CAT VARC section is dominated by Reading Comprehension and the vocabulary-based questions range from Sentence Completion and Cloze Tests to Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Spellings and Odd Words. Check out CAT preparation plan for VARC. By Parasharan Chari
CAT Preparation of Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension must start early and by developing reading habit. CAT VARC is dominated by Reading Comprehension which is why your English comprehension skill is important. Once you develop English reading and comprehension skills, half the battle will be won. To prepare for this section of CAT 2024, make a daily plan of reading newspapers, novels and different kinds of books for about one hour. This is just the first step toward CAT VARC preparation 2024. Read below MBA expert's suggestions on CAT preparation for VARC.
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The mention of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension in CAT exam typically evokes two polemical responses:
- "There’s nothing difficult about Verbal questions. RCs or paragraphs are given. You read them and answer the questions given."
- "You just can’t figure out what is correct in Verbal. The most bizarre option tends to be correct.”
Let's start with addressing Verbal Ability for CAT.
Verbal Ability section of the CAT question paper can be simple, if you get your perspective about it right. Below are various CAT Verbal Ability tips and the skills that you need to apply for CAT 2024 exam preparation.
Q: When should I start preparing for CAT exam?
Aspirants should start preparing for CAT exam at least nine months in before the test date. CAT preparation requires long-term planning thus one must start early. The best time to start CAT preparation is in March. Starting early will also help you assess that whether you need to join a coaching institute or not.
Divide your preparation into two phases -
- Covering the CAT syllabus
- Practicing mock tests, sample questions and revision.
The CAT syllabus includes the following topics:
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences, Questions based on passages, para meaning, order of sentences
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Caselets and Syllogism
- Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra, Number System, Arithmetic, Mensuration.
You can read the following CAT books for exam preparation:
- CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri
- Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
- Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
- How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
- 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback by Wilfred Funk and Norman Lewis/ Simon and Schuster
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Sharma and Upadhyay
- High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha
- Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Sharma
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha.
Q: Is the CAT syllabus difficult?
Yes, the difficulty level of CAT syllabus is very high as compared to other MBA entrance exams. However, if you prepare well and follow the CAT exam pattern well, you will be able to score well. Besides having an understanding of the CAT syllabus 2025, candidates also need to be well aware of the CAT exam pattern before they start preparing for the exam. The CAT exam pattern was revised in 2021 and the number of questions were reduced from 76 to 66. The structure of CAT 2023 and CAT 2024 was the same. The syllabus is still tougher than other exams.
The most important things to keep in mind are:
- CAT exam mode is online
- Each question carries three marks
- There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts
The section-wise distribution of questions and difficulty levels as per the latest CAT exam pattern are listed below:
- Quantitative Ability (QA) - 24 questions, difficulty level - moderate to high
- Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) - 20 questions, difficulty level - moderate
- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) - 22 questions, difficulty level - moderate. to high
Q: Is CAT exam tough for an average student?
CAT is a speed based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
CAT Preparation 2024: Vocabulary
Vocabulary-based questions of CAT 2024 exam can range from Sentence Completion and Cloze Tests to Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Spellings, Words Often Confused and Odd Words. These questions require a combination of vocabulary knowledge, reading skills and reasoning powers. Further, vocabulary knowledge is not merely knowing what a word means but understanding what contexts the word can fit into.
For example, a Sentence Completion question can present four answer options as: mitigate, alleviate, ameliorate, assuage. At first glance, all four words may be defined generally as, 'to lessen the intensity or severity of something unpleasant', but specifically mitigate, alleviate and assuage are used to refer to lessening pain, grief, suffering, anger. Assuage is particularly used with hunger and anger. But ameliorate is 'to make something more bearable'. Difficult conditions or states are ameliorated.
Take another example, the difference between the words incredible and incredulous. An unbelieving person is incredulous. An unbelievable thing is incredible.
Also Read:
CAT sample question for VARC
Q: Fill in the blanks with words from the given options:
Q: Are six months enough to prepare for CAT?
Q: How would I know my CAT exam centre?
