Cracking CAT 2025 VARC: Mastering Reading in the VARC Section

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of CAT 2025 is pivotal for aspirants aiming for top IIMs. This section evaluates a candidate's proficiency in understanding and analyzing English language content. It comprises two main components:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): Focuses on interpreting and analyzing passages to grasp the central idea, author's tone, and logical flow.
• Verbal Ability (VA): Assesses grammar, sentence correction, para-jumbles, and odd-sentence-out questions, testing the candidate's command over language structure.

Interplay Between RC and VA

A common misconception among aspirants is to treat RC and VA as separate entities. In reality, they are interconnected; proficiency in one enhances the other. Engaging with diverse reading materials for RC practice improves comprehension skills, which are beneficial for VA tasks like para-jumbles and sentence correction. Conversely, practicing VA questions sharpens attention to detail and logical reasoning, aiding in better understanding of RC passages.

Strategies for Mastering VARC

To excel in the VARC section, consider the following strategies:

• Regular Reading: Incorporate daily reading habits by engaging with newspapers, journals, and diverse literature to build vocabulary and comprehension skills.
• Timed Practice: Practice RC passages under timed conditions to simulate exam scenarios and improve time management.
• Analyze Mistakes: Review incorrect answers to understand reasoning errors and avoid repeating them.
• Grammar and Structure: Regularly practice VA questions to enhance understanding of sentence structure and grammar rules.
• Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests to build stamina and familiarize yourself with the exam pattern.

Importance for IIM Admissions

Top IIMs, such as IIM Ahmedabad, have stringent admission criteria. For the PGP 2026-28 batch, candidates need a minimum overall CAT percentile of 95, with at least 85 percentile in each section, including VARC. A strong performance in the VARC section is crucial to meet these requirements and secure a call for the next stage of the selection process

Key Takeaways