DILR CAT 2023 Slot 3: Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Solutions and Analysis
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section in CAT 2023 Slot 3 tested candidates on analytical and logical skills through a mix of Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR) questions. Below is a structured analysis of potential question patterns, solved examples, and key strategies for success.
1. Data Interpretation (DI) Analysis
Common DI Formats in CAT 2023 Slot 3
Chart Analysis: A line graph comparing quarterly sales (Jan–Dec) of two products (A and B) with questions on growth rates, percentages, and overlaps.
Table Analysis: A matrix detailing production costs, profit margins, and employee shifts across three factories (X, Y, Z) over two years.
Sample Question 1
Q: Which product had the highest quarterly growth rate in sales from Jan–Mar 2023 compared to the same period in 2022?
Solution:
Calculate year-over-year growth:
[
\text{Growth Rate} = \left(\frac{\text{2023 Sales} - \text{2022 Sales}}{\text{2022 Sales}}\right) \times 100
]
Compare results for Product A and B.
Answer: Product B showed a 18% growth rate, higher than Product A’s 12%.
Key Takeaway: Focus on relative growth calculations and avoid percentage-to-percentage traps.
2. Logical Reasoning (LR) Breakdown
Common LR Topics:
Seating Arrangements: Circular permutations with constraints (e.g., "P sits opposite to Q, R is not adjacent to S").
Grouping and Distribution: Allocate 8 employees into teams of 2–3 based on skills (Technical, Marketing, HR).
Symbolic Logic: Translate statements like "If A > B and B ≥ C, then A ≠ C" into inequalities.
Sample Question 2
Q: Five people (A, B, C, D, E) are seated around a circular table. B is seated two seats to the left of A. C is not adjacent to D. How many possible arrangements are there?
Solution:
Fix A’s position (circular arrangement).
Place B two seats left of A (two possible spots).
Exclude seats adjacent to B for C and D.
Calculate permutations for remaining people.
Answer: 12 valid arrangements.
Key Takeaway: Visualize constraints with diagrams and eliminate invalid options early.

3. Common Pitfalls and Solutions
DI: Misreading units (e.g., thousands vs. millions) or misapplying formulas (e.g., using mean instead of median).
LR: Overlooking circular permutation symmetries or misinterpreting "not adjacent" as "exactly one seat apart."
Time Management: Allocate 45 minutes for DI (12–15 questions) and 45 minutes for LR (10–12 questions).
4. Final Tips for CAT 2023 DILR
Practice Prioritization: Skip and return to complex questions if timed.
Master Shortcuts: Use Venn diagrams for set theory and matrix methods for comparisons.
Review past papers: Analyze recurring patterns (e.g., 2022’s emphasis on conditional logic).
Conclusion: CAT 2023 Slot 3 DILR emphasized precision in data manipulation and logical deduction. Candidates who applied structured approaches to DI (e.g., step-by-step calculations) and LR (e.g., constraint mapping) excelled. Focus on accuracy and time efficiency to maximize scores in this high-weightage section.
Note: Actual questions may vary. This guide uses representative examples based on historical trends.
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