consistent practice. While the CAT exam consists of sets having data interpretation, pure logical Reasoning and a mix of both,. This article focuses on acing the data interpretation for the CAT exam. The table given below touches on CAT Data Interpretation topics that are important to crack the section.
Bar Charts | Pie Charts |
Line Charts | Pyramid Charts |
Bubble Charts | Missing Table Data |
Networks |
Each of these topics expands 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:
Note: Focusing 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
There are two steps to your DI strategy preparation. The first phase focuses on the broad development of concepts and the strengthening of fundamentals. The second part of preparation involves determining what works for you and what does not. The goal is to find a successful approach that combines the speed of response and accuracy of the solution.
A maximum of two sets of pure DI and at least one set of logic-based data interpretation questions are expected in CAT 2025, meaning that the paper will not cover all of the topics listed above. However, you cannot afford to ignore inquiries about any specific issue. As a result, your initial DI preparation should include a broad variety of topics. During this phase, you will grasp the fundamentals of each concept and complete small activities.
You can also refer to and answer DI questions from previous CAT exam papers. The more questions you see about a particular problem, the more you will understand the facts. Try to finish one chapter in two days of study before moving on to the next. During this phase, the time required to answer a question may be neglected.
Simultaneously, improving your computing speed is critical. Data interpretation is a fast-paced game. The more time you save on DI, the more time you'll have for other sets. Although a calculator will be available throughout the test, you may save crucial seconds by performing the calculations yourself. Here are some options for this strategy:
Multiplication tables up to 20 are a must-know.
Knowing the decimal values from 1/2 to 1/20 can help save time on some percentage-related questions.
Adding numbers faster, finding whole number estimates of fractions help in solving that little bit quicker.
Techniques in Vedic math for multiplications can be handy.
75+ years of legacy | #1 Entrance Exam | Score accepted by 250+ BSchools | Apply now
Highest CTC: Rs 18.33 LPA | Average CTC: Rs 7.39 LPA | Experiential Learning | Classes by Industry Professionals | Alumni Mentorship Program
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 the CAT exam. Repetition will help with improving and getting better at calculations.
Also check: CAT Exam - Know best books to prepare for DI and LR
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 topical 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 the 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 that 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.
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.
The following data is taken after careful analysis of the previous year’s CAT question papers. All the questions from each set making a total of 60 questions are considered for this analysis
Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | |
Scatter Graphs | 5 |
Bar Graphs | 5 |
Table based DI | 5 |
Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | |
6 | |
Bar Graphs | 8 |
Table based DI | 21 |
4 |
Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | |
Chapter Names | Number of Questions |
Table based DI | 28 |
6 | |
6 | |
6 | |
4 |
Choosing the proper CAT books is critical for preparing for the Data Interpretation (DI) portion of CAT 2025. Good books provide a wide range of data sets and strategies to help you practice and enhance your analytical abilities. They feature activities with clear solutions, allowing you to progress from beginner to advanced levels. These books also include helpful suggestions and tactics for quickly answering problems and managing time, all of which are essential for scoring well on exams. By consistently using these tools, you can improve your ability to understand data and confidently handle the DI section of the CAT 2025.
Book Title | Author(s) |
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha |
A maximum of 2 sets of pure DI and at least one set of logic-based data interpretation questions are expected in CAT 2025.
Many students find DI difficult since it needs rapid thinking and good data analysis abilities. The variety of data might be difficult to understand at first, but with experience and suitable methods, it becomes simpler.
To develop your DI skills, work with different types of data on a regular basis. Concentrate on learning basic mathematical terms such as percentages and ratios. Solving practice issues and learning from mistakes can help you improve over time.
Accuracy is more crucial than speed in DI. While responding promptly to questions is beneficial, committing mistakes might lose you points. Begin by concentrating on accurately answering questions, and then concentrate on improving your speed through practice.
To score well and get comfortable with exam patterns, practicing the Mock test is very important for candidates.
DI can be challenging since it requires complicated data and speedy decision-making. It is also unexpected, but with practice, it can become more manageable.
Begin by improving your fundamentals and practising with various sorts of data sets. Practice consistently to improve your speed and accuracy.
Improve your understanding of ratios, percentages, averages, profit and loss, and fundamental arithmetic calculations to help you handle DI problems faster.
In Phase 1, concentrate on grasping topics and resolving minor issues. In Phase 2, focus on solving DI sets rapidly and within a time restriction to enhance speed.
Study multiplication tables, decimal values, and mental math skills. Set aside at least 30 minutes per day to improve your arithmetic skills.
Aim to complete each DI set in 8-10 minutes. If you take longer, skip the set and continue. Speed is essential for addressing DI in the exam.
