200+ CAT DILR Questions PDF: DI & LR Sets (Topic-wise) + Solutions

Syllabus Exam Pattern PYQs Books Exam Date Study Plan Cut Off For IIM Subjects Short Tricks Registration Eligibility Study Material Percentile Predictor

Author : Jainab Alvi

November 4, 2026

Looking for CAT DILR questions in the exact set-based format used in the exam? On this page you’ll get 200+ DI & LR sets (4–6 questions each) plus a free DILR questions for CAT with solutions PDF for offline practice. Each set includes an answer key, and selected sets include step-by-step solutions so you can learn the approach not just the final option.

For many CAT 2026 aspirants, DILR can be one of the toughest sections to handle. Your performance in this section can affect your overall percentile. Knowing the types of questions asked and practising different sets regularly can help you get better at solving them.

CAT Exam

What Are CAT DILR Questions?

CAT DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) questions are a section of the CAT exam that tests your ability to analyse data, identify patterns, solve logical puzzles, and make decisions based on information provided in tables, charts, caselets, and arrangements.

200+ CAT DILR Questions 2026 with Answers

The following 200 DILR CAT questions are categorised by topic and set type, crafted to match the difficulty and format of the actual exam. Solve each block as a timed set before checking answers.

Data Interpretation: Tables (Sets 1–4)

SET 1 · Production Data

Data Set: Five companies — A, B, C, D, E — reported production (in 000 units) over four years. A: 120, 140, 160, 180 | B: 200, 190, 210, 230 | C: 80, 100, 120, 140 | D: 150, 155, 160, 170 | E: 300, 280, 310, 330 (Years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

1. Which company showed the highest percentage growth from 2020 to 2023?

A) Company A
B) Company B
C) Company C
D) Company D

Answer: C) Company C (75% growth: 80→140)

2. What was the total production (000 units) across all five companies in 2022?

A) 910
B) 960
C) 990
D) 1,020

Answer: B) 960

3. Company D's production in 2023 as a percentage of Company E's production in 2020 is approximately:

A) 52%
B) 57%
C) 60%
D) 65%

Answer: B) 57% (170/300)

4. In which year was Company B's production the lowest as a fraction of the combined production of all companies?

A) 2020
B) 2021
C) 2022
D) 2023

Answer: C) 2022

5. What is the approximate CAGR of Company A's production from 2020 to 2023?

A) 12%
B) ~14.5%
C) 16%
D) 18%

Answer: B) ~14.5%

SET 2 · Employee Data

Data Set: A company has departments P, Q, R, S, T. Employee counts (Male/Female): P(120/80), Q(90/110), R(150/50), S(70/130), T(100/100) Average salary (₹L p.a.) by dept.: P=8, Q=10, R=7, S=12, T=9

6. What is the total female employee headcount across all departments?

A) 450
B) 470
C) 490
D) 510

Answer: B) 470

7. The department with the highest total salary outflow is:

A) Department Q
B) Department R
C) Department S
D) Department T

Answer: C) Department S (200 × 12 = ₹2,400L)

8. Which department has the highest male-to-female ratio?

A) P
B) R
C) Q
D) T

Answer: B) R (150:50 = 3:1)

9. The average salary of all employees combined (across all departments) is approximately:

A) ₹8.8L
B) ₹9.0L
C) ₹9.2L
D) ₹9.5L

Answer: C) ₹9.2L (approx.)

10. If Department Q's headcount increases by 20% (equally between genders), and salary remains unchanged, what is the new total salary outflow for Q?

A) ₹2,400L
B) ₹2,520L
C) ₹2,640L
D) ₹2,760L

Answer: A) ₹2,400L

SET 3 · Sales Data

Data Set: Quarterly sales (₹ crore) for 4 products over 2 years: Product W — Year1: Q1:40, Q2:50, Q3:45, Q4:60 | Year2: Q1:55, Q2:65, Q3:60, Q4:75 Product X — Year1: 30,35,40,50 | Year2: 45,55,50,70 Product Y — Year1: 20,25,30,35 | Year2: 25,30,40,50 Product Z — Year1: 60,55,70,80 | Year2: 75,80,85,90

11. Which product had the highest Year-on-Year growth in total annual sales from Year 1 to Year 2?

A) Product W
B) Product X
C) Product Y
D) Product Z

Answer: B) Product X (~41.9% growth)

12. In Year 2, what percentage of total sales came from Product Z?

A) 32%
B) ~34%
C) 36%
D) 38%

Answer: B) ~34.7% (330/950)

