DILR Preparation Tips for MBA Exams: Check Syllabus, Best Books, Weightage, Practice Questions

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning are separate areas, but clubbed together in CAT. Earlier, in CAT Data Interpretation was combined with Quantitative Ability whereas Logical Reasoning was combined with the Verbal Ability section. However, for over a decade now, CAT question paper has Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning as a single section having 10-11 questions each. 

DILR questions are mostly caselet based, wherein a particular case carries multiple questions that might involve multiple topics or multiple approaches to be taken to solve the questions and choose the correct option. Preparing for DILR section of CAT and other exams can be tricky owing to the fact that there they are diverse in nature. Let us see what are the different facets of DILR and how to prepare to ace the section.

What are the Skills Required to Crack DILR?

DILR as the name suggests is all about interpretation and logical deduction from the given data. The following skills are necessary to crack the DILR questions of any competitive exam:

• Analytical reasoning

• Critical thinking ability

• Data computation

• Quick calculation ability

• Eye for detail
• Keep observation
• Logical deduction

Also Read:

Although there is no specific DILR syllabus for the CAT or other MBA entrance exams, we have listed below the common topics or subjects of the DILR section that appear in CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, SNAP, etc. based on the previous years’ analysis.

Download: DILR practice questions with answers PDFs

DILR preparation requires a systematic approach like other sections of MBA entrance exams. The key areas of the DILR section have been mentioned in the table above. Since the questions that are asked in the DILR section can be classified as a calculation based, counting based, logic-based and structure-based, you must divide your preparation plan into DI and LR. This is because, even though these sections are clubbed together in CAT, the nature of questions and topics are very different. So, you will need to prepare for both separately. Here are some key tips and strategies to prepare for DILR.

Know the Questions: Before starting extensive preparation, aspirants are advised to get well versed with the types of questions asked to get a thorough idea on the topics to study in DILR. For this, they can refer to the previous years’ question papers of CAT, XAT, CMAT, MAT, etc.

Get the Right Books: Although the DILR questions do not involve any theory, concepts or formulae one needs to understand the types of charts, tables and patterns. There are several DILR books and study material by MBA experts which give a detailed and descriptive idea about the topics, strategy to solve the questions, and practice materials. Having the right DILR books will make the task of the students a lot easier.

Practice Sessions: The best way to prepare for DILR section of CAT or any entrance exam is by practising. According to experts, test takers should practice DILR questions for at least five hours per week, one hour for each session. Candidates can take sectional mock tests prior to taking full-length mock tests to gauge their preparation level as well as to gain expertise over the area.

Improving Speed: The DILR section is considered to be calculation intensive by the experts. Hence, the speed or pace of solving a question plays an important role. With regular practice and application of smart tricks and tips will enable the students to improve the speed of solving questions.

Watch video for CAT DILR preparation tips

Also Read:

• CAT exam preparation tips and strategy
• SNAP exam preparation tips and strategy
• MAT exam preparation tips and strategy
• ATMA exam preparation tips and strategy
• XAT exam preparation tips and strategy
• CMAT exam preparation tips and strategy
• MAH MBA CET exam preparation tips and strategy

Even though DILR is a practice based subject, one needs to refer to key books and study material to understand the concepts, patterns and process of solving questions. Those DILR books and study material are the best, which not only provide conceptual or theoretical clarity to MBA aspirants but also provide the perfect strategy for acing the section, along with practice questions of various difficulty levels. Some of the most preferred books for DILR preparation are:

• How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma

• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha

• CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri

• Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency Competition Exam by Arihant Experts

• Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency for CAT & Other MBA Exams by Gajendra Kumar and Abhishek Banerjee

• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Pearson

Read More: Best Books for CAT Preparation Recommended by MBA Experts

Listed below are some of the top MBA entrance exams and weightage of their Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section. These are the weightage of latest exam session. Attempting all the questions is not mandatory in MBA exams, but candidates should aim to attempt 2/3rd of the total questions for a good score. 

Listed below are some Data Interpretation preparation articles you may want to read:

• CAT Preparation Plan for DILR
• CAT Preparation Plan for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
• What Should be be the Approach for DI & LR Preparation
• CAT Exam: Last Week Tips to Score More in DILR
• MBA Preparation 2025: Tips to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams

Get here free PDFs of DILR practice questions with solutions. The practice questions are segregated into easy, medium and difficult levels.You can start with easy questions and move to next level. Practice these DILR questions to improve your performance in CAT and other MBA entrance exams:

Check here Frequently Asked Questions Related to Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: