DILR in CAT is challenging, yet it offers an excellent scoring opportunity once approached correctly. With 40 minutes to answer 20-22 questions, being aware of which set types are repeatedly shown can be a massive plus. Students are preparing by focusing on repeating topics instead of trying to master every possible DILR set type. Features such as arrangements, games and tournaments, Venn Diagrams, and Tables with missing data have been relatively consistent in recent papers. Check CAT Syllabus 2025
CAT DILR Paper Structure
Candidates can check the table below to understand the structure of CAT DILR section. A total of 20-22 questions will be asked in CAT DILR section.
On average, spending 8–10 minutes per set allows balanced time across all sets, ensuring you don’t miss the easier ones. Check CAT Exam Pattern 2025
Importance of Repeated Set Types
Knowing most repeated DILR sets can directly help you in maximising attempts and accuracy in DILR.
- Practised Set Patterns: Some patterns are common, and with practice, they become more easily identified and solved.
- Practised Set Patterns: Some patterns are common, and with practice, they become more easily identified and solved.
- Better Accuracy: When questions resemble familiar types, it reduces silly mistakes.
Year-wise Distribution of DILR Set Types (2022–2024)
The following table presents a clear year-wise distribution of DILR set types, highlighting the mix of DI, LR, and hybrid sets over the past three years of the CAT exam.
Most Frequently Repeated DILR Set Types in CAT (2022–2024)
These DILR question types have consistently appeared in CAT from 2022-2024. Every set type is necessary to practice because it is always present and gets even more challenging.
Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Complex Conditions)
- Types Observed:
- Linear seating (e.g., people seated in a row).
- Circular arrangements with directional constraints.
- Multi-tiered or grid-based positioning.
- Constraints Examples:
- Fixed positions, relative placements, facing inside/outside.
- Grouping rules like “X cannot sit next to Y.”
- Frequency:
- Consistently featured every year with varying complexity.
Games and Tournaments
- Common Formats:
- Knockout and round-robin tournaments.
- Point-based scoring formats.
- Evolution in Recent Exams:
- Greater integration of additional constraints (e.g., goal differences, direct wins).
- Shift from pure win-loss tables to conditional progressions.
- Frequency:
- Appeared in all CATs from 2022 to 2024 in some form.
Venn Diagrams and Set Theory
- Set Types:
- Pure Venn diagrams with 2 or 3 sets.
- Hybrid sets combining Venn diagrams with numeric logic or percentages.
- Complexity:
- Increased chances of overlapping conditions and miscounts.
- Frequent traps with “at least/at most” interpretations.
- Frequency:
- Present in almost every CAT slot, often within LR sets.
Tables and Data-Based Caselets
- Key Features:
- Tabular DI sets with multiple columns and interrelated data.
- Sometimes presented as caselets with incomplete data.
- Types:
- Calculation heavy requires numerical precision.
- Reasoning-based where data deductions are key.
- Frequency:
- Seen in all three years; DI sections often feature at least one table-based set.
Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, and Pie Charts
- Common Graphs:
- Standard bar and line graphs.
- Pie charts depicting proportions.
- New Introductions:
- CAT 2024 featured bubble charts and candlestick charts.
- Preparation Need:
- Ability to interpret trends and multiple data points from visual formats.
Puzzles and Grid-Based Problems
- Examples:
- Sequential logic puzzles (e.g., Sudoku-like grids).
- Grid mapping where certain cells are filled based on conditions.
- Complexity and Frequency:
- Moderate occurrence across years.
- Often appear as part of LR with reasoning-heavy steps.
Routes, Networks, and Path Optimization
- Set Types:
- Shortest path, network flow, and route tracing problems.
- Map-based sets with distance or time optimization.
- Trends:
- Slowly increasing frequency with unique variants.
- Frequency:
- At least one set in recent years, especially in LR sections.
Binary Logic and Truth-Tellers/Liars
- Patterns:
- Scenarios with people making statements; some always lie, others always tell the truth.
- Appearance:
- Less frequent but still seen once in 2-3 years.
- Importance:
- Quick to solve if practiced; helps boost attempt count.
Scheduling and Sequencing Sets
- Focus Areas:
- Time slots, event sequencing under constraints.
- Common in workplace or task-allocation scenarios.
- Recurrence:
- Appears occasionally, usually one set per exam when included.
Mixed Graphs and Multi-Representation Data Sets
- Set Nature:
- Data presented across multiple formats like a table combined with a bar chart.
- Strategy:
- Requires scanning all representations for connections before solving.
- Emerging Trend:
- Seen more in CAT 2023 and 2024, blending DI and LR skills.
How to Prepare for Repeated Set Types in CAT DILR?
Preparation for the DILR section should be structured around the most frequently repeated set types seen in CAT. This is how you can organise your practice efficiently and productively, focusing on precision.
Prioritising practice on repeating set types
- Solve at least 2 to 3 sets daily from most repeating topics like Arrangements, Games & Tournaments, and Venn Diagrams.
- Allocate alternate days for practising DI-based tables, graphs, and hybrid sets to maintain a balanced approach.
- Previous Year CAT Questions: They are one of the best sources for good quality sets and also they give you the level and type of sets which CAT asks.
Tips to handle complex and mixed sets
- Spend 2–3 minutes scanning all sets before selecting the easiest ones.
- If stuck for more than 7-8 minutes and not making progress, move to the next set to avoid further time loss.
- Begin with familiar set types, such as arrangements or Venn Diagrams, if they are presented.
- Save calculation heavy DI sets for later unless you find a familiar or easier format.
Also Read, CAT Preparation Tips 2025
