The Common Admission Test (CAT) 2026 includes the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section, a scoring component that can significantly influence overall percentile. With tough competition and sectional balancing, a clear strategy is essential for aspirants aiming for 30+ marks and a 95+ percentile in VARC.
Understand the CAT VARC Pattern
The VARC section typically consists of:
- Reading Comprehension (RC): Multiple passages with 4–5 questions each, testing comprehension, analysis and inference skills.
- Verbal Ability (VA): Questions on para‑jumbles, odd sentence out, fill‑in‑blanks, and critical reasoning.
On average, high percentile scorers aim to correctly attempt most RC questions and select high‑confidence VA questions to maximize accuracy and score.
Master Reading Comprehension (RC)
Reading Comprehension forms the backbone of the VARC section and often carries 60–70% of the total weightage. To improve RC performance:
- Daily Reading Habit: Read editorials, essays, research articles and literary passages to build speed and understanding.
- Practice Diverse Passages: Work on RCs from topics like science, culture, economics, philosophy and current affairs.
- Focus on Question Types: Train for inference, main idea, tone, vocabulary‑in‑context, and detail‑specific questions.
- Avoid Random Passages: Attempt only those RCs where you can maintain a steady pace and comprehension.
Refine Verbal Ability (VA) Skills
VA questions are usually direct if practised regularly. To enhance VA performance:
- Para‑Jumbles: Focus on identifying logical narrative flow.
- Grammar & Usage: Strengthen basic grammar to handle fill‑in‑blanks and error‑spotting smoothly.
- Critical Reasoning: Practice short passages requiring logical inference and argument evaluation.
- Vocabulary Building: Learn high‑frequency words and practice contextual usage to avoid guesswork.
Time Management Is Key in CAT VARC
Effective time allocation can differentiate high scorers:
- Spend the first 10–12 minutes scanning all VARC questions.
- Prioritize easier VA questions and strong RC passages.
- Do not get stuck on difficult RCs; move on to secure high‑confidence questions.
Good time management not only helps attempt more questions but also reduces errors, which is vital for maintaining a high percentile.
Use Mocks for Strategy Refinement in CAT VARC
Mock tests are the single most important tool for fine‑tuning strategy:
- Take Regular Mocks: At least 2–3 mocks per week during intensive preparation.
- Analyse Every Attempt: Study mistakes and identify recurring weak areas.
- Simulate Test Conditions: Replicate exam timing and screen fatigue to improve focus.
Focus on accuracy over quantity in mocks; even if you attempt fewer questions with high precision, your percentile can improve substantially.
Error Logging and Revision
Maintain an error log to record recurring mistakes, tricky question types and guesswork errors.
- Review the error log weekly.
- Practice similar problem types encountered in previous mocks.
- Revise vocabulary lists with context sentences.
Revision ensures that mistakes are not repeated and confidence improves over time.
CAT VARC Psychological Prep and Exam Day Tips
- Stay calm and composed on exam day; do not panic if a passage seems tough.
- Attempt known strengths first, then return to challenging sections if time remains.
- Maintain a steady pace, and avoid unnecessary stress during RC interpretation.