What changed was my approach towards the section and my discipline - this article is not about shortcuts or magic formulas, rather it’s about methods that work, told through the lens of someone who has lived the struggle and come out on the other side.
The Turning Point
After CAT 2023, I knew that I couldn't rely on half-baked strategies. I decided to finally implement one simple thing: solving 4 to 5 DILR sets every single day, without fail. It was a painful process in the beginning. I couldn’t solve even one full set without looking at the solution. Every puzzle felt like it was mocking me. But I pushed through. I reminded myself that perfection comes to only those who work for it.
By the time I had solved around 200 sets, I started noticing patterns. The fear was still there, but I was more composed. Somewhere between the 300th and the 400th set, my problem solving skills became more structured and well-defined. And by the time I had completed my 500th practice set, I had developed the instinct for choosing the right sets and the confidence to attempt them head-on.
DILR Strategies: What actually works?
1. Daily Practice>>Sporadic Bursts
Solving a few sets everyday, helps build familiarity with a wide variety of puzzles and the mental stamina needed to attempt DILR. Don’t wait for weekends to binge-practice. DILR rewards slow, sustained efforts.
2. Set Selection is a Skill
You don’t have to solve every set in the exam. In fact, one bad decision to hold onto a tricky set can cost you your entire section. It’s easy to hold onto a tough set personally and try to “defeat” it, but that ego can cost you your precious time. During mocks, try to train yourself to identify time traps- sets that might be solvable on paper but are not worth the effort during a timed exam.
Remember: every question carries 3 marks, whether easy or hard. Don’t run after the hard ones just to prove a point, instead look for questions to maximize your score.
3. Diverse Exposure Matters
Practice isn’t just about quantity- it’s also about variety and exploring varied levels of toughness. Explore different formats: Venn diagrams, Games and Tournaments, Matrix Arrangements, Bar Graphs, and more. The CAT is known for throwing surprises, so be ready for anything.
4. Mock Tests and Deep Analyses
Taking regular mocks is important, but real progress happens during their analyses. Where did you waste time? Which sets you should have skipped? Did you miss an easier one? Ask these questions to yourself and try to find out their answers. That’s how you improve not just your skills, but also your exam temperament.
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Final Thoughts
DILR is not a section you conquer by memorization or shortcuts. It’s one you earn through consistency and smart decision-making. If you can't solve a single set initially—welcome to the club. Most aspirants start there. Don’t judge your potential based on the first 100 sets.
Keep solving, keep learning and most importantly, develop the ability to leave a set when you must. This decision alone could be the difference between an average score and a 98+ percentile.
In CAT you are not rewarded for the toughest questions, you are rewarded for the right ones.
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