Hi, I am Rishav Seth. I had appeared for CAT in 2023 and repeated it again in 2024, and now I will be joining NMIMS Mumbai within a few months.
UG - B. Pharm graduate (non-engineer)
Profile - 9/9/8
Exam Scores - CAT 92.26 percentile (DILR - 91.55 percentile), NMAT - 233 (LR - 77)
The DILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) section in CAT is often more mentally draining than technically difficult. On some days, it might seem like the easiest section, but on others, the same type of questions can feel much harder. It’s not just about solving puzzles, it’s about stamina, strategy, and smart selection. And among these, selection is key. You don’t need to solve all the puzzles; even solving just two sets can fetch you a very good percentile in this section.
Is Scoring 99 Percentile in CAT Enough?
But here’s the catch: if you pick the wrong puzzle at the beginning, you might get stuck and end up solving nothing by the end of the 40 minutes. This kind of situation can severely affect your chances, not just in DILR but in the entire paper. If your mind is exhausted here, tackling the QA (Quantitative Aptitude) section becomes even harder.
So, how do you plan better and avoid mental burnout, even when you’re struggling to crack a single set? Here are some strategies to help you stay sharp during the 40-minute DILR stretch:
DILR Preparation Tips:
1. Pick One Set at a Time
Start by identifying just one set that seems easiest. Ignore the others for now. Focus only on solving that set. Even if you manage to solve only one, there's a high chance you'll clear the sectional cutoff—and then maximize your score in the other two sections. Don’t enter with the pressure of “I must solve three sets.” That mindset often leads to solving none.
2. Read the Sets Carefully Before Choosing
Many aspirants rush into solving sets, which is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Take your time to read through all the sets. Some may look tricky due to their language or layout but could turn out to be the easiest. Spend even 5 minutes if needed. Time spent wisely upfront can save you from getting stuck later.
3. Don’t Get Stuck, Know When to Leave
Some days, you might pick the wrong set first. And this is where most candidates make the mistake. They take it personally and refuse to move on. Here's a strategy that I used to follow: Give a set 10 minutes. If you’re still stuck after that, leave it, no matter how tempting it looks. Look for another. If it happens again, repeat the process.
It’s better to waste 20 minutes and still solve one set than to waste all 40 minutes solving none.
4. Pick the First Set Very Carefully
There will always be at least one solvable set. Crack that first, and your confidence will automatically increase by many folds. With that momentum, solving a second or third set becomes easier. This boost will even help you perform better in the QA section that follows.
Your first correct set can set the tone for the entire paper, so choose it wisely.
5. Don’t Panic, Stay Calm
If you’ve prepared well and still can’t crack a set, know that many others are likely facing the same issue. In the worst-case scenario, if you can’t solve even one full set, try to read the questions and the set together.
Sometimes, a question can be answered without solving the entire puzzle. Focus on identifying and attempting those. Remember, on some days, even 10–12 marks in DILR can get you a 90–95 percentile.
6. Take a Break After the Section
Whether you perform well in DILR or not, don’t jump straight into QA. Take at least 10 seconds to calm yourself. Close your eyes, breathe, and forget about DILR. Only after this short reset should you move on to reading QA questions. This helps reduce mental fatigue and keeps you fresh for the final section.
DILR is a battle of the brain and how you manage your energy determines your success. Select wisely, stay calm, and remember: even solving one set well can be your game-changer. Don't fall for the traps and try to pick the easiest ones.
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