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Home > News & Articles > How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT: Check Tips, Expected Questions, & Pattern
Kitiyala Jamir
Updated on 13th September, 2024 , 7 min read
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT: Check Tips, Expected Questions, & Pattern
What is Data Interpretation?
CAT Exam has questions about logical reasoning and data interpretation and getting familiar with the Data Interpretation component is a crucial element of CAT Exam preparation. This section includes 20 questions, of which 6 are about data interpretation.
Following the modifications made to the CAT Exam Pattern in 2015, Data Interpretation Questions have been separated into their section inside the DILR Section.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning are the components of the CAT that most candidates believe to be the most difficult (DILR). This is mostly due to the alleged intricacy and unpredictable nature of CAT's data interpretation. The gestation period to master DILR is much shorter than it is for the Quant Section or VARC. Furthermore, the DILR portion is the most intriguing to study for and pass because of the likelihood of high accuracy. In this article, we will discuss preparation strategies for the CAT exam's Data Interpretation section.
Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT Exam: Exam Pattern
Data Interpretation for CAT Exam in DILR Section | DI 2024 Composition |
Section Name | Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) |
Total no of DILR Questions | 20-24 |
No. of problems in Data Interpretation for CAT | 3-4 |
Type of DI Questions for CAT | Questions are in sets of 3-4 based on DI problems |
Total no of questions Based on Data Interpretation for CAT | 10-12 |
Bifurcation of DI Based Questions | 8-10 MCQs 3-4 Non-MCQs |
Questions in Data Interpretation Based On Time And Distance | Nil as the DI part is taken out of the QA section |
Total time to attempt DILR Section | 40 minutes |
Marks for Each Correct Answer | +3 |
Negative Marks for Each Wrong Answer | -1 |
Difficulty Level of DI Questions | Moderate to High |
Questions with No-Negative Marking in Data Interpretation | 3-4 Non-MCQs |
Best Books for Data Interpretation for CAT Exams | 1.How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma 2. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha |
CAT Tutorial for Data Interpretation | CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri |
Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT: Exam Syllabus
In comparison to other CAT sections, the Data Interpretation Syllabus is a little more specified. Nearly every type of data comparison and data analysis question that could be based on a data table, bar diagram, graph, or pie chart is covered in the CAT Data Interpretation curriculum. The ability to analyse and compare data will increase with repeated practice, and with that improvement will come a faster ability to respond to the DI questions on the CAT.
Read in Detail: CAT syllabus
The following topics could be used for the Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT and should be covered by the 12 questions in MCQ and Non-MCQ format in DI 2024 in CAT:
Data Interpretation Important Topics | |
Bar Charts | Pie Charts |
Line Charts | Pyramid Charts |
Bubble Charts | Missing Table Data |
Games and Tournaments | Networks |
Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT: 2022 DI Sets
The composition of the DI sets featured in the CAT 2022 exam is summarised slot-by-slot for your Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT Exam refer to the table below.
Topic | Number of Questions |
Slot 1: Cost price of various fruits | 4 |
Slot 1: Bar Graph on sales comparison of different items | 4 |
Slot 2: Bar Chart | 4 |
Slot 2: Games & Tournament | 4 |
Slot 3: Bar Chart | 4 |
Slot 3: Pure and Impure solutions | 4 |
Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT: Changes
Data Interpretation for CAT has seen significant development during the past five years. Before 2015, the CAT's Data Interpretation exam was a component of the Quantitative Ability section. Before 2015 and before 2013, there used to be roughly 10–12 CAT questions out of 50 based on 3–4 DI issues. With the addition of questions on logical reasoning, the Data Interpretation part for CAT now has its sectional cutoff. In the DILR component of the CAT, data interpretation questions increased from 16 to 32 until 2019, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused the number of questions to drop to 10 to 12.
The current CAT exam trends should be the main emphasis of your Preparation for Data Interpretation for CAT right now. Question sets for data interpretation can no longer be skipped. To meet the same high standards that you do in the Quantitative and Verbal parts, you must practise and prepare. Even if you achieve a high CAT percentile of 97 or 98 and score a percentile of 96 in VRC and 97 in Quant, but fall short in DILR, you will not be considered by IIMs because they want a minimum of 70 to 85 percentile in each of the three areas.
The complex, time-consuming, and difficult DILR CAT Practice Questions come in sets. Since numerous questions follow each problem, you must find solutions quickly.
CAT Preparation - Quick Links | |
Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT: Strategy-based
Below are the preparation strategies designed on the basis of your level of preparation. We have categorized the levels as Beginners, Intermediate, and Experts. Check these strategies below.
Beginners
Students should start by completing the fundamental sets of questions from study materials or online portals if they have never completed puzzles, logical reasoning tests, or sudoku.
Intermediate
Students who are normally engaged in problem-solving can skip the basic sets by tackling issues from rankings, arrangements, and matrices, which will make the sets more challenging.
