BIMTECH PGDM Admissions 2025
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Data Interpretation (DI) on the CAT exam assesses your ability to evaluate data in various formats such as tables, charts, and graphs. Many candidates consider this portion, along with Logical Reasoning (DILR), as the most difficult due to its complexity and uncertainty. However, with the proper preparation, DI may be learned faster than other parts such as Quantitative Aptitude or Verbal Ability. With constant work and effective preparation, you can succeed in DI for CAT. In this article, we talk about tips and tricks on how to prepare for data interpretation for the CAT exam.
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Given that 40 minutes are allotted to complete the data interpretation in CAT 2024, 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
Your preparation for the 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 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.
A maximum of 2 sets of pure DI and at least one set of logic-based data interpretation questions are expected in CAT 2024, which means the paper will not cover all the above-given topics. But you cannot afford to miss out on questions on any particular topic. Therefore, it is necessary to cover the entire breadth of topics in your initial preparation for DI. Clear the fundamentals of each concept during this phase and solve basic problems.
You can also refer to and solve the DI questions from past CAT question papers. The more questions you see about 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 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.
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 |
For CAT Data Interpretation preparation, choosing the best books is crucial as they provide comprehensive coverage of various types of data sets and interpretation techniques. These books offer numerous practice exercises and detailed solutions, which help in developing analytical skills and improving accuracy. They include a wide range of problems, from basic to advanced levels, enabling you to gradually build your proficiency. Additionally, these books often contain tips and strategies for quick problem-solving and time management, which are essential for performing well in the exam. By consistently practising with these resources, you can enhance your ability to interpret data efficiently and confidently tackle the DI section of the CAT exam.
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 2024.
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.
Hi,
Based on the previous year analysis, According to your CAT 2024 percentile some of the best colleges offering MBA and PGDM course in Telangana in which you have chances to get a seat are the following
For more information about the colleges in which you have chances to get a seat you can predict using MBA college predictor tool provided below
https://bschool.careers360.com/cat-college-predictor
Hope this information will help you
Hi,
With a CAT 2024 score of 93.94 percentile, you have a good chance of getting calls from several IIMs. Here are some possibilities:
IIM Jammu
IIM Bodhgaya
IIM Udaipur
IIM Kashipur
IIM Vizag
Apart from IIMs, you can also consider other prestigious B-schools like:
Management Development Institute (MDI) Gurgaon
FMS Delhi
IIT Delhi
IIM Lucknow
IIM Indore
IIM Raipur
CAT exam is conducted every year for purpose of admission to various prestigious business school and management institutes in India. The exam is also considered among toughest entrance exams in India. The exam rats the logical skills of the candidates. You can get the college list based on your CAT score by simply visiting CAT College Predictor 2024
You can use CAT recommended books for self study like Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, and Gautam Puri, covering key areas like Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Logical Reasoning (LR), Data Interpretation (DI), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA), including CAT past year papers and mock tests to practice effectively;
It is generally considered to be effective for preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) as they are specifically designed to cover the exam syllabus, provide relevant practice questions, and often include strategies from experienced educators, making them a valuable resource for serious CAT aspirants.
To know more CAT VALUABLE RESOURCE
CAT score of 78 percentile is considered good score and you can get admission to several colleges, including private colleges and some B-schools:
Some Private colleges you can consider
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon; SDA Asia Center; MD Murshidabad; NIA Pune; IFMR, KREA University; ISBM Pune; BIMTECH, Greater Noida; IMT, Nagpur; IBS Hyderabad; SDMIMD, Mysore; KIIT School of Management; LIBA, Chennai; SIES, Navi Mumbai; VIT, Vellore; XIME, Bangalore; IMI, Bhubaneswar
B-schools which may call you for interview and group discussion
Birla Institute of Management and Technology (BIMTECH), Noida; Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM), Bhopal; Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA), Chennai; Institute of Financial Management and Research (IFMR), Chennai
A excellent CAT score for admission to IIMs is around 97-98 percentile, while for other top MBA colleges, a score of 90-95 percentile is considered good. Many B-schools accept candidates with CAT scores in the range of 80-90 percentile.
CAT percentile predictor tools can be used on any device, including laptops, desktops, tablets, or mobile phones. To get the most accurate results, candidates must enter their CAT performance information precisely.
GOOD LUCK!!!
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