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.
IIM Kozhikode will retain its three-stage admission process for the MBA (PGP) 2026–28 batch, with CAT 2025 scores carrying a final weightage of 35 percent. The minimum overall CAT cut-off for general category candidates remains at 85 percentile, with sectional qualifying scores required in VARC, DILR, and QA. Shortlisting of candidates will be based on CAT performance, academic record, and personal interview rounds.
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT 2025
How To Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT 2025: CAT Questionwise Weightage of DILR
Best Books for CAT Data Interpretation Preparation
How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT 2025
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT 2025
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.
Important Topics in Data Interpretation for CAT Exam
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.
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.
Preparation for Data Interpretation: The Winning Strategy
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.
How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT, Phase 1
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.
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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.
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 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.
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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.
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How To Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT 2025: CAT Questionwise Weightage of DILR
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.
CAT 2024 Slot 1 Breakdown for DILR
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
CAT 2024 Slot 2 Breakdown for DILR
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
CAT 2024 Slot 3 Question Paper Analysis - DILR
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
CAT 2023 Slotwise Breakdown
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
CAT 2022 Chapter Wise Weightage
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
CAT 2021 Chapter Wise Weightage
Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
Best Books for CAT Data Interpretation Preparation
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
CAT 2025 syllabus includes Quantitative Aptitude (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Maths), DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning sets), and VARC (Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability).
Q: Was CAT 2024 tough?
A:
The difficulty of CAT 2024 varied across slots, with DILR being moderately tough compared to QA and VARC.
Q: Can a CAT be cracked in 6 months?
A:
Yes, with a disciplined strategy, consistent practice, and mock tests, 6 months is sufficient to crack CAT.
Q: How can I enhance my DI skills?
A:
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.
Q: Can I crack CAT in 80 days?
A:
Yes, if you focus on high-weightage topics, practice intensively, and attempt regular mocks, CAT can be cracked in 80 days.
The results for the CAT 2025 entrance, which is conducted on November 30, 2025, were declared on December 22, 2025. Candidates can download and see their results on the official IIM CAT website. On the website, click on the "CAT 2025 Result/Scorecard" link to download the result by entering the required details.
The link to the website where you can check the published result is attached herewith. The result will be out soon. You can also check the cutoffs on the website of Careers360.
CAT does not restrict eligibility based on stream. Candidates from commerce, arts, science, engineering or any other background can appear for CAT and apply to MBA programmes offered by IIMs and other top B-schools.
The basic eligibility criteria for CAT are:
You must hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 50 percent marks (45 percent for SC, ST and PwD categories). Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply.
Being a commerce graduate can actually be an advantage in areas such as accounting, finance, economics and business studies, especially during MBA coursework in finance, marketing and operations.
After qualifying CAT, admission depends on multiple factors including CAT percentile, academic background, work experience (if any), performance in GD, WAT and personal interview rounds. Many IIMs and B-schools follow a diverse academic background policy, which means non-engineering candidates, including commerce graduates, often receive additional weightage.
Apart from IIMs, several reputed institutes such as FMS Delhi, SPJIMR Mumbai, MDI Gurgaon, IMT Ghaziabad, and many state and private universities also accept CAT scores for MBA admissions.
So, as a commerce graduate, you are fully eligible to appear for CAT and pursue an MBA, provided you meet the minimum academic requirements and perform well in the selection process.
If you want, I can also help you with realistic CAT percentile targets based on your academic profile or suggest suitable MBA colleges.
With a CAT 2025 raw score of 84 and strong sectionals, your expected percentile may fail in the high 98 range , depending on scaling. Your excellent academics and 2 years of work experience strengthen your profile .IIM Lucknow calls are possible but competitive for EWS engineers , while FMS Delhi looks mainly at CAT score and VARC , so you have a reasonable chance there . Final calls depend on cutoffs and composite score.
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.
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