CAT 2024: Breakdown of DILR section, exam format, and marking scheme

The Indian Institute of Technology Calcutta has scheduled the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2024 for November 24, 2024. With just one month left, thousands of students who have registered for the CAT examination are rigorously preparing. CAT is a highly competitive exam that includes three major sections: Quantitative Ability (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR). The exam will consist of both Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and non-MCQs. It will be 120 minutes long, with 66 questions across the three sections, and a time limit of 40 minutes per section.

In this article, we will discuss the important topics for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning that candidates should focus on to score maximum marks.

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section of CAT 2024

As per the information, the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section will have 20 questions, with 10 from Data Interpretation and 10 from Logical Reasoning. The Data Interpretation part typically includes questions on bar graphs, pie charts, Venn diagrams, line graphs, and similar topics, while the Logical Reasoning part features questions based on visualization, clocks and calendars, blood relations, and more.

Syllabus for the DILR section:



Expected difficulty of the DILR section:


The overall difficulty of the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning section is expected to be Moderate.

How to prepare

To excel in the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section of CAT 2024, students should focus on mastering problem-solving techniques for various topics such as Blood Relations, Clocks and Calendars, and Syllogism, among others. Begin by understanding the fundamentals of each concept, such as series, statements, and propositions, which often form the basis of logical reasoning questions. Regular practice with puzzles, seating arrangements, and family trees will sharpen critical thinking and improve accuracy.

For data-heavy topics like Data Arrangement, Pie Charts, and Bars & Line Graphs, work on quickly interpreting visual data and extracting relevant information. Time management is crucial, so solving mock tests under timed conditions will help in handling pressure. Additionally, solving sets and caselets regularly will help familiarize students with the format of questions, boosting speed and confidence. Prioritize practice in areas like Data Sufficiency, Coding-Decoding, and Binary Logic, as these require precise analysis. With consistent practice, students can efficiently tackle complex problems in the DILR section.

Also Read: CAT 2024 VARC: High-Scoring topics to focus on for maximum marks

CAT 2024 Exam Pattern

The CAT 2024 will follow a structured pattern that is divided into three sections:

• Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

• Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

• Quantitative Ability (QA)

The total duration of the exam will be 120 minutes, with 40 minutes allocated to each section. Candidates cannot switch between sections during the exam.


The 66 questions will be divided across the three sections, and candidates are expected to attempt them within the given time limit. The exam will feature multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and Type-In-The-Answer (TITA) questions. While MCQs follow negative marking, TITA questions do not have any negative marks.

Also Read: CAT 2024 Quantitative Aptitude - High Scoring topics to focus on for maximum marks

CAT 2024 marking scheme

The CAT 2024 follows a specific marking scheme, which is crucial for candidates to understand:

• +3 marks for every correct answer.
• -1 mark for each incorrect answer (only applicable for MCQs).
• No negative marking for TITA questions.

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