Data Interpretation (DI) Preparation Tips for MBA Exams - Check Syllabus, Weightage, Practice Questions

Yes, DILR section is a major section of all the MBA entrance exams. It covers almost 1/3rd of a test paper. In some exams, Data Interpretation is clubbed with Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning is an individual section. Irrespective of what the composition is, the both DI and LR are a part of MBA entrance exams. The section includes graphs, charts, diagrams, caselets, clocks & calendars, blood relation, family tree, number system, coding-decoding, arrangements and other such topics. There are a few state-level exams like TANCET, which does not have a separate section on DILR area, but the topics from this area are included in Data Sufficiency.

The best way to prepare for DILR section is through practice. Before starting the preparation, aspirants should be accustomed to the question types by going through previous years’ question papers and solving those. Since there is not much conceptual understanding required in this section, practice is the key to excel in this area.

Some of the most popular books on DILR section that you can refer 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, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Pearson, to name a few.

No, DILR is not a combined section in all the MBA entrance exams. In some exams, the LR section is combined with DI, whereas in some exams DI is clubbed with Quantitative Analysis. For example, in CAT, DILR is a combined section, in XAT, the DI area is combined with Quantitative Ability and LR is combined with Verbal Ability.

The DILR section is also known as Decision Making, Data Analysis, Critical Reasoning, Logical Ability, Analytical Ability, etc. This section is named differently but comprises common topics such as Bar Graph, Line Chart, Tabular Form, Caselet Form, Pie Chart, Missing Data, etc.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning or DILR is one of the main sections of the MBA entrance exams and competitive exams. This section carries questions on a particular situation or graphs/charts/diagrams, etc. which test-takers have to study and examine properly to answer the multiple-choice questions that are related to the caselets or figures and diagrams. DILR section tests candidates’ analytical bent of mind and critical thinking ability.

In DILR, the questions are based on Tables, Graphs (Line and Bar), Charts (Pie, Area, Line), Data Analytic Caselets, Data Structure, Calendar, Clocks, Data Sufficiency, Venn Diagram, Blood Relations, Arrangement (Seating, Linear and Matrix), Coding-Decoding, Logical Sequence, Assumption, Binary Logic and Critical Reasoning

The best way to prepare for DILR section is through practice. Before starting the preparation, aspirants should be accustomed to the question types by going through previous years’ question papers and solving those. Since there is not much conceptual understanding required in this section, practice is the key to excel in this area.

Some of the most popular books on DILR section that you can refer 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, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT by Pearson, to name a few.

CAT DILR is all about practice. So, you need to practice a lot of questions from DILR to be able to master it. This section of CAT is equally divided into 10 questions each on DI and LR. The Data Interpretation questions are based on Mathematical tables, bars, pie charts, etc. so you need to work on it alongside Quantitative Aptitude. Learn some basic rules of tables, bars, pie charts as well as some basic rules of mathematical calculations. If you can read the data correctly, you can solve the CAT questions. However, to be able to solve questions quickly and accurately, you need to practice a good number of sample questions and mock tests.

For Logical Reasoning, you will have to depend totally on practice tests and exercises. The CAT LR questions are mostly based on series, number system, coding-decoding, family tree, circular patterns, blood relations, etc. So, you need to practice a lot of questions on these to be able to solve them in the exam. Go through CAT previous year question papers to know the type of questions are asked and practice them.

The syllabus of MAH MBA CET Logical and Abstract Reasoning section includes Arrangements, Family tree, Coding-Decoding, Direction, Clock and Calendars, Groups and Conditionality, Number Series, Venn Diagrams, Syllogisms, Odd Word Out, Analogies, Blood Relations, Proposition, Direction Sense, Assumptions, Puzzles, Binary Logic, Clock and Calendars, Sets and Caselets, etc.

This section is divided into two parts. The Logical Reasoning section has 75 questions and Abstract Reasoning Section has 25 questions. Each question has five option to choose the correct option from. Each correct option fetches 1 mark and incorrect option fetches 0 marks. The candidates need to focus more on this section of MAH MBA CET as it carries the maximum weightage. Prepare for this section by practicing a large number of practice questions.

The syllabus for Analytical and Logical Reasoning section of SNAP exam includes topics such as Family Tree/Blood Relations, Coding/Decoding, Analogy & Series, Seating Arrangement, Direction Sense, Mathematical Reasoning, Clocks & Calendars, Syllogisms, Meaningful Word/Matrix, Critical Reasoning, Visual Reasoning, Verbal & Miscellaneous Reasoning. The Analytical and Logical Reasoning section of SNAP carries maximum number of questions i.e. 25. Candidates have to choose the questions they can answer correctly, otherwise they will be given negative marks. So, SNAP aspirants must practice ample number of sample questions from these topics. The more they will practice, the better they will get at solving reasoning questions as it is all about knowing the patterns and unravelling the puzzles. Since, this section carries maximum marks, you cannot be ill prepared for it.

