How to Select an Easy Set in CAT DILR Section?

Aarushi Jain

Updated On: July 17, 2025 12:10 PM | CAT

To choose an easy set in the DILR section of CAT 2025, focus on spotting simpler problems, plan your calculations carefully, steer clear of tricky mixed-concept questions, and keep calm to improve your accuracy and confidence during the CAT 2025 exam.
How to Select an Easy Set in the CAT DILR Section?

How to Select an Easy Set in CAT DILR Section? If you are preparing for the CAT exam, it is important to know that the DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) section is usually the trickiest and most unpredictable part. Unlike other sections, its syllabus is not fixed, and the mix of Logical Reasoning (LR) and Data Interpretation (DI) questions changes every year. You will not only need to solve problems efficiently but also decide smartly which question sets to attempt. Each CAT question paper hides at least one set that’s easier or moderately difficult amid the tough ones. The CAT 2025 DILR section generally contains groups of 4–5 questions combining DI—like tables and charts, and LR puzzles, such as arrangements and reasoning games. Mastering how to select an easy set in CAT 2025 DILR section early can boost your confidence, save time, and significantly raise your score. The next sections will guide you on spotting these easier sets quickly.

Also Read: Will There Be Any Changes in CAT Syllabus 2025?

How to Select an Easy Set in DILR Section of CAT 2025?

Choosing the right and an easy set in CAT DILR section is less about speed and more about strategy. In a time-constrained environment and a great deal of pressure, choosing a set at random can end up costing marks and momentum. Instead, using a more intelligent, structured approach will help even the top scorers. The following strategies will help you make faster and more confident decisions in the exam hall.

  • Approach Strategy: You read through all the sets, then select the one with fewer constraints and an intuitive solving process
  • Set Selection Tip: Look for sets that are easy to visualise, have few constraints, have easy calculations, and feel like you can do them intuitively.
  • Managing Time: You spend a little more time upfront evaluating all the sets, but save much more time later by eliminating confusion and potential overthinking.
  • Common Mistakes: Provided you have done plenty of practice in the form of clearing doubts and discussing guidelines and strategies with your mock tests, you will always arrive at a speedier selection and solving process.

Also Read:

CAT 2025 DILR Practice Questions with Answers

How to Prepare for CAT DILR 2025?

Why is Selecting the Right Set in CAT 2025 DILR Section Important?

The CAT 2025 DILR section almost always includes at least one set that’s easy or moderately difficult, designed to give students from all backgrounds a fair chance. If you spot and solve this set early, you are already ahead, sometimes within just 10 minutes. Tackling an accessible set first builds your confidence, reduces stress, and creates positive momentum for the rest of the section. Even solving one well-chosen set can boost you to around the 75th percentile. To reach even higher scores, like the 99th percentile, you will need to solve more sets, but starting strong lays a solid foundation for success.

CAT 2025 DILR Set Selection Tips

When tackling the CAT DILR section, choosing the right sets quickly and confidently is key. With varying difficulty levels, picking which sets to solve and which to skip can boost your score significantly. This guide offers simple tips on making smart choices, managing your time well, avoiding tricky mixed-concept problems, and keeping your calculations neat. Use these practical strategies to stay focused and make effective decisions during the exam, helping you maximise your performance under pressure:

  • Choose a Set with 2-3 Constraints: If a set has more than 3 constraints (10 people, 5 preferences & 4 cities), it is better to leave it alone unless you have a clear sense of confidence. It can be easier to work with a simpler circular arrangement set.
  • Embrace Calculating and Organising your Calculations: If asked for a percentage change, work out the values for it and keep proper track of them. If you need to do something like compare or find the differences, you are no longer recalculating contributions & changes.
  • Be Wary of Mixed-Concept Sets: CAT appears to be focused on combining concepts, e.g., tables with graphs, and arrangements with ranking. Unless you are sure about the mixed concept set, refrain from attempting those.  If a mixed-concept set looks vaguely familiar and easy, maybe then you will attempt to do it!
  • No Matter What, Be Calm: This is by far your ultimate mantra. A calm, clear mind is your best tool in DILR. It does not matter how overwhelmingly daunting the section appears; clarity of thought comes from calm.

How to Approach CAT 2025 DILR Section?

Doing well in the CAT 2025 DILR section depends on your problem-solving skills, picking the right set to attempt, managing your time wisely, and staying calm during the test. To improve, focus on practising regularly, sharpening your ability to analyse data quickly, and learning to stay composed under pressure. These simple strategies will help you prepare smarter and boost your confidence to choose an easy set in CAT 2025 DILR section.

  • Develop a Strong Base: Create a strong base in fundamental topics like bar graphs, pie charts, tables (DI), arrangements, puzzles, Venn diagrams, and games & tournaments (LR). With a strong base, you will feel more confident tackling even more challenging sets as well as more varied sets.

  • Practice Full Sets: DILR questions come in sets, so you should practice full sets and not just practice by viewing isolated questions. Practising sets, in general, will improve your accuracy and comprehension of sets of interrelated data.

  • Focus on Selecting an Easy Set: In practice and on test days, look over all sets first and select those that have fewer constraints, are easier to understand, and are familiar in form. Don’t pick unnecessarily time-consuming sets or overly complex sets, even if you feel confident about them.

  • Use a Timer in Practice: Practice solving sets in under 8–12 minutes. Practising under timed conditions will help you develop speed while practising focus and the ability to perform under time pressure.

