CAT 2025: How To Score Well In Logical Reasoning And Data Interpretation (LRDI) Section

0 min read

For CAT 2025 aspirants, one of the biggest challenges is the absence of a clearly defined syllabus. Unlike many other competitive exams, CAT doesn’t prescribe an official list of topics, leaving candidates to analyze trends from previous years and prepare accordingly. In such a scenario, there is only one proven mantra: practice, practice, and more practice. Especially for the LRDI section, mastering the art of selection, speed, and strategy is crucial.

In this article, we will break down everything you need to know to master the LRDI section in CAT 2025. Let's get started. 

CAT 2025: LRDI Section at a Glance

The Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI) section continues to be one of the trickiest and most unpredictable parts of the CAT exam. It tests not just your logic, but your decision-making under pressure.

Here’s an overview of the LRDI section as seen in CAT 2024, which is expected to remain similar in 2025:

How to Prepare for LRDI in CAT 2025

The LRDI section in CAT is often seen as unpredictable, time-consuming, and mentally draining but it’s also one of the most rewarding sections if approached strategically. Unlike Quant or Verbal, it doesn’t rely on formulas or fixed concepts. Instead, it demands sharp analytical thinking, pattern recognition, and smart decision-making. Here’s how you can build a strong LRDI strategy for CAT 2025 and turn this challenging section into your competitive edge.

1. Choose Wisely, Don’t Attempt Blindly

This section doesn’t expect you to attempt all 20 questions. Your goal should be to accurately solve 10–14 questions based on your strengths. Learn to identify the most doable sets quickly. Even 3 sets with near-perfect accuracy can push your percentile significantly.

Pro tip: Practice selection during mocks. Not every set is meant to be solved.

2. There’s No Substitute for Practice

Regular and consistent practice is the backbone of LRDI preparation. Use the following approach:

• Solve previous CAT LRDI sets from 2017–2024.
• Take sectional tests twice a week.
• Build familiarity with different question formats—like Team Formation, Logical Games, Network Diagrams, Matrix Puzzles, etc.
• Practice Data Interpretation sets from graphs, pie charts, and mixed-type caselets.

The goal is to build pattern recognition so that nothing feels new on D-Day.

3. Analyze & Evolve

Just solving sets isn't enough—you need to reflect:

• Were you too slow in selecting a set?
• Did you miss an easy one?
• Could your diagram or tabular approach have been better?

Start by solving 5–6 LRDI sets weekly, then gradually ramp up to 8–10. Take time-bound sectionals every weekend. Review not just errors, but also your decision-making process.

" I'm too weak in this section. Is it okay to skip LRDI and focus on the other two?"

While it may seem tempting to avoid LRDI altogether, it’s not advisable. With focused effort, you can still improve. Even solving just one complete set correctly in the exam can land you around 85–90 percentile in this section. That’s a significant edge. However, if despite consistent effort you find yourself unable to handle it, you may deprioritize it but do keep in mind that many top B-schools have sectional cutoffs. This means you may not get interview calls, even with an overall 95+ percentile, if your LRDI score is too low. So it’s worth putting in the work now while time is still on your side.

(Amp up your prep! Master LR & DI with our specially curated courses)

How to Attempt LRDI During the Exam

Many aspirants fall into the trap of solving sets in the order they appear or sticking too long with a difficult one. But success in CAT comes from being selective, strategic, and calm under pressure.

Let's walk you through a smart, time-tested approach to attempt the LRDI section effectively on exam day, so you can maximise your score without getting stuck.

Follow this step-by-step plan:

1. Skim all four sets in the first 7–8 minutes.
2. Shortlist the 2 easiest and 1 moderate set.
3. Solve in two rounds:

• Round 1: Solve your top 2 sets with maximum accuracy.
• Round 2: Reassess time and tackle the third set if possible.

This scan-and-select approach saves you from wasting time on a trap set.

Avoid This Common Pitfall

Many aspirants fall into the ego trap: “I’ve spent 7 minutes on this set, might as well finish it.” That’s sunk-cost fallacy in action, and it's a blunder.

Instead:

• Cut losses early if a set isn’t yielding results.
• Tell yourself, "This is not the only scoring opportunity."
• Keep moving forward. Time is your real currency in CAT.

Remember, CAT doesn't reward how many sets you attempt. It rewards how many you solve accurately and efficiently. Be ruthless with your time, flexible with your choices, and calm in your execution. 

Quick Tips for Scoring High in CAT 2025 LRDI

Acing the LRDI section is less about solving everything and more about solving the right things well. Here are some smart and practical tips to fine-tune your strategy and stay on track during preparation:

Stick to Quality Over Quantity

Instead of attempting random sets from multiple sources, focus on practicing high-quality LRDI questions—especially from past CAT papers (2017–2024) and mocks by reputed coaching institutes. These closely reflect the actual exam pattern and difficulty level, helping you build familiarity and confidence.

Use Timers to Simulate Exam Pressure

During practice, set a timer for every set and aim to solve each within 10–12 minutes. This not only boosts your speed but also helps you develop the ability to make time-bound decisions—an essential skill for CAT.

TITA Strategy: Play It Smart

Type-in-the-answer (TITA) questions carry no negative marking, but that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Attempt them only when you’re confident, as they often demand more time. Don’t waste minutes guessing answers without direction—use that time on sets you can actually crack.

Take Regular Breaks

Preparing for LRDI requires intense mental focus. To avoid fatigue and retain efficiency, take short breaks every 1.5 to 2 hours. These breaks will help reset your mind and allow you to approach your next set with renewed clarity.

Don’t Hoard Study Material

It’s tempting to collect every book or PDF available online, but this can lead to scattered efforts and confusion. Stick to 2–3 reliable resources or coaching materials, and revise them thoroughly. The key is depth, not breadth, mastering what you have is far more effective than skimming through too much.

Book Recommendations for CAT LRDI 2025

• How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
• Practice sets and mock tests from TIME, IMS, or Career Launcher modules

Final Word

The LRDI section is where many aspirants panic—but it can also be your biggest score booster with the right strategy. Approach it with a mindset of smart solving, not ego-solving. Don't wait to become perfect—start practicing, start analyzing, and build your rhythm.

Remember: Success in CAT LRDI is not about solving everything. It’s about solving the right things, the right way.

You may also like to read:

1. How To Prepare For CAT Exam? Devise The Best CAT Preparation Strategy -By Nitish P Nair, 99.67 percentile, IIM Bangalore
2. Is IPMAT Exam Hard To Crack? (No, Not With These Tips!)
3. CAT Syllabus 2024 & CAT Exam Pattern- Key Points
4. Is It Worth Preparing For CAT With Low Academics?