Candidates will know their allotted CAT exam centre only from the admit card. There is no way to know the test centre before the release of the CAT admit card. The examination authority allots a test centre to aspirants in the city of their first preference as mentioned in the city. So, candidates can atleast be assured that they will get a test centre in the city they had chosen as first preference in the CAT application form. However, the venue will be mentioned only on the candidate’s admit card. So as soon as the CAT admit card is released, candidates must check the test city and test centre details. In order to avoid any confusion, they must visit the centre at least once before the exam day.
Q: Which CAT exam slot is the toughest?
Q: How to improve reading speed for CAT preparation?
The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam is conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) on a rotational basis every year. The CAT exam is an online computer-based test that is used as a primary criterion for admission into various management programs offered by the IIMs as well as other top business schools in India.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) exam syllabus is divided into three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section consists of 26 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section consists of 24 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section consists of 26 questions, and candidates have 60 minutes to complete it.
The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes (3 hours). Each correct answer carries 3 marks, and there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer. However, there is no negative marking for unattempted questions. (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Here is a brief overview of the syllabus and some tips on how to prepare for each section:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC): This section tests your reading comprehension and language skills. The syllabus includes reading comprehension passages, grammar, para jumbles, para completion, sentence correction, and vocabulary. To prepare for VARC, read a lot of books, newspapers, and magazines to improve your reading speed and comprehension skills. Practice grammar and vocabulary exercises regularly to improve your language skills. Also, practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR): This section tests your ability to interpret data and make logical deductions. The syllabus includes bar graphs, line charts, pie charts, tables, Venn diagrams, blood relations, seating arrangements, and puzzles. To prepare for DILR, practice solving a variety of puzzles and logical reasoning questions. Develop a systematic approach to solving questions and focus on improving your speed and accuracy. Practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA): This section tests your mathematical skills. The syllabus includes number systems, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, arithmetic, and modern mathematics. To prepare for QA, start with the basics and gradually move to advanced topics. Practice solving a variety of mathematical problems regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Memorize important formulas and theorems. Also, practice solving previous year CAT papers and mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Each correct answer carries 3 marks.
Each incorrect answer carries a penalty of -1 mark.
There is no negative marking for questions that are left unanswered.
The CAT exam is used as a primary criteria for admission into various management programs offered by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) as well as other top business schools in India. The selection process for CAT typically includes the following stages:
CAT Exam: Candidates who clear the CAT cutoff are shortlisted for the next stage.
Written Ability Test (WAT)/Group Discussion (GD)/Personal Interview (PI): Shortlisted candidates are required to appear for a WAT/GD/PI round, which is conducted by the respective IIMs or business schools.
Final Selection: Candidates are selected based on their CAT score, performance in the WAT/GD/PI round, academic background, work experience, and other relevant factors. The final selection is based on a composite score that considers all these factors.
The weightage given to CAT score and other selection criteria vary from institute to institute. It is important to check the admission criteria of the respective institutes you are applying to.
Overall, the CAT exam is a highly competitive exam, and candidates are advised to prepare well and perform to the best of their abilities.
If you want to prepare you can download LK ACADEMY learning app for daily free mock test, Current Affairs video lectures, study notes and many more all on your convenient time. The coaching provides comprehensive way to cover the syllabus and make you prepare for preliminary, Mains and interview round.
Good luck!
Q: How to start preparing for CAT and from which year of UG should we start preparing for CAT?
Ideally, students start their preparation for CAT and other management entrance tests from the 2nd year onwards. -Starting by understanding the syllabus and the concepts of each section. -Once you are thorough will the syllabus, practice with mock tests, and identify your strengths as well as weak areas. -Be consistent with your stronger portions and keep working on your loose ends too. -If a particular topic is out of your understanding, don't waste much time on that. Rather try to improve the sections you are performing on average. -No student ever tries to attempt the whole exam. Strategies & plan on attempting your test. -Practice as many Mocks as you can, no matter how much score you are getting. Mock tests will help you will time management which is yet another important aspect of giving entrances. -Do keep the backup option of the other entrance tests as well as the syllabus is more or less the same. -Keep yourself updated with the Current Affairs and news, especially business and economics. That will help you with your GD&PI. -Last but not the least, don't pressurize yourself. Just take it easy and give your best. Good Luck :). .
i) The conspirators met _________ in order to plot a(n) __________ against the oppressive
Government of Julius Caesar.
a) Aggressively….referendum
b) Clandestinely….revolt
c) Wittily….upheaval
d) Wickedly…..invocation
CAT Preparation for VARC: How to Improve Vocabulary?
