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Updated By Tiyasa Khanra on 23 Jul, 2025 14:55
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Predict My CollegeThe CAT DILR Syllabus 2025 assesses a candidate's ability to think logically, understand, analyze and decipher complex data presented in various forms like tables, graphs, charts, etc., and make logical conclusions on the basis of the data or information provided. The important topics for CAT DILR evaluate if a candidate is well-versed in data analysis, data sufficiency, logical reasoning, and problem-solving. Data Caselets, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relation, Graphs, Tables, Word and Letter Puzzles, and more are covered under the DILR syllabus for CAT exam. The DILR section will be divided into four sets of two questions each (two sets of six and two sets of four). The total number of questions in this section is 20 (12 MCQs & 8 TITA). Since these sets are categorized as easy, moderate, and difficult, it becomes essential for students to be able to determine which set to solve and which not.
The DILR CAT syllabus 2025 aims to assess if an individual possesses the essential skills for management and leadership roles by evaluating his/her aptitude for handling situations that are driven by complex data and making sound and informed decisions or logical deductions while under pressure. Candidates aiming to appear for CAT 2025 must be aware of the CAT DILR syllabus 2025 and CAT DILR topic wise weightage to prepare for the exam effectively. Find the detailed CAT DILR syllabus 2025 and the important DILR topics for CAT below.
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Attempt nowOne of the most difficult and unpredictable sections among the trinity (QA, VARC, and DILR), this section encourages candidates to use logical reasoning and critical thinking skills to solve problems and draw conclusions based on given information. The ability to analyze and evaluate data accurately, identify patterns, trends, and relationships within the data enhances one’s analytical skills. The main highlights of the DILR syllabus for CAT have been provided in the table below:
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Sectional Time Allotted for CAT DILR | 40 minutes |
Total Number of DILR Questions | 20 questions (reduced from 24) |
Number of Questions Asked from Data Interpretation | 8 - 10 questions |
Number of Questions Asked from Logical Reasoning | 8 - 12 questions |
Total Number of MCQs in the CAT DILR Section | 12 questions |
Total Number of Non-MCQs | 8 questions |
Questions Without Any Negative Marking | 8 questions |
Total Maximum Marks of the DILR Section | 60 marks |
Type of Questions in the CAT DILR Section |
|
Overall Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
CAT DILR Marking Scheme |
|
Here are some important DILR topics for CAT 2025:
Seating Arrangement | Syllogisms & Venn Diagrams | Blood Relations |
|---|---|---|
Clocks & Calendars | Matching puzzles | Assumptions |
Data Structures | Direction Sense | Statements |
Sets | Bar Graph | Coding-Decoding |
Tables & Caselets | Binary Logic | Family Tree |
Data Arrangement | Data Sufficiency | Proposition |
Pie Charts | Games & Tournaments | Distribution |
Games Betting | Logic-based DI | Logic-based Tables |
The difficulty level of the CAT DI section ranges from easy to moderate. Candidates may check the important topics for CAT DI 2025 below:
The difficulty level of the CAT LR section ranges from moderate to high. Candidates may check the important topics for CAT LR 2025 below:
People Also Ask
Ques: What are the most asked topics in CAT DILR?
Ans: In CAT DILR, the topics with the highest weightage from Data Interpretation include Tables, Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Line Graph, Venn Diagram, Radar Chart, Histograph, Caselets, Networks and Diagrams, Reasoning-based DI, Data Arrangement, Mathematical Puzzles. The most asked topics from Logical Reasoning include Linear Arrangement, Circular Arrangement, Selection, Sequencing, Binary Logic, Cubes, Routes, Games & Tournaments, 2D/3D Space LRs, Coin Picking, Conditional LRs, and Case-based LRs.
Also Read:
| How to Approach CAT 2025 Question Paper? | |
|---|---|
| Important Topics for CAT 2025 |
Aspirants for the CAT 2025 exam must refer to the following table to know the weightage of the important topics included under the DILR section:
Important Topics | Number of Questions Asked | Weightage (in Percentile) | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Routes and Networks | 5 questions | 6.1% | Moderate to Difficult | 3-4 questions |
Tables | 5-10 questions | 10.6% | Easy to Moderate | 4-5 questions |
Scheduling, Optimization, and Allocation | 5-10 questions | 15.8% | Moderate to Difficult | 3-4 questions |
Bar Graphs | 4-5 questions | 5.6% | Easy to Moderate | 4-5 questions |
Grids | 5-10 questions | 17.6% | Moderate to Difficult | 3-4 questions |
Arrangements | 5-6 questions | 7% | Moderate to Difficult | 3-4 questions |
Word Puzzle | 4-6 questions | 5.9% | Moderate to Difficult | 3-4 questions |
Math Puzzles | 4-5 questions | 12.6% | Moderate to Difficult | 3-4 questions |
Venn Diagrams | 4-8 questions | 7.7% | Easy to Moderate | 4-5 questions |
Scatter Plot | 5 questions | 2.9% | Easy to Moderate | 4-5 questions |
Gantt Chart | 4-5 questions | 2% | Easy to Moderate | 4-5 questions |
Radar Chart | 3-4 questions | 1.8% | Easy to Moderate | 4-5 questions |
Smoothies (DI) | 4 questions | 5.9% | Moderate | 2-3 questions |
Researchers and Publishing | 6 questions | 5.9% | Moderate to Difficult | 3-4 questions |
Friends, Strangers, and Acquaintances | 6 questions | 5.9% | Easy to Moderate | 4-5 questions |
Horizontally stacked column graph (product, shipment days) | 4 questions | 5.9% | Moderate | 2-3 questions |
Games and tournament-based | 6 questions | 5.9% | Moderate to Difficult | 3-4 questions |
Online food delivery rating parameters | 6 questions | 5.9% | Moderate | 4-5 questions |
Graph-based – easy to solve | 4 questions | 5.9% | Easy to Moderate | 3-4 questions |
Javelin Tournament | 6 questions | 5.9% | Moderate | 3-4 questions |
Pure and Impure Solutions | 4 questions | 5.9% | Moderate to Difficult | 2-3 questions |
Review of Academic Questions | 6 questions | 5.9% | Easy to Moderate | 4-5 questions |
The weightage of each topic in the CAT previous year question papers have been provided in the table below.
