CAT Admit Card Date:05 Nov' 25 - 30 Nov' 25
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 2025 exam. The following article contains practical strategies and techniques to help you prepare for DI and improve your performance.
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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 2025 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:
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Note: Focusing on the above-mentioned math topics at the start of your quantitative aptitude preparation can also help your DI preparation for CAT.
Choosing the right resources is key to cracking the DILR section of CAT 2025 with confidence. Along with practicing past year papers and understanding questionwise weightage, candidates should focus on the Best Books, Study Material & Preparation Tips for CAT that cover Data Interpretation in depth. A structured approach with reliable resources ensures better accuracy, speed, and exam-day readiness.
A clear understanding of the CAT 2025 Exam Pattern and the CAT Syllabus for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning is essential before diving into detailed practice.
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.
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.
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.
Preparing for the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section is crucial for CAT 2025 aspirants aiming for top scores. Below are the detailed DILR questionwise weightage insights from previous year CAT exams, broken down slot by slot. This analysis helps CAT 2025 students understand important topics, identify recurring question patterns, and prioritize practice areas for maximum efficiency.
Topic | Question Title | Number of Questions | Question Type | Level of Difficulty |
DI | The stock price of 7 different stocks | 4 | 3 MCQs, 1 TITA | Easy |
DI | 3 people travelling to different countries | 4 | 2MCQs,2 TITA | Moderate |
DI | DI based on two candidates contesting in an election | 5 | 4MCQs,1 TITA | Difficult |
LR | LR on Tournaments and Teams | 5 | 5 TITA | Moderate |
LR | Web surfers had to assign thirty stars | 4 | 3 MCQs, 1 TITA | Easy-Moderate |
Topics | Question Title | Number of Questions | Type of Questions | Difficulty Level |
LR | Rating concerned with 8 gymnasts | 5 | 2 MCQ 3 TITA | Easy to Medium |
DI | 6 firms and their profitability | 4 | 4 MCQ 0 TITA | Easy |
LR | A logical Reasoning question on Schematic diagram of walkways - Lake | 4 | 2 MCQ, 2 TITA | Medium |
LR | 1 to 10 numbers to be arranged in 10 slots with conditions | 5 | 2 MCQ, 3 TITA | Medium - Difficult |
DI | Ecommerce rating distribution -cumulative | 4 | 2 MCQ, 2 TITA | Easy |
Title | Number of Questions | Type of Questions | Difficulty Level |
App subscription | 4 | 4 MCQs | Easy |
Room temperature based on line graph | 5 | 2 MCQs, 3 TITA | Easy to medium |
ATMs based question on Network of roads and | 4 | 4 TITA | Medium-Difficult |
Proteins-Carbohydrates in food items | 5 | 3 MCQ, 2 TITA | Easy to medium |
The GDP of 10 countries | 4 | 3 MCQs, 1 TITA | Medium |
The CAT 2023 slot 1 DILR Questionwise Breakup:
LRDI | No. of Questions | Difficulty level |
Blocks/Houses for sale (Quant Based Reasoning) | 5 | Difficult-Very Difficult |
Professors voting for Dean (Distribution) | 5 | Difficult |
Restaurants and Gigs (Tables) | 5 | Moderate-Difficult |
Consulates – Visa slots | 5 | Very Difficult |
CAT 2023 Slot 2 DILR Question-wise Breakup:
Set Number | Topic | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
1 | Arrangement → Scores → two days average | 5 | Moderate - Difficult |
2 | Missing Values Based Table→ Company Starting/ Closing Years | 5 | Easy - Moderate |
3 | Rides & Timings | 5 | Moderate - Difficult |
4 | Grid Based→two 3*3 tables (Mean, Median, Mode) | 5 | Difficult |
Total | 20 | Moderate - Difficult |
CAT 2023 Slot 3 DILR Question-wise Breakup:
Set Number | Topic | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
1 | Girls / Boys (LR Caselet) Tests | 5 | Moderate- Difficult |
2 | Caselet→ Window/ Split AC | 5 | Difficult |
3 | Route Based Diagram | 5 | Easy |
4 | Online Sites (Mean, Median, Mode, Max/Min) | 5 | Easy-Moderate |
Total | 20 | Moderate - Difficult | |
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 |
Games and Tournaments | 4 |
Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | |
Chapter Names | Number of Questions |
Table based DI | 28 |
6 | |
6 | |
Games and Tournaments | 6 |
4 | |
Choosing the best 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
CAT 2025 syllabus includes Quantitative Aptitude (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Maths), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning sets), and VARC (Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability).