  • Review Mocks in Detail: After each CAT 2025 mock test or mock sectional review, review your set selections, errors, and what you may have missed. Each test will tell you something new to consider or improve upon to refine your strategy.

  • Keep Track of Questions: Make a DILR question bank with categorised sets (easy, moderate, and hard). Doing it regularly will help reinforce your learning and previous work, and also map your progress.

  • Develop Mental Math: Quick calculations are important, especially in the DI. Practice percentages, averages, and ratios to give you every spare second in the exam.

  • Be Composed and Calm: Train your mind to be composed and calm. An anxious mind will be susceptible to several mistakes; clear thinking comes with calmness. This is crucial in DILR, which is a high-pressure section.

  • Solve CAT Previous Year Question Papers : Work through previous DILR sets to understand the CAT exam pattern and difficulty level. It’s one of the best ways to prepare realistically.

  • Join Peer Groups: Study groups or online discussions can expose you to different solving techniques, improve your understanding, and keep you motivated.

To pick an easy set in the CAT DILR section, focus on finding problems that suit your strengths and seem logical with fewer restrictions. It is not about solving the hardest questions but efficiently tackling the ones you are comfortable with. Staying calm and focused helps you approach these questions confidently. Each mock test you take will sharpen your ability to recognise your best question types, avoid traps, and make smarter choices, bringing you closer to that coveted 99+ percentile score.

Also Read:

Download CAT DILR Syllabus Topic-wise

CAT 2025 DILR Topic-Wise Questions

Best Books for CAT 2025 DILR

Most Repeated DILR Questions in CAT Exam

CAT 2025 DILR Good Score

25+ CAT DILR Questions with Solutions PDF for Practice

What's New in CAT 2025 Exam Pattern?

CAT 2025 DILR Topic-wise Weightage

Would you like to know more about management entrance exams for your MBA admissions? Call us at 1800-572-9877, or post your questions in CollegeDekho’s QnA section .

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

news_cta

FAQs

How can I improve my set selection skills for DILR?

You can improve your set selection skills for DILR with consistent practice. Solve a variety of sets, analyze your mock attempts, and reflect on what worked. Over time, you’ll develop the intuition to identify simpler sets quickly and skip the ones that are time-consuming or confusing.

Does practicing DILR full sets help in better selection?

Yes, practicing DILR full sets helps in better selection. Solving complete DILR sets helps you understand how questions are structured, improves accuracy, and trains you to assess difficulty quickly. It also builds your stamina and sharpens your pattern recognition.

What should I avoid when selecting a DILR set in the CAT exam?

You should avoid selecting a DILR set in the CAT exam sets with too many variables or mixed concepts if they feel confusing. Also, don’t pick a set just because it looks “new” or different. Stick to what’s familiar, simple, and manageable under time pressure.

How can I identify an easy or moderate DILR set in CAT?

You can identify an easy or moderate DILR set in CAT by skimming through all the sets first. Choose one with 2–3 constraints, easy-to-follow logic, and minimal calculations. Avoid mixed concepts unless you’re confident with them. Visual clarity and familiarity are strong indicators of easier sets.

Why is selecting the right set in DILR so important?

Selecting the right set in DILR is important. This can significantly impact your score and confidence. A well-chosen set is often quicker to solve and builds momentum, helping you tackle more questions efficiently while avoiding time traps.

/articles/how-to-select-easy-set-in-cat-dilr-section/
View All Questions

Related Questions

I am currently working in Dubai and have a keen interest in MBA in SCM and Logistics. Can you inform me on the same?

-aliUpdated on August 07, 2025 12:24 PM
  • 1 Answer
Intajur Rahaman, Content Team

Dear Student,

You can pursue MBA in Supply Chain Management and Logistics in India at several top-rate MBA colleges and B-schools. You will have to appear for national level MBA entrance exams like CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, GMAT, etc. to be eligible for the MBA admission process conducted by the institutes. If you are shortlisted after successful completion of the MBA selection process, which may include either Group Discussions, Personal Interviews, and Written Ability Tests or all three, you need to pay the required admission fee to confirm your seat. Some of the best MBA in SCM and Logistics colleges …

READ MORE...

What unique qualities or skills does GIBS Business School bring to students?

-SatyaUpdated on August 07, 2025 12:27 PM
  • 1 Answer
Intajur Rahaman, Content Team

Dear Student,

GIBS Business School brings together some very unique qualities and skills to students that not only enrich their student life at this institution but also their professional careers once they graduate. Practical learning and social responsibility are embedded in every lesson taught at GIBS Business School, making it feel relevant to real-life situations. The institute offers both undergraduate and postgraduate management courses for students. The institute also encourages new ideas and hands-on experience for better learning.

READ MORE...

What can motivate a student's decision to apply to GIBS Business School?

-SatyaUpdated on August 07, 2025 12:26 PM
  • 1 Answer
Intajur Rahaman, Content Team

Dear Student,

There can be several reasons why a student might apply to GIBS Business School. The institute offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and Executive education. You also have the flexibility to choose the duration of your program depending on the course you are applying for at GIBS Business School. Hands-on experience, practical learning, and social responsibility are some of the unique qualities offered at this institute. The affordable fee structure and the straightforward admissions process are also contributing factors in GIBS Business School’s popularity.

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent News

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Top 10 Management Colleges in India

View All