How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT?

How to prepare for data interpretation for the CAT examination, students must be clear on the syllabus covered in the exam. Additionally, students should learn to identify the essential points of the given data and approach it step by step. 

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) is one of three sections in the Common Admission Test (CAT) question paper and is integral in deciding the CAT score of the applicants. The other two sections are Quantitative Aptitude (QA) and (VARC). 

Table of Contents

• What is Data Interpretation in CAT?
• How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT?
  • Skills Required for Data Interpretation Preparation
• Data Interpretation Syllabus
• Tips on How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT
• Question Paper Pattern for the DILR Section

What is Data Interpretation in CAT?

The DILR section clubs the questions on the topics of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. 20 questions are allotted to this section in the CAT question paper. 

The questions on the topic of Data Interpretation aim to test the interpretation and problem-solving skills of the candidates with questions based on Line Charts, Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Charts, Venn Diagrams, Graphs and other data representation structures.

The other type of Data Interpretation questions often asked in CAT are Caselets which are paragraphs that contain numerical data. 

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT?

Scoring in the Data Interpretation section is integral to the candidate's overall score. For this, the candidates must know how to prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT exam. The following information will help the aspirants with the same. 

Skills Required for Data Interpretation Preparation

The skills that candidates need to possess in order to be able to solve the Data Interpretation questions are as follows.

1. Calculation Skills

The ability of mental calculation is a skill that the candidates need to hone during the preparation for the CAT exam, especially for the Data Interpretation section. The skill to do the basic operations fast will be a definite advantage to the candidates. Thus the candidates must work to improve their calculation speed. 

2. Skills of Approximation with the use of options

The options given for the answer are a crucial part of the question in Data Interpretation. The candidates need to understand the question's needs first. The next step will be to understand the options given to determine the required accuracy that needs to be found. By following this, the candidates can get the required data from the given data structures. The candidates need to remember that finding the exact answer is not necessary but finding the correct option is. 

3. Information, Interpretation and Interrelation 

The skills of gathering information, interpreting and interrelating them with the skills of calculation and approximation will aid the candidates in solving the Data Interpretation questions in the CAT exam. 

Data Interpretation Syllabus 

The CAT exam does not have an assigned syllabus design. However, after analysing the frequently asked question over the years and the question templates, the following compilation of topics will help the candidates prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT. 

• Bar Graphs
• Tables
• Missing Data Interpretation
• Caselets
• Pie Chart
• Line Chart
• Venn Diagrams

Tips on How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

The following tips will help the students prepare for the CAT data interpretation section. However, students must remember hard work is the key to success. 

1. The candidates should work to gain knowledge of the CAT syllabus by analysing the previous year's question papers. Knowing the topics to be prepared will allow the candidates to organise their preparation. 
2. Mock tests of practice question papers and previous years' exam papers must be taken by the students to know their progress. 
3. Consistent practice to hone the calculation speed and approximation skills are necessary. 
4. Candidates must practice comprehending voluminous data for solving the caselets questions. 
5. Lastly, skip answering the unsure question to avoid negative marking and save time during the exam in the CAT exam centre.

Question Paper Pattern for the DILR Section

The question paper pattern for the DILR section is tabulated below. The questions of Data Interpretation are clubbed with the Logical Reasoning questions in this section. The candidates must be quick and complete this section within the stipulated time.  

Note: Descriptive Questions do not have negative marking for incorrect answer.