CAT DILR Exam Analysis 2025: Difficulty Level, Weightage, Pattern

2 minute read

Sanhita Kundu

Update on Aug 05 2025, 09:40 PM IST

November 30, 2025, by IIM Kozhikode. As per last year’s trend, the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section played a crucial role in percentile conversion, as the questions in this section are very tricky nature and moderate-to-difficult level.

 

Based on CAT 2024 exam analysis, the DILR section had a total of 20 questions, distributed across four sets. Each of the four sets carries 4 or 6 questions. The section required smart selection of sets, time management, and high accuracy. CAT 2025 Exam is expected to follow a similar pattern for DILR. Below is the slot-wise DILR analysis for CAT 2025.

 

Check: CAT Quantitative Aptitude Exam Analysis 2025

 

Table of Contents
  1. What to Expect in CAT 2025 DILR Section?
  2. CAT 2025: DILR Exam Trends
  3. CAT 2025 Analysis of Exam Pattern
  4. CAT 2024 Exam Pattern for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
  5. CAT 2024 DILR Analysis
  6. CAT 2025 DILR Slot-wise Briefs
  7. Slot-wise CAT 2025 DILR Analysis
  8. CAT 2025 DILR Topic-Wise Weightage (Expected)
  9. Key Takeaways from CAT DILR 2025 (Expected)
  10. FAQs

 

What to Expect in CAT 2025 DILR Section?

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning is expected to be similar to last year. This section was the most difficult in 2024. It included 4-5 sets with 4-6 questions each. The Reasoning section was the lengthiest and toughest of all. It was the longest and toughest of all. Candidates who had attempted 12+ questions with good accuracy scored a fair percentile for admission to IIMs and B-Schools in India.

 

Also read: CAT Exam Pattern 2025

 

CAT 2025: DILR Exam Trends

Check the table below to get a year-wise overview of key DILR Exam trends to prepare better for CAT 2025 exam:

Year

Number of Questions

Difficulty Level

Change in the exam pattern

2020

24 (5 sets of 4 questions each)

Moderate

Reduction in sets and number of questions, resulting in concise and complex language

2021

20 (4 sets of 5 questions each)

Moderate to Difficult

The number of questions increased in each set

2022

20 (4 sets of 5 questions each)

Moderate

2023

20 (4 sets of 5 questions each)

Moderate to Difficult

2024

22 (3 sets of 4 questions each, 2 sets of 5 questions each)

Moderate

Increased number

 

CAT 2025 Analysis of Exam Pattern

Given below is the expected sectional break-up of CAT 2025 exam, as per the latest CAT paper analysis:

Section Name

Total No. of Ques.

No. of Multiple Choice Ques.

Number of Non-MCQs (TITA Ques.)

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension

24

21

3

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

22

14

8

Quantitative Aptitude

22

14

8

Total

68

49

19

 

CAT 2024 Exam Pattern for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Check the details of the DILR 2024 exam pattern in the table below.

Check: CAT 2025 Topic Wise Weightage

 

CAT 2024 DILR Analysis

The DILR section in CAT 2024 was moderate in difficulty, with a few tricky sets. The selection of the right two or three sets was key to securing a good percentile. The section tested candidates on puzzles, games and tournaments, data tables, arrangements, and graphs. Set selection and accuracy were the deciding factors.

 

CAT 2025 DILR Slot-wise Briefs

 

Slot 1: CAT 2025 DILR Analysis

The DILR section was of moderate difficulty in this slot, with 4 sets having varied logic-based challenges. Most students attempted 2–2.5 sets, depending on their comfort with puzzles and data organisation. One or two sets were calculation-heavy, and selecting the right set was crucial. Candidates with high accuracy and smart selection are likely to benefit in this slot.

 

Slot 2: CAT 2025 DILR Analysis

The DILR section in Slot 2 was slightly tougher than Slot 1, as reported by students. Multiple sets were time-consuming, with only one or two relatively easier sets. Topics included arrangement-based logic puzzles, bar graphs, and games & tournaments. Most students could attempt around 1.5–2 sets. Cut-offs may dip slightly for this slot compared to Slot 1.

 

Slot 3: CAT 2025 DILR Analysis

The DILR section in Slot 3 was relatively easier than Slot 2, but still required accuracy. Many students reported attempting 2–3 sets, with one very easy puzzle set and one moderate DI-based set. Speed and accuracy were key. This slot is expected to have slightly higher attempts overall, and candidates with 90%+ accuracy will gain an edge.

 

Also Read: CAT 2025: Mistakes to Avoid on CAT Exam Day, Strategy Errors

 

Slot-wise CAT 2025 DILR Analysis

KollegeApply will update the details for all three slots once the exam is conducted on November 30, 2025.

Slot

CAT 2025 DILR Analysis

Slot 1

To be updated after the Slot 1 exam concludes

Slot 2

To be updated after the Slot 2 exam concludes

Slot 3

To be updated after the Slot 3 exam concludes

 

CAT 2025 DILR Topic-Wise Weightage (Expected)

Check the DILR topic-wise weightage for CAT 2025 (expected):

Topic Type

No. of Sets

Level of Difficulty

Games & Tournaments

1

Moderate to Tough

Bar Graphs & DI Sets

1

Moderate

Arrangements/Puzzles

1

Easy to Moderate

Venn Diagrams/Quant Puzzles

1

Moderate

 

Key Takeaways from CAT DILR 2025 (Expected)

Candidates who are appearing for the CAT 2025 exam can expect the following features of the exam prepared based on the previous year's exam:

  • Total Questions: 20
  • Number of Sets: 4
  • Time Allotted: 40 minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate (may vary slightly by slot)
  • Set Types: Puzzles, Games & Tournaments, Bar Graphs, Data Tables, Arrangements
  • Ideal Attempt: 2–3 sets with 80–90% accuracy

Check: CAT 2025 Mock Test

 

FAQs

How many questions are there in CAT 2025 DILR section?

The DILR section will have 20 questions, split across 4 sets, each carrying either 4 or 6 questions. Candidates get 40 minutes to attempt this section.

What type of questions appear in DILR?

You can expect logic puzzles, games & tournaments, bar charts, Venn diagrams, and data interpretation sets. Questions are mostly set-based, and accuracy matters more than speed.

What is a good number of attempts in CAT DILR 2025?

A good attempt would be 2 to 2.5 sets with 85%+ accuracy, which can help you get a decent percentile.

Which slot had the toughest DILR section in CAT 2024?

Slot 2 was considered the toughest DILR slot in CAT 2024 due to time-consuming sets and high calculation involvement.

When will the detailed CAT 2025 DILR analysis be available?

The detailed slot-wise CAT 2025 DILR analysis will be available on November 30, 2025, after each slot concludes. KollegeApply will update the page in real-time with expert and student feedback.

Students learning mobile

Your opinion matters to us!

Rate your experience using this page so far.

Get Started!

What You Are Waiting For?

Discover Your Education Journey With Us

college reviewcollege review
Dell Advertisement
    CAT DILR Exam Analysis 2025: Difficulty Level, Weightage, Pattern