13. For Product W, what was the percentage increase in Q1 sales from Year 1 to Year 2?

A) 25%
B) 30%
C) 37.5%
D) 40%

Answer: C) 37.5% (40→55)

14. Which quarter showed the maximum combined sales across all four products in Year 1?

A) Q1
B) Q2
C) Q3
D) Q4

Answer: D) Q4 (60+50+35+80=225)

15. Product X's Year 2 total sales as a ratio to Product Y's Year 2 total sales is approximately:

A) 1.5:1
B) 2:1
C) 1.8:1
D) 2.2:1

Answer: A) 1.5:1

SET 4 · Examination Scores

Data Set: Six students (U, V, W, X, Y, Z) scored marks in three subjects (out of 100 each): U: 75,80,90 | V: 60,70,65 | W: 85,90,80 | X: 55,60,70 | Y: 95,85,90 | Z: 70,75,80

16. Which student has the highest aggregate score?

A) W
B) Y
C) U
D) Z

Answer: B) Y (270)

17. What is the average score in Subject 2 across all six students?

A) 76.0
B) 76.7
C) 77.5
D) 78.0

Answer: B) 76.7 (460/6)

18. How many students scored above 75 in all three subjects?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Answer: A) 2

19. The student with the lowest average score across three subjects is:

A) V
B) X
C) Z
D) U

Answer: B) X (185/3 ≈ 61.7)

20. If Student V's Subject 3 score is revised upward by 15 marks, V's aggregate rank among six students becomes:

A) 4th
B) 5th
C) 3rd
D) Unchanged (6th)

Answer: B) 5th

Data Interpretation: Charts & Caselets (Sets 5–8)

SET 5 · Pie Chart: Market Share

Data Set: In 2023, market share (%) of 6 brands: Alpha 28%, Beta 22%, Gamma 18%, Delta 15%, Epsilon 10%, Others 7%. Total market = ₹8,400 crore. In 2024: Alpha grew +4%, Beta declined −3%, Gamma unchanged, Delta +2%, Epsilon −1%. Total market grew 10%.

21. What was Alpha's revenue in 2023?

A) ₹2,100 Cr
B) ₹2,352 Cr
C) ₹2,520 Cr
D) ₹2,800 Cr

Answer: B) ₹2,352 Cr (28% of 8,400)

22. In 2024, Gamma's revenue (₹ crore) is approximately:

A) ₹1,512 Cr
B) ₹1,663 Cr
C) ₹1,800 Cr
D) ₹1,960 Cr

Answer: B) ₹1,663 Cr (18% of 9,240)

23. Which brand shows the highest absolute revenue increase from 2023 to 2024?

A) Alpha
B) Gamma
C) Delta
D) Beta

Answer: Cannot be determined from the given data

24. Beta's revenue declined by approximately how much from 2023 to 2024? (₹ crore)

A) ₹32 Cr
B) ₹50 Cr
C) ₹60 Cr
D) ₹71 Cr

Answer: Cannot be determined from the given data

25. The combined 2024 market share of Epsilon and Others is:

A) 14%
B) 15%
C) 16%
D) 17%

Answer: Cannot be determined from the given data

SET 6 · Caselet: School Admissions

Data Set: 600 students applied. 40% applied for Science, 35% for Commerce, 25% for Arts. Selection rates: Science 60%, Commerce 50%, Arts 80%. Fees paid by selected students: Science ₹50,000, Commerce ₹40,000, Arts ₹30,000.

26. How many students were selected in total?

A) 330
B) 342
C) 369
D) 370

Answer: C) 369 (240×0.6 + 210×0.5 + 150×0.8)

27. Total fees collected (₹ lakh) from all selected students is approximately:

A) ₹150L
B) ₹168L
C) ₹174L (144×5 + 105×4 + 120×3 = 1,500+)
D) ₹182L

Answer: : A) ₹150

28. Which stream had the highest selection percentage?

A) Science
B) Commerce
C) Arts
D) All equal

Answer: C) Arts (80%)

29. The ratio of selected Science students to selected Arts students is:

A) 6:5
B) 5:4
C) 4:5
D) 6:7

Answer: A) 6:5 (144:120)

30. If 10% of selected Science students later withdraw, the new total fee collected from Science is:

A) ₹64.8L
B) ₹68L
C) ₹70L
D) ₹72L

Answer: A) ₹64.8L

SET 7 · Line Chart: Stock Prices

Data Set: Monthly closing prices (₹) for two stocks M and N over 6 months: M: Jan-200, Feb-210, Mar-225, Apr-215, May-230, Jun-250 N: Jan-150, Feb-160, Mar-155, Apr-175, May-180, Jun-170

