The DILR section in CAT has always been the most unpredictable and challenging section of the exam in recent years. From CAT 2021 to CAT 2024, the level of difficulty in this section has often been more than VARC and QA, with logical reasoning sets demanding strong analytical skills and time management. In CAT 2024, for example, many candidates could confidently attempt only one or two complete sets, demonstrating the need for selectivity and precision in this section.
Logical Reasoning typically makes up 10–12 questions across 2–3 sets in the DILR section. These sets test your ability to deduce, link data points, and solve puzzles under the pressure of exam time. Performing well in DILR is essential not just for clearing the sectional cutoff but also for increasing your overall raw score and percentile, especially if you’re targeting the 99+ percentile and admission into top IIMs or B-Schools. Check CAT Sullabus 2025
CAT Most Important Logical Reasoning Topics
In recent CAT papers, especially from 2022 onward, some DILR sets have featured combined DI and LR elements. These hybrid sets involve both data interpretation (like calculations from charts or tables) and logical reasoning, making them more challenging and time-consuming. Aspirants must prepare for this type of set, as it has become increasingly common in recent years.
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How has LRDI always been the Most Difficult Section of the CAT?
In recent CAT Exam papers, the Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (DILR) section has consistently been the most unpredictable and difficult section of the test for the aspirants. From complex set structures to lengthy caselets, CAT has shifted from traditional LR and DI questions to mix puzzles that test combine both DI and LR.The number of sets has remained between 4 to 5, but getting 2-3 complete sets correct has often been enough to score 99th percentile in DILR. This reflects the difficulty level of this section.The marks needed in DILR for 99 percentile in this table gives an idea about how many sets to solve and what strategy an aspirant should have to score a good percentile:
Scoring around 40 to 50 per cent in the DILR section has consistently been enough to reach the 99 percentile mark, which highlights just how tough and competitive this section is. Unlike VARC or QA, where marks and percentiles tend to follow a more predictable pattern, DILR has a compressed score range due to its difficulty.
Preparation Tips for CAT Logical Reasoning 2025
DILR is the most unpredictable and challenging section of CAT for aspirants. To overcome this challenge, you need solid preparation. Here are some tips that toppers use while preparing to score in the 99th percentile :
- Solve CAT DILR Sets from the Last 5 YearsThese sets reflect the exact difficulty level and pattern of CAT. Going through actual CAT papers helps you understand how the sets are framed, and past papers are an excellent source of quality sets.
- Practice 2–3 Sets DailyBuild the habit of solving at least two or three complete sets every day. It will help you cover a wider range of set types and make you more comfortable with DILR.
- Cover variety DILR Set TypesDon’t stick to just arrangement or distribution. Include sets from tournaments, cubes, matrix puzzles, networks, Venn diagrams, and hybrid DI–LR formats.
- Give Sectional Mocks frequently Attempt one sectional DILR test every week. Two months before CAT, increase it to two per week. This helps manage time, pressure, and selection strategy under real exam conditions.
- Analyse Each Mock in DetailDon’t just move on after giving the test. Review every set, especially the ones you left or got wrong. This will help you in set selection in the real CAT exam.
- Re-solve All Sets After the MockAlways solve all the sets from the mock after giving it under the clock.
- Spend 30–40 Minutes on every set before going to the solutionsAllow time for each set and consider all possible cases. Struggling through a complex set builds problem-solving ability.
- Improve Set Selection SkillsNot every set is worth attempting, and solving all sets under time is tough, so set selection is the key. Learn to spot the sets that you are comfortable with and are easy for you to quickly and solve. And never get stuck on one set. If you can solve a set, then it’s good; otherwise, move on to the next one so that you don’t waste time.
