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Tips on How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT Exam 2024

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

August 24, 2024

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Overview: Although logical reasoning for the CAT accounts for only 20 questions, this section is important and, if prepared thoroughly, can be a scoring one. Here are some expert tips on how to prepare for logical reasoning for CAT 2024.

  • Logical reasoning is integral to the CAT exam, requiring a deep understanding of complex problem-solving skills. 
  • While preparing for the logical reasoning section of the CAT exam may seem challenging, it's definitely within your reach to do so effectively. 
  • This guide provides useful tips and strategies for preparing for the logical reasoning section of the CAT 2024 entrance exam. 

We will discuss tips and study materials to maximise your success and learn how to prepare for logical reasoning for CAT.

Also Read | CAT 2024 Registration Begins: Apply Before 13 September 2024

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT Exam 2024?

Important Topic that Comes in DILR Section in CAT Exam

  • The data interpretation and logical reasoning section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) is designed to test your ability to analyse and interpret data and reason logically.
  • This section typically includes a variety of question types, including graphs, tables, and other visual data representations, as well as logical reasoning problems.
  • Let's look at the crucial topics that have been consistently seen in CAT over the last 5–6 years.

The CAT Logical Reasoning syllabus includes the topics below:

Sr. No. Topic Topics in PYQP 2017–23
1 Miscellaneous 11
2 Reasoning-based DI 10
3 Matrix arrangement 7
4 Venn diagram 7
5 Matrix and grid 7
6 Scheduling and matrix 6
7 Unconventional and hybrid and Games and tournament 6
8 Mathematical AR 4
9 Arithmetic caselet 3
10 Order and ranking 3
11 Missing data 3
12 Logic-based table 3
13 Routes and networks 3
14 Arithmetic-based DI 2
15 Gantt chart 2
16 Maxima-minima concept 2
17 Algebra caselet 2

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The CAT Logical Reasoning section focuses mostly on candidates' problem-solving aptitude. It combines rational thought with analytical abilities, which are used to solve any problem.

If well planned, it can be one of the scoring parts. Familiarize yourself with the curriculum and preparation strategy for the CAT.

Read More | Learn More About DILR Syllabus CAT 2024

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT 2024?

Important Tips for Practicing DILR

  • There is no standard source to prepare.
  • An average and below-average student takes 2-3 months to build logical reasoning ability. 
  • The key to building is to practice DILR questions of 2-3 sets minimum daily. 
  • Taking mocks from the beginning will be helpful; you will be exposed to multiple questions. 
  • During initial preparation, you will not realise the improvement, but with consistency, you will see the sudden effect after 2-3 months. 
  • When solving problems, particularly in the DILR section, it's crucial to learn from the solutions. This helps you understand the concepts better and retain the information for future use.

Learn More | How to Prepare for CAT in 6 Months

Detailed Preparation Strategy for DILR for CAT 2024

You can easily ace the DILR section of the CAT exam 2024 if you focus on these five topics and aim for accuracy. To do well in this section, you must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills and the ability to think logically and draw conclusions from the data presented. Data Interpretation & Location Reasoning Month-wise Strategy.

Months Strategy
First Month List all topics in LR. Try to solve two sets per day and cover all topics. Get to know the structure of each topic. You can refer to Supergrads CAT's YT videos for help with topics.
In DI, focus on speed maths (percentages, squares, cubes). Review the CAT exam analysis of 2023. 
Alternate between LR, QA, DI, and QA. Spend around 1-1.5 hours whenever you are doing DI or LR. 
Second Month Focus on Linear & Circular Arrangements by solving 2 sets of puzzles of DILR.
Give weekly topic tests.
Third Month Focus on 2 Matrix arrangements and more parameters in two sets whenever it is LR's turn.
In DI, Line, and Bar (2 sets whenever it is DI's turn), there is one topic test for each in DI and LR every alternate week.
Total 2 sectional tests in a month - one every two weeks with all tests taken ideally on the weekends. 
Fourth Month Focus on Games and Tournaments - 2 sets whenever LRs turn & Pie Chart - 2 sets whenever DIs turn one topic test each in DI and LR every alternate week.
Total 2 sectional tests in a month - one every two weeks with all tests taken ideally on the weekends.
Fifth Month Focus on Reasoning Based - 2 sets whenever LR's turn & Scatter Plot - 2 sets whenever DI's turn one topic test each in DI and LR every alternate week.
Total 2 sectional tests in a month - one every two weeks. Use Mock questions that went wrong.
Sixth Month Focus on Reasoning Based - 2 sets whenever it is LR's turn & Radar Plot - 2 sets whenever it is DI's turn 2.
Topic tests alternate between DI and LR every week—a total of two monthly sectional tests - one every two weeks.
Use Mock questions that went wrong.
Seventh Month Focus on Venn Diagrams - 2 sets whenever it is LR's turn & Combo Graph - 2 sets whenever it is DI's turn 2.
Topic tests alternate between DI and LR every week, for a total of two sectional tests in a month—one every two weeks.
Try to write all open mocks whenever possible.
Eighth Month Focus on Scheduling based - 2 sets whenever it is LR's turn & Combo Graph - 2 sets whenever it is DI's turn.
Two topic tests every week alternate between DI and LR.
There are a total of two sectional tests in a month—one every two weeks.
Try to write all open mocks whenever possible. 
Ninth Month Focus on solving CAT previous year question papers f at least last 5 years.
Two topic tests every week—alternate between DI and LR.
There are a total of three sectional tests per month—one per week for three weeks with a one-week break as per convenience.
Spend 1.5 hours every alternate day on DILR in total.

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Check | How to Prepare for CAT at Home?

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT 2024

You can prepare for CAT logical reasoning section through best preparation books. Check out the table below with CAT preparation books to ace this section. 

Books Authors
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Nishit K. Sinha
Analytical and Logical Reasoning for CAT Peeyush Bhardwaj
Data Interpretation for CAT Arun Sharma
CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Gautam Puri
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning RS Agarwal
How to Prepare Logical Reasoning for CAT Arun Sharma

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Hope the article answers how to prepare for logical reasoning for CAT?

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Conclusion

Preparing for logical reasoning for the CAT exam requires careful planning, practice and dedication. It is important to familiarise yourself with different types of questions and practice them regularly to become comfortable with the type of questions appearing in the CAT exam. 

Check | CAT Exam Personal Interview Questions

Additionally, it is important to use various strategies and techniques to solve the questions. By following these steps, you can ensure you are well-prepared for the CAT exam and maximise your chance of success.

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SuperGrads CAT 2023 Toppers

Frequently Asked Questions

What logical reasoning questions will I be asked in the CAT exam?

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