Debunking DILR Myths: Why Practice Matters More Than Syllabus 

Many CAT aspirants worry about completing a vast DILR syllabus or memorizing countless templates. However, DILR simply does not work like that these days. 

• Syllabus completion is not the goal: Don't be a slave to a schedule and syllabus. If you analyze the last 5 years of DILR sets, maybe only 10% are categorized sets. 

• Forget templates: It's "impossible to learn 70 templates," and there's "no such thing as 70 templates". Instead of sticking a question onto a template, train your mind with different methods and build thinking and resilience. 

 • Quality and Diversity: Unlike many market materials that are "simply too difficult or simply too easy" with "no nuance," CAT questions possess the genuine quality and diversity needed. They are also high quality and largely error-free.
Common Misconceptions Surrounding DILR:
• Myth 1: "There will be one set no one can solve". 

• Myth 2: "There will be one 'Easy’ set everyone can do, just find it". 

•Myth 3: "Solving only one set means you won't clear the minimum cutoff". 

The data from CAT 2023 explicitly denies the third myth, demonstrating that one correctly solved set can yield a high percentile. This flexible strategy ensures you can maximize your score whether the paper is very difficult or unusually easy.

The "Solve, Struggle, See Solution" Mantra for Deep Learning
This is a core pillar of DILR prep. Merely glancing at solutions without struggling first is ineffective. 

1: Solve: Attempt the set on your own first.

 2. Struggle: Ask yourself how to incorporate each piece of information into your table or approach. If you haven't struggled, the solution won't make sense. 

3. See Solution: Only after you've struggled extensively, you should look at the solution.

 • Reconcile Your Approach: The goal is not to abandon your intuitive approach and adopt the solution entirely. Instead, you need to figure out a way to overlay your intuitive approach with the solution giver's method.

 • Find the "Nugget": Usually, one small overlooked idea unlocks the whole set. Don’t rewire your thinking, just integrate the missing piece.

 • Intuitive Solutions: Good DILR solutions should begin intuitively, mirroring how a student would start. Avoid solutions that jump directly to complex tables without showing the thought process. 

How to Approach DILR Section in Mocks

1. Sort: The Crucial First 4 Minutes
Upon starting the DILR section, your initial and most vital task is to devote four minutes to sorting all the sets. 

During this phase, you must:
• Read and understand every single DILR set presented. 

• Categorize each set into one of three distinct types: 

 ◦ Sets you cannot do: These appear too complex or beyond your current understanding. 

 ◦ Sets you can do: These seem manageable and within your grasp.   

◦ "Easy" sets: These are the easiest sets, which you are confident you    can definitely solve. 

2. Select: Choose Your Sets Wisely
After the 4-minute sorting phase, you will have approximately 36 minutes remaining for solving. The selection phase is about making smart choices to optimize your attempts:

• Prioritize the Easiest Sets: Always begin with the "Easy" sets, which helps you in setting a temperament and gives you confidence and positivity.
• Utilize "Thumb Rules" for Selection: When deciding which set to tackle, consider these guidelines:
• Personal Strength: Opt for sets where you inherently feel strong, whether it's Data Interpretation (DI) or Logical Reasoning (LR).
• Immediate Insight: If ideas clicked during sorting, prioritize that set.
• Familiarity: Choose sets that are similar to the ones you've solved previously, as this can help you visualize the solution pathway.

3. Solve: Strategic Execution and Time Management Once a set is selected, the goal is to solve it completely and accurately. 

• Avoid Pre-Determined Set Targets: Do not enter the exam with a fixed idea of solving a certain number of sets (e.g., three sets, allocating 14 minutes per set). 

Such rigid planning can lead to mistakes under pressure, especially since some DILR sets might genuinely require up to 20 minutes to solve. This strategy allows you to maximize your score by adapting to the paper's difficulty and your competence on exam day. 

• The 6-Minute Rule for Cutting Losses: If six minutes have passed on a selected set, and you are still struggling, lack confidence, or the solution isn't clear, it is often better to cut your losses and move to the next set. This prevents you from getting bogged down. 

• Quality Over Quantity is Key: The CAT DILR section rewards accuracy and complete solutions. In CAT 2023, one correct set meant 90 percentile; two complete sets could fetch 99.5 percentile, even if each took 20 minutes. This clearly highlights the importance of solving well, not just solving many. 

• Bonus Tip: TITA Questions: Reserve the last two minutes for TITA (Type-in-the-Answer) questions. Since there is no negative marking for these, it is advisable to attempt all of them.

DILR doesn’t reward theory, it rewards practice and smart strategy. Stay consistent and learn from mistakes.

Happy Learning 

Team RODHA