Important DILR Topics for CAT 2025: Weightage, Questions, Books, and Preparation tips to Score High

Overview: Looking for the important DILR topics for CAT exam? Knowing the key syllabus and topics can help you prepare for the big day more efficiently. Read on to know more!

• The DILR section typically includes 20-22 questions. Historically, these have been organized into two sets of five questions and three sets of four questions.
• While the DILR section contained 20 questions up to 2023, there was a minor change in 2024, with the number of questions increasing to 22.

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2025 by SuperGrads

Below are the DILR topics for CAT 2025 exam. Read on for further details.

Read More: How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT Exam

What is DI LR in the CAT Exam?

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DI LR) section tests your ability to analyse data, recognise patterns, and solve complex problems using logic and reasoning.

• Total Questions: Approximately 20-22 questions (varies slightly each year)
• Time Duration: 40 minutes
• Question Types: Combination of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQS) and Type in the Answer (TITA) questions
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to High
• This section is typically divided into two parts:
  • Data Interpretation (DI): Involves charts, graphs, tables, and data sets that require analysis and calculations.
  • Logical Reasoning (LR): Tests your ability to solve puzzles, arrangements, blood relations, and other logical constructs.

Know : Important Formulas For CAT

DILR Topics For CAT Syllabus 2025

Listed below are the most important topics in DILR in CAT exam:

DI LR topics for CAT
Radar charts	Order & rankings	Arrangements
Pie charts	Bubble charts	Route and network
Team formations	Tables	Line charts
Column graphs	Bar graphs	Binary logic
Scatter plot	Venn diagrams	Data caselets, games, and tournaments
Radar chart	Games and tournaments

Check: Logical Reasoning Questions for CAT

Important DILR topics for CAT 2025

The CAT DILR section is an important part of the CAT Exam Syllabus, comprising 22 questions divided into four sets of five questions each.

This section, further split into Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, has historically been challenging due to its demand for strong problem-solving abilities. Successfully solving at least three out of the five sets is generally considered a good target.

Data Interpretation Topics for CAT 2025

This section assesses your numerical and data-handling abilities, featuring problem sets that demand strong calculation skills. Key DILR topics for CAT 2025 are outlined below.

Tables	Bar Graph	Pie Chart
Line Graph	Venn Diagram	Radar Chart
Histograph	Caselets	Networks and Diagrams
Reasoning-based DI	Data Arrangement	Mathematical Puzzles

Read more: CAT Geometry Formulas with Explanation

Logical Reasoning Topics for CAT 2025

Logical reasoning assessments evaluate a candidate's capacity to solve problems and apply strategic thinking with clarity. These tests gauge their logical aptitude. Key DILR topics for CAT 2025 within logical reasoning include:

Linear Arrangement	Circular Arrangement	Selection
Sequencing	Binary Logic	Cubes
Routes	Games & Tournaments	2D/3D Space LRs
Coin Picking	Conditional LRs	Case-based LRs

Practise with: CAT Trigonometry Question with Solutions

CAT DILR Topic-wise Weightage 2024

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section of CAT 2024 featured a different structure than CAT 2023. 

The total number of questions increased from 20 to 22. Specifically, CAT 2023 included 4 sets, each containing 5 questions.

In contrast, CAT 2024 comprised 2 sets with 5 questions each and 3 sets with 4 questions each. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the set distribution.

DILR Section	No. of Que’s	Slot-1	Slot-2	Slot-3
Set 1	4	DI - Candle Stick	DI (Rating)	Bar Graph
Set 2	4	DI - Bar Graph	Schematic Diagram	DI (GDP of Countries)
Set 3	4	Arrangement	DI (2 Graphs)	Table with Missing Values
Set 4	5	Games and Tournaments	Puzzle (Rating)	Line Graph
Set 5	5	DI (Lengthy Set)	Arrangements	Network of Roads

Check: How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT exam

Best Book For DI LR For CAT 2025

Here are the important books that you can refer to prepare for the DI LR in CAT exam. These CAT DILR books are written by experts covering the important DILR topics for CAT.  Refer to the books to boost your preparation:

S.no	Best Book For DI LR For CAT	Author	Description
1.	How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma	A thorough guide recognised for its detailed clarifications and a diverse set of practice problems at different levels of complexity. Includes all the vital data analysis principles assessed in the CAT test.
2.	Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT	Nishit Sinha	This book is also widely chosen and provides a methodical way to learn DILR concepts. It contains quick problem-solving techniques and methods to solve problems efficiently. It offers a balanced combination of explaining concepts and providing practice questions.
3.	A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal	A fantastic tool for individuals new to developing a solid understanding of logical reasoning. Clearly elucidates concepts and presents a methodical method for addressing issues. Includes a diverse set of practice inquiries of different levels of complexity.

Know More | How Many Times CAT Exam is Conducted in a Year

Tips to Improve the CAT DILR Section

​To excel in the CAT DILR section, you need to have a good hold on the topics DILR for CAT sections. Here are the key strategies that you can follow:

1. Develop a Personalised Strategy:

Analyse your past performance and previous years' papers to identify your strengths and areas for improvement. Leverage your strengths to determine your optimal order and approach for tackling the DILR section.

2. Broaden Your Question Familiarity:

Relying on a limited range of question types is risky. Practice a diverse array of Logical Reasoning (LR) and Data Interpretation (DI) questions to build confidence in handling any question format encountered in the exam. 

3. Work on Time Management:

Simultaneously work on improving both your speed and accuracy by focusing on your weaknesses while utilising your strengths. Effective time management is crucial for success.

4. Practice More Mock Tests:

Mock exams are vital for adapting to the structure, content, and time limitations of the actual CAT exam. They also provide valuable insights into your current performance level in the DILR section.

5. Practice Previous Year Question Papers:

Review past years' question papers to understand the difficulty level and identify common tricky questions. Use this analysis to create a strategic plan for this section to maximise your score.

Read more: CAT Mensuration Questions with Answers

Conclusion

Mastering the CAT DI LR section is achievable through consistent practice. Utilise mock exams and past CAT papers to enhance your ability to recognise solvable problems and learn from mistakes.

Develop both your data interpretation and logical reasoning capabilities to become a well-rounded problem-solver.

Finally, approach the CAT exam with sound time management techniques and a confident mindset. By following these recommendations, you can effectively handle DILR topics for CAT success.

Read more: CAT Mathematics Questions with Answers