Vocabulary part of the CAT exam can be approached through etymology - understanding root meanings. Knowing the meaning of a Latin root like ‘loqui’ will enable one to understand words like eloquent, loquacious, soliloquy, ventriloquize, circumlocution, grandiloquent, magniloquent etc. Add to your understanding of roots, the meanings of prefixes and suffixes and you have considerable control over vocabulary.
However, at the next level, you must seek a thorough mastery of the connotations and collocations of words by encountering words in their appropriate contexts. Contextual word learning also allows you to retain the words through the associations that the context creates for you.
Also Read:
- Verbal Ability (VA) solved questions
- Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Solving RC Questions
- Types of RC questions in CAT exam
CAT Preparation for VARC: How to Tackle Grammar?
There are two approaches to solving English grammar based question – one is the classical approach wherein you go by rules and learn the various parts of speech and their usages and the second one is – you practice the type of questions that are asked and you take an approach of learning the type of errors which lead to questions based on error detection or sentence correction.
Once there is familiarity with the error types, a lot of practice helps you cross the line. Understanding English Grammar does have a considerable impact on solving other Verbal questions of the CAT like Para-jumbles, Logical Continuation, Summary and even RC questions because some of the option eliminations can be done through grammar rules as well.
The usual questions in CAT VARC are based on Error Detection, Sentence Correction, Word Usage and Fill in the Blanks.
CAT Preparation for VARC: How to Win on Reading Comprehension?
Your reading comprehension skills can make or mar your verbal score! Reading skills can be developed in three phases:
Habit cultivation: First, cultivate the reading habit. Read, read and read. Start with simple fiction, newspapers and blogs. The components of reading include sustained concentration and retention of information while reading.
Speed Building: Speed of reading being a critical component of any aptitude exam, you must cultivate speed. Target nothing less than a reading speed of about 300 words per minute depending on the level of the text.
Diverse Reading: Read more but read diverse. Choose to read those topics that are out of your comfort zone. RCs in aptitude exams can be drawn from any field.
Also Read:
CAT VARC preparation: Logic Based Questions
(Logical Continuation, Logical Discontinuation, Critical Reasoning, Para jumbles etc.)
A piece of writing is as logical as any piece of logic can be!
A big learning for a student of Verbal Aptitude is the realization that writing follows logical patterns. This is why a reader must learn to read critically. Understanding the technicalities of Critical Reasoning section of CAT is fundamental. Critical Reasoning not only prepares you to address the whole gamut of reasoning questions - Assumptions, Strengthen, Weaken, Method of Reasoning, Flaw in the Reasoning, Syllogisms but also enables you to understand structuring of ideas thus, facilitating critical reading. With Critical Reasoning, you are ready to take on questions like Logical Continuation, Logical Discontinuity, Parajumble etc.
A practice of a huge number of questions of all question types is the suggested CAT 2024 preparation plan. Ensure that you get an exposure of diverse topics from which the questions are asked in CAT exam.
Overall, developing Verbal Aptitude has multi-layered benefits for CAT aspirants. The structuring of thought that results from good Verbal Aptitude is fundamental to being a successful manager.
Free DILR Sample Questions for Practice with Answers | Free QA Sample Questions for Practice with Answers | Free VARC Questions for Practice with Answers |
Also Read:
- Pronouns with exercises
- Parajumbles with exercises
- Prepositions with exercises
- Subject verb agreement with exercises
- Types of clauses with exercises
- Example of articles with exercises
- Phrases Modifiers with exercises
- Parts of speech with exercises
- Errors in tenses with exercises
-
CAT Preparation: Your Love For Reading Can Get You Desired Result
CAT Mock Test
Try these free CAT mock tests by Shiksha to assess your preparation level and time management skills. These CAT mock tests are prepared on the basis of official CAT question papers.