31. What is the percentage change in Stock M's price from January to June?

A) 20%
B) 22%
C) 25%
D) 28%

Answer: C) 25% (200→250)

32. In which month was the price difference between M and N the highest?

A) March
B) April
C) May
D) June

Answer: D) June (250−170=80)

33. Stock N showed a decline from the previous month in which months?

A) March only
B) June only
C) March and June
D) April and June

Answer: C) March and June

34. If an investor bought 100 shares of M in January and sold in June, the profit is:

A) ₹4,000
B) ₹4,500
C) ₹5,000
D) ₹5,500

Answer: C) ₹5,000 (100×50)

35. The average price of Stock N over 6 months is:

A) ₹163.3
B) ₹165.0
C) ₹166.7
D) ₹168.0

Answer: B) ₹165.0 (990/6)

SET 8 · Bar Chart: City Populations

Data Set: Population (in lakhs) of 5 cities across 3 census years: City 1: 12, 15, 20 | City 2: 8, 10, 14 | City 3: 20, 22, 28 | City 4: 5, 7, 9 | City 5: 30, 35, 42 (Years: 2001, 2011, 2021)

36. Which city grew by the highest absolute number (in lakhs) from 2001 to 2021?

A) City 3
B) City 5
C) City 1
D) City 2

Answer: B) City 2 (10→14 = 40%)

37. What was the combined population of all 5 cities in 2011 (in lakhs)?

A) 85
B) 89
C) 94
D) 97

Answer: B) 89

38. City 4's population as a percentage of City 5's population in 2021 is approximately:

A) 18.5%
B) 19.5%
C) 21.4%
D) 23.8%

Answer: C) 21.4% (9/42)

39. Which city showed the highest percentage growth from 2011 to 2021?

A) City 1
B) City 2
C) City 4
D) City 5

Answer: A) City 1 (15→20 = 33.3%)

40. If the total population across all cities grows by 15% from 2021 to 2031, the projected 2031 total (in lakhs) is:

A) ~129.95
B) 133.5
C) 136.2
D) 131.7

Answer: A) ~129.95 lakh

Logical Reasoning: Linear & Circular Arrangements (Sets 9–12)

SET 9 · Linear Seating

Conditions: Eight persons A–H sit in a row facing north. A sits third from the left. C and E are adjacent. B is to the immediate right of A. F sits at one of the ends. D is between G and H. G is not adjacent to B. H is at position 7.

41. Who sits at position 4?

A) C
B) B
C) G
D) E

Answer: B

42. Who sits at the extreme left?

A) F
B) H
C) G
D) C

Answer: A) F sits at the extreme right

43. How many persons sit between C and H?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Answer: The answer can be 4 or 5, depending on the arrangement.

44. Who are the immediate neighbours of A?

A) F and B
B) E and B
C) C and B
D) G and B

Answer: A's neighbours are B and either C or E, depending on the arrangement.

45. Which of the following is a valid arrangement of positions 5–8?

A) C, E, H, G
B) G, D, H, F
C) E, C, G, H
D) C, G, D, H

Answer: B

SET 10 · Circular Arrangement

Conditions: Six friends P, Q, R, S, T, U sit around a circular table facing the centre. P sits opposite Q. R is to the immediate left of P. S is not adjacent to P or Q. T sits between Q and U.

46. Who sits opposite R?

A) Q
B) T
C) S
D) U

Correct Answer: B) T

47. Who are the immediate neighbours of P?

A) R and S
B) R and U
C) R and T
D) U and S

Answer: B) R and U

48. Which pair sits diagonally opposite each other?

A) P and T
B) Q and U
C) R and S
D) T and U

Answer: C) R and S

49. How many persons sit between P and T (going clockwise)?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 0

Answer: A) 1 (U sits between P and T)

50. If R and T swap positions, who is now opposite P?

A) R
B) T
C) Q
D) S

Answer: C) Q (P-Q opposition is fixed)

SET 11 · Floor-Based Arrangement

Conditions: Seven people live on floors 1–7 (1=ground). A lives on an even floor. B lives directly above C. D lives on floor 5. E is on floor 3. F lives above E but below D. G lives on the topmost floor.

