Introduction

Cracking the CAT exam isn’t about attempting everything—it’s about making smart choices under pressure. Nowhere is this more true than in the data interpretation & logical reasoning (DILR) section. Many aspirants fall into the trap of chasing all four sets, but the reality is: solving just two can be enough to stay ahead of the competition. This blog explores the ‘2-set strategy,’ a focused approach that helps aspirants maximize their score while minimizing unnecessary risks.

Understanding the DILR section

The DILR section of CAT consists of 4 sets, with 4–6 questions each, totaling 20 questions. The difficulty level varies widely from one set to another, and historically, attempting 10–12 questions with high accuracy is sufficient to achieve a 99+ percentile. Given the intense time pressure and complexity of the sets, attempting all four is often unrealistic. This insight becomes more important when preparing according to the CAT exam pattern.

Each DILR set can come from a wide range of topics—arrangements, puzzles, graphs, games and tournaments, or data sufficiency. Some sets might be structured and clean, while others are lengthy and ambiguous. A strong familiarity with the CAT exam syllabus will help you anticipate and classify the kinds of sets you are likely to face. This can be critical when developing the instinct to skip overly complex or unfamiliar problems quickly.

Why solving 2 sets is a viable strategy

1. Quality over quantity

Attempting two sets with 100% accuracy (8–12 questions) can give you a solid score, especially when many aspirants are struggling with partial attempts across all sets. The CAT exam is not designed to reward quantity; rather, it rewards clarity of thinking and error-free execution.

2. Avoids panic and burnout

Focusing on just two sets reduces cognitive overload and allows you to stay calm and analytical. Chasing too many sets can lead to frustration, especially if you get stuck. With only 40 minutes available in the DILR section, panic is your biggest enemy. Having a pre-decided strategy of attempting just two solid sets reduces stress and helps maintain focus.

3. Reduces negative marking

With a focused approach, you are less likely to make silly mistakes or guess under pressure, reducing the risk of negative marking. Since CAT has a penalty of -1 for wrong answers, unnecessary guesswork can lower your score significantly. It’s better to have 8 correct answers than 10 with 3 incorrect ones.

How to implement the 2-set strategy

Step 1: Smart set selection (first 5 minutes)

Use the first 5 minutes to scan all 4 sets. Look for familiar question types, structured data, or sets that can be cracked logically rather than through brute-force calculations. Align this process with your understanding of the CAT exam syllabus so you can quickly recognize solvable sets.

Step 2: Commit and conquer

Once you’ve picked two sets, commit to solving them with full concentration. Avoid the temptation to peek at other sets unless you finish early. Jumping between sets wastes precious time and breaks your mental rhythm.

Stick to your decision and avoid second-guessing. The key is to solve your chosen sets with calm and precision. If you’re well-versed with the CAT exam pattern, you’ll recognize that sticking with a known strategy reduces impulsive errors.

Step 3: Accuracy first, speed second

It’s better to solve 8 questions with 100% accuracy than 12 with errors. Accuracy is key to gaining percentile advantage. When the paper is tough, as it often is in CAT, every correct answer counts more.

Remember, each set is often designed in a way that the first couple of questions are relatively easier than the last. Prioritize your time within each set too. If you’re stuck on one question in a set, consider skipping that question and returning later.

When to go beyond 2 sets

If you finish your 2 sets early and are confident, you can try a third. But this should never come at the cost of your accuracy. The priority is to nail those two sets without panic.

A good rule is: if you have more than 12–15 minutes left and your first two sets are done with high confidence, then explore the remaining sets. Choose the next easiest-looking set and attempt it partially if needed.

Real student insight

Many 99+ percentilers have followed this strategy, especially in years when DILR was unusually tough. Even top coaching institutes like TIME and IMS recommend that students plan to attempt 2 or 2.5 sets initially. As you move forward with your CAT preparation, make sure to keep track of important updates like the CAT admit card release and deadlines for the CAT application form.

One student from IIM Kozhikode shared how they spent 8–10 minutes selecting the right sets, solved two of them with complete accuracy, and left the exam hall unsure about their performance—only to later score above the 98th percentile in DILR. This underlines that smart attempts beat high attempts in this section.

Final thoughts

The CAT DILR section rewards smart strategy over brute force. The ‘2-set strategy’ is not about doing less; it’s about doing what matters. With the right mindset, disciplined practice, and sharp selection skills, solving just two sets can be your winning move.

While filling out your CAT application form and planning your study calendar, give due importance to sectional strategy. Prepare yourself based on the CAT exam pattern and stay updated via the CAT admit card release and official website announcements.

The CAT DILR section rewards smart strategy over brute force. The ‘2-set strategy’ is not about doing less; it’s about doing what matters. With the right mindset, disciplined practice, and sharp selection skills, solving just two sets can be your winning move. Be sure to study the CAT exam syllabus thoroughly and keep an eye on changes in the CAT exam pattern to optimize your approach.