CAT RC passages often turn out to be the pain point for a large number of aspirants. They are dense and time consuming. Confusing options add to the woes of the test takers. Read this article to know 10 common pitfalls of RC passages in CAT 2024 and other MBA entrance exams and how to avoid them.
How to avoid mistakes in CAT RC? Reading Comprehension questions of CAT tests candidates on their observation and comprehension skills. The deeply you understand the passage, the more accurate choices you'll make in selection of the answers. CAT Reading Comprehension passages are long and complicated, often from topics you might not have come across. The CAT VARC includes almost 12-14 RC-based questions. To solve the CAT RC questions quickly and accurately, candidates need to have ample practice of quick reading. A good vocabulary is also essential.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.With RCs having over 50 per cent weightage in CAT, this area of Verbal Ability section cannot be ignored. It is not easy to concentrate on a reading comprehension passage while the clock is ticking, even if you have a strong interest in the subject. Because reading is considered a leisure activity. It is certainly not easy to crack the CAT RC passages even if you are an avid reader. It is not possible to get passages from your area of interest it the CAT VARC section. So, the only way to prepare for it is by improving the speed of reading and developing the skill of remembering key arguments of the passage. As the CAT 2024 preparation has reached its final stage we tell you how to improve score in CAT Reading Comprehension section?
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.
We believe that reading books that capture your interest is the best way to improve your vocabulary and grammar. What could be better than mixing interest and need? But then, CAT exam has no RC passage of one or two types. The CAT RC passages are generally extracted from the areas below:
- Business and Economics
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Current Events
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Fortunately, we have not seen many Natural Science passages in CAT so far, which are more common in GRE and GMAT. However, there are numerous RC passages in CAT from Sociology, Philosophy, Business and Economy. The problem lies not so much in the subject of the CAT Reading Comprehension as in the typeface. Like a simple concept can be complexly presented in Mathematics, a simple subject can be written in a complicated language.
Thus, if you would like to give priority to reading passages in the CAT exam at all, you should not focus on the subject being discussed, but focus on the ease with which you can read the passage. This ensures you can read and understand quickly.
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 :). .
How to improve understanding of a CAT RC passage?
Another question which constantly afflicts the mind of all MBA aspirants is: How can we improve understanding of a CAT RC passage? One must admit that reading questions and at the same time understanding it is challenging. In CAT, you will probably find a passage you've never read before. In time-consuming RC passages, intensive information, can be used. The rewards they bring, however, are fascinating. If you grasp a CAT RC passage well, you can get the majority of questions correct, meaning that a maximum marks will be gained by solving a number of questions.
One of the main factors to resolve understandings of CAT Reading Comprehension and to be exact in this area is in fact the approach that you take for this subject. In fact, how you face such a challenge becomes a central aspect of how you interpret.
Also Read:
- VARC preparation tips for CAT and other MBA entrance exams
- CAT preparation: Section-wise CAT 2024 preparation tips
- CAT Books: Section-wise best books for CAT and other study material
Common Pitfalls to Avoid While Reading an RC Passage
It is important that you keep a number of things in your mind while preparing for CAT 2024 and ensure that you avoid common pitfalls while balancing this area in a fine way.
In relation to the approach, please take into account the following points for understanding reading comprehension passages:
1. Don't highlight trivialities too much
Details are important. Don't be obsessed with examples, pictures, etc. You simply have to hang on to the main point and not the examples. Understanding the overall flow and structure will help you analyse these questions.
2. Do not memorize
Not every word in the passage needs to be stored in mind. Your priority should be to understand the flow, structure and the key points of the passage. You can always re-read the passage for factual or specific questions. But you might not get this luxury.
3. Do not first read the text
Do not first read the entire RC paragraph and then go through the questions, but do it vice versa. You will be prepared to concentrate on the things that you have to look at. Concentrate only on questions, not on a specific response option. There is a quick overview of the questions. However, you can apply this logic in parajumble.
4. Don't focus too much on RC vocabulary
It's great to have a strong vocabulary but it doesn't stop you from understanding Shakespearean vocabulary. So, don't put yourself under stress in this area and make sure you do not get stuck on particular words while reading the passage.
5. Don't spend time on RCs you can't understand
Sometimes, we find a passage that we cannot understand. If you are struggling with such a passage in CAT exam, be sure to avoid such a passage with patience. Concentrate on those RC passages that you can easily manage. If necessary, go back to the tricky passage.
Also Read:
- Reading Comprehension preparation tips
- Verbal Ability preparation tips
- Pronouns with exercises
- Parajumbles with exercises
- Prepositions with exercises
- Subject-Verb Agreement with exercises
- Types of Clauses with exercises
- Articles with exercises
- Phrases Modifiers with exercises
- Parts of Speech with exercises
- Errors in Tenses with exercises
6. Don't think that the right way would be out of the way
Any options out of reach are never the right answer. The correct answer is always based on the information provided in the passage. Do not concentrate on any option that distracts you from the crossing.
7. Do not depend on 'word trigger'
If you do not read through the passage attentively, you might get trapped in the 'trigger words' web. A passage can be concentrated on one point for some sentences and then change it with trigger words such as "but" or "even so". This usually confuses readers who skim or hurry around the passage.
8. Make notes
Make sure you make quick notes for a ready reference while reading obscure/abstract text. The general flow, structure, paragraph flow and major points can be entered. Remember to not make really long notes, just note the important markers / Punkte in the passage quickly.
9. Try anticipating questions
This skill is very difficult, but you will certainly be able to master it through the 'King of Reading Understanding'. While reading the passage, try to identify possible questions, and which areas of the passage appear to be the candidates most likely to be asked.
10. As you read the passage, always ask yourself questions
Make sure that certain fundamental questions remain at the back of your mind to keep your focus while reading: What is the author's key point? Why does the writer write it? How did the writer decide to transmit his/her main point? How was his/her material organised by the author?
Don't wait for stimulation, finally. Indeed, wait for the other way around! Most of the time, you'd bore yourself on RC issues and that should not let your energy drain. Keep an impartial approach to the passage and do not get mentally distressed by dark content.
The above are some of the basic points that must be taken into account when dealing with reading comprehension of MBA entrance exams. This will improve your focus, increase your understanding and increase your understanding of the subject. If you do, your task is done more or less.
Check Out:
| CAT syllabus 2024 | CAT pattern 2024 | CAT question papers PDFs |
CAT RC sample question for practice
SAMPLE QUESTION:
Read the statement or passage and then choose the best answer to the question. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the statement or passage.
Myths are stories, the products of a fertile imagination, sometimes simple, often containing profound truths. They are not meant to be taken too literally. Details may sometimes appear childish, but most myths express a culture's most serious beliefs about human beings, eternity, and God.
The main idea of this passage is that myths
- are created primarily to entertain young children
- are purposely written for the reader who lacks imagination
- provide the reader with a means of escape from reality
- illustrate the values that are considered important to a society
CAT questions for practice with solutions - VARC
Get here free PDFs of CAT VARC practice questions with answers. The CAT practice questions are of the same difficulty level as CAT.
| 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:
-
CAT Preparation 2024: Your Love For Reading Can Get You Desired Result
- CAT preparation 2024: Here are 10 tips for time management in VARC
Try this CAT Mock Test by Shiksha to assess your preparation level and time-management skill.
| CAT_Mock_Test_Set 1 | CAT_Mock_Test_Set_1_Solutions |
| CAT_Mock_Test_Set 2 | CAT_Mock_Test_Set_2 Solutions |
Watch Video for CAT VARC Preparation Tips by Experts:
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