CAT 2025: How to Select the Right Set in the DILR Section for a 99+ Percentile Boost
Abhishek Patel
14/04/2025
Table of Contents
For most CAT aspirants, the DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) section feels like a minefield — one wrong move and you’re stuck. But guess what? Picking the right set early on can be your ticket to a 75+ percentile, or even more.
If you’ve ever frozen mid-paper or wasted 20 minutes on an impossible set, this one’s for you.
Why Set Selection Matters in DILR
Every CAT DILR section typically has one easier or moderate set hidden among tougher ones.
Solving just one correct set can place you above the 75th percentile.
A good start = confidence = better performance across the section.
Two Approaches to Choosing DILR Sets
Let’s break it down:
| Approach | Traditional | Smart by Experts |
|---|---|---|
| Idea | Read any set, hope you can solve it | Skim all sets first, pick one with fewer constraints |
| Time | Might waste time on hard sets | Initial read saves time overall |
| Effectiveness | Can cause panic mid-exam | Increases chances of selecting a solvable set |
| Tips | Pick familiar topics like LR | Choose sets with easy logic, visuals, or calculations |
Expert Tips to Spot an “Easy” DILR Set
2–3 Constraints Max: Fewer rules = quicker solving
Avoid Mixed Concepts: Unless you’re confident, stay away from sets combining puzzles like arrangements + ranking
Focus on Structure: Sets with tables, clear visuals, or linear logic are usually more approachable
Calculator-Friendly: Look for sets where approximation helps
DILR Set Selection Tips
- Constraints: Choose sets with around 2-3 constraints to save time and increase solvability. Sets with too many constraints can be complex and time-consuming.
- Calculations: Carefully read questions and save all solved data points for quick reference. This helps in avoiding repetitive calculations and saves valuable time.
- Mixed Concepts: Avoid sets with mixed concepts like arrangement & ranking or mathematical reasoning & table if possible, unless you are familiar with them. These can be tricky and may require more time to solve.
- Visualization: Opt for sets that involve easy visualization. This can help in quickly understanding the problem and devising a solution strategy.
- Calculator-Based Questions: Look for sets that involve simple calculator-based questions. These can be solved quickly and accurately.
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Also Read :
How to Prepare for CAT with College? Real Talk for 2025 Aspirants