Expert
Students who have already taken the CAT and are comfortable with the fundamental ideas of the LRDI can start preparing by answering previous year's questions from the SIMCAT, AIMCATs, and CAT mock exams 2024, among other sources.
Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT: A Guide
Given below are the steps and procedures to help you through the most difficult section of CAT:
- The first step to your Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT is to make each concept's basis clear and work through simple issues. Additionally, you can consult and resolve the DI questions from earlier CAT question papers. Your capacity to comprehend the information increases with the number of questions you see from a given topic. In two to three days of study, try to finish one chapter before moving on to the next.
- Furthermore, it's essential to boost your computation speed. The game of data interpretation is one of speed. The more time you can give to other sets by saving on DI, the more time you have to spare. Although a calculator will be available throughout the exam, conducting the numbers yourself will save you valuable time.
- In this step, your Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT is a thorough understanding of the CAT syllabus is essential to perform well on the DILR section of the CAT. Examine the previous year's test questions to have an understanding of the questions that were asked about the topics covered in the DILR Syllabus.
- Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT can be done by first mastering the fundamentals, we start to take into account how long it takes to answer a question. Every day with a timer, practice 3 to 4 sets of DI questions (excluding any mock questions). The ideal time for each set should be between 8 and 10 minutes and should not be longer. You will soon learn during your sample writing sessions that focusing on a certain set can cost you the exam.
- The DILR segment is becoming more challenging every year that goes through. You will ace the exam with ease if you work hard and practise consistently. As you practice, pay attention to how quickly you can complete calculations because data interpretation problems often require quick calculations
- After you have learned the basics, begin by taking topic examinations and practice exams. The analysis you do after the test, which aids in your improvement, is more important than taking the test itself. Analyze how much time you spent on each DI set and what you could have done better to finish faster. Set a timer and complete the DI sets once more outside of the test.
- Practice CAT exams by answering questions from previous years' test questions. This will assist you in analysing your errors and strengthening your weaker area.
- Look over each question, starting with the simpler ones. Avoid starting with the challenging questions right away as they will take a lot of time.
- CAT Data Interpretation questions need to be answered with a high degree of precision and accuracy. Avoid presuming or over-approximating when answering the questions, and emphasize being thorough.
- Develop a special approach to caselet resolution. Each CAT Data Interpretation question should be examined. To finish the task in the allotted time, use the shortcut techniques as needed
- You should read the top DILR books for CAT preparation to gain conceptual clarity. Two highly suggested books for the Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT are listed below.
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT: Guidelines
We often feel overwhelmed when we are about to take exams so we have listed out a few guideline points that will help you go through your Preparation of Data Interpretation for the CAT exam.
- Don't let seeing large data sets frighten you. These are frequently the simplest, and the info is there to divert your attention. Analyze the test: Don't start afresh with the first set of practice questions or mock exams while you are still solving them. Give yourself 4-5 minutes to read through all of the DI LR questions, then choose the few sets that you can finish in a flash. Select one or two sets that are simple to solve, then go on to challenging ones.
- LR DI sets range in difficulty from easy to difficult in every paper. Choose the simpler sets, and try them first. Make sure you don't skip the simple sets and get stuck on the challenging ones. You can determine the difficulty level by regularly practicing from each sort of set. Choose, for instance, the sets with the fewest participants or the questions with the fewest variables.
- Practice problems that include comparing ratios and increasing/decreasing percentages.
- Don't finish solving the dataset for a set in DI before moving on to the problems. Read the question first, then take the bare minimum of action to be able to respond to it. Put the values you calculated into a table because they might be useful for other problems.
- Utilize alternatives to help you find the solution. Avoid going into the smallest decimal places when comparing numbers. Instead, transform them into a similar shape (fractions mostly).
- As more candidates apply for the CAT exam each year, the competition has grown throughout the years. As a result, candidates must be committed and exam-focused. The data interpretation questions are simple to answer with the right preparation, and getting into the IIMs or another esteemed business school is simple. To receive the most recent CAT Exam notification, follow CollegeSearch.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
What syllabus should I study for my Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT ?
You can refer to data comparison and data analysis question that could be based on a data table, bar diagram, graph, or pie chart for your Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT.
Which books should I refer to for my Preparation of Data Interpretation?
Two highly suggested books for Preparation of Data Interpretation for CAT are How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma & Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha.
Will my admission be guaranteed if I score good in my CAT?
Getting a high score in CAT will help you complete a very important milestone and one step closer to top business school. However, different colleges have different final selection criteria which the candidate has to be able to meet.
What is the next step after completing CAT?
The next crucial step after CAT is clearing the CAT cutoff and prepare for the further rounds of selection. In CAT, candidates must meet the sectional cutoff to be eligible for participation in the further rounds.
Is CAT exam only for MBA?
Yes, CAT Exam is a mandatory exam only for MBA aspirants to get into top business colleges in India.
How many times can I take the CAT exam?
There is no limit on the number of attempts for CAT.