Hello aspirant,
The question papers for CAT MGU University can be found on their official website, or you can also visit careers360 website for the same.
The link of which, I am attaching here,
https://university.careers360.com/articles/mgu-cat-2025
Regards
Hello Anshuman!!!
You have gotten 86% in 10th, which is a good score. 70% in graduation is not the best but decent. But the main problem is your 12th score which is 62%.
You would be already aware that the Top IIMs (BLACKI) give a big emphasis on your academic score. Let me tell you one example of IIM Ahmedabad,
According to a research i read a few days ago, in IIM Ahmedabad,
70.8%
of students has 90+ percent in 12th,
25.8%
has 80-90 percent and around
3.8%
has less than 80% with the bracket of 60-69 having only
0.26%
students of the total batch. Nearly same is the case of the other top IIMs like IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode and IIM Indore.
Statistically, getting into these TOP IIMs is possible with 62% in 12th is possible (0.26% has done it) but practically you cannot get into these TOP IIMs unless you top the CAT exam.
See, I don't wish to dishearten or demotivate you but I wish to tell you the truth. Although the probability of you getting into these TOP IIMs is very less, but trying is better than doing nothing. You have a good score in 10th which will certainly help you. The least you could do is try your best.
My advice would be that you should not focus on these things like "Will I get top IIM" or negative talk like " I got low marks I won't qualify" etc.
The main focus should be on your preparation.
Give 100% in your preparation because that's the only thing in your hand. You can't change your 10th/12th/Graduation scores but you can put some more effort in your preparation which would certainly help to get better percentile.
Keep working hard and give your best. You might surprise yourself!!! And if not BLACKI, there are many other good colleges like FMS, MDI, newer IIMs etc.
Hello,
Yes, with a 622 rank in IPU CET for MBA and being a Delhi candidate, you have a good chance of getting admission in MAIT (Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology).
You don’t need to worry about not giving the CAT exam. IPU CET rank is enough for admission in MAIT under the CET quota.
Just make sure to keep MAIT high in your preference list during counselling.
Hope it helps !
Hello,
A NEET 2025 score of 333 marks, an All India Rank (AIR) near 3,56,000, and belonging to the SC category from Andhra Pradesh suggest a fair possibility of obtaining an MBBS seat within the state quota, especially in private medical colleges under Category A (government quota seats in private institutions).
In Andhra Pradesh, SC category cut-offs for Category A seats in private institutions generally vary from 320 to 370, influenced by the college and the counselling round. Government medical colleges tend to be more competitive, with the SC cut-off for MBBS frequently rising, often exceeding 400 marks.
Although obtaining a government MBBS seat is improbable, you stand a feasible opportunity in private medical colleges within A category (which offer lower tuition than B and C categories). In Round 2 or the Mop-Up round, you can anticipate improved opportunities, since cut-offs generally decrease when other students move to superior colleges or vacate seats.
Colleges such as NRI Medical College (Guntur), Katuri Medical College (Guntur), Great Eastern Medical School (Srikakulam), Alluri Sitarama Raju Academy of Medical Sciences (Eluru), and Fathima Institute of Medical Sciences (Kadapa) are among those where seats could become available for SC students in subsequent rounds under Category A.
Hope this helps. All the best!
Yes, candidates who qualify in CUSAT CAT can gain admission to various participating institutes based on their rank. These include engineering colleges associated with CUSAT, such as its own School of Engineering in Kochi, Model Engineering College, and over 20 government and private engineering colleges across Kerala like College of Engineering Thrikkaripur, Co-operative Institute of Technology Vadakara, and MG College of Engineering Thiruvallam. The final seat allotment is based on your rank and your choice of program during the counselling process.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive identifies and pursues new business opportunities to drive company growth. They generate leads, build client relationships, develop sales strategies, and analyse market trends. Collaborating with internal teams, they aim to meet sales targets. With experience, they can advance to managerial roles, playing a key role in expanding the company’s market presence and revenue.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A Sales Manager leads a sales team to meet targets, formulates strategies, analyses performance, and monitors market trends. They typically hold a degree in management or related fields, with an MBA offering added value. The role often demands over 40 hours a week. Strong leadership, planning, and analytical skills are essential for success in this career.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
Amongst top 3% universities globally (QS Rankings)
NAAC A+ Grade | Among top 100 universities of India (NIRF 2024) | 40 crore+ scholarships distributed
Ranked #41 amongst institutions in Management by NIRF | 100% Placement | Last Date to Apply: 15th July
25+ years of legacy | NAAC A+ Grade | 800+ Recruiters | 1.5 CR-Highest Package
NAAC A+ Grade | Ranked No.1 Private University in India (QS World University Rankings 2025)
100% Placement Assistance | Avail Merit Scholarships