Effective Strategies to Prepare for Logical Reasoning in CAT 2025

Effective Strategies to Prepare for Logical Reasoning in CAT 2025

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Team Careers360Updated on 17 Jun 2025, 01:51 PM IST

How to Prepare Logical Reasoning for CAT Exam 2025: Logical Reasoning (LR) in CAT 2025 is about applying structured 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 2025.

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This Story also Contains

  1. CAT Logical Reasoning - Important Topics
  2. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT 2025
  3. CAT Exam Strategy for Logical Reasoning
  4. CAT Logical Reasoning Year Wise Weightage
  5. CAT 2024 Logical Reasoning Previous Year Questions
  6. Best books for CAT Logical Reasoning
  7. Best Resources to Ace CAT 2025 Logical Reasoning
  8. Best CAT Ebooks for Logical Reasoning
Effective Strategies to Prepare for Logical Reasoning in CAT 2025
How to Prepare Logical Reasoning for CAT Exam 2025

CAT Logical Reasoning - Important Topics

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:

Topics to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT

Venn Diagram

Calendars, Cube Clock

Number and Letter Series

Order and Ranking

Seating Arrangement

Games and Tournaments

Routes and Networks

Connectives

Blood Relation

Matching

Note: There is no shortcut to preparing for just the LR questions of CAT 2025 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.

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How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT 2025

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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Practice Tips on How to Prepare for CAT 2025 LR Section

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.

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When Should I begin my Logical Reasoning Preparation?

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.

Attempt strategy for LR during CAT exam:

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.

CAT Exam Strategy for Logical Reasoning

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.

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT 2025 – Other Tips

  • 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.

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CAT Logical Reasoning Year Wise Weightage

Going through the CAT previous year's logical reasoning weightage can be really helpful for the candidates to enhance their CAT 2025 preparation. The weightage of the various CAT logical reasoning topics is given below for the reference of the candidates.

CAT 2025 Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
SectionTopicsNo of QuestionsWeightage
Data Interpretation and Logical ReasoningGames and Tournaments522.73
Bar Graph (DI)836.36
Candlestick Chart418.18
Decision Making (18)522.73
CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages
Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
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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

Reasoning based DI

28

Routes and Networks

5

CAT 2021 chapter wise Weightage

Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Order and Ranking

6

Reasoning based DI

19

CAT 2020 chapter wise Weightage

Subject: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Chapter Names

Number of Questions

Logical Deductions and Connections Reasoning

6

Reasoning based DI

13

CAT Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

CAT 2024 Logical Reasoning Previous Year Questions

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:

  1. Each team played against a team from the other group in Round 8.
  2. 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.
  3. Team 4 played Team 6 in both Round 1 and Round 2.
  4. Team 1 played Team 5 ONLY once and that was in Round 2.
  5. Team 3 played Team 4 in Round 3. Team 1 played Team 6 in Round 6.
  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?

  1. 5
  2. 4
  3. 3
  4. 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?

Best books for CAT Logical Reasoning

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 TitleAuthorDescription
Analytical and Logical ReasoningB.S. Sijwali & Indu SijwaliThis 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 ReasoningR.S. AggarwalA 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 ReasoningM.K. PandeyThis 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-VerbalArihant ExpertsA 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.

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Logical Reasoning for CAT can be an intimidating section. However, one must realize that consistent effort and confidence in one’s abilities is all that is necessary to ace this section. Remember to have a proper plan to prepare for logical reasoning in CAT and stick to it. All the best!

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Best Resources to Ace CAT 2025 Logical Reasoning

Excelling in the Logical Reasoning (LR) section of CAT 2025 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

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

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

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

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.

Best CAT Ebooks for Logical Reasoning

The eBooks offer the advantage of portability and instant access for CAT 2025 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:

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are 3 months enough for CAT preparation?
A:

Yes, with focused effort, structured planning, and regular practice, achieving significant improvement in CAT preparation within 3 months is feasible.

Q: How to prepare for Logical Reasoning?
A:

Understand the types of LR questions like puzzles and seating arrangements. Practice solving them regularly. Use diagrams or tables to organise information. 

Q: What is a matrix arrangement in logical reasoning?
A:

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.

Q: How do I prepare for CAT Logical Reasoning?
A:

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.

Q: How do I prepare for CAT logical reasoning?
A:

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.

Q: How do I start preparing for logical reasoning?
A:

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.

Q: How to improve logical reasoning?
A:

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.

Q: When should I start preparing for CAT 205?
A:

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.

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The CAT 2025 exam is a national-level MBA entrance test for IIMs and top B-schools in India. It will be held on 30th November 2025 in computer-based mode across ~170 cities.
The registration is open from 1st August to 13th September 2025 on iimcat.ac.in .
Admit cards will be available from 5th November 2025 onward.
Graduates with at least 50 marks (45 for SC/ST/PwD) are eligible to apply.
The exam tests English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude in three timed sections.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

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Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects

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As you said you by mistakenly done that,  you don't need to get worry regarding that ,

Just inform the help desk and carry the correct certifications , the state certificate will not disqualify you .

The steps you can follow is -

1. You can check if the correction window is available or not

2. Contact the CAT desk immediately.

Hope this helps