Introduction
It can be the most frightening to prepare for IPMAT 2026, particularly in Data Interpretation (DI) and Logical Reasoning (LR). These parts require accuracy and speed in calculations and the ability to spot patterns. They also do not force you to learn by rules as they evaluate you in terms of how well you think on your feet. In case you need to improve your grade in IPMAT, a well-built DI & LR plan will be imperative.
This article will step you through all that you require: knowing the syllabus, deconstruction of strategies, common pitfalls and even with data tables.
Understanding the Importance of DI & LR in IPMAT 2026
Weightage of DI & LR Section
DI & LR section is very heavy in IPMAT exams. Although the specific pattern can differ slightly, logical reasoning and data interpretation can both take a significant part of the Quantitative Ability (QA) or be presented in discrete blocks in certain forms of the exam.
Why Students Struggle with DI & LR
- Time strain: The questions are excessive in length and, frequently, entail numerous computations.
- Comprehension: DI entails chart, graph and table analysis.
- Logical Traps: LR puzzles may trick students that do not practice on a regular basis.
- Bar Graphs
- Line Graphs
- Pie Charts
- Tables
- Caselets (paragraph-based data sets)
- Mixed Graphs
- Seating Arrangements (linear, circular)
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Syllogisms
- Directions & Distances
- Series (letter, number, symbol-based)
- Critical Reasoning
- Percentage increase/decrease
- Ratio and proportion
- Profit and loss based data
- Average and median-based sets
- Allocate 10–12 minutes per DI set.
- Do not get stuck on one puzzle.
- Rather, to get 3 DI sets correct, it is more appropriate to get 3 sets right instead of trying 6 sets and getting them wrong.
- Eliminate extreme answer choices.
- Approximate to save time.
| Year | Product A Sales | Product B Sales | Growth (%) |
| 2020 | 5000 | 7000 | – |
| 2021 | 6000 | 8000 | 14.28% |
| 2022 | 7500 | 9500 | 18.75% |
| 2023 | 9000 | 12000 | 20.00% |
- Look for percentage change year-on-year.
- Compare differences instead of recalculating repeatedly.
- Use ratios to simplify large numbers.
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation and LR, by Arun Sharma.
- Logical Reasoning of CAT by Nishit Sinha.
- Past IPMAT papers
- IPM Careers coaching resources
- Free mock tests from exam portals
- Time in seconds to ask each question.
- Determine weak areas (DI tables, LR seating puzzles).
- Memorize basic percentages and fractions.
- Practice approximation techniques.
- Memorise typical seating puzzle combinations.
- Rewrite solved problems, rather than beginning new ones.

