Stop Falling for RC Traps: The Option-Elimination Playbook By Moinack Shaikh (CAT 99.71%iler | FMS Delhi Alumnus | Seasoned CAT Mentor)

You’ve got ~3 months to go for CAT 2025, and now, VARC has to be built on habits + mocks + ruthless analysis. Below is a crisp, no-nonsense plan by Moinack Sir (FMS Delhi, CAT 99.71%ile and a seasoned CAT mentor), focused on what moves scores.

What VARC Really Tests

It’s not English grammar, it’s logic under time pressure: can you grasp an author’s point quickly, spot what isn’t said, and choose the least wrong option? Build for that.

Moinack Sir’s Core Principles

• Start mocks now; the syllabus never “finishes.” You need the stamina and decision-making that only mocks can build. Don’t wait.
• Read daily, then apply in mocks. Use one quality long-form source (e.g., The Hindu/FT/Aeon), then practice RCs and analyse. Reading builds familiarity with arguments; analysis turns reading into marks.
• Master option elimination. Hunt for extreme words (all/never/must) vs “space” words (may/might/could). Most traps are just one word off.
• Identify question types. Learn what the prompt asks (author’s view, inference, tone, strengthen/weaken, etc.) and keep a running log of errors by type.
• Think fast in your mother tongue if it helps. Your internal reasoning can be in Hindi/Bengali/etc; answers are still in English—this speeds comprehension.
• Treat mistakes as expensive. In analysis, penalise a wrong RC answer as –4 (plus your time lost) to force better discipline next mock.

For doubts regarding VARC preparation, feel free to reach out to Moinack Sir on WhatsApp here!

CAT 2025 Reading Comprehension 12-Week Plan (3 Months)

Weekly non-negotiables

• Reading (6 days/week, 30–40 mins): One long piece/day. Note the author’s claim, support, and what’s not claimed.
• Mocks + deep analysis: See schedule below.
• Error Log: For each wrong/guessed RC Q—record passage theme, Q-type, trap word, and the exact reason your option failed.

Weeks 1–2: Baseline & Habits

• Mocks: 2 per week (full length).
• RC practice: 8–10 sets/week (timed).
• Focus: Build the reading habit; start your Q-type log; highlight extremes vs space words in every RC analysis.

Weeks 3–6: Build & Systematise

• Mocks: 3 per week (mix of easy/medium/harder).
• RC practice: 12–15 sets/week with strict timeboxes (e.g., 8–9 mins per RC).
• Focus: Strategy locks in—selecting questions and eliminating options. After each mock, explain why the correct option wins and why each distractor loses.

Weeks 7–10: Ramp Intensity

• Mocks: 3–4 per week (slot-simulated).
• RC practice: Tougher passages (philosophy/psych/sci).
• Focus: Accuracy > Attempts. Chase 99%ile strategy on one mock, 95%ile strategy on the next to practice pacing choices.

Weeks 11–12: Last Mile

• Mocks: 3 per week + 1 light sectional.
• Focus: Only recurring weaknesses from the log; re-read the same trap patterns; rehearse your first 10 minutes (passage order, skip rules).
• Taper: Final 3–4 days = light reading, 1 mock, sleep.

Time math that works: If you can convert ~10–14 of the easiest VARC questions + a few mediums consistently, you’re already in 95–99%ile territory—provided accuracy is high. Your job is to find those questions fast and avoid traps. 

If you are struggling with the VARC section in CAT 2025, Moinack Sir's programs may help you. Talk to Sir here!

How To Solve CAT 2025 RCs The Way A Topper Does?

Moinack’s walkthrough of a CAT 2020 “elephant seals dialects” RC is a masterclass in:

• Pulling the main idea from paragraph 1.
• Tracking reference frames (e.g., colony A vs time trend vs other colonies).
• Spotting extreme words in options and rejecting them.
• Using “space” qualifiers (may/might/could) to keep or kill options.
• Separating concepts (e.g., “vocal signature” vs “pulse rate”) to avoid mixing evidence.

📺 Watch: VARC Score Stagnating? Learn How To Read A CAT Reading Comprehension Passage — Moinack’s RC live analysis:

CAT 2025 RCs Mock Analysis Blueprint

1. Re-answer untimed. If you change an answer, write exactly what you saw now that you missed earlier.
2. Label the trap. Extreme word? Out-of-scope? Opposite? Vague?
3. Map Q-types. Tally per mock and trend weekly; fix the worst two types first. 
4. Make a “Killer Options” deck. Screenshot 20 deceptively wrong options and revisit them twice a week.
5. Penalty mindset. Record each wrong RC as -4 + time so your future self fears careless clicks. 

A Daily 60-Minute VARC Routine

• 30 min: Read one long article; write a 2-line gist + what the author didn’t claim.
• 20 min: 2 timed RCs (8–9 min each) OR 10 Para-Summary/Para-Jumble items.
• 10 min: Update error log; re-read 3 “Killer Options.”

Quick Do/Don’t

Do

• Start mocks immediately; consistency > bursts.
• Read varied topics; learn to eliminate more than to “solve.” 
• Keep a neat log; patterns beat willpower.

Don’t

• Wait to “finish VARC syllabus” before mocks (you won’t). 
• Fall for all/always/never options. 
• Over-attempt; protect accuracy.

Want Help From Moinack Sir?

If you’re aiming for a VARC push in the next 12 weeks, Moinack Sir’s approach can help you out. You may reach out to him directly on WhatsApp here.