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How to Prepare Logical Reasoning for CAT Exam 2026: Logical Reasoning (LR) in CAT 2026 is about applying thinking to diverse scenarios, from puzzles to seating arrangements. These problems assess your ability to analyse data and draw conclusions without relying on complex formulas. Scoring high marks in CAT Logical Reasoning comes from consistent practice, developing mental models, and mastering time management. Hone these skills to approach each question with clarity and confidence, turning challenges into opportunities for high scores in CAT 2026.
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This article will solely focus on acing Logical Reasoning for CAT exam. The most important topics you will need to cover in preparation Logical Reasoning are:
Note: There is no shortcut to preparing for just the LR questions of CAT 2026 exam. It is essential to cover the breadth of all the topics given above. Drilling through one topic might not be the best course of action considering there is a big chance that no question is asked from it in the exam. Also, unfamiliarity with select topics can lose you marks in the scenario of an easy set appearing from that topic.
Calendars | |
Number and Letter Series | |
Routes and Networks | Connectives |
Matching |
While the LR part of CAT requires some presence of mind while solving, a lot can be achieved by consistent practice. This will make you familiar with CAT LR question trends and help you identify the general patterns in questions. Understanding these patterns will help you solve variations of questions from a single topic. Keep practicing various types of questions from different topics to build familiarity. As CAT exam approaches – solve at least 3/4 Logical Reasoning sets every day. Ensure that you solve a mix of questions covering all topics.
Giving a structure to the information provided on-screen is the crucial skill one needs to master to ace CAT LR. One needs to quickly jot down the required information from the question before going about solving it. This process should, however, not be done in a hurry. It is easy to get lost in the labyrinth of conditions/statements given. To avoid this, you must systematically go through each line of the information and understand it. Bringing the data into easily analyzable forms is vital. This trait must also be practiced during preparation for Logical Reasoning for CAT.
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Solving previous years’ CAT questions can help give you an idea of the questions asked. However, it is recommended that you take the last five years CAT papers as mocks, as they can serve as a good gauge of your preparation levels. Puzzles, brain teasers outside of CAT questions can also help improve your ability to identify patterns. A habit of solving SUDOKU can help in solving certain questions which rely upon similar logic.
Familiarity with the LR syllabus is a must. Once you can identify the question type, you should begin to time your attempts. The ideal time to solve an entire set is less than 8 to 10 minutes. Any longer, you must move onto the next set. This discipline will pay off in the longer run. It ensures that you improve your speed while also seeing that you do not fixate on any given set and lose precious time.
Note: NEVER develop the mindset of attempting all questions of a set. It would be best if you always chose questions from the given set. Some questions may be time-consuming, while some others might be a cake-walk. Fixating on a difficult question can cause you to lose out on 2 to 3 questions of easy/medium difficulty levels. This is an important pointer to keep in mind during preparation for Logical Reasoning for CAT.
While the aim is to solve all five sets in the given 40 minutes, this may not always be realistic. Picking sets to solve becomes more relevant in Logical Reasoning as compared to DI. If you pick sets you can solve at the start of the exam the pressure will ease and help you build momentum. You can base your decision to pick a set upon two factors – the complexity of the set and your familiarity with the topic.
It would be best if you attempted sets with high familiarity and lower complexity first. Questions with low difficulty should be next. Higher complexity sets can be saved for the latter half of the exam. It is vital that you know your weaknesses and consider skipping questions from those topics. Optimize your time and attempt questions that you can be sure of answering right.
Preparing for CAT 2026 requires a focused and exam-centric strategy, especially for the Logical Reasoning part of the DILR section. Many candidates lose marks not because they lack ability, but because they select the wrong set at the wrong time. Logical Reasoning questions in CAT are designed to test analytical thinking, patience, and structured approach. Smart set selection, strong time management, and calm decision-making can significantly improve your CAT 2026 percentile.
Do not rush to solve the first Logical Reasoning set you see. Spend at least 2–3 minutes scanning all the sets in the section. Read the introduction of each set quickly and check the number of variables, conditions, and constraints involved. Compare difficulty levels mentally. Choose a set that looks structured and manageable rather than lengthy and confusing. This initial scanning step can improve your overall attempt strategy in CAT 2026.
Pick LR sets where the information is clearly presented and easy to organise in a table, grid, or diagram. If the data looks scattered across multiple paragraphs with too many interlinked conditions, it may consume more time. Sets involving clear arrangements, grouping, or sequencing are usually better options. A clean structure helps in faster case formation and reduces chances of logical errors in the CAT exam.
Select sets that involve a limited number of people, objects, or elements. Too many variables increase complexity and may require multiple case scenarios. Look for direct clues that connect two or more elements clearly. If you can form the base structure within the first few minutes, the set is likely workable. In CAT 2026, smart elimination of complex sets can help improve both speed and accuracy.
Some Logical Reasoning sets demand several possible cases before reaching the final answer. If you notice that the puzzle requires creating multiple arrangements repeatedly, reconsider your choice. Excessive case formation often wastes valuable time and increases the risk of mistakes. Instead, prioritize sets where strong initial deductions simplify the structure early in the solving process.
Time management is crucial in the DILR section of CAT 2026. Ideally, allocate about 10–12 minutes per Logical Reasoning set. If you are unable to make meaningful progress within the first 5–6 minutes, do not hesitate to switch to another set. Avoid emotional attachment to one question set. Controlled time allocation ensures better coverage of the section.
Solving previous year CAT Logical Reasoning questions helps you understand commonly repeated patterns like seating arrangements, distribution, scheduling, and matching puzzles. After every mock test, analyse which sets you selected correctly and which ones consumed unnecessary time. Regular mock analysis improves your judgment skills, helping you choose the right LR sets in the actual CAT 2026 exam.
Sectional tests and mocks are essential in getting your strategy right. Experimenting with the division of your time is important. But the most crucial part would be the post-mock analysis. Looking back at questions that went wrong, identifying tricks in solving certain questions to save time, and understanding the logic behind solving higher-difficulty questions are all the areas that require constant working on.
Aim to do sectional mocks once or twice a week and CAT mock tests at least once in two weeks. The frequency must increase as the exam day approaches.
It is not always necessary to have all the information to get a question right. Some questions can be solved by careful elimination of options with the available data. Very often, the process of elimination of options can save bucket loads of time.
Data can sometimes be converted into visually aiding diagrams and figures. This can help make a clear representation of the data and solve it quicker.
Never make assumptions on what has not been clearly stated in a question. Always consider only the information given in the passage.
Pay keen attention to the wording of questions.
Voluminous amounts of data in a question doesn’t necessarily mean that the question is complex. Always spend a minute or two analyzing the difficulty of a set.
Going through the CAT previous year's logical reasoning weightage can be really helpful for the candidates to enhance their CAT 2026 preparation. The weightage of the various CAT logical reasoning topics is given below for the reference of the candidates.
CAT 2026 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | |||
Section | Topics | No of Questions | Weightage |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Games and Tournaments | 5 | 22.73 |
Bar Graph (DI) | 8 | 36.36 | |
Candlestick Chart | 4 | 18.18 | |
Decision Making (18) | 5 | 22.73 | |
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 | |
Reasoning based DI | 28 |
Routes and Networks | 5 |
Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | |
6 | |
Reasoning based DI | 19 |
Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | |
Chapter Names | Number of Questions |
6 | |
Reasoning based DI | 13 |
The candidates can go through the official CAT 2024 questions of the logical reasoning questions below.
The game of QUIET is played between two teams. Six teams, numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, play in a QUIET tournament. These teams are divided equally into two groups. In the tournament, each team plays every other team in the same group only once, and each team in the other group exactly twice. The tournament has several rounds, each of which consists of a few games. Every team plays exactly one game in each round.
