1) Read, Read, and Read
Make reading a daily habit—even if it doesn’t excite you initially. Devoting at least one hour each day to reading can be incredibly effective. But don’t restrict yourself to novels or newspapers. In recent years, CAT RCs have featured topics from Science, Philosophy, Psychology, History, and Art.
So, make sure you're consuming content aligned with CAT’s typical RC themes. Personally, I found AEON Essays extremely helpful. They not only familiarized me with abstract concepts but also improved my vocabulary and comprehension.
2) Summarize as You Read
While tackling RCs ,especially the longer ones , train yourself to mentally summarize each paragraph in your own words. This practice will help you grasp the essence of the passage quickly, reducing the need to revisit it repeatedly when answering questions.
3) Focus on the Central Theme
Passages often mention multiple people or events. However, the author usually places greater emphasis on one central character or event. Pay special attention to this main focus, as the majority of questions tend to be based around it. That said, don’t completely ignore the other details because they still play a supporting role.
Check out Gejo Sir’s Free VARC Master Class at Inside IIM
4) Think Like the Author
Don’t allow personal bias to interfere with comprehension. Read from the author's perspective. Even if the author claims “Tomato is a vegetable,” accept it for the sake of the passage. Your job is to understand their argument—not debate it.
5) Don’t Spend Excess Time on RCs
Yes, RCs make up a large portion of the VARC section, but that doesn’t mean you should overcommit your time to them. Spending too long on RCs can disrupt your time balance and lower your overall score. Be strategic.
6) Accuracy > Attempts
Avoid the trap of trying to answer every question in the VARC section. I used to attempt all questions during my early mock tests and often ended up with negative marks. CAT rewards accuracy more than volume. Focus on answering fewer questions with higher precision. With time and practice, you can gradually increase your attempts while maintaining accuracy.
7) Experiment, but Settle on One Strategy
During my preparation, I experimented with several RC-solving techniques. But eventually, I realized that sticking to one approach that suited my strengths was far more effective than constantly shifting strategies.
8) Attempt Mocks and Sectionals
You’ve probably heard this a hundred times and it’s true. Regularly taking mocks and sectional tests builds your confidence, sharpens your critical thinking, and helps refine your personal approach. Remember the quote: “He who bleeds more in training bleeds less in battle.” It’s the perfect mantra for CAT aspirants.
9) Bonus Tip – Start with Data-Heavy Passages
This is a personal strategy that helped me score 95+ in the VARC section. Try attempting passages that contain a lot of data—such as names, dates, events, or characters—early in the section. These are usually more time-consuming, so tackling them while your mind is fresh can prove highly effective.
Final Thoughts
The VARC section can be intimidating at first, but with the right approach and consistent effort, it can turn into your strength. Focus on building a strong reading habit, developing accuracy, and crafting a personalized strategy through mocks. Don't be discouraged by slow progress—every hour you invest in VARC brings you one step closer to mastering it.
Whether you’re an engineer or not, the VARC section doesn’t discriminate but it rewards those who are prepared. Stay consistent, stay sharp, and you’ll see the results reflect in your percentile.
More on CAT 2025 Prep:
- Free Formula Book for Quants
- DILR Tips from a 99.99 Percentiler in CAT 2024
- How to Not Get Exhausted in the DILR Section
- What 3 CAT Attempts Taught Me About the Exam
- Staying consistent with the 6-month-long CAT journey
- The ultimate VARC Reading List (CAT 2023-2016 sources)
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