CAT – Decoding Data Sufficiency- Introduction, Syllabus

Introduction To Data Sufficiency

The article CAT- Decoding Data Sufficiency focuses majorly on Data Sufficiency as a topic of CAT Exams. What is Data Sufficiency? How to approach the questions related to Data Sufficiency? What is expected out of the study related to data sufficiency?

The Data Sufficiency questions mainly test over multi-variate skills of the candidate concerning, language, arithmetic and statistical knowledge, analytical skills, problem-solving approach, interpretation skills, and logical reasoning. The questions do not require a candidate to find an answer to them. Rather, they are framed in a way where the candidates are probed to find out if the given data for the question is enough to answer the question? All, that the candidate has to do, is apply logic and mathematics, coupled with problem-solving ability to conclude about the data required to solve the question.

CAT Data Sufficiency Syllabus

The CAT exams are mostly testing the basic knowledge and skills of the candidate up to Class 12. The Board checks the abilities of candidates on a surprising basis and hence, doesn’t frame any particular syllabus for the same. However, the specific areas that the candidate is tested upon can be listed as below:

• Algebra
• Geometry
• Trigonometry
• Coordinate Geometry and Mensuration
• Permutation and Combination
• Time, Distance, and speed
• Probability
• Percentage
• Number system
• Ratios
• Profit and loss
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Sequence and Series
• Averages
• Logarithms
• Matrices
• Complex Numbers
• Quadratic and Linear Equations
• Surds and Indices
• Set Theory
• LCM and HCF
• Binomial Theorem

Questions can be categorized into types like:

• Relationships
• Dates
• Comparison
• Age
• Critical Analysis
• Miscellaneous

CAT Data Sufficiency Tips And Tricks

There are some points to be kept in mind while studying this topic. Let us come to the crux of the CAT- Decoding Data Sufficiency.

1. Read the Question multiple times to understand its meaning and what exactly is been asked in it.
2. Get conceptual clarity over all the topics covered above through both knowledge and application points of view.
3. Never assume data on your own unless it is explicit in the question. The data of mathematics is of vast variety and any calculative problem may involve anything of any sort. For Example, ‘1 x 1’ results in ‘1’, also, ‘-1 x -1’ results in ‘1’, as also, ‘5 x 1/5’ results in ‘1’. Hence, be very careful while interpreting the question.
4. Be careful with the affirmative and negative statements. Sometimes the question may ask a negative notion, for example, “Which of these is not…?” Here you need to check ‘which is not’ and not ‘which is’.
5. Check the sequence of the answers. They may be given in different series to confuse you. Make sure to mark the exact answer before you submit it.

Approach For CAT Data Sufficiency Questions

Test the data on multiple aspects before concluding.

Let us consider the options available.

1. The data in Statement I, by themselves are sufficient to answer the question. While the data in Statement II alone are not enough to answer the question.
2. The data in Statement II, by themselves, are satisfactory to answer the question, while the data in Statement I alone are not sufficient to answer the question.
3. The data either in Statement I or in Statement II alone are satisfactory to answer the question.
4. The data even in both Statements I and II together are not enough to answer the question.
5. The data in both Statements I and II together are necessary to answer the question.

Tips And Tricks:

• First, understand the essence of the question and the concept to be applied.
• Check whether option [A] is sufficient? If yes, then the answer can be either option [A] or option [C].
• If no, then check options [B], [D], and [E].
• If none of the statements themselves, is enough to answer the question, consider options [D] or option [E].

Sample Questions 

Refer to the below questions to get an idea about the type of questions and the thinking process behind the conclusion.

Question 1

Among four products, W, X, Y, Z, which is the lightest?

Statement I: X is lighter than Z but heavier than W.

Statement II: Y is lighter than X but heavier than W.

Solution 1:

Given are four products W. X, Y, and Z. We are supposed to find the lightest product.

Consider Statement I. X is said to be lighter than Z but heavier than W. So this can be symbolically represented as W < X < Z.

Consider Statement II. Y is lighter than X but heavier than W. So, this can be symbolically represented as, W < Y < X

Combining the above information,

W < Y < X < Z.

In any case, W is the lightest..

Hence, the answer is [D]. That the data given in both statements is needed to answer the question.

Question 2:

How is G related to H?

Statement I: H is the mother of G.

Statement II: A is the sister of G.

Solution 2:

Here, through Statement I, it is clear that G is the child of H.

Through statement II, it is clear that A is the sister of G and also the child of H. However, the difference between the two is that we can say that A is a daughter. However, the gender of H is not clear. H can be a son as well as a daughter.

Hence in the above question, the given data is not alright to arrive at the answer. Hence, the answer will be Option [D], that the data in statements I and II together are not sufficient to answer the question and more data is needed.

Conclusion

To frame any question, it is very important to have a possible overview of the information needed to be provided. The other way round, it is also important to make out what information is needed to conclude the answer. This is tested through the CAT – Data Sufficiency Tests.

These tests do not aim to conclude an answer to the question. They aim to test the basic knowledge coupled with reasoning, analytical, and logical skills to check if the data available are sufficient to build a conclusion for the given problem.

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