Most Important CAT LRDI Topics: The LRDI, also known as the Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, is the most crucial section of the CAT Common Admission Test. The DILR section contains 22 questions from topics like graphs, puzzles, tables and charts. On average, you must maintain an accuracy rate of 90-100% to score 99.99%ile. Any CAT aspirant can achieve this sectional target percentile in the DILR section with the help of valuable resources.
In this comprehensive guide, we will share a detailed PDF about the most important CAT LRDI topics for the Common Admission Test 2026. If you start your LRDI preparation for the CAT 2026 with this resource, then you’ll easily attempt 10-14 questions in a span of 10-12 minutes (approximately). The average score will range between 33-45 marks for the LRDI section. It will vary for every candidate, depending on the slot and the difficulty level of the DILR section.
What will be the Most Important CAT LRDI Topics in 2026?
Starting your CAT preparation for the LRDI section requires a well-balanced study plan. You cannot start preparing from any random topic. Initially, you must dive deep into the latest and official CAT DILR syllabus. In the next stage, you must obtain a proper understanding of the DILR exam pattern, marking scheme, most important CAT LRDI topics and much more. Let us first brief you about the DILR topics that will constitute the maximum portion in the actual CAT question paper.
| CAT 2026 DILR Important Topics | |||
| Reasoning-Based DI | Quant-Based Reasoning | Caselets | Venn Diagrams |
| Schedule-Based Puzzles | Distribution-Based Puzzles | Special Charts | Tables & Bar Graph |
| Arrangements | Network & Routes | Games and Tournaments | Ranking and Ordering |
CAT 2026 DILR Syllabus, Exam Pattern and More (Expected Details)
| Key Parameters | Basic Details |
| CAT Section | DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) |
| CAT DILR Syllabus | It covers topics from circular arrangements, games & tournaments, cubes, line & bar graphs, pie charts and much more. |
| Total Number of DILR Questions | 22 |
| Positive Marking Scheme | +3 marks (Per Correct Response) |
| Negative Marking Scheme | -1 marks (Every Wrong Attempt) |
| Wrong TITA Questions (Non-MCQs) | Zero Negative Marking |
| Unanswered Questions | 0 marks |
| Difficulty Level | It differs every year in Slot 1, Slot 2 and Slot 3 |
| Sectional Time-Limit | 40 Minutes |
| Calculator (Yes/No) | Online Calculator |
| Total Marks | 66 marks |
| Highest DILR Sectional Percentile | 99.99%ile |
Free CAT DILR PDF 2017-2024
| CAT 2017-CAT 2024 DILR Topic-Wise Set Analysis | ||
| Topic | Count | % of Total |
| Caselets | 18 | 15.79% |
| Reasoning-Based Data Interpretation | 16 | 14.04% |
| Quant-Based Reasoning | 13 | 11.40% |
| Venn Diagrams | 10 | 8.77% |
| Special Charts | 9 | 7.89% |
| Scheduling-Based Puzzle | 9 | 7.89% |
| Distribution-Based Puzzles | 8 | 7.02% |
| Tables | 7 | 6.14% |
| Games and Tournaments | 7 | 6.14% |
| Bar Graphs | 6 | 5.26% |
| Network & Routes | 5 | 4.39% |
| Ranking and Ordering | 3 | 2.63% |
| Arrangement | 3 | 2.63% |
| Grand Total | 114 | 100.00% |
CAT 2026 LRDI Preparation Strategy
A step-by-step preparation strategy for the LRDI section is highly essential. Upon obtaining accurate information about the most important CAT LRDI topics, your approach should be to cover the basic concepts from every topic. Once you gain a strong clarity on the fundamental concepts, then move to the medium and complex topics. While preparing for the LRDI section, you must remember that problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking are the mandatory strategic approaches to solve every different type of set. Here’s a complete breakdown of the CAT LRDI preparation strategy to achieve 99.99%ile.
- DILR Syllabus Proper Overview: Taking an overall view of the CAT DILR syllabus should be your key priority. Check the topics that are a part of the DILR section. Carefully review the sub-topics under each DILR chapter.
- Analyse the Most Important CAT DILR Topics: Download PDF of the most important DILR topics to prepare for the CAT 2026. If you conduct a thorough analysis of the previous year’s CAT question papers, you’ll agree that the majority of the questions are from the crucial DILR topics. Create a proper timetable and complete the most important CAT LRDI topics.
- Check Past 9-10 Years CAT PYQs: Download the CAT question papers from the last 8-10 years and do your own research. You will come across multiple questions that are from the most important CAT LRDI topics. If you solve these questions, the actual paper will look very easy to you.
- Study DILR Concepts Regularly: Don’t follow rote memorisation while studying the DILR topics. Focus on logical analysis, which will be highly advantageous during the practical sessions. A thorough understanding of every concept will make you proficient in solving questions from basic, medium, to advanced levels.
- Regular Practice of Mixed DILR Sets: Avoid picking up only easy questions from the most important CAT LRDI topics. Allocate a particular time slot to practice a broad range of mixed sets from the prominent DILR topics. This will boost your confidence. As a result, your productivity level will increase.
- Attempt CAT-Level DILR Sectionals: Start appearing for DILR sectionals even if you complete 50% segment from the most important CAT LRDI topics. Through this approach, you will gauge your performance in this section. Also, you will get an overall analysis of your strong & weak concepts. Accordingly, you can dedicate more time to the weaker areas for continuous improvement.
- Practice Time-Management: Clearly, CAT is a sectional time-limit exam. IIMs allocate approximately 40 minutes to every section. This exam is a test of your speed, accuracy and strategic knowledge. Your primary goal should be to solve approximately 10-14 questions in a limited period.
- Upgrade Your Speed and Accuracy: Don’t randomly attempt any question in the DILR section. Select the questions from the most important LRDI concepts that look familiar to you. In case you have a doubt, skip that question for a while. Solve the remaining questions, which takes you closer to a high score of about 33-45.
- Implement Useful Tips and Tricks: For Example: If you’re solving any bar or line graph question, then pick up only key pointers. Never plot every single value for the comparison. Determine shortcut patterns while solving pie-chart questions. Like, you should always convert percentages into simple fractions,i.e, 1/4, 1/2, or ¾ to eliminate challenging multiplication circumstances.
iQuanta CAT Course 2026
Final Words
Now that you know about the most important CAT LRDI topics, the preparation journey will be extremely smooth for you. Your scores for the DILR section will increase with every sectional and mock test you attempt throughout your entire CAT preparation. If you come across any topic from the DILR section that looks extremely challenging, then you can enrol for our online CAT preparation courses for strategic preparation.
Our experts are known for 24*7 doubt-solving, dual-pedagogy and many more course features. Subsequently, you can also join our student preparation community with 4.1 Lakh+ members. We regularly share fresh updates about the most important CAT LRDI topics, DILR section analysis, important shortcuts, etc. Be a part of our exclusive learning platform and community to learn from our best experts.