51. On which floor does F live?

A) Floor 4
B) Floor 5
C) Floor 6
D) Floor 3

Answer: A) Floor 4

52. Who lives on Floor 2?

A) A
B) B
C) C
D) Cannot determine

Answer: A) A (only available even floor)

53. Which floors do B and C occupy (B directly above C)?

A) 1 and 2
B) 5 and 6
C) 6 and 7
D) Cannot be Floor 7

Answer: D) Cannot be floor 7 (G is on 7)

54. Who lives on the ground floor?

A) B
B) C
C) A
D) F

Answer: B) C

55. How many people live above D?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 0

Answer: B) 2 (A on floor 6, G on floor 7)

SET 12 · Designation Arrangement

Conditions: In a company hierarchy of 5 levels (1=top), five managers M1–M5 each hold a unique level. M3 is not at Level 1 or 5. M1 is senior to M4 but junior to M2. M5 is at Level 5. M4 is at Level 3.

56. What is M2's level?

A) Level 1
B) Level 2
C) Level 3
D) Level 4

Answer: A) Level 1

57. Which manager is at Level 2?

A) M1
B) M3
C) M4
D) M2

Answer: A) M1

58. Who is at Level 4?

A) M3
B) M4
C) M1
D) M5

Answer: A) M3

59. M1 is senior to how many managers?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4

Answer: C) 3 (M3, M4 and M5)

60. If M3 gets promoted one level, who would be at Level 4?

A) M4
B) M5
C) M1
D) Cannot be determined

Answer: D) Cannot be determined

Explanation: The conditions do not specify what happens to M4 when M3 moves from Level 4 to Level 3. Therefore, the original answer "No one" is not established.

SET 13 · Round Robin Tournament

Original conditions: Four teams W, X, Y and Z play a round-robin tournament. Each win = 2 points, draw = 1 point, loss = 0 points. Final standings: W = 5, X = 4, Y = 3, Z = 0. No match ended in a draw for Z. W beat X. Y beat W.

Problem: The total points are 12. In a four-team round robin, there are six matches, producing at least 12 total points. Therefore, no draws are possible. But W cannot score 5 points without a draw. The conditions are inconsistent.

61. How many matches did Z win?

A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3

Answer: Cannot be determined from a valid tournament (conditions contradictory).

62. What was the result of the match between X and Y?

A) X won
B) Y won
C) Draw
D) Cannot be determined

Answer: Cannot be determined.

63. How many matches ended in a draw in total?

A) 0
B) 1
C) 2
D) 3

Answer: No valid tournament exists.

64. Which team won the most matches?

A) W
B) X
C) Y
D) Z

Answer: Cannot be determined.

65. The match between W and Z ended in:

A) W win
B) Z win
C) Draw
D) Cannot be determined

Answer: Cannot be determined.

Recommendation: Correct the points table and match-result conditions before using this set.

SET 14 · Task Scheduling

Conditions: Six tasks (T1–T6) are scheduled across Monday–Saturday (one per day). T3 must be done before T5. T1 and T4 cannot be on consecutive days. T2 is on Wednesday. T6 is on Friday. T5 is not on Monday or Tuesday. T4 is on Monday.

There are actually two valid schedules:

Monday–Saturday: T4, T3, T2, T1, T6, T5
Monday–Saturday: T4, T3, T2, T5, T6, T1

66. On which day is T5 scheduled?

A) Thursday
B) Saturday
C) Wednesday
D) Tuesday

Answer: Cannot be determined (Thursday or Saturday).

67. On which day is T3 scheduled?

A) Tuesday
B) Thursday
C) Wednesday
D) Monday

Answer: A) Tuesday

68. T1 must be scheduled on which day?

A) Thursday
B) Wednesday
C) Saturday
D) Sunday

Answer: Cannot be determined (Thursday or Saturday).

69. If T3 and T6 are swapped, which constraint is violated?

A) T3 before T5
B) T1–T4 not consecutive
C) T6 is fixed on Friday
D) None

Answer: C) T6 is fixed on Friday

Note: This answer assumes the first valid schedule. With the second valid schedule, both A and C are violated.

70. What is the correct full schedule (Mon–Sat)?

A) T4, T3, T2, T1, T6, T5
B) T4, T1, T2, T3, T6, T5
C) T4, T3, T2, T6, T1, T5
D) T1, T3, T2, T4, T6, T5

Answer: A) T4, T3, T2, T1, T6, T5

Note: A is valid, but it is not the only possible schedule.

SET 15 · Knockout Tournament

Conditions: Eight players (1–8) compete in a knockout tournament. Player 1 beats Player 5. Player 3 beats Player 7. Player 2 loses in the semi-final. Player 4 reaches the final. Player 6 is eliminated in Round 1. Player 8 beats Player 6. Players 4 and 3 meet in the final.

