How to Prepare for DILR in CAT 2024?

DILR Preparation: CAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus for DILR

Until CAT 2019, the DILR section carried 32 questions split across 8 Sets. In the past years, the pattern has changed slightly. The CAT 2023 exam had 20 questions in the DILR section out of a total of 66 questions. This year, the sets were split equally, with 4-5 questions per set. While it is impossible to solve all 4 sets, a candidate can begin solving the sets from easy to difficult levels so that they can score well based on the easier questions.

Here is the exam pattern for the DILR section for CAT 2023-

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CAT Preparation Tips: Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Owing to the pandemic, the CAT exam has seen various changes in the exam pattern. Thus, the initial step toward cracking CAT 2024 is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. CAT 2024 is expected to be on the same lines as CAT 2023. The number of questions has remained consistent for the past two years and so has the time duration of the exam. So it is imperative to analyze the pattern and syllabus to attempt the paper accurately.

Given below is the exam pattern and syllabus for guidance.

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DILR Preparation: Important Topics for DILR Expected in CAT 2024

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section of the CAT Exam is considered the most unpredictable section and is said to be a game-changer for many. While most CAT candidates acknowledge that the DILR portion is the most unexpected and challenging of the three, succeeding in this section becomes far simpler with the right strategy and mindset. Therefore, selecting the right question and effective approach for you is important when preparing for CAT DILR.

Have a look at the table given below mentioning the important topics which are included in the DILR section along with their difficulty level:

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DILR Preparation: What is the right strategy to prepare DILR for CAT 2024?

Before moving on to the right strategy to improve DILR, you must know that there is no 'one' right approach or strategy to improve DILR. Every student has a different strategy of their own. However, here we will talk about the most popular strategy.
It revolves around two things -

• Time management- Optimising the utilization of time is the major gameplay in this section of the exam. If you are able to manage your time and attempt the right questions accurately, you will be able to ace the exam.
• Question Selection- It is essential that you are able to select which sets to solve and which not. The exam sets are divided into easy, moderate and difficult. Hence, the selection of sets becomes a game-changer.

This implies that the candidate must decide the level of difficulty of each set as per their own capability and finally move on to answer "What sets am I going to answer and in what order (from easy to hard)?"

This whole task shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. So, with an initial sacrifice of 5 minutes, a candidate has now strategized the next 35 minutes and the optimal course of action.
Now apart from choosing the right number of sets, one must keep in mind to solve one set, including all the questions, in 13-14 minutes max. This is more than sufficient time to solve all the sets chosen.

You should also try to include it in your mock tests and eventually set it according to your needs.

Get GP sir’s tips to improve your DILR Prep

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DILR Preparation: Essential Tips to Solve DILR for CAT 2024

There are no particular rules on how to solve a DILR set of CAT; however, there are certain tricks that can be used to solve a question smartly and effectively within a limited time frame. This can only be developed by practicing as many questions as possible before you sit for the actual exam. Apart from this, there are a few tips that can be followed while preparing for the DILR section of CAT 2024 to take your CAT preparation to the next level.

• Practice Mock Tests: Mock tests are essential in getting you accustomed to the paper pattern, syllabus, and time constraints. It will also give you a fair idea of how well you are performing in this section.
• Review Previous Year Papers: Previous years’ papers will allow you to analyze the level of difficulty and trick questions that often take candidates by surprise. The previous papers will help in devising a strategy for attempting this section such that you get maximum marks.
• Balance Speed and Accuracy: This section requires you to respond quickly and accurately. Steadily build on your weaknesses and play your strengths to improve your speed and results side by side.
• Conduct a Performance Analysis: As you progress through your DILR preparation for CAT ensure that you review your performance regularly. After every mock test or practice paper, outline the areas that you still need to improve and areas where you are doing well.
• Build Your Strategy: Now that you have been observing your own performance and analyzing the previous year's papers you should be able to identify how you can do well in this section. Play by your strengths and identify the order and plan in which you would attempt DILR for CAT.

Begin CAT Preparations Today Essential Tips for DILR Prep by GP sir PDF

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DILR Preparation: Best Books for DILR Preparation for CAT 2024

If you are planning on preparing for the CAT exam by yourself. Here are some books that can help you in preparing for this section-

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DILR Preparation: Scores and Level of Difficulty in CAT Over the Years

The DILR section for CAT has seen many changes over the years. Here is an overview of the past few years:

• CAT 2022 DILR had a slight change in the exam pattern. The DILR section was divided into 4 sets with 5 questions, unlike CAT 2021’s DILR section.
• CAT 2021 DILR difficulty level was moderate with 20 questions. The section had 2 sets comprising 4 questions each and 2 sets comprising 6 questions each.
• CAT 2020 DILR difficulty level was moderate with 24 questions.
• CAT 2019 DILR was a little easier than the 2018 CAT DILR with 32 questions in total.
• CAT 2018 DILR difficulty level was moderate with 32 questions.
• CAT 2017 DILR was more difficult than the 2016 CAT DILR with 32 questions.

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Conclusion

DILR for CAT is as important as the other sections of the CAT Exam. DILR preparation for CAT also makes an impact on the candidate's selections due to the sectional cut-off announcement by IIMs for Shortlisting Candidates. It’s a difficult and time-consuming section that results in low scores for candidates. So prepare for the section and develop a plan that works for you.