Mastering the LR/DI Section in CAT 2018: Strategies and Resources

The Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LR/DI) section in the Common Admission Test (CAT 2018) has been a daunting challenge for many aspirants. With its changing trends and increasing difficulty, mastering this section requires a strategic approach, thorough preparation, and the right resources. This article dives into the key strategies and recommended online courses for tackling the LR/DI section effectively.

The LR/DI Section: A Critical Challenge

The LR/DI section has consistently been one of the toughest parts of the CAT. Over the last few years, the trend has shown an increasing complexity in the types of questions asked, making it even more challenging to excel. To achieve a good percentile, a well-structured approach is necessary.

Key Strategies for LR/DI Preparation

Here are some essential strategies to consider:

Practice Makes Perfect: LR/DI questions require extensive practice to handle a wide variety of sets. Without regular practice, you may find it difficult to manage the time effectively and solve complex sets quickly. Select Sets Wisely: In the LR/DI section, selecting the right sets is crucial. Spend approximately 3-4 minutes to evaluate and choose 4 sets to attempt fully, and 2 sets to attempt partially if time permits. Focus on Speed and Accuracy: While initial stages may involve focusing on accuracy, gradually increase your speed in analyzing and interpreting data. This balance will help in getting the maximum questions right within the allocated time. Online Resources: Utilize online platforms to get the right practice. EduThrill’s instant ranking reports can help you stay informed and adjust your preparation strategy accordingly. Hit Bull Eye and Olive Board are also excellent for free mocks, and purchasing mocks from coaching institutes can further enhance your preparation.

Recommended Online Courses and Mocks

Several excellent online courses and mocks cater to the LR/DI section and are highly recommended:

Nilanjan Dutta’s CAT 100 Percentiler Course: Available on the Unacademy platform, this course is highly acclaimed for its effectiveness. The videos are free to watch, providing detailed explanations and strategies for solving LR/DI questions. EduThrill: This platform offers instant ranking reports that help you track your performance and improve accordingly. It's a valuable resource for staying informed and maintaining a competitive edge. Hit Bull Eye and Olive Board: Both of these platforms are famous for providing reliable mocks that closely resemble the actual CAT exam. This real-time practice is essential for gaining confidence and improving your performance.

Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you ace the LR/DI section:

Solve Puzzles: Start solving puzzles from books like those by Shakuntala Devi. This will help improve your logical reasoning skills. Save Time: Avoid using a calculator as it can save time. Try to arrive at the closest answer without relying on a calculator. Key Approach: Focus on understanding the logic behind each set rather than merely memorizing solutions. Dedicate at least one hour to solve a set without constantly referring to the solution. Time Management: Be strategic about your time management. If you are not getting the approach in 2-3 minutes, it's okay to come back to it later. Remember to stay calm and apply logical reasoning based on common patterns. Do Not Get Stuck: Avoid getting stuck in a set if you are not making progress. Come back to it later if time permits.

Preparing for the LR/DI section is a rigorous process, but with the right strategies and resources, you can significantly improve your chances of success. By following the above tips and utilizing the recommended online courses and mocks, you can better manage your time, improve your accuracy, and ultimately excel in this challenging section.