The following additional facts are known about the schedule of games in the tournament:
Each team played against a team from the other group in Round 8.
In Round 4 and Round 7, the match-ups, that is the pair of teams playing against each other, were identical. In Round 5 and Round 8, the match-ups were identical.
Team 4 played Team 6 in both Round 1 and Round 2.
Team 1 played Team 5 ONLY once and that was in Round 2.
Team 3 played Team 4 in Round 3. Team 1 played Team 6 in Round 6.
In Round 8, Team 3 played Team 6, while Team 2 played Team 5.
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Question 1: How many rounds were there in the tournament?
Question 2: What is the number of the team that played Team 1 in Round 5?
Question 3: Which team among the teams numbered 2, 3, 4, and 5 was not part of the same group?
5
4
3
2
Question 4: What is the number of the team that played Team 1 in Round 7?
Question 5: What is the number of the team that played Team 6 in Round 3?
For CAT Logical Reasoning preparation, selecting the best books is essential as they provide extensive coverage of different types of logical puzzles and reasoning problems. These books offer a variety of practice questions with detailed explanations, helping you understand and apply logical concepts effectively. They also include problems of varying difficulty levels, allowing you to progressively enhance your problem-solving skills. Moreover, these books often provide valuable tips and strategies for tackling complex reasoning questions and managing time efficiently during the exam. Regular practice with these resources will significantly improve your Logical Reasoning abilities and boost your confidence in handling the LR section of the CAT exam.
Book Title | Author | Description |
Analytical and Logical Reasoning | B.S. Sijwali & Indu Sijwali | This book provides a structured approach to analytical and logical reasoning topics, covering puzzles, critical reasoning, coding-decoding, and logical deductions. It includes solved examples and practice exercises for various competitive exams, including CAT. |
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | A widely used book for reasoning preparation, covering both verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics in detail. It includes a large number of solved examples and practice exercises, making it useful for MBA entrance exams and other competitive tests. |
Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | This book focuses on analytical reasoning concepts, providing detailed explanations of logical reasoning topics such as statement-assumption, cause-effect, and inferences. It is useful for building strong conceptual clarity for CAT and other competitive exams. |
A New Approach to Reasoning: Verbal & Non-Verbal | Arihant Experts | A comprehensive book that covers all aspects of verbal and non-verbal reasoning, including puzzles, series, analogies, and logical deduction. It includes multiple practice sets and past exam questions to enhance problem-solving skills. |
Excelling in the Logical Reasoning (LR) section of CAT 2026 requires a blend of structured learning, consistent practice, and strategic time management. Here are some top resources that can significantly enhance your LR preparation:
CAT Logical Reasoning books cover important topics like seating arrangement, puzzles, blood relations, and data arrangement. These books explain concepts clearly, provide solved examples, and include practice sets with varying difficulty levels. They help in building a strong foundation and improving problem-solving speed. Recommended titles often include books by Arun Sharma or Nishit K. Sinha, which are structured to reflect actual CAT-level reasoning questions and are ideal for mastering this high-scoring section.
CAT practice papers are sets of mock questions designed to reflect the actual exam pattern and difficulty level. They include a mix of Logical Reasoning questions similar to what appears in the CAT. Solving these papers regularly helps improve accuracy, identify weak areas, and build time management skills. Practising under timed conditions also boosts exam-day confidence and prepares aspirants for handling pressure while attempting Logical Reasoning questions efficiently.
CAT sample papers are model test papers that help candidates to practice questions of exam level. These papers contain Logical Reasoning questions based on past trends and updated formats. Solving sample papers allows candidates to test their preparation, understand new question patterns, and improve logical thinking. They are especially helpful in assessing how well concepts have been understood and applied before attempting actual mocks or the final exam.