71. Who plays against Player 8 in the quarter-final?

A) Player 1
B) Player 2
C) Player 4
D) Player 3

Answer: Cannot be determined.

72. Who was eliminated in Round 1 (other than Player 6)?

A) Player 5 and Player 7
B) Player 2 and Player 7
C) Player 5 only
D) Player 7 only

Answer: A) Player 5 and Player 7

73. Player 2 was defeated in the semi-final by:

A) Player 4
B) Player 3
C) Player 8
D) Player 1

Answer: A) Player 4

74. How many matches did Player 1 win in total?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 0

Answer: Cannot be determined.

75. If Player 4 wins the final, how many total matches does Player 4 play?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Answer: B) 3

Explanation: Player 4 plays in the quarter-final, semi-final and final.

Note: Q71 and Q74 need additional bracket information to have unique answers.

SET 16 · Conference Scheduling

Conditions: Five speakers (A–E) present over five slots (S1–S5). A presents before D. B does not present in S1 or S5. C presents in S3. E presents in S5. A and E are not in consecutive slots. B and C are not in consecutive slots.

Problem: B cannot be in S1 or S5. The only remaining possible positions for B are S2 and S4, but both are immediately adjacent to C in S3.

Therefore, no valid arrangement exists.

76. In which slot does B present?

A) S1
B) S2
C) S4
D) S3

Answer: No valid arrangement.

77. In which slot does A present?

A) S1
B) S2
C) S3
D) S4

Answer: No valid arrangement.

78. Which speaker presents in S2?

A) A
B) B
C) D
D) E

Answer: No valid arrangement.

79. Is A in S3 and E in S5 a valid arrangement if C is in S4?

A) Yes
B) No – A and E consecutive
C) No – C must be in S3
D) No – B cannot be in S2

Answer: C) No – C is fixed in S3

80. The correct complete order (S1–S5) is:

A) A, D, C, B, E
B) D, A, C, B, E
C) A, B, C, D, E
D) A, C, D, B, E

Answer: No valid arrangement under the original conditions.

Recommendation: Change "B and C are not in consecutive slots" to "B and C are in consecutive slots." This would allow the intended arrangement A, D, C, B, E.

SET 17 · Colour-Profession Grid

Conditions: Five people (J, K, L, M, N) each have a unique favourite colour (Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, White) and profession (Doctor, Engineer, Lawyer, Teacher, Artist). J likes Blue. The Doctor likes Green. K is the Engineer. L is not the Teacher. M likes Red. N is the Artist. The Lawyer likes Yellow.

Problem: J likes Blue and M likes Red. Since the Doctor likes Green and the Lawyer likes Yellow, neither J nor M can be the Doctor or Lawyer. Both professions would have to belong to the remaining people K, L and N. But K is the Engineer and N is the Artist, leaving only L. This is impossible.

81. What colour does N (the Artist) like?

A) Green
B) White
C) Yellow
D) Red

Answer: Cannot be determined – conditions contradictory.

82. Who is the Doctor?

A) J
B) L
C) K
D) M

Answer: No valid arrangement.

83. Who is the Lawyer?

A) J
B) M
C) N
D) K

Answer: No valid arrangement.

84. L's profession is:

A) Teacher
B) Doctor
C) Lawyer
D) Artist

Answer: No valid arrangement.

85. Which of these is a valid person–colour–profession combination?

A) M, Red, Teacher
B) K, Blue, Engineer
C) J, Blue, Lawyer
D) N, Green, Artist

Answer: No valid arrangement.

Recommendation: Revise the colour clues before using this set. The original answer key cannot be validated.

SET 18 · Binary Grid: Truth/Lie

Conditions: Four people P, Q, R, S each make one statement. Exactly two are truth-tellers and two are liars.

P: "Q is a liar."
Q: "R is a truth-teller."
R: "S is a liar."
S: "P is a truth-teller."

There are two possible consistent arrangements:

P and S are truth-tellers; Q and R are liars.
Q and R are truth-tellers; P and S are liars.

86. If P is a truth-teller, how many truth-tellers are there in total?

A) 1
B) 2
C) 3
D) 4

Answer: B) 2 (P and S)

87. Who are the two liars?

A) P and R
B) Q and S
C) Q and R
D) P and Q

Answer: Cannot be determined without knowing whether P is a truth-teller.

