With the CAT 2025 exam approaching swiftly, one of the most challenging sections for aspirants remains the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) segment. Unlike Quant or VARC, the DILR section tests pattern recognition, time-based decision making and strategic set selection rather than purely formula recall.
Four-Week Strategy to Improve Your DILR Performance
Experts recommend a structured four-week plan to sharpen your DILR skills:
- Week 1: Focus on mastering the fundamentals of DILR — tables, charts, seating arrangements — and identify areas of strength (e.g., visual data, puzzles).
- Week 2: Address weak areas and improve representation skills — converting data into intuitive diagrams or tables for faster solving.
- Week 3: Increase full-length mock tests emphasising DILR sets. Build stamina and accuracy under timed conditions.
- Week 4: Fine-tune your overall exam strategy — practise the actual exam rhythm, simulate test-day conditions, manage time, maintain mental clarity.
Key Strategies for the DILR Section
Preparing smartly for DILR is about more than just practising large volumes of questions. Here are some high-impact approaches:
- Quick scanning & set-selection: At the start of the section, spend 2-3 minutes scanning all sets. Pick 2-3 sets that seem solvable within 8-10 minutes each rather than chasing difficult ones.
- Skip smartly: If a set is taking more than 10+ minutes without progress, move to the next instead of getting stuck. Efficiency beats persistence in time-bound sections.
- Build a buffer: Allocate about 20-25 minutes to two good sets, and leave 5-10 minutes for review or an extra bonus attempt if time permits.
- Daily micro-drills: Even in the final month, solve at least 2-3 high-quality DILR sets daily (10-15 minutes each) to keep your brain primed for logic and data interpretation.
- Mock test analysis: Each mock should lead to actionable insights — time spent per set, mistakes, skipped questions, accuracy drop-zones. Create an error log to track recurring patterns.
How to Prepare in the Last Weeks?
In the last month before CAT 2025:
- Maintain consistency rather than increasing volume blindly. Quality counts more than quantity.
- Focus on accuracy and clarity. DILR has seen more mixed sets and TITA-type questions, where guessing has less utility — so precision matters.
- Simulate actual exam conditions: full 2-hour mock, three sections, minimal distractions. Build endurance and mental rhythm.
- Balance preparation with well-being: avoid sleep deprivation, keep meals light, refresh your mind. A calm mind solves better.
