Puzzles: DILR Notes for CAT (MBA)

DILR – Puzzles

(CAT 2026 – MBA) – Study Notes (Markdown)

1. Simple Explanation

Puzzles are a sub‑category of the Logical Reasoning section where the test‑taker is given a set of rules or clues and must deduce an arrangement, order, or missing element.
Typical puzzle types:

Type	What you’re asked to find	Typical clues
Position puzzles	Who sits where, who is in what order	“A is to the left of B”
Sequence puzzles	Next item in a series	“3, 5, 9, 17, …”
Time puzzles	When something happens	“Event A starts 3 hrs after B”
Number puzzles	Missing number or pattern	“1 + 4 + 7 = 12”
Word puzzles	Next word or missing letter	“APPLE, BANANA, CHERRY, …”

Goal: Use logic, elimination, and pattern recognition to arrive at a single, unambiguous answer.

2. Key Points & Strategies

#	Strategy	How to Apply
1. Read all clues first	Don’t jump in. Gather every piece of information; a later clue might contradict an earlier assumption.
2. Identify types of constraints	Eg. “left/right”, “before/after”, “same group”, “difference of 2”.
3. Translate into relationships	Write simple equations or Venn‑diagrams. For positions, use a linear scale (1st, 2nd, …).
4. Use elimination	If 3 people can’t be next to each other, rule out those pairs.
5. Test a hypothesis	Pick an arrangement that satisfies all known constraints; if a conflict appears, backtrack.
6. Check consistency	After filling, re‑scan all clues for hidden contradictions.
7. Keep it short	In CAT you must solve in < 1 min per puzzle. Practice rapid deduction.
8. Practice patterns	Many puzzles reuse the same logical patterns (e.g., “X is between Y and Z”).

3. Worked Example

Problem

Seven friends – A, B, C, D, E, F, G – are standing in a straight line from left to right.
Clues

A is exactly two places to the right of B.

C is between A and D (not necessarily adjacent).

E is at one extreme end.

F is not adjacent to G.

B is not the leftmost person.

G is exactly three places to the left of C.
Question: Who is standing in the fourth (middle) position?

Solution – Step‑by‑Step

Step	Action	Reasoning
1. Place extremes	E is at one end.	Clue‑3.
2. Use “exactly three left of C”	G is 3 places left of C.	Clue‑6.
3. Combine with “A right of B by 2”	B cannot be at leftmost (clue‑5).	So B must be at position 2 or 3.
4. Build a table	Try B = 2 → A = 4. Then G = ? (must be 3 left of C). Place G at 1, C at 4 → conflict (A also at 4).	Invalid.
5. Try B = 3 → A = 5.	Now G = 2, C = 5. But A already at 5 → conflict.
6. Re‑evaluate extremes	Maybe E is on the right end.	Try E = 7.
7. Re‑run B = 2 → A = 4.	Place G = 1, C = 4? Conflict (A at 4).
8. Try B = 3 → A = 5.	Place G = 2, C = 5? Conflict again.
9. Notice we mis‑read “exactly three places left”	Actually G is 3 places left of C, meaning G’s position = C – 3. So if G = 2 → C = 5; if G = 1 → C = 4; if G = 3 → C = 6; etc.
10. Try a fresh layout	E = 1 (left end).	E at 1.
11. Place B = 3 → A = 5.	Works.
12. Place G = 2 → C = 5?	Conflict (A = 5).
13. Place G = 4 → C = 7.	Works: G 4, C 7.
14. Remaining spots	Positions left: 2, 6. We need to place D and F.
15. Use “C between A and D”	C (7) is between A (5) and D → D must be right of C? Impossible (C already rightmost).	So mis‑interpreted clue: “C is between A and D” means in the line C is somewhere between A and D, not necessarily A left of C left of D. So order could be A – C – D or D – C – A.
16. Try D = 6	Then order A–C–D would be