88. S's statement is:

A) False
B) True
C) Cannot determine
D) Partially true

Answer: C) Cannot determine

89. If exactly THREE were truth-tellers instead, which scenario is consistent?

A) P, Q, R are truth-tellers
B) P, R, S are truth-tellers
C) Q, R, S are truth-tellers
D) No consistent scenario with 3 truth-tellers

Answer: D) No consistent scenario with 3 truth-tellers

90. Q's statement "R is a truth-teller" is:

A) True
B) False
C) Cannot determine
D) Conditionally true

Answer: C) Cannot determine

Note: Q87, Q88 and Q90 require an additional condition, such as "P is a truth-teller", to have unique answers.

SET 19 · Blood Relations + Logic

Conditions: In a family: A is the father of B. C is the mother of D. B and D are siblings. E is the wife of A. F is the son of D. G is the daughter of B.

91. What is E's relation to D?

A) Mother
B) Aunt
C) Grandmother
D) Sister

Answer: Cannot be determined

92. G and F are:

A) Cousins
B) Siblings
C) Uncle–Niece
D) Cannot determine

Answer: A) Cousins

93. How is A related to F?

A) Father
B) Grandfather
C) Uncle
D) Brother

Answer: Cannot be determined

94. G's relation to D is:

A) Daughter
B) Niece
C) Cousin
D) Sister

Answer: B) Niece

95. What is the total number of distinct people in this family?

A) 5
B) 6
C) 7
D) 8

Answer: D) 8 (A, B, C, D, E, F, G and one additional?

Correction: There are actually 7 distinct people, namely A, B, C, D, E, F and G.

Correct Answer: C) 7

Important explanation: E is not necessarily C. The original answer key incorrectly assumes E = C. Also, being siblings does not automatically establish that A is the father of D.

SET 20 · Ordering & Ranking

Conditions: Six athletes (1–6) finish a race. Athlete 3 finishes immediately before Athlete 5. Athlete 1 is not last. Athlete 2 finishes after Athlete 4 but before Athlete 6. Athlete 4 finishes first. Athlete 6 is not last.

96. Who finishes last?

A) Athlete 1
B) Athlete 3
C) Athlete 5
D) Athlete 6

Answer: C) Athlete 5

97. Who finishes 3rd?

A) Athlete 2
B) Athlete 1
C) Athlete 3
D) Athlete 6

Answer: Cannot be determined

98. How many athletes finish before Athlete 6?

A) 2
B) 3
C) 4
D) 5

Answer: Cannot be determined (2 or 3)

99. Which is a valid complete finishing order?

A) 4, 2, 1, 6, 3, 5
B) 4, 1, 2, 3, 6, 5
C) 4, 1, 2, 6, 3, 5
D) 1, 4, 2, 6, 3, 5

Answer: Both A and C are valid.

100. Athlete 3 finishes in position:

A) 3rd
B) 4th
C) 5th
D) 2nd

Answer: C) 5th

Understanding the CAT DILR Section Structure

Section Format

Before diving into strategy, it is important to understand precisely how this section is constructed. That structural knowledge directly shapes your approach and time management on exam day. The CAT exam pattern consists of three sections Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA) with DILR typically featuring multiple sets rather than standalone dilr questions for CAT, and each section being time-bound with no switching allowed between sections during the exam.

Duration: 40 minutes (dedicated section time)
Number of DILR CAT Questions: 20 (recent pattern) — presented in sets of 4–6
Number of Sets: Typically 4–5 sets per paper
Marking: +3 for correct, −1 for wrong MCQ, 0 for unattempted or TITA
Set-Based Format: Each set contains a data/scenario description followed by a cluster of related DILR CAT questions

Two Components of DILR

Component	What It Tests	Common Formats	Avg. Sets/Year
Data Interpretation (DI)	Reading and computing from structured data	Tables, Bar/Line/Pie Charts, Caselets, Mixed DI	2–3 sets
Logical Reasoning (LR)	Applying conditions to derive sequences/arrangements	Arrangements, Games, Scheduling, Grids, Routes	2–3 sets

In practice, many sets in recent CAT papers blend both DI and LR elements. This hybrid format has become increasingly common since 2020, and candidates must be prepared for it.

How to Solve CAT DILR Questions: Step-by-Step Strategy

The approach to solving CAT DILR Questions is fundamentally different from solving Quantitative Aptitude problems. There is no single formula. Success here depends on a structured thought process that you must internalise through repeated practice.

Phase 1: The 5-Minute Set Survey

At the start of the DILR section, spend 4–5 minutes scanning all sets without attempting any question. This is the most important investment you will make in the entire 40 minutes.

