The Logical Reasoning for CAT is one of the crucial sections of the CAT exam. The Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation constitute a separate section of the exam. IIM has changed the pattern of CAT examination over the years, let’s have a look at CAT pattern change over the past years:
| Year | Sections | No of Questions |
| 2011 | QA & DI | 30 |
| VA & LR | 30 | |
| 2012 | QA & DI | 30 |
| VA & LR | 30 | |
| 2013 | QA & DI | 30 |
| VA & LR | 30 | |
| 2014 | QA & DI | 30 |
| VA & LR | 30 |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation was added as a separate section in 2015. Now, both sections constitute 32-33 questions. Here is the CAT question format of previous years, i.e. CAT 2015-19 and 2022.
| 2015 | Quantitative Aptitude | 34 |
| Verbal Ability | 34 | |
| Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation |
32 |
| 2016 – 2019 | Quantitative Aptitude | 34 |
| Verbal Ability &
Reading Comprehension |
34 | |
| Logical Reasoning &
Data Interpretation |
32 |
| 2021-2022 | Quantitative Aptitude | 22 |
| Verbal Ability &
Reading Comprehension |
24 | |
| Logical Reasoning &
Data Interpretation |
20 |
Logical Reasoning Question Types
Questions of Logical Reasoning could be based on 1D, 2D or 3D kind of diagrams. Examples include sequencing in a circle, sequencing in a line, etc.
Two-dimensional Questions
Questions in which we need to consider two parameters are called two-dimensional questions.
Three-dimensional Questions
The questions in which we need to consider three parameters are called three-dimensional questions.
Logical Reasoning will have the following type of questions:
- Set of conditions
- People standing in a row
- Choosing items from a menu
- Scheduling tours
- Seating arrangements
Some of the questions are also based on games like cricket, football, and tennis. From the questions given, you need to draw a conclusion about the relationships and use the shortcut techniques for a proper and correct conclusion. After drawing the conclusion, you can answer the four/five questions that follow.
Important Tips
The Logical Reasoning section has one passage that is followed by four or five questions. 5-10 minutes is the ideal time to solve the set of questions. It is critical to draw the correct conclusion and relationship from the statements given in the passages. If the relationship is not correct, then you will end up scoring negative marks for an incorrect response. With this, you will lose marks for all four or five questions.
Logical Reasoning tests a candidate’s ability to comprehend the questions and solve them in the minimum time possible. Without shortcut techniques and tricks, solving these types of questions will take a lot of time, and you will eventually lose marks.
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