Data Interpretation (DI) is often seen as the most intimidating part of the CAT. The clock is ticking, the data looks overwhelming, and the pressure is sky-high. But here’s the truth: DI isn’t about solving everything perfectly—it’s about solving smartly. It’s a game of strategy, focus, and confidence. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Start with the Easy Sets

Let’s be honest—your goal isn’t to prove your brilliance by tackling the toughest set first. CAT rewards efficiency, not heroics.

Begin with sets that look manageable and have clear data, fewer variables, and straightforward questions. Don’t waste your time

if you stumble across something that feels messy or overly complex. Skip it, move on, and return later if you have time.

2. Master the Basics

DI doesn’t require advanced math. It’s built on simple, core concepts—percentages, ratios, averages, and basic arithmetic. These are your bread and butter.

• Brush up on these basics and focus on performing quick calculations.
• You must develop a knack for spotting trends and making comparisons.

3. Approximation is Your Superpower

In DI, precision isn’t always necessary. Approximation can be your best friend, especially when the options are far apart. For example: If a question asks for 48.7% of 199, round it to 50% of 200. The answer won’t be perfect, but it’ll be close enough.

That being said, there’s a time and place for approximation. If the options are too close to each other, slow down and calculate accurately. The key is knowing when to rely on speed and when to aim for precision.

4. Tame the Chaos and Organize the Data

Let’s face it—some DI sets are designed to look overwhelming. Tables with too many rows, graphs with too many bars, or caselets that feel like essays. The trick is to break it down into smaller, digestible pieces. Rearrange the data if needed and focus on one part at a time.

DI is about spotting patterns and trends. For instance, if a table gives sales data for 10 years across 5 regions, don’t try to absorb everything at once. Focus on one year or one region and start building from there. 

5. Balance the Speed & Accuracy

Speed is critical in CAT, but rushing into things can lead to silly mistakes. Conversely, spending too much time on a single set will cost you other questions. Here’s how to strike the balance:

• Give yourself 5-7 minutes per set. If it’s taking longer, cut your losses and move on.
• Double-check your calculations on critical questions, but don’t obsess over perfection.

Remember, it’s better to solve three easy sets accurately than to get stuck on one tough set and miss out on others.

6. Familiarise Yourself with Every Format

DI thrives on variety, so practise different formats like pie charts, bar graphs, stacked graphs, tables, etc. You need to be comfortable with interpreting data from all these formats. Practice identifying patterns and trends at a glance. The more familiar you are, the faster you can solve your DI problems.

7. Stick to the Data

Every DI question gives you all the information you need—no more, no less. Resist the temptation to make assumptions or infer beyond what’s stated. Keywords like “minimum,” “maximum,” or “at least” are there to guide you. So, don’t forget to read all the instructions carefully before solving your questions.

DI isn’t out to beat you—it’s designed to test how sharp and strategic you can be under pressure. The key is not to panic when things look messy. You’ve prepared, you’ve practised, and now it’s about executing smartly. All the best!