Read the first line of each set's introduction to identify the topic
Count the number of variables and conditions given
Glance at the DILR CAT questions check if they ask for unique answers or ranges
Mentally rate each set: Easy (can start immediately), Moderate (solvable with effort), Hard (skip unless time permits)
Decide your attempt order before solving a single question

Step-by-Step Solving Framework

Read the data/scenario description completely — twice

Never start building your grid or table after reading once. The second pass helps you catch conditions you missed, prevents false starts, and reduces the risk of a wrong foundational assumption corrupting all downstream answers.

Identify all entities, variables, and constraints

Write down all entities (people, items, teams), all variables (positions, ranks, values), and all constraints. In LR sets, this list IS your solution framework.

Choose the right representation format

For DI: use tables or calculated columns. For arrangements: draw linear/circular diagrams. For scheduling: use a grid. For games/tournaments: draw bracket trees.

Apply definite constraints first, then conditional ones

Start with constraints that fix positions absolutely. Then apply constraints that eliminate options. Leave conditional or 'if-then' constraints for last.

Read each question independently before answering

Many DILR CAT questions introduce new conditions that apply only to that specific question. Never carry a question's additional condition into the next question's analysis.

For DI: identify what is being asked before calculating

DILR questions for CAT often ask for ratios, percentage changes, rankings, or approximations — not exact values. Approximation is usually sufficient.

Verify your answer using at least one cross-check

After arriving at an answer, spend 15 seconds verifying it against one unused constraint or data point.

Time Allocation Framework for DILR (40 Minutes)

Phase	Activity	Time
Phase 1	Set Survey — scan all sets and decide order	4–5 min
Phase 2	Attempt Set 1 (easiest)	8–9 min
Phase 3	Attempt Set 2 (next easiest)	8–9 min
Phase 4	Attempt Set 3 (moderate)	9–10 min
Phase 5	Review and attempt remaining / TITA questions	6–8 min

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Solving CAT DILR Questions 2026

Starting the hardest-looking set first because it appears early in the paper
Not drawing diagrams for LR sets attempting to hold all constraints in your head
Carrying additional conditions across questions invalidating your entire analysis
Attempting all questions in a difficult set even when you have cracked only 2 of 4 confidently
Over-calculating in DI doing exact division where approximation would yield the same MCQ answer
Not re-reading the question answering what you expect to be asked rather than what is actually asked

How to Prepare for CAT DILR Questions 2026: A Practical Guide

Core Skills Required

Before planning a study schedule, it is important to identify what CAT DILR Questions actually test. Students who prepare the wrong skills consistently underperform regardless of hours invested.

Analytical Reading: Extracting precise information from dense text or data in under 90 seconds.

Structured Representation: Converting raw conditions into grids, tables, or diagrams quickly and accurately.

Speed Arithmetic: For DI — percentage, ratio, and approximation calculations under 15 seconds each.

Constraint Processing: Correctly ordering and applying multiple logical conditions without contradiction.

Set Evaluation: Judging the solvability and time cost of a set in under 45 seconds during the survey phase.

Time Discipline: Knowing when to abandon a set that is taking too long and moving to the next one.

3-Month Preparation Plan

Month 1: Foundation

Learn all DI formats: tables, bar, pie, line, caselet
Practice basic LR: linear/circular arrangements
Solve 2–3 sets daily from previous CAT papers
Build speed arithmetic practice % & ratio daily
Study at least 1 new set type per week
Review every solved set for mistakes

Month 2: Application

Start timed set practice 10 min per set
Cover games, tournaments, scheduling in LR
Solve hybrid DI-LR sets
Begin full CAT mock sections (40 min DILR only)
Analyse attempts: accuracy by topic
Eliminate weak areas with focused re-practice

Month 3: Mastery

Solve CAT 2019–2024 DILR sections in full
Practice set survey rank 5 sets in 5 min
Full mocks with section-level analysis
Target weak set types with drill practice
Solve 1 new non-CAT DILR set daily
Review and refine attempt strategy

Weekly Practice Structure

Day	Focus Area	Target
Monday	Data Interpretation — Tables & Caselets	3 sets timed
Tuesday	Logical Reasoning — Arrangements	3 sets timed
Wednesday	Mixed / Hybrid DI-LR	2 sets + review
Thursday	Charts (Bar, Pie, Line)	3 sets timed
Friday	LR — Games, Scheduling, Puzzles	3 sets timed
Saturday	Full DILR Section Mock (40 min)	Complete analysis
Sunday	Review all week's mistakes + concept revisit	Revision only

Recommended CAT DILR Resources

CAT Official Previous Papers (2017–2024): The single most important resource. Solve every DILR set at least twice.
Arun Sharma — How to Prepare for dilr questions for CAT: Comprehensive DI coverage with graduated difficulty levels.
Sinha — Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation: Strong LR coverage across all major set types.
SuperGrads DILR Module: Topic-wise video explanations, CAT study material, timed sectional mocks, and set-by-set performance analytics.

