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Home > News & Articles > Logical Reasoning preparation For CAT: Preparation, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Books
Prachi Bhatia
Updated on 13th September, 2024 , 7 min read
Logical Reasoning preparation For CAT: Preparation, Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Books
Logical Reasoning is frequently the favorite section of CAT applicants. LR questions are designed to assess your ability to spot patterns, cues, and links in supplied data. While the questions appear to be extremely engaging, there is a risk of getting the wrong answer if you pay less attention to vital indications. The significance of LR in the CAT, what to expect in LR, and how to prepare for it are all discussed below.
According to experts, logical reasoning is the capacity to recognize and infer patterns from facts. The CAT logical reasoning portion focuses on candidates' problem-solving abilities. It combines logical thinking and analytical abilities to tackle any situation.
Before the late 2010s, applicants for the CAT did not view the logical reasoning component as being very important. Candidates can raise their CAT percentile by 25% by answering the logical reasoning questions, while the total number of points allocated for logical reasoning is 48.
If the applicant has a solid comprehension of the intricacies of the reasoning issues, they may take up to 30 minutes to complete the logical reasoning part. If the applicants appreciate mental teasers, they will enjoy solving this portion. This portion may be easy to grade because it does not require learning distinct formulas or information.
Classification of CAT Logical Reasoning Question Sets
The questions asked in the CAT logical reasoning section, are basically divided into 3 sections each of which has been briefly described below with examples.
- Calculation Based: These are sets with questions that deal with percentage increase/decrease or nominal increase/decrease. They require good control over basic calculation and approximation.
Example: Which is the year in which ABC Ltd. has witnessed the highest percentage growth over the previous year?
- Counting Based: These are generally large data sets in which aspirants are supposed to count the instances that meet the questions’ needs. They require patience and focus to ensure that not a single mistake happens.
Example: How many states (from the data given) have a male literacy rate of more than 80 percent, and a female literacy rate of less than 75 percent?
- Logic Based: Sometimes charts prefer to give you data in ranges or with conditions where it’s not possible to find the exact data. But one can surely be asked to find a number that can be arrived at if there is a need to maximize or minimize the number.
Example: Maximum how many of the employees in the range 35 to 45 years would be above 40 years if the average age of employees of this age group is 42 years?
- Structure Based: These DILR questions of CAT include some special sets.
Example: Goals of various teams in a tournament, sales-disposal data of a particular product in the market, etc.
CAT Logical Reasoning Preparation
Daily practice is advised in order to prepare for the logical reasoning portion of the CAT exam methodically. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is the country's major admission test for applicants who want to study business or management at the prestigious IIMs (Indian Institutes of Management).
To assist applicants prepare for the logical thinking portion of the CAT exam, the following tips are offered below:
1. Visualize the Problem
Visualizing the problem by using Venn diagrams, grids, or tables might help you reason more effectively. You may easily fit the conditions of the problems into the visually helpful diagrams and then search for solutions. This approach would be quite useful when tackling logical reasoning challenges with complexity or large amounts of data.
2. Improve Thinking Ability
Given that the logical reasoning component accounts for 32% of the overall weightage in the CAT exam, it is reasonable to make extra efforts to improve reasoning skills. Students can develop their thinking skills by tackling crossword puzzles, sudoku, riddles, and other similar activities on a regular basis. This is something that students can accomplish in their spare time. Sudoku puzzles are commonly found in the fun section of the daily newspaper. Making it a habit to solve these problems might take you a long way.
3. Time Management
The CAT test requires a lot of time management skills. The exam assesses not only your knowledge, abilities, and reasoning ability, but also your time management skills. As a result, adopting the 2-minute rule might assist you in allocating equal time to each question on the exam. The 2-minute rule states that you should not spend more than two minutes on a single question. If you spend more than 2 minutes on a question without obtaining a significant solution, it is best to move on to the next issue.
4. Use Elimination Method
If you're having trouble coming up with a solution, you may always use the elimination technique. You may carefully remove the possibilities using the supplied data. Several times, three of the four possibilities may be removed, and the remaining option is the correct answer. The elimination process can save you a lot of time, which you can put to better use in another part.
5. Decode Word Problems
The word issues may appear difficult at times, but all you have to do is decode the word puzzle in it. Reading the question aloud numerous times will help you better grasp it and make a decision. Word problems need a high level of focus. As a result, students must concentrate and study the questions including word problems.
6. Complex Calculation is a Red Symbol in Logical Reasoning
There are very few difficult computations in the logical reasoning problems on the CAT exam. The calculations in the LR portion are always simple. Therefore, there is a good chance that you are on the incorrect track and need to shift the direction of your effort if you ever find yourself performing extensive calculations in a logical reasoning problem.
7. Never Make Assumptions
You must never draw conclusions based on what is not explicitly mentioned in the logical thinking inquiry. Consider the facts or information provided in the challenge and utilize it to determine the solution. Assuming scenarios in logical reasoning difficulties is likely to lead you to the erroneous conclusion.
How to prepare for logical reasoning for CAT?
The CAT, or Common Admission Test, is an entrance exam for students seeking admission to India's top business schools. With a high score, you would have cleared the first hurdle to admission to your preferred business school. The CAT test is divided into three sections: verbal thinking, data interpretation, logical reasoning, and quantitative ability.
A part on logical thinking is added to assess the candidate's problem-solving ability. Candidates must analyze the answers to the questions by comprehending the patterns, sequences, or relationships between two or more aspects. Candidates who perform well in all other aspects save logical thinking will not be contacted by IIMs since this is a critical section. To increase his or her chances of admission to an IIM, the candidate should prepare for the logical reasoning part.
Systematic Approach: Always systematically approach the problem. You may also create a flowchart to help you think more clearly. You may also cross-check or verify your answer in this method.
Simplify the Data: Typically, information is presented in a complicated way. To arrive at the correct conclusion, it is frequently a good idea to write/draw the data more only.
Practice moving from simple to challenging: Before progressing to the harder level, master the simple questions. Make careful to practice a range of problems so that you do not get weighed down in solving the same ones.
CAT Logical Reasoning Preparation - 2-Step Plan
Below is a brief 2-step plan to help you prepare for the LR section in the CAT Exam.
- Calculation Skills: Sound control over mental calculation is a very good advantage in the CAT exam. This advantage cannot be compensated by the presence of an onscreen calculator. Mental calculation includes Tables to 20, knowledge of Fractions from 1/1, 1/2, 1/3 till 1/20, basic Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, etc. Develop this skill during CAT 2024 preparation.
Advice: Avoid using a calculator during the last three months. Strengthen your mental abilities by spending at least 10 minutes daily on basic operations.
- Approximation skills and use of options: A visible difference in the preparation of Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude is the fact that “options are a very important part of the questions”. The typical steps of solving a DI question in CAT should follow:
- Reading the question, understanding the need
- Having a look at the options and understand how accurately the answer needs to be found
- Now look at the charts/graphs and fetch the data required
- Trying to find the correct option and not the exact answer
Let us understand this with the help of an example.
Suppose a question involves finding 1234 as a percentage of 5678 with four options as shown below.
(1) 32.54% (2) 13.67% (3) 21.73% (4) 26.78%
Since the options have an acceptable gap, there is no need to find the exact answer. Simple approximation and elimination will do.
- The answer should be very close to 12 as a % of 56. i.e. 3 as a % of 14
- 3/12 would produce a 25%. So the answer is less than 25%
- 3/15 would produce a 20%. So the answer is more than 20%
Hence, we still don’t know the exact answer but we do not doubt marking option (c) as the correct option
Advice: While solving DI sets of CAT, ensure that you have a look at all the options before you jump into the calculation part. A sizeable practice will inculcate this habit eventually.
Logical Reasoning Exam Pattern of CAT
- Logical Reasoning will consist of 16 questions.
- MCS and non-MCQ type questions are included in Logical Reasoning.
- The sectional weightage for this part will be 16%.
- The total number of MCQs and non-MCQs may differ.
- MCQs will receive negative grading.
- Non-MCQs are not marked negatively.
Particulars | Details |
Section | Logical Reasoning |
Number of questions | 16 |
Question type | Multiple choice questions-12 and Non-MCQs-4 |
Total marks allotted | 48 marks |
Marking scheme | +3 for every correct answer, -1 for every wrong answer. No negative marking for non-MCQ answers. |
Difficulty level | Moderate |
Syllabus for Logical Reasoning for CAT
CAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus | ||||
Assumptions | Clocks | Input-Output | Premise | Seating Arrangement |
Binary Logic | Conclusions | Linear and Matrix Arrangement | Puzzles | Series |
Blood Relations | Direction sense and Decision Making | Logical Reasoning based on Rankings | Quantitative Reasoning | Set Theory |
Calendars | Graphs | Logical Sequence | Rows | Venn Diagrams |
Know More About CAT Syllabus
Also Read:
Preparation Tips for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
Preparation Tips for Verbal Ability for CAT
Preparation Tips for Reading Comprehension for CAT
Logical Reasoning Preparation Books
To prepare effectively, one should practice logical thinking problems for the CAT exam daily. The reference books can be used as a guide to practice the problems and build a knowledge of the sorts of reasoning questions that will be asked in the CAT test.
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT (Nishit Sinha)
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT (Arun Sharma/McGraw Hill)
- CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (Gautam Puri)
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (Pearson)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Logical Reasoning section in the CAT exam?
The Logical Reasoning section in CAT assesses your problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and analytical skills. It is an important part of the exam, accounting for 32% of the overall weightage.
How much time should I allocate for the Logical Reasoning section during the CAT exam?
You should aim to spend around 30 minutes on the Logical Reasoning section if you have a strong understanding of reasoning concepts and strategies.
Can practicing puzzles and Sudoku help in Logical Reasoning preparation for CAT?
Yes, regularly practicing puzzles, Sudoku, and similar activities can improve your logical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are valuable for CAT's Logical Reasoning section.
What is the "2-minute rule" in CAT Logical Reasoning?
The "2-minute rule" suggests that you should not spend more than two minutes on a single question. If you can't find a solution within that time frame, move on to the next question to manage your time effectively.
Are complex calculations required for CAT Logical Reasoning problems?
No, CAT Logical Reasoning problems typically do not involve complex calculations. If you find yourself doing extensive calculations, it's likely that you are approaching the problem incorrectly.
Should I make assumptions when answering Logical Reasoning questions in CAT?
No, you should avoid making assumptions in Logical Reasoning questions. Base your conclusions strictly on the information provided in the question.
How can I decode word problems in CAT Logical Reasoning?
To decode word problems effectively, read the question aloud multiple times, focus on the information provided, and analyze the relationships between different elements mentioned in the problem.
What is the weightage of the Logical Reasoning section in the CAT exam?
The Logical Reasoning section carries a total weightage of 48 marks in the CAT exam.
Are there negative markings for Logical Reasoning questions in CAT?
Yes, CAT has negative marking for multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in the Logical Reasoning section, with a penalty of -1 for each incorrect answer. Non-MCQs do not have negative marking.