Here are some of the methods I used to tackle the VARC section.
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1. Build your Reading muscle:
Read, Read, Read. No matter what.Which can be easier said than done.But why? You’re going to read a lot after joining the B-schools, and that's why B-schools test your comprehension skills before you get into them.
For the past 3-4 years, most of us haven't touched any books to read. We listen to YouTube, we consume shorts and reels, and most probably, our reading muscles are dead. Start reading daily, initially start with fictional books or comics, but when you get accustomed to it, go for non-fictional ones like articles, editorials, blogs, etc.. I will attach some important daily articles that will help you improve your reading habits.
Aeon essays;
Cracku’s daily articles;
https://cracku.in/cat-daily-articles
Bharat’s Curated reading list:
https://online.2iim.com/cat-exam/blogs/bharaths-curated-reading-list-for-cat-exam-2-2/
Editorials;
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/
2. Active reading:
It's not the same Reading comprehension we did during our school days; we can't skim any sentence here, each and every word is important.
Practice Active reading- After reading each paragraph, try to write down the main point of that in the rough sheet, make sure the main point does not take you more than 15 seconds. Or more than 2 lines. After writing the main points for each paragraph, join all the main points to a single main point which comprehends the final Main point of the paragraph. This trick reduces the time taken for each RC, and you won't go back to RC again and again after each question.
3. Identifying the type of RC’s:
RC’s is all about how you perceive it. You can't stand in your shoes and argue with the author. You should be in the author's shoes while comprehending the RCs.
There are different types of RCs, so you should find the type of RCs once you are done reading the first paragraph of the RC. That helps you to think in the author's way.
Types:
*Scientific - Where the author tries to explain scientific ideas.
*Informative,
*Negative tone,
*Persuasive - where the author tries to persuade you with their ideas.
4. Verbal ability:
Many overestimate RC and underestimate the VA part. This part is what sets you different from 95 iler and 99.5iler. Consists of a Para summary, Para insertion, Para jumbles, odd one out.
Verbal Ability isn’t about “knowing English.” It’s about thinking in English, understanding logic, tone, and flow — skills that can be built with effort. So, instead of dreading this section, start enjoying the learning process.
Check out Gejo Sir’s Free VARC Master Class at Inside IIM
5. Score to 85, 90, 95, 99 percentile in VARC:
| Year->
Percentile |
2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| 85 | 21.24 | 20.45 | 21 |
| 90 | 24.06 | 23.37 | 24 |
| 95 | 28.12 | 28.78 | 30 |
| 99 | 40.36 | 39.83 | 40 |
6. Mock attempt strategy:
For 85th ile: 85th ile is going to be the cutoff for many of the top B schools. To cross that, you need to score more than 21. Attempt 2 RCs (80% accuracy) and 6 VA (50% accuracy)
For 90th ile mark: score > 24
Attempt 2 RC (80% accuracy) and 6 VA ( 80% accuracy).
For 95th ile mark: score > 30
Attempt 3 RC (80% accuracy) and 8 VA (60% accuracy)
For 99th ile mark: score > 40
Attempt 4 RC ( 80% accuracy) and 8 VA (70% accuracy)
Engineers often will face a mental block with VARC, but it is a skill like all of the others. Strategy with habit is necessary to cracking para-jumbles or understanding dense RCs. VARC will stop being a burden if you are consistent, as well as curious, also open to change. Then it will become your advantage.
Final thoughts:
Stop comparing. CAT doesn’t care about your background. It cares about your performance on the D-day. Whether you're from an IIT or a B.Com background, it all comes down to preparation and mindset.
Instead of blaming yourself for your background,ask—what’s my weak spot, and how do I fix it?
Because at the end of the day, it’s not VARC vs Engineers.
It’s Clarity vs Confusion. Focus vs Excuses. Effort vs Hope.
You choose.
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