CAT_Mock_Test_Set 1 | CAT_Mock_Test_Set 1_Solutions |
CAT_Mock_Test_Set 2 | CAT_Mock_Test_Set 2_Solutions |
CAT VARC Sample Questions with Answers for Practice
CAT Easy Test Set 1 | CAT Easy Test Set 1 Solutions |
CAT Medium Test Set 1 | CAT Medium Test Set 1 Solutions |
CAT Difficult Test Set 1 | CAT Difficult Test Set 1 Solutions |
CAT Easy Test Set 2 | CAT Easy Test Set 2 Solutions |
CAT Medium Test Set 2 | CAT Medium Test Set 2 Solutions |
CAT Difficult Test Set 2 | CAT Difficult Test Set 2 Solutions |
CAT Easy Test Set 3 | CAT Easy Test Set 3 Solutions |
CAT Medium Test Set 3 | CAT Medium Test Set 3 Solutions |
CAT Difficult Test Set 3 | CAT Difficult Test Set 3 Solutions |
CAT Easy Test Set 4 | CAT Easy Test Set 4 Solutions |
CAT Medium Test Set 4 | CAT Medium Test Set 4 Solutions |
CAT Difficult Test Set 4 | CAT Difficult Test Set 4 Solutions |
CAT Easy Test Set 5 | CAT Easy Test Set 5 Solutions |
CAT Medium Test Set 5 | CAT Medium Test Set 5 Solutions |
CAT Difficult Test Set 5 | CAT Difficult Test Set 5 Solutions |
CAT Easy Test Set 6 | CAT Easy Test Set 6 Solutions |
CAT Medium Test Set 6 | CAT Medium Test Set 6 Solutions |
CAT Difficult Test Set 6 | CAT Difficult Test Set 6 Solutions |
Read More:
- Best Books for CAT Preparation Recommended by Experts
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024: Ultimate Tips from Experts
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024: Tips from Toppers
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024 in 6 months
- How to Prepare for CAT 2024 Without Quitting Your Job
- Advantage of Appearing in CAT2024 While Pursuing Final Year Graduation
About the Author
Parasharan Chari is an alumnus of SPJIMR and is currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer at a popular MBA coaching institute.
FAQs on CAT Preparation for VARC 2024
Q: Which are the best books for CAT VARC preparation?
A: How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay, 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback by Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis and High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin are some of the best books for CAT VARC preparation.
Q: In how many months can I master VARC section of CAT?
A: VARC section requires long-term preparation as it requires developing reading habit to improve English comprehension. So, candidates who are weak in English reading and comprehension, must start reading books, novels and newspapers at least a year ahead.
Q: What are the main topics of Verbal Ability in CAT?
A: The main topics of Verbal Ability in CAT include Parajumbles, Sentence Completion, Cloze Tests to Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Spellings, Words Often Confused and Odd Words. Candidates must study these topics thoroughly and solve sample questions on them for complete preparation.
Q: How can I prepare for CAT VARC section by self-study?
A: To prepare for the VARC section of CAT by self-study, one needs to start reading English novels and books from early on. To prepare for both Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, candidates must practice a good number of sample papers, mock tests and practice questions.
Q: What is the weightage of VARC section in CAT?
A: The VARC section of CAT 2022 and CAT 2023 had 24 questions in total. Each question carried three marks for correct attempt and minus one mark for incorrect attempt (MCQs) only. So, the total weightage of VARC section is 72. The CAT 2024 VARC section will also have the same number of questions and same weightage.
Q: What is a good attempt in VARC section of CAT?
A: To score 99 percentile in the CAT, one needs to solve about 75 percent of the questions correctly in this section. Candidates should thus aim to attempt 12-15 questions in CAT VARC irrespective of the difficulty level.
Q: Is there negative marking in VARC section of CAT?
A: Yes, there is negative marking of -1 in the VARC section of CAT. However, there is no negative marking for non-MCQ type questions in this section of CAT. Candidates should choose the questions very carefully in order to avoid negative marking.
Q: What types of Reading Comprehension passages are there in CAT?
A: In CAT, the Reading Comprehension passages are usually inference based. They topics of RC passages range from philosophy, art & culture, literature to science, history and economics.
Q: What are the best resources for RC preparation?
A: The best resources for RC preparation is sample papers and previous years’ CAT question papers. For developing reading habit and strengthening vocabulary and comprehension, candidates must read newspaper editorials, biographies, fiction and non-fiction novels, economic reports and insights, etc.
Q: Is CAT VARC section tough?
A: The VARC section of CAT usually of moderate to high difficulty level, as the RC passages are long and dense. Since the questions are inference based and not fact based, the section usually appears to be tough and time taking.
Q: How important is it to read novels for CAT VARC section?
A: It is very important to read novels for preparation of CAT VARC section as by doing that the habit of reading long passages can be developed, which is essential for cracking a speed based exam like CAT. Also, the candidates gets to know foreign words and idioms which are not used in casual conversations on daily basis. Thus, novels are a great source of improving vocabulary.
Parasharan Chari is an alumnus of SP Jain and is currently serving as the chief operating officer at Endeavor Careers and is also associated with the design and development of its online testing portal CatGurus.com
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Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
The admission to the PGP course offered by MET Institute of Software Development and Research does not need candidates to crack the CAT exam, rather there is a separate test called MET Online Test. MET Institute of Software Development and Research admission is entrance-based for courses offered at
P
Beginner-Level 4
Answered Yesterday
GNIOT CAT cutoff 2024 is yet to be released. However, in 2023, MBA cutoff for the unreserved category stood at 25. Over the period of three years, the CAT cutoff remained constant. Candidates can refer to the table given below to check out CAT percentile till 2023:
N
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 3 days ago
Every year, over 2 Lacs candidates appear for the CAT exam and about 10-14 test takers score 100 percentile. In CAT 2024, the number of 100 percentiler was 11, and in CAT 2023 the number of 100 percentilers was 14. In CAT 2022, the number of 100 percentilers was 11. In CAT 2021, only 9 candidates sc
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, it is possible to score 99.99 percentile in CAT in first attempt. Many candidates have scored 99.99 percentile in their first attempt in previously. But for that one needs to have a preparation strategy which is comprehensive and covers all the aspects of CAT. Apart from covering CAT syllabus t
M
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 days ago
Candidates can take reference of subjects and topics from CAT study material for Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude, but XAT preparation has to be exam specific and must include exam specific study material. Aspirants can use CAT sample questions too for practice purpose,
E
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 days ago
XAT syllabus for Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation and Quantitative Aptitude are same as CAT syllabus. Decision Making and General Knowledge syllabus are not a part of CAT syllabus. Thus, XAT aspirants have to study more than CAT aspirants, which is why one needs to have a XAT specific preparation
N
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, candidates can do PGDM courses from SSIM Hyderabad without CAT entrance exam. The institute alsp accepts percentile ad scores of other national entrance exams such as XAT/MAT/CMAT/ATMA/GMAT/State Government Exam. Additionally, the other factors considered are academic performance, SOP, work exp
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
No, it is not wise to attempt a CAT mock test, just before the exam. Candidates must practice only one CAT mock test just before the exam; not to check his control over topics but to keep the confidence of time management high. Any candidate who has practiced a good number of mock tests will be able
N
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, it is possible to prepare for CAT exam with mock tests only if you have appeared for the exam previously and have complete control on the topics included in the CAT syllabus. But if you are a first timer, you need to first complete the syllabus, understand each and every topic and then practice
A
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 4 days ago
Candidates should practice CAT mock test during the day. Once, CAT admit card is released, they should practice CAT mocks at the same time as their exam slot. This will help them align their mind and body to 2 hours of rigorous test so that they can utilize their time in the CAT exam well. For examp
A
Beginner-Level 2
What is the CAT score required for MET Institute of Software Development and Research?