The Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) section in CAT is often considered the “game-changer.” Unlike Quant or VARC, where preparation can be more formulaic, DILR tests adaptability, pattern recognition, and clarity of thought.
This blog covers:
- Full CAT 2025 DILR syllabus (topic-wise)
- Weightage overview
- Authentic CAT 2023 & 2024 PYQ examples (with data and options)
- Access to FundaMakers’ Question Bank with all topic-wise PYQs in MCQ format
Weightage Overview (CAT 2023–2024 Trend)
| Major Area | Avg. Questions | Sub-Topics Tested |
| Data Interpretation | 10–12 | Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Data Tables, Caselets |
| Logical Reasoning | 8–10 | Seating Arrangements, Games & Tournaments, Puzzles, Binary Logic, Network/Matrix Arrangements |
| Analytical Reasoning | 4–6 | Team formations, Conditional Logic, Venn Diagrams, Complex Arrangements |
| Data Sufficiency | 2–3 | Statements & Sufficiency Judgment |
CAT 2025 DILR Syllabus (Detailed)
1. Data Interpretation (DI)
This segment involves data presented in charts, graphs, and tables. Questions require calculation efficiency and identifying trends.
Example PYQ – CAT 2024 (Bar Chart + Table)
Data (simplified extract):
The bar chart below represents the sales (in units) of four mobile brands – A, B, C, and D – over three years (2021, 2022, 2023).
Question:
If the average sales of brand B across 3 years was 20% higher than brand A’s average, what is the ratio of their total sales?
Options:
(A) 3:4
(B) 5:6
(C) 6:7
(D) 4:5
👉 Practice more CAT Bar Chart & Line Chart PYQs
👉 Explore CAT Pie Chart PYQs
👉 Explore CAT Data Table PYQs
2. Logical Reasoning (LR)
CAT LR sets are known for puzzles and arrangements. The difficulty often depends on hidden constraints.
Example PYQ – CAT 2023 (Seating Arrangement)
Question (extract):
Eight friends – A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H – are sitting around a circular table, some facing the center, some facing outside.
- A sits second to the left of D.
- B is immediate neighbor of A.
- C faces outside and sits opposite D.
Question:
Who is sitting immediate right of A?
Options:
(A) B
(B) C
(C) F
(D) G
👉 Solve more CAT Logical Reasoning PYQs
3. Analytical Reasoning
These involve games, tournaments, and team selections.
Example PYQ – CAT 2024 (Tournament Puzzle)
Question (extract):
Four teams (P, Q, R, S) play a round-robin tournament where each team plays every other team once.
- No match ends in a draw.
- Each win gives 2 points.
If team P scored 4 points and Q scored 2 points, which of the following could be the possible winner of the tournament?
Options:
(A) R
(B) S
(C) Either R or S
(D) Cannot be determined
👉 Practice more CAT Analytical Reasoning PYQs
4. Data Sufficiency
Data Sufficiency in CAT focuses on analyzing given statements rather than solving full problems.
Example PYQ – CAT 2023
Question:
What is the value of x?
(1) x is a prime number less than 15.
(2) x is odd and greater than 10.
Options:
(A) Statement 1 alone is sufficient
(B) Statement 2 alone is sufficient
(C) Both together are sufficient
(D) Neither is sufficient
👉 Solve more CAT Data Sufficiency PYQs
Why These Are Outdated and What Still Matters in DILR
| Outdated Question Types | Still in CAT DILR |
| Simple bar graph % increase/decrease without reasoning | Multi-layered DI sets with caselets, charts & logic combined |
| Standalone binary logic “Yes/No” puzzles | Complex seating, matrix, and tournament puzzles |
| Pure speed-calculation tables | Interpretation-based tables requiring reasoning + arithmetic |
| Old-school Venn diagram formula questions | Caselet Venn sets with logical constraints |
Takeaway: CAT doesn’t test mechanical calculations anymore, it tests reasoning under data pressure.
Explore Topic-Wise CAT DILR PYQs
To see authentic CAT 2023 & 2024 DILR questions (and earlier years) arranged topic-wise, with MCQ formatting, solutions, and video explanations, check out:
FundaMakers CAT Question Bank – Complete DILR PYQs
This free repository lets you filter by topic—Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Data Tables, Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, Data Sufficiency—and practice exactly what CAT tests, without wasting time on outdated formats.
FAQs
Q1. Is Data Interpretation tougher than Logical Reasoning in CAT?
Both are equally important, but recent CATs blend DI & LR into hybrid sets, so separation is less relevant.
Q2. How many DILR sets should I aim to solve in CAT 2025?
On average, solving 2–3 sets accurately (out of 4–5) can yield a 95+ percentile.
Q3. Do calculation shortcuts matter in DILR?
Yes, but more than speed, CAT rewards logical structuring of data. Shortcuts help reduce silly mistakes.
Q4. Where can I find authentic CAT PYQs for DILR?
Use the FundaMakers CAT Question Bank which has all topic-wise DILR PYQs from past years with solutions.
Q5. Are standalone puzzles (like Sudoku, pure riddles) asked in CAT?
No, CAT puzzles are always data-backed caselets, not abstract brain teasers.
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