The important topics of DILR syllabus for IIFT include Decision Making, Series, Data Structures, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Alphabetical Series, Syllogisms, Verbal Logic, Visual & Critical Reasoning, Linear & Matrix Arrangements, Puzzles, Family Tree Problem, Statement & Conclusion, Cause & Effect, Input & Output, Partnership, Line Graph, Tables, Bar Graph and Pie Graphs.

The IIFT DILR section has 30 questions in total. To prepare for these topics, candidates need to first learn the types of questions and their key elements. LR questions are mostly like a puzzle where you have to uncover a pattern and to complete the series. This requires a bit of analytical and a bit of logical deduction. Practice a good number of IIFT DILR questions of previous years as well as sample papers to master this section.

If you are planning to prepare for XAT 2025 exam by self study, you need to start early. At least six months before. XAT exam is conducted on the first Sunday of January every year. So, if you start preparing for the XAT 2025 in June or July, you will have good six months to prepare. Make a preparation plan that includes XAT syllabus coverage, problem solving sessions, mock tests and revision. Get hold of best books for XAT. Consult mentors or previous year toppers for selecting the best books for preparation. Join online study groups where you can get the help of mentors and peers for problem solving and clearing of doubts in topics. Work in tough topics first and then move to easier topics.

Solve a large number and variety of XAT mock tests to master the syllabus. You will need to do a rigorous work on XAT mock tests as for candidates who opt for self study, have to rely on practice.

Most of the questions of MAH MBA CET Logical and Abstract Reasoning are asked from topics like Arrangements, Family trees, Coding-Decoding, Direction, Clock and Calendars, Groups and Conditionality, Number Series, Venn Diagrams, Syllogisms, Odd Word Out, Analogies, Blood Relations, Proposition, Direction Sense, Assumptions, Puzzles, Binary Logic, Clock and Calendars, Sets and Caselets, etc.

This section is divided into two parts – Logical Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning. The Logical Reasoning section has about 75 questions and Abstract Reasoning Section has around 25 questions. The number of questions can change in a given year or in a given session. So, candidates must prepare for both types of reasoning questions of various difficulty levels. Scoring high in Logical Reasoning will result in a good overall score.

The Logical Reasoning has a weightage of 100 questions and 100 marks, thus it is very important you choose the right books and prepare in the right way. For preparation of Logical and Abstract Reasoning section of MAH CET, candidates must refer to the following books:

• How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT book by Arun Sharma
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
• A New Approach to Reasoning by BS Sijwali & S. Sijwali Arihant
• Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
• Reasoning Book for Competitive Examinations by Pearson

Aspirants must practice a lot of Logical and Analytical Reasoning questions for MAH CET as the best way to master this section is practice. You will need to understand pattern and series to be able to solve questions. Here observation and logic.

The DILR section is mostly practice-based. There is not much theory-based or conceptual parts involved in the question unlike Quantitative Ability or Verbal Ability sections. Here, rather than focusing on the definitions of the topics, students get more accustomed to the question types and excel in the areas through practice. As it takes practice to improve the analytical and critical thinking ability rather than rote learning the concepts.

The Data Interpretation is all about reading and comprehending tables and charts. The questions are calculation based, so you need to a strong base in Maths and practice. Logical Reasoning too is all about deciphering puzzles and patterns so even for that no theoretical knowledge is required. Practice questions are the key.

In CAT exam, there are 20 questions in the Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning section and the total sectional marks is 60 out of 198. In CAT 2020, there were 24 question on DILR and the sectional marks were 72. In CAT 2021 and CAT 2022, there were 20 questions and the sectional marks were 60.  The 20 questions are equally divided into both Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. That means, Both Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning have 10 questions each. The questions are mostly in sets. There’s rarely any standalone question in DILR.

Some of the top MBA entrance exams carrying a high weightage of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning questions are MAH CET, ATMA, CAT, CMAT, XAT IIFT, to name a few.

While candidates belonging to Science and Engineering background do have an edge over Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), it is not impossible for students from non-Science background to crack this section of an MBA entrance exam. They do need to prepare harder which includes going back to study fundamentals of Mathematics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Mensuration.

With regular practice and understanding of the question types and topics, candidates, irrespective of the educational background, can crack this section. Aspirants must note that it is important to identify the weak areas and improve on them to get a stronghold on this section. For Logical Reasoning, a good amount of practice of sample questions will be enough.