CAT Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation: Syllabus, Topics, Notes PDF Download

The CAT exam is considered one of the toughest management entrance exams in India. It is conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis. The exam evaluates a candidate's aptitude in various areas, including Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Quantitative Ability (QA), and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI).
The LRDI section of CAT assesses a candidate's ability to analyze and interpret data from various sources and use logical reasoning to arrive at solutions. The section comprises 20 questions that need to be answered in 40 minutes. The questions are of varying difficulty levels, and candidates need to manage their time well to answer all the questions accurately.

What is LRDI?

• Data Interpretation is the process of reviewing data through some predefined processes which will help assign some meaning to the data and arrive at a relevant conclusion. It involves taking the result of data analysis, making inferences on the relations studied, and using them to conclude.
• Logical Reasoning consists of aptitude questions that require a logical level of analysis to arrive at the correct solution. Most of the questions are constructed based on concepts and the rest are out-of-the-box thinking ones.
• Logical reasoning is classified into two types:
  • Verbal Reasoning: It is the ability to logically understand the concepts and solve problems expressed in words. Verbal reasoning tests the ability to extract information and implications in a sentence.
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning: It is the ability to logically understand the concepts and solve problems expressed in numbers/letters/figures in combination with words.

Also Read: How to Improve DILR for CAT 2024?

CAT LRDI Pattern

CAT LRDI Syllabus

In the DILR section, there are nearly an equal number of questions on Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, with some of these based on a combination of both.

• This section is usually the most time-consuming one. 
• The CAT logical thinking and data interpretation portion contain 20 questions, with 6 TITA-based questions.
• There are a total of 4 sets which are comprised of 2 sets of 6 questions each and 2 sets of 4 questions each.

CAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus

• Syllogism
• Puzzles 
• Critical Reasoning
• Blood Relations
• Coding-Decoding
• Statement & Assumption
• Direction sense test
• Seating Arrangement
• Games and tournaments
• Truth-Liar concept
• Team Selection
• Games & Tournaments

CAT Data Interpretation Syllabus

• Line chart,
• Bar chart
• Pie chart
• Unconventional charts - radar chart, bubble chart, area chart
• Tables, tables with missing values, incorrect values, connected data sets
• Venn diagrams
• Maxima & Minima
• Caselets
• Assumption and Binary Logic

EduRev provides you with extensive notes on every chapter of LRDI, click here to access them. You can also practice level-wise tests of DILR topics here.

Topic-wise Distribution 

As per CAT Exam Pattern 2022, a total of 20 questions worth 60 marks were asked from the DILR section

• Last year, there were 4 DILR sets- 2 with 6 questions each, and 2 with 4 questions each.
• Questions from CAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus are asked from topics like blood relations, seating arrangements, puzzles, etc., and in CAT DI, questions are based on data represented in tables, charts, etc.

You should practise sectional mock tests of LRDI as it will familiarise you with the format and types of questions which are typically asked. EduRev provides you with sectional mock tests along with chapter-wise mock tests.
Also Read: How to Prepare for DILR with EduRev

CAT LRDI Preparation Tips

Prior to starting the CAT DILR preparation one needs to make a strategy for this section. Here are a few tips to follow while covering the CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning syllabus.

Read Magazines and Business Newspaper

• While preparing for the CAT DILR section, one should include reading business newspapers and magazines in their preparation schedule. It plays a major role in preparing candidates to deal with interpreting data and business aptitude. 
• It will also help candidates to learn the analysis of charts and bar graphs. Reading magazines and business newspapers also sharpens the thinking ability and reasoning section through different case studies.

Utilize Calculator

• On the day of the examination, candidates will be required to access an on-screen calculator for basic computations. Questions that will be asked from the Data Interpretation section in CAT are known for being calculation intensive. 
• One should be well versed with the calculation tricks so that one can save time and solve the questions with more accuracy.

Take Mock Test

• During CAT preparation one should take a Mock test, through this candidates can identify their strong and weak areas. Many 99 percentiles have shared their experience on the importance of taking CAT mock tests.
• They have stated that they gave as many as possible mock tests every week to analyze their mistakes and weak points.

Time Management

• Candidates must manage their time while attempting questions from the DILR section. They should solve such questions first in which they are more confident and can solve in less time. By solving easy questions first, candidates can manage their time and utilize the rest of the time in such questions which are generally time-consuming.

How to prepare for CAT DILR using EduRev Infinity?

EduRev Infinity Package for CAT DILR includes:

• Subject-wise Courses: A complete full fletched course on DILR. Each course offers topic-wise video lectures, detailed notes & online tests for each topic.
• Mock Test Series for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation: Mock Test Series for CAT DILR Preparation course on EduRev offers section-wise tests.
• Level-wise Tests for CAT Quantitative Aptitude Preparation: This course offers level-wise tests for each topic to help you prepare exhaustively for the CAT DILR.
• Shortcut Techniques, Formulas, CAT Crash Course & Others: Along with the above courses, you also get shortcut techniques, formulas & others in various courses of EduRev.

Not just DILR, you get a complete course on VARC and Quantitative Aptitude with EduRev Infinity Package for CAT.
Watch the video below to know more about EduRev Infinity for CAT

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) related to CAT LRDI

What is the syllabus for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation in CAT?

The syllabus for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation in CAT includes topics such as Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Syllogisms, Coding-Decoding, Venn Diagrams, Puzzles, Binary Logic, Logical Matching, Clocks and Calendars, Propositional Logic, Assumptions and Conclusions, Data Sufficiency, and Statement and Arguments.

How many questions can we expect from Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation in CAT?

The number of questions from Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation in CAT can vary from year to year, but usually, there are around 24 questions in total, with 8 to 10 questions from each of the three sections.

What are some important tips for solving Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions in CAT?

Some important tips for solving Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions in CAT include understanding the question thoroughly, identifying the key information and clues, making a rough diagram or table, using elimination and approximation techniques, and managing time effectively.

How can I improve my speed and accuracy in Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT?

You can improve your speed and accuracy in Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by practising as many questions as possible, analyzing your mistakes, and focusing on your weak areas. You can also try to improve your reading and comprehension skills, develop a systematic approach to solving problems, and learn to manage your time effectively during the exam.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT?

Some common mistakes to avoid in Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT include misreading the question or data, making incorrect assumptions or conclusions, misinterpreting information, not checking your work or calculations, and getting stuck on difficult questions.