CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Apparently this might look to have two sub parts – data interpretation and logical reasoning, but there is also a third segment to this section of CAT exam which is called Data Sufficiency. From the three hours of CAT exam, you should preserve an hour of the data interpretation and logical reasoning segment. If you are weak in this, you might need more time. Confident students can save time from the data interpretation and logical reasoning beat and carry it over to the remaining CAT exam.

Here is a detailed note about every segment of this section that will help you for a better understanding:

 Data Interpretation

From usual word problems, graphs to maths, data interpretation comprises varied kind of questions where the aim is to confuse students with the volume of data. The trick is students need to carefully pick only the relevant data for the particular problem and solve thereafter. Also, as the data interpretation question has many kinds of presentation formats like tables, charts or pie charts – the scope of confusion is more. Simple, calm down and derive the important facts from the provided data to solve the given problem. No hypothetical assumptions are to be made to solve this kind of question.

Sample question

What is the maximum possible percentage contribution of Arpit in the total runs scored in the four matches?

A. 19.7%

B. 19.9%

C. 20.1%

D. 20.2%

Logical Reasoning

Among the three sub heads of this section, Logical Reasoning is the toughest beat. Several kind of questions compose this beat where the length of the question is sure to confuse you. Don’t get boggled but simply, try to pick the most important data from each statement/sentence. Segregating these will fetch you the right answer. To put it simple, logical reasoning is more like solving a puzzle. Also, the more time you spend with logical reasoning segment, the better you will understand it. Some of the common logical reasoning questions that are found common in CAT exam are as follows:

Seating Arrangement problems

Circular Arrangements

Blood Relations

Selection and Conditionals

Sets based on grouping and patterns

Mapping and best routes

Sample question

Seven persons A, B, C, D, E, F and G are sitting in a straight line (not necessarily in the same order) facing north.

(a) Only two persons sit between F and G and G sits second to the left of B.

(b) D sits third to the left of C.

(c) E sits exactly between G and B and B sits at the extreme right end of the row.

Question 1: Who amongst the following sits at the extreme left of the line?

(a) F

(b) D

(c) C

(d) E

(e) G

Data Sufficiency

Since 2013, Data Sufficiency is added in CAT question paper. This involves minimal calculations and can be solved smart if you don’t end up with silly mistake or in a hurry. Please note, that each data sufficiency question might have unique set of instructions and you have to read it every time before solving the problem.

Sample question

How many ewes (female sheep) in a flock of 50 sheep are black?

There are 10 rams (male sheep) in the flock.

Forty percent of the animals are black.

A. statement 1 alone is sufficient, but statement 2 alone is not sufficient to answer the question

B. statement 2 alone is sufficient, but statement 1 alone is not sufficient to answer the question

C. both statements taken together are sufficient to answer the question, but neither statement alone is sufficient

D. each statement alone is sufficient

E. statements 1 and 2 together are not sufficient, and additional data is needed to answer the question