The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section in the CAT exam is often seen as one of the trickiest parts of the test. Effective VARC preparation for CAT requires not just a solid reading habit but also the ability to think critically, comprehend intricate details, and interpret subtle nuances. Unlike the formula-driven nature of Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation, VARC feels more elusive. How do you create a foolproof strategy when the subject seems so vast?

In this post, we’ll break down key strategies to help you approach VARC with confidence. By understanding how to handle both Verbal Ability (VA) and Reading Comprehension (RC), you’ll not just attempt questions, but you’ll tackle them with precision—avoiding the common pitfalls many students fall into.

1. Understanding the Nature of VARC

First, let’s break down the VARC section. Typically, it includes

  • Reading Comprehension (RC): You’ll face 4-5 passages with about 16-18 questions.
  • Verbal Ability (VA): This includes para-jumbles, odd-sentence out, para-completion, and summary questions. Of course, these specifics can change year to year, but the core skills tested remain the same.

Unlike math, where there’s usually a clear formula to follow, VARC is more subjective. It’s about how well you can interpret language, grasp structure, and catch those subtle shades of meaning. This is what makes VARC both fascinating and frustrating at the same time—but it’s also what makes mastering it so rewarding.

2. Building a Strong Reading Habit

One of the most crucial, yet overlooked strategies for success in VARC is developing a consistent, diverse reading habit. CAT passages span an incredibly wide range of topics—from philosophy to economics, science, history, and even abstract ideas. The more familiar you are with varied writing styles, the easier it becomes to navigate these passages.
Here’s how to make reading work for you

  • Read Widely: Don’t limit yourself to just one genre. Dive into editorials, essays, non-fiction books, and academic journals. Sites like The Guardian, Aeon, and The New York Times are great places to start. A diverse reading list builds your mental muscles, making you more adaptable to different types of content.
  • Active Reading is Key: Skimming through a passage won’t help much. Engage with the text—ask yourself, “What is the author’s intention here? What’s the argument? How are ideas connected?” By actively engaging, you train your mind to dissect passages more efficiently.
  • Summarize as You Go: After reading an article or passage, take a moment to summarize it in your own words. Can you explain the main idea in just a couple of sentences? This habit will sharpen your ability to condense complex ideas quickly—a crucial skill for CAT.

3. Tackling Reading Comprehension (RC) Passages

RC passages in CAT are notorious for being dense and challenging. But don’t let that intimidate you. The key isn’t just reading—it’s comprehending, analysing, and inferring meaning from what’s there (and sometimes what’s not).
Here’s a game plan to approach RCs

  • Skim for the Big Picture: First, take a quick glance over the passage to get a feel for the topic and tone. Once you have the gist, you can dive into understanding the details.
  • Focus on Structure: Pay attention to how the passage is structured. What’s the main argument? What are the supporting points? Understanding this can help you anticipate where to find answers.
  • Infer, Don’t Just Search: Often, CAT questions will test your ability to infer meaning rather than simply locate facts. Practice drawing conclusions based on subtle hints in the text, not just what’s stated directly.
  • Don’t Get Stuck in the Weeds: Passages are often filled with technical terms or extra details meant to trip you up. Focus on the overall message rather than getting bogged down by specifics.

4. Mastering Verbal Ability (VA) Questions

While Reading Comprehension can feel like an art, Verbal Ability (VA) questions are more like puzzles. They test your understanding of sentence structure, logical flow, and coherence.
Here are some strategies for common VA question types

  • Parajumbles (PJ)
    • Look for transition words like “however,” “because,” or “therefore.” These clues help you connect sentences logically.
    • Start by identifying the first and last sentences. The opening usually introduces a topic, while the closing often wraps it up.
    • Don’t try to figure out the whole sequence in one go. Instead, focus on locking in pairs of sentences that clearly belong together.
  • Odd Sentence Out (OSO)
    • These questions ask you to find the sentence that doesn’t fit the rest. To do this, pinpoint the central theme of the paragraph, and see which sentence breaks from it.
  • Watch for logical flow and breakpoints in continuity. The odd sentence usually breaks the chain of thought.
  • Summary Questions
    • A good summary captures the essence of the passage, not the details. Avoid answer choices that include specific examples or digressions from the text.
    • Always go for the most concise option that still reflects the main argument or author’s stance and tone.

5. Managing Time Effectively

Time management can make or break your performance in VARC. With 40 minutes to answer around 24 questions, you need to balance speed and accuracy.
Here’s a time-management framework

  • Accuracy First, Attempts Later: Trying to answer every question can backfire. Instead, prioritize accuracy by focusing on the questions you’re confident about first. 
  • Mark for Review: Don’t get stuck on a tough question. Mark it for review and come back later if time allows.
  • Keep Moving: If a passage or question is taking too long, move on. You can always return to it after you’ve tackled the easier ones.

6. Reviewing Mocks and Learning from Mistakes

Mock tests are essential for preparation, but they’re only useful if you review them strategically. Treat every mock as a learning opportunity.

  • Track Your Accuracy: Don’t just focus on the number of questions you attempt. Track how many you get right. Consistently hitting 80% accuracy will serve you far better than trying to answer 100% of the questions with lower precision.
  • Analyse, Don’t Memorize: After each mock, analyse the questions you got wrong. Were they due to a misreading of the passage? A logic error? Understanding why you made a mistake is key to not repeating it.
  • Reattempt to Cement Learning: Go back and reattempt questions you missed in previous mocks. This reinforces the logic and concepts, helping them stick.

7. Cultivating Patience and Focus

Finally, remember that mastering VARC is as much a mental game as it is an intellectual one. Staying calm and focused under pressure can significantly boost your performance.

  • Stay Present: Don’t rush through questions. Slow down enough to truly understand what’s being asked.
  • Build Mental Endurance: Regularly read long, challenging texts. This will not only improve your comprehension but also build the stamina needed to stay sharp throughout the exam.

Final Thoughts

Yes, VARC can seem overwhelming, but with a solid strategy and consistent practice, it’s absolutely conquerable. Read widely, practice smartly, and keep learning from your mistakes. Most importantly, believe in your ability to improve. There are no shortcuts, but with persistence, the results will come.

Remember—every small improvement today is a step toward success on exam day. Stay patient, stay focused, and you’ll see the rewards.