Preparation Insight: The biggest differentiator between students who score above 90th percentile in DILR and those who don't is not intelligence — it is the volume of timed practice. Students who solve 200+ CAT DILR Questions with post-attempt analysis consistently outperform those who solve 500+ sets without reviewing their process.

5-Year Analysis of CAT DILR (2020–2024)

Analysing five years of historical data is one of the most effective preparation tools available. The table below consolidates key patterns from CAT 2020–2024, enabling you to identify trends, track difficulty shifts, and calibrate your preparation accordingly.

Year	Total Qs	Sets	Difficulty	TITA Qs	Dominant DI Type	Dominant LR Type
CAT 2020	24	6	Moderate	8	Tables + Caselets	Linear Arrangements
CAT 2021	20	5	High	6	Mixed Charts	Games & Tournaments
CAT 2022	20	5	High	5	Bar + Pie Combination	Scheduling / Grid Puzzles
CAT 2023	20	4–5	Moderate	4	Caselets (text-heavy DI)	Network/Routes
CAT 2024	20	4–5	Moderate-High	5	Tables + Mixed DI	Constraint-Based Puzzles
CAT 2025	20	4–5	Moderate-High	5	Tables + Mixed DI	Constraint-Based Puzzles

Key Trends Identified (2020–2024)

Question count stabilised at 20: Since CAT 2021, the DILR section has consistently held 20 questions.
Set size is predominantly 4 questions: Most sets contain exactly 4 questions. Planning around 4-question sets is standard.
TITA questions have decreased: From 8 TITA questions in 2020, the count dropped to 4–6 in recent years. Accuracy in MCQs is increasingly important.
Hybrid DI-LR sets are rising: Recent papers increasingly blend data with logical constraints.
Difficulty peaked in 2021–2022: Since 2023, difficulty has returned to moderate-high levels.
Caselet DI is gaining prominence: Text-based data sets require reading comprehension alongside numerical analysis.

Trend Alert: CAT setters have consistently introduced at least one completely new format in DILR CAT Questions every year — multi-level grid puzzles in 2022, network-based LR in 2023. Relying only on previous year sets is necessary but not sufficient; you must build the ability to handle unseen formats under time pressure.

Topic Frequency Breakdown (2020–2024 Combined)

Topic	Avg. Sets/Year	Frequency	Difficulty Range
Tables (DI)	1.2	High	Easy–Moderate
Bar / Line Charts (DI)	0.8	High	Moderate
Pie Charts (DI)	0.6	Medium	Easy–Moderate
Caselets (DI)	1.0	High	Moderate–High
Linear Arrangements (LR)	0.8	High	Moderate
Circular Arrangements (LR)	0.4	Medium	Moderate–High
Games & Tournaments (LR)	0.8	High	Moderate–High
Scheduling (LR)	0.6	Medium	High
Grid / Matrix Puzzles (LR)	0.6	Medium	High
Network / Routes (LR)	0.4	Medium	High

Difficulty Distribution and Attempt Strategy

Percentile Target	Sets to Attempt	Min. Accuracy	Expected Net Score
80th Percentile	2–3 full sets	70%	18–24
90th Percentile	3 full sets	80%	26–33
95th Percentile	3–4 sets	85%	33–42
99th Percentile	4–5 sets	88%+	44–57

Conclusion

This guide's 200 practice questions, 5-year trend analysis, and step-by-step solving framework are all tools designed to build your analytical thinking ability systematically. The DILR section is, by design, the part of CAT that most thoroughly tests your ability to think not just calculate or recall.

The candidates who score above the 95th percentile in DILR are not necessarily the most intelligent students in the room. They are the students who selected the right sets, worked methodically, avoided time traps, and built their analytical framework through months of deliberate, reviewed practice.

Important Links:

CAT 2026 Sample Papers	CAT 2025 Question Paper	CAT 2024 Question Paper
CCAT 2023 Question Paper	CAT 2022 Question Paper	CAT 2021 Question Paper
CAT 2020 Question Paper	CAT Previous Year Question Paper	CAT Quantitative Aptitude Questions

Smart Prep for CAT: Join Our Free Demo Class

Fill your details

Recently Published

CAT Verbal Ability Questions: 100+ Solved Practice Questions for CAT 2026