Effective Strategies to Ace the CAT VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) Section

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT exam is a game-changer for many aspirants. This section not only assesses a candidate’s reading speed and comprehension skills but also their ability to understand complex arguments and logical reasoning. Excelling in VARC requires a structured approach, consistent reading habits, and strategic practice. This blog explores effective strategies to master the CAT VARC section.

Understanding the CAT VARC Section

The VARC section consists of two parts:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): Includes passages followed by questions that test comprehension, inference, and critical analysis.
• Verbal Ability (VA): Comprises para jumbles, para summary, sentence completion, and odd-one-out questions.

Key Areas to Focus On

• RC Passages: Literary, Scientific, Abstract, Philosophical, and Current Affairs
• Grammar & Vocabulary: Sentence Correction, Word Usage
• Logical Structuring: Parajumbles, Summary Writing

Strategies to Improve VARC Performance

1. Develop a Reading Habit
• Read newspapers, journals, and novels daily.
• Focus on diverse topics like economics, politics, and science.
2. Practice RC Passages
• Solve CAT-level RC passages daily.
• Use skimming and scanning techniques for quick comprehension.
3. Enhance Vocabulary
• Learn new words using flashcards and word lists.
• Understand synonyms, antonyms, and contextual meanings.
4. Master Para Jumbles and Summaries
• Practice sentence arrangement to improve logical structuring skills.
• Develop a method to identify the correct sequence.
5. Time Management
• Allocate fixed time to each passage and avoid overthinking tricky questions.
• Skip difficult questions initially and return later.
6. Attempt Mock Tests
• Regular practice with sectional tests and mocks.
• Analyze performance and adjust strategies accordingly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Relying only on speed and ignoring comprehension.
• Not practicing different RC topics.
• Ignoring logical connections in para jumbles.

How to Tackle Tricky RC Passages

• Identify the main idea before answering questions.
• Look for keywords and phrases that indicate tone.
• Avoid assumptions; stick to the information given in the passage.

Summary:

Mastering VARC requires regular reading, practice, and time management. For expert guidance and structured preparation, Career Launcher Dharampeth, Nagpur, is the best coaching institute for CAT and MBA entrance exams like XAT, NMAT, and GMAT. Their faculty and resources help aspirants achieve high scores in the CAT exam. Enroll today for personalized coaching and expert mentorship