CAT previous year papers provide real Logical Reasoning questions that appeared in earlier CAT exams. These are essential resources for understanding question trends, difficulty levels, and topic weightage. By solving past papers, candidates get familiar with the type of logic-based questions CAT prefers. It also helps in analysing the evolution of question formats over time and trains aspirants to approach similar problems with better accuracy and speed.
The eBooks offer the advantage of portability and instant access for CAT 2026 Logical Reasoning preparation. They provide practice questions and detailed explanations, enabling aspirants to study efficiently and track their progress. These CAT LR eBooks facilitate active learning and quick revision, making them a valuable resource for focused preparation. Go through the table below to get CAT Logical Reasoning ebooks download link:
Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages | |
CAT 2026 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant | |
CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To prepare for CAT Logical Reasoning, practice solving a wide range of reasoning puzzles and questions, such as seating arrangements, puzzles, and syllogisms. Focus on developing a clear approach to tackle different types of problems efficiently. Work on improving your analytical skills and time management by regularly taking mock tests and reviewing your answers to understand your mistakes.
Start preparing for Logical Reasoning by familiarizing yourself with common types of questions, like seating arrangements, puzzles, and blood relations. Begin with basic problems to understand the concepts, then gradually tackle more complex ones. Practice regularly to build problem-solving speed and accuracy, and review your solutions to learn from mistakes. Use diverse study materials and take mock tests to track your progress.
To improve logical reasoning, practice regularly with various types of puzzles and reasoning questions to build familiarity and skill. Focus on developing a clear approach for solving problems, like breaking them down into smaller steps. Review and analyze your mistakes to understand where you went wrong and how to correct it. Additionally, try to solve problems within a set time limit to enhance your speed and efficiency.
You should start preparing for CAT 2025 around February or March 2025. This timing gives you ample time to cover all topics, practice regularly, and take mock tests before the exam.
Preparing for the Logical Reasoning (LR) section of the CAT exam requires a strategic approach. You should focus on understanding core topics, consistent practice, and effective time management.
A matrix arrangement involves organising items or people in rows and columns based on given conditions. It helps in visualising relationships and solving complex reasoning problems efficiently.
Understand the types of LR questions like puzzles and seating arrangements. Practice solving them regularly. Use diagrams or tables to organise information.
Yes, with focused effort, structured planning, and regular practice, achieving significant improvement in CAT preparation within 3 months is feasible.
On Question asked by student community
Check your devices and email; you may still have the soft copy of the Admit card. If not, don't panic, the CAT 2025 admit card may not be a huge requirement after the exam; the CAT scorecard is usually asked for the admission formalities.
Hello,
Here are some top colleges accepting XAT and CAT exams :
Top colleges accepting CAT:
IIMs (All Indian Institutes of Management)
FMS Delhi
SPJIMR Mumbai
MDI Gurgaon
IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)
IIT Delhi (DMS)
IIFT
IMT Ghaziabad
JBIMS Mumbai
Top colleges accepting XAT:
XLRI Jamshedpur
XIMB Bhubaneswar
IMT Ghaziabad
Great
Hi ,
can you please specify the question like in NIT trichy are you looking for admission in B. tech program .
If yes for B. tech program then JEE main exam is necessary and the cut off for each branch may vary.
https://engineering.careers360.com/articles/jee-main-cutoff-for-nit-trichy
Hi there,
A female candidate with a CAT percentile of 67.97 and low sectional scores should target private and tier-2/3 B-schools that accept overall CAT scores in the 60–70 percentile range and have flexible sectional criteria.
Some suitable options include AIMS Institute Bangalore, Doon Business School Dehradun, Christ Institute of
Hi dear candidate,
Although, the older and prestigious IIMs require 97 to 99 percentile which is not applicable in your case. The IIM Rohtak and IIM Shillong might be your closest calls with historically cut off range around 91 to 93 percentile in CAT especially with strong hold for female
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