How to improve DI Timing?

Question

How I improve my DI timing, I have almost 70-80% accuracy but always 3-4 questions left which hits my score very badly

bb · Answer

HI  Sketchitesh ,

I would identify where you spend more time than you need to - is that MSR's or perhaps other questions and see about improving your speed.

Your other option to improve your score would be guessing hard questions you can't answer (answering with hope to come back later) and then coming back later. That's likely will yield a higher score than solving questions until the clock runs out and taking the headless chicken strategy for the remainder of the test.

shishimaru · Answer

Your accuracy is solid, so the key is improving efficiency. First, identify the question types where you spend the most time—Tables, Graphs, Two-Part Analysis, etc. Then, practice recognizing patterns in these questions to reduce processing time. Use estimation and elimination strategies instead of full calculations where possible. Learn to use calculator fast. Check out GMATClub DI questions, it has calculator there. For multi-step problems, solve what’s necessary first before looking at answer choices to avoid extra work. Additionally, set a strict time target—e.g., 2 minutes per question—and move on if you exceed it. Practicing DI under timed conditions daily will help you build speed. Taking sectional DI mocks will also simulate test pressure. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQlKd ... /playlists Thursdays with Ron’s videos from the GMAT Legend, the instructor Ron Purewal, two time perfect scorer in GMAT and GMAT Focus. Check this out.

SarfrazAP · Answer

Here are some pointers that I give to my students:
- Focus on prioritization and strategic skipping. Set a hard stop rule for each question (3 mins ideally)—better to make a quick guess than to get stuck. .
- Approximate whenever possible. GMAT often designs DI questions to allow for estimation rather than full calculations.
- To improve speed, practice in mini-time blocks—solve 5-question DI sets in 10 minutes, then analyze where you lost time (reading vs. calculation). 
- Use calculator shortcuts wisely, but rely more on mental math for percentages, ratios, and trends.

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Including which types of DI questions you find more challenging than others could be helpful. For tab questions, for example, creating a bit of a mental map to get a lay of the land may help a bit.

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi Sketchitesh,

Struggling to complete the GMAT Data Insights section within the time limit is a common challenge. One thing I have noticed is that when a student struggles with DI timing, they have not quite completed their quant and verbal prep. Not doing so can really hurt how quickly you can attack DI questions because many of those questions are made up of quant and verbal concepts. Would you say you are in that boat?

In addition, one way to improve each individual DI question type is to engage in topical practice. Doing so lets you pinpoint your weak areas in JUST ONE question type. For example, when practicing TPA questions, perhaps you see a pattern that you struggle with 3-part ratios or weighted averages. If you can find those micro weaknesses, you can fix them in real-time and thus improve your speed and timing in DI questions.

Lastly, prioritize quick decision-making; if a question seems too time-consuming, it’s better to make an educated guess and move on rather than get stuck. Developing this type of decision-making mindset will help you better navigate the section.

For more on DI timing, check out this article:  Data Insights Timing Strategy

Feel free to reach out with any additional questions.

NextstopISB · Answer

Practice in pressurized environment by keeping time limitations

GMATinsight · Answer

HI Sketchitesh You are not the only one facing this issue... many students are facing similar issues because DI is a section which seems pretty challenging in terms of time. You way out is in finding your strong area and making very strategic decision about time allotment to the question type. Usually, DS question (7-8 out of 20) are the time saver when it comes to planning timing in DI. I think this about 40% part should be done with an average of less than 2 mins per question and it's nit a suggestion in isolation, it's what most people are capable of doing. With extra time, you have to be cautious where do you want to spend them so that your accuracy is best and adaptiveness is well taken care of. Usually in MSR there is one question which consumes a lot of time but the placement of those MSR questions makes it tricky to choose to guess it in case of time pressure. I feel Graphs and table and Math based TPA can be done with almost 100% accuracy where your focus should be and then all question should be done till end because often you feel "Questions left at the end were the easiest ones"

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