Conquer CAT 2020 Slot 1 DILR: A Comprehensive Guide with Tips, Tricks, and Strategies

Are you one of the aspiring candidates preparing for CAT 2020? If yes, then you must be aware of the sectional timing introduced by the exam this year. With the fear of getting a short stick in the trickiest section - DILR, many students are burning the midnight oil. However, the key to success in DILR is not just about solving numerous sets but also about having a strategic approach.

This article will serve as a guiding light for you to conquer CAT 2020 Slot 1 DILR. We will delve into effective strategies, tips and tricks, and FAQs to help you achieve your desired score. So, let's dive right in!

Understanding the DILR Section

Before we delve into the strategies, let's first understand the nature of the DILR section in CAT. DILR stands for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. As the name suggests, this section tests your ability to interpret and analyze data presented in various forms such as tables, graphs, and charts. Additionally, it also assesses your logical reasoning skills, which involve drawing inferences, identifying patterns, and solving puzzles.

Effective Strategies to Ace the DILR Section

To master the DILR section in CAT, it is essential to adopt a well-structured strategy. Here are some effective strategies to consider:

1. Read the Passage Carefully: Before you start solving the questions, take some time to read the passage thoroughly. Understand the context and the information provided. This will help you grasp the overall scenario and make informed decisions while answering the questions.

2. Identify the Question Type: Once you have understood the passage, identify the type of question you are dealing with. Different question types require different approaches. For instance, if the question asks for a specific value, you may need to perform calculations. If it asks for a logical inference, you will need to analyze the data and draw conclusions.

3. Break Down Complex Data: If the data is presented in a complex format, such as a table with multiple columns and rows, break it down into smaller chunks. This will make it easier to analyze and interpret the data.

   

4. Use Visual Aids: To enhance your understanding of the data, create visual aids such as graphs or charts. This will help you visualize the relationships between different variables and identify patterns more easily.

5. Eliminate Irrelevant Information: Not all information provided in the passage is relevant to answering the questions. Identify and eliminate irrelevant information to avoid confusion and save time.

6. Time Management: Since there is sectional timing in CAT 2020, time management is crucial. Allocate your time wisely among the different sets. Remember, it's better to attempt fewer sets accurately than attempting many sets hastily.

Tips and Tricks for Success

In addition to the strategies mentioned above, here are some useful tips and tricks that can help you excel in the DILR section:

1. Practice Regularly: The key to success in DILR lies in regular practice. Solve as many sets as possible to improve your speed and accuracy.

2. Online Practice Platforms: Utilize online practice platforms that provide access to a vast repository of DILR sets. This will expose you to a variety of question types and help you track your progress.

3. Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to simulate the actual CAT exam environment. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on areas that need improvement.

4. Focus on Accuracy: It is better to solve fewer questions accurately than attempting many questions haphazardly. Remember, every correct answer counts!

5. Guess Intelligently: If you are unsure about an answer, make an intelligent guess based on the information provided in the passage. Eliminate the options that seem illogical or irrelevant.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

A student named John was so engrossed in solving a DILR set that he completely forgot about the time. When he finally looked at the clock, he realized that he had only 5 minutes left for the entire section! Panic-stricken, he started hurriedly solving the remaining sets. However, due to the lack of time, he made several silly mistakes.

Lesson Learned: Time management is key. Do not spend too much time on a single set. Allocate your time wisely and avoid getting stuck.

Story 2:

Sarah, another CAT aspirant, was struggling with a particular DILR set. She spent over 10 minutes trying to solve it but couldn't find the answer. Frustrated, she was about to give up when she decided to change her approach. She broke down the set into smaller parts and tried to understand the underlying logic. Within a few minutes, she was able to solve the set easily.

Lesson Learned: Don't get stuck on a particular question. If you are unable to solve it, move on to the next question and come back to it later.

Story 3:

Tom, a brilliant student, made the mistake of assuming that all the information provided in the passage was relevant. As a result, he wasted a lot of time trying to analyze irrelevant data.

Lesson Learned: Identify and eliminate irrelevant information to save time and avoid confusion.

FAQs

1. What is the time limit for the DILR section in CAT 2020 Slot 1?

• The DILR section in CAT 2020 Slot 1 will have a time limit of 60 minutes.

2. How many questions will be there in the DILR section?

• There will be a total of 24 questions in the DILR section.

3. What is the marking scheme for the DILR section?

• Each correct answer in the DILR section will fetch you 3 marks.

4. What is a good score in the DILR section?

• A good score in the DILR section is considered to be around 60-70% accuracy.

5. Is it possible to score 100% in the DILR section?

• While it is challenging, it is not impossible to score 100% in the DILR section. With consistent practice and a strategic approach, you can maximize your chances of getting a perfect score.

Conclusion

Conquering the DILR section in CAT 2020 Slot 1 requires a combination of effective strategies, practice, and a positive mindset. By adopting the strategies and tips outlined in this article, you can significantly improve your performance and achieve your desired score. Remember, stay calm, manage your time wisely, and believe in yourself. With hard work and determination, you can ace the DILR section and take a step closer to your dream B-school!

Tables

Table 1: Distribution of Questions in CAT 2020 Slot 1 DILR

Table 2: Difficulty Level of DILR Sets in Previous CAT Exams

Table 3: Tips for Different DILR Question Types