Name of the Topic | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Arrangements | 18% | 10% | 14% | 13% | 19% | 25% |
Grouping & Conditionality | 20% | 10% | 25% | 6% | 6% | 0% |
Games & Tournaments | 17% | 17% | 8% | 13% | 0% | 0% |
Puzzles | 5% | 10% | 14% | 19% | 19% | 25% |
Scheduling | 0% | 7% | 0% | 6% | 0% | 0% |
Miscellaneous | 10% | 7% | 0% | 6% | 6% | 0% |
DI - Reasoning Based | 10% | 10% | 17% | 19% | 19% | 31% |
DI - Calculation Based | 10% | 10% | 14% | 13% | 31% | 19% |
DI - Observation Based | 10% | 19% | 8% | 6% | 0% | 0% |
In order to prepare effectively for the DILR section of the CAT 2025 exam candidates must refer to the CAT best books 2025 mentioned below. The most important feature of these books is that all the topics of data interpretation and logical reasoning have been covered exhaustively and after each topic has been explained, sample questions of varying difficulty levels are provided that will enable the candidates to assess their level of preparation. The best books to cover the important topics in the CAT DILR syllabus 2025 are:
Also Read:How Much Time is Required to Prepare for CAT 2025?
The CAT DILR section can be one of the toughest portions of the entire CAT question paper. Therefore, aspirants must make sure they are fully-prepared for this section and avoid any anniversary mistake possible. Take a look at the mistakes to avoid in CAT DILR section mentioned below:
Not Knowing CAT DILR Syllabus: Candidates must be intimately familiar with the DILR syllabus for CAT. Not knowing all the important DILR topics can be detrimental to candidate’s performance. Since the only way to ace this section of CAT is by rigorous practice, candidates must make sure they are well-aware of all the important topics, concepts, and questions related to the topics with the most weightage.
Missing Regular Revisions: In addition to rigorous practice sessions, candidates must also revise already learned topics to ensure they do not forget previously covered areas.
Not Taking Mock Tests: One of the biggest mistakes candidates can make is to not attempt mock tests for CAT. Mock tests are key to understanding a candidate’s personal strengths and weaknesses.
Not Reading Questions Carefully: A common mistake made by many aspirants, not reading the DILR questions in CAT carefully can lead to drastic mistakes and time loss which can be detrimental to a candidate’s overall CAT score and percentile.
Candidates should develop their ability to quickly understand and interpret large amounts of data to solve the DI questions. Candidates should devote enough time to understand various types of charts, including bar charts, pie charts, etc. and try to understand the patterns, trends, and relationships between different variables. They must enhance their problem-solving approach to solve questions involving arrangements, comparisons, puzzles, etc. It is crucial to improve one’s ability to do mental calculations using techniques such as approximation, estimation, and simplification. Usage of shortcuts is necessary to prevent wastage of time in the CAT DILR section. Candidates should strengthen their analytical math handling abilities and increase their problem-solving speed.
Before selecting the appropriate option, it is important that candidates thoroughly read all of the available options and learn to eliminate the obviously incorrect options to narrow down their choices. In order to improve their speed and accuracy, aspirants are suggested to attempt at least one CAT mock test per week after which they must evaluate their performance, identify their weak areas, and make efforts to strengthen them. Candidates must avoid over-approximating or making assumptions while answering the questions since it may result in inaccuracy.
People Also Ask
Ques: Should I memorize any formulas or theory for CAT DILR?
Ans: The DILR section in CAT is not formula-based but rather based on your skills. However, you still can revise tables, bar graphs, seating puzzles, Venn Diagram logic, Games & tournament formats, Basic percentages, averages, Ratios, tables, weighted averages, and some shortcut techniques for time management.
Related Links:
| How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability (QA) |
Candidates preparing for CAT 2025 must also check out the syllabus for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Ability provided below.
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