When it comes to the MBA Entrance Exams, one of the most dreaded sections is the DILR. This is because, for multiple exams in the past, the level of difficulty of this section is on the higher side. This section tests students on how quickly they can understand information and draw conclusions. It tests your critical thinking ability. No wonder, this requires the best preparation and the right resources. You need to practise consistently and ensure that you make the most of the materials. In this blog we will share the top resources that will help you prepare for the DILR section.
Understanding the DILR Section
Before we get into the study materials, it is important to understand the structure of the DILR section. Understand how it is organized and the importance of various sub-sections. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation are two of the main parts of this broader section. Each of these will test different skills. However, both are equally important to clear this section and the exam in general.
Logical Reasoning
This section tests your ability to make the right choices. It includes understanding how can you solve problems quickly and think critically to derive a solution. Common question types include:
- Seating questions
- Questions about family trees
- Questions about finding your way
- Logical puzzles
Data Interpretation (DI)
In this section you need to interpret the data that is presented to you. Data could be given in the form of graphs, tables and charts. It is imperative that you focus on speed, look at faster calculations and derive conclusions.
When combined, DILR tests your problem solving ability and tests your speed limit as well when you are under pressure. When you are aware of different question types, you can get the right materials to prepare for it.
Types of Study Material for DILR
To do well on the DILR section, you should use a variety of trustworthy study materials. Here is a list of the best kinds of materials:
- Books
Books are still a good way to prepare for the DILR section. If you want to do well consider the following books:
| Books | Author | What Is It Good For |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma | Comprehensive coverage of DILR topics. It has graded difficulty levels. It is suitable for beginners and advanced learners. |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT | Nishit Sinha | Detailed explanations of complex problems. There is a focus on shortcuts and tips for quick problem-solving. |
| A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Great for mastering basic and intermediate-level problems. It provides a wide variety of practice questions. |
| Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha | Focuses on data interpretation techniques and data sufficiency problems. There are clear explanations provided. Best for building problem-solving skills. |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | K. Sinha and D. Sinha | It is tailored for CAT preparation. Has a variety of sets covering different types of DILR problems. Perfect for timed practice. |
| CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri | Simplifies complex data sets and logical problems. Focuses on patterns commonly seen in CAT and other MBA entrance exams. |
| Trishna’s Verbal Ability And Logical Reasoning For The CAT And Other MBA Examinations | TIME Institute | Offers a balanced approach to verbal and logical reasoning. Provides exam-style questions. Very useful for overall DILR preparation. |
| The Pearson Guide to Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation | Nishit K. Sinha | Provides in-depth coverage of logical reasoning and data interpretation problems. |
| Face to Face CAT Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation | Arihant Publications | Contains previous years' solved CAT DILR papers. Excellent for revision and understanding the exam pattern. |
- Online Resources
For students in this day and age, online tools are very useful. Consider these websites for best results:
| Online Resource | What Is It Good For |
| Unacademy | Comprehensive live classes and recorded lectures. Focuses on DILR concepts with mock tests. Provides personalized learning paths and expert guidance. |
| Handa Ka Funda | Known for its dedicated DILR section. Offers video tutorials, practice questions, and previous years' exam solutions. Suitable for conceptual clarity and advanced practice. |
| BYJU’s | Offers structured courses with detailed DILR video lessons, practice exercises, and full-length mock tests designed for CAT and other MBA exams. |
| Cracku | Provides daily DILR practice sets, mock tests, and topic-wise video explanations. It also has sectional tests and previous years’ exam papers. |
| 2IIM CAT Preparation | Specializes in CAT prep with a strong focus on DILR. Offers free content along with premium video tutorials, section-wise tests, and mock exams. |
| Takshzila Shikshak | Offers detailed DILR lessons and live classes, focusing on shortcuts, problem-solving techniques, and past CAT question analysis. |
| Hitbullseye | It provides free and premium DILR practice questions, mock tests, and video tutorials. It also includes analysis and tricks for solving complex DILR problems efficiently. |
- Material for Coaching Institute
If you are going to a coaching school, the study materials they give you can be very helpful. Structured DILR material with theory, examples, and lots of practice questions can be found at the following places:
| Coaching Institute | Why Is It Good |
| TIME | Excellent for comprehensive practice, detailed explanations, and a wide variety of DILR questions ranging from basic to advanced levels. |
| IMS Learning | Known for structured approaches to solving DILR questions, focusing on conceptual clarity and time management. Great for aspirants seeking strong fundamentals. |
| Career Launcher (CL) | Good for DILR mock tests and section-specific workshops, offers high-quality practice material and insightful tricks for solving complex problems. |
| Unacademy | Provides high-quality live classes by top educators, with detailed analysis and diverse practice sets for DILR. Excellent for flexible, self-paced learning. |
| 2IIM | Specializes in offering in-depth practice materials for DILR with a strong focus on CAT-level questions and timed mock tests. |
- Applications
Apps make learning more fun and interesting. They give you quizzes, timed tests, and daily DILR tasks. With these tools, you can practice while you're on the go. This gives you a lot of freedom in how you get ready. A lot of apps give detailed feedback, so you can see right away what you did wrong and how to fix it.
| Application | Why Is It Good |
| PrepLadder | Offers topic-wise DILR practice sets, detailed video solutions, and expert guidance. |
| Oliveboard | Adaptive learning platform with a variety of DILR mock tests, and detailed performance analysis. |
| Cracku | Offers daily DILR questions, mock tests, and video solutions. Great for time management techniques. |
| EduRev | Topic-specific practice sets, discussion forums, and past exam papers for focused DILR preparation. |
| Gradeup (now part of BYJU’s) | Best for real-time quizzes, practice papers, and structured courses on DILR. |
| CATKing | Specializes in providing DILR strategy videos, practice sets, and exam-oriented mocks. |
Additional Resources for DILR
Besides the main study tools, here are some other things that can help you get ready for DILR:
- Youtube Channels
You can find a lot of free informative videos on YouTube.
| YouTube Channel | Why Is It Good |
| 2IIM CAT Preparation | Excellent for DILR question breakdowns, strategies, and CAT-focused problem-solving. |
| Rodha Education | Short, targeted videos focusing on solving DILR questions efficiently for time-saving. |
| iQuanta | Specializes in DILR tips, tricks, and practice questions with a problem-solving focus. |
| MBA Adda | Real-time solving of DILR questions with a focus on CAT pattern and previous papers. |
| Mindworkzz | Advanced DILR problem-solving techniques with a focus on CAT and other MBA exams. |
- Puzzle Books and Online Games
Puzzles are a great way to improve your ability to think logically. Consider the following books:
| Puzzle Books/Online Games | Why Is It Good |
| "Puzzles to Puzzle You" by Shakuntala Devi | Excellent for practicing logical puzzles and analytical reasoning problems commonly found in DILR sections. |
| "501 Challenging Logical Reasoning Practice Book" | Offers a variety of reasoning problems, great for practicing different types of LR puzzles with varying difficulty levels. |
| Sudoku.com | Helpful for developing logical thinking, pattern recognition, and speed in solving puzzles under time pressure. |
| Lumosity | Includes games that help improve memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for solving DILR problems. |
| Chess.com | Great for enhancing critical thinking and strategic planning, essential for complex data interpretation and reasoning problems. |