The difficulty of CAT 2024 varied across slots, with DILR being moderately tough compared to QA and VARC.
Yes, with a disciplined strategy, consistent practice, and mock tests, 6 months is sufficient to crack CAT.
Yes, if you focus on high-weightage topics, practice intensively, and attempt regular mocks, CAT can be cracked in 80 days.
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.
On Question asked by student community
Hello,
With 802 marks in TS Inter and ST category, you have a fair chance of getting admission in BPT (Bachelor of Physiotherapy) in some private colleges through state counselling.
However, for government colleges, the cutoff may be slightly higher, so keep options open for management quota or allied health colleges too.
Hope you understand.
Hey,
You already have a strong profile with the score of 58% in Class 10, 74% in Class 12, and 80% in graduation, but admission in IIT Bombay, Shailesh J Mehta School of Management is quite competitive, especially if you are in general category because the cutoff for general goes to 98.5-99%. Your CAT percentage is impressive but your 10th marks might reduce your score during the shortlisting process. If you perform well in Written Ability Test and Personal Interview, and present your commerce background you still stand a fair chance. But it would also be wise if you have some backups like MDI Gurugram, IMT Ghaziabad, IMI Delhi, where your marks and profile will fit well in their selection range.
HELLO,
I am providing you the link below through which you will be able to download the previous 10 years CAT question papers
Here is the link :- CAT Previous year Question papers
Hope this Helps!
The three key formulas that can solve almost all Profit & Loss problems are:
Profit/Loss % = (Profit or Loss / Cost Price) × 100%, where CP is the cost price.
Discount % = (Discount / Marked Price) × 100%, where MP is the marked price.
Mark up % = (Mark up Value / Cost Price) × 100%, where CP is the cost price.
These formulas can be adapted for problems involving discounts, marked price, or successive gains/losses.
For detailed examples and variations, you can from the article
Hello,
Yes, Pragati Engineering College offers seats in Category-B (Management quota) for B.Tech programmes. The selection criteria is mentioned as the per the guidelines issued by the AP State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE). The applications are available on the college's official website.
You can know more about the college and the courses from the link given below:
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Hope it helps!!!
Directions for question :
M/s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, one of the top four audit and accounting firms in the world with headquarters at London, UK, and with an operational presence in 153 countries, hires Management Trainees (MT) from all the premier management institutes of India thrice every year, in the months of January, May and September.
Each new group of Management Trainees (MT) have to go through a four month rigorous training schedule, after which they have to pass through a test consisting of a written assessment and a case-analysis. The top hundred ranked Management Trainees (MT) based on the performance in the test are confirmed as Management Executives (ME). The rest are given the opportunity of undergoing the training for four months one more time along with the next batch of Management Trainees (MT) and then passing through the subsequent test consisting of the written assessment and case-analysis. The Management Trainee (MT) who fails to get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the second time is fired.
The scatter-graph below depicts the number of Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte taking the tests from January 2020 till May 2022, and the vis-à-vis hired Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte who were fired :
It is also known that for the month of September 2019 at Deloitte, 96 hired Management Trainees (MT) failed to be confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the first time, and that 36 hired Management Trainees (MT) were fired.
Question :
In which test did the minimum number of Management Trainees (MT) get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) in the second attempt ?
September 2020
May 2021
January 2021
January 2022
Directions for question:
The bar-graph given below shows the foreign exchange reserves of Nepal (in million Rupees) from 2014 to 2021. Answer the following questions based on the graph :
Question:
What was the percentage increase (rounded to the nearest integer, if deemed necessary) in the foreign exchange reserves in 2020 over 2016 ?
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