Data Interpretation or DI questions are an integral part of the quantitative aptitude questions. Given the recent trend of questions, the Quantitative section is bound to have more than one DI questions. Frankly the DI questions asked in the SBI PO paper are of high difficulty level and it is often seen that the aspirants are complaining about being clueless on how to score good in this section. DI questions need concentration and a good preparation to score well. As a large number of data are provided in the question in  the form of Pie chart, bar diagram, graph, you need to be careful while separating the data and solving for what is asked to you.

Let us see some tips to prepare Data Interpretation section

1. Read and understand the question first: Though this is true for all the questions that you attempt but this is especially true for DI questions. DI or Data Interpretation. Do not start away with your pen as soon as you see the question and the figures. Read and understand what is asked. Chances are that there will be a few questions that won’t even need you using a pen. For others pick up your pen only after you understand the question.
2. Weigh your options: In DI question, some will be comparatively easy to solve and some will be painfully lengthy and difficult. Here I am not discouraging you from solving the question but you must know in comparative questions you need to be a smart solver. There are plenty of question that you can easily solve and in comparatively shorter time frame.
3. Focus : very important while solving DI questions. Though I have already said there will be easier questions but while you are solving a particular question of DI, focus on it completely. If you start thinking what about the next question is it easier or tougher etc then chances are that you will end up making mistake in the sum you are solving. So the trick is to invest yourself completely on the sum at hand then if you feel its taking up longer time than you expected or is difficult and you can not reach the answer then move onto the next question.
4. Concentrate: DI sums need utmost concentration. There is a lot of data given in the same question and a lot of calculations –fast and accurate – are required. Hence this calls for a great deal of concentration on the particular sum at hand. Do not mix up one data for the other. And it is advisable not to leave data interpretation questions for last or when the time is nearly up. In hurry there is greater chance for you to mix up data and solve wrong. This will result in earning negative marks!
5. Solve only what is asked: DI questions have a lot of data. As such a number of things can be solved from it. Suppose a graph is given stating the income and profit percent of  few years and you are asked to find the expenditure of year X. Do not go around solving the expenditure for year Y until it is necessary to find the value of expenditure in X. So back to point 1. Read carefully what is asked and then solve accordingly.
6. While solving write down the data separately, do not mix up: Graphs, pie charts, bar diagrams have a lot of data. It is easy to mix up the data given. In order to avoid this write down the figures on the rough sheet and assign proper and unique variable to it so that you do not get the figures mixed up while solving.
7. Practice to improve your speed and accuracy: “Practice maketh man perfect”. Practice DI as much as possible. This will not only improve your speed and accuracy but also boost your confidence level with DI questions. DI questions are all about speed and accuracy. How fast you can solve and how accurate are your calculations is what is tested. And to score a perfect figure you need your practice.
8. Practice all different types of DI: DI questions may include interest solving, partnership, percentage etc. Some would be easy some will be tricky some will be plain and simple lengthy. So practice and get used to all the different types of DI questions that can be asked. Remember the pattern is more or less the same.
9. Calculate manually while you practice at home. Shun the use of calculator from phone or laptop even if it is to hurry up your calculations. Some of us are used to using calculators for solving long calculations. But in the papers you will not have calculators. If you think you will easily solve the questions during the exam, you cannot be more wrong. Get in the mode of solving calculating manually.
10. No shortcut to hard work and dedicated practice: as I always say there can be no shortcut to hard work you need to devote more times and patience to solving DI questions if you want to master these types of questions. At the same time do not cut short the preparation time for the other papers.

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