Overview: Preparing for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) for CAT becomes a little challenging looking at the level of questions asked in the exam. You can significantly ace the VARC section given the right strategy. In this blog we will see how to improve VARC for CAT. Stay right here with us!

As you begin your CAT exam preparation, you may be wondering, "How to improve VARC for CAT Exam?" This typical question marks the beginning of a significant journey, and you've arrived at the appropriate destination.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your skills, these tips will help you have a confident and effective CAT reading comprehension experience. 

Download FREE Study Material for CAT Exam 2024 by SuperGrads

How to Improve VARC for CAT exam 2024?

Understand the VARC Section of CAT Exam

The VARC section in CAT exam tests your proficiency and skills in English language. This section has questions based on Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Jumbled Paragraph, Verbal Reasoning, etc. You must go through the CAT VARC syllabus based on previous year's questions asked.

Unlike the other two sections in CAT exam which are Quantitative Ability (QA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), there is no logic and calculation behind the questions asked in VARC. This makes VARC a little challenging as the answers are totally based on language.

The rule of the language section are the rules without the logical or mathematical explanation. The learnings in this section are a never-ending process. The more you read the English language, the better you get in this section.

Read more: How to begin CAT exam preparation?

How to Improve VARC for CAT exam 2024? Personalized approach

In order to gain admission to prominent business schools, ambitious management professionals must pass the Common Admission Test (CAT). And to ace the CAT exam, you need to hoe yourself in this non-logic section i.e. VARC.

You can see from prior that in CAT exam question paper, RC has often made up between 65 to 70 percent of all VARC questions. 

Year	RC Questions	RC Question in %	Total Questions in VARC
2023	16	67	24
2022	16	67	24
2021	16	67	24
2020	18	69	26
2019	24	71	34

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT examination is extremely important, requiring a thorough understanding of reading comprehension skills. As a seasoned CAT preparation expert, I present to you a specifically designed guide that explains the complex intricacies of excelling in the CAT exam's reading comprehension section. 

Refer: CAT Exam Verbal Ability Questions with Solutions

How to Improve VARC for CAT

How Long Should it Take to Improve VARC?

It should ideally take 2-3 months for you to improve VARC for CAT given that you are consistent and dedicated with your practice and revision.

Let us understand the bifurcation of how you should structure and categorize your practice and reading for VARC.

1. Practice Online- As the CAT exam is conducted online, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the online test format well in advance. It would help you to get acquainted with the digital interface which you are actually going to face in the actual exam.
   Supergrads CAT test series is a platform offering practice passages, mock tests, and reading comprehension exercises specifically designed for CAT aspirants.
2. Read 1 Hour Daily- Daily reading is a cornerstone of resolving the challenge of how to improve VARC for CAT. Dedicate at least 1 hour daily to read the variety of resources for English reading. This is going to enhance your comprehension speed of any passage.
3. What to Read? - The Hindu, Indian Express, Economist, AEON Essays are the best resources for you to begin English reading daily. You must know that Editorials are the goldmine for having a perfect grasp on reading comprehension.
4. Novels – Only If You Like Reading Books- If you like reading books or novels, start incorporating them your daily study routine. While it is not at all mandatory for you to read novels, it can be good source for adding value in improving comprehension.
5. Vocab-Book <> Revision- To improve the VARC section it becomes crucial for you to improve your vocabulary. You must create a dedicated notebook where you can feed all the important vocab words you encounter while reading. Revise those words at least once a week.

Know more: CAT Exam Study Plan 2024

5 Tips on How to Improve VARC for CAT 

1. Passage by Point

   • Break the passage into multiple paragraphs.
   • Each paragraph should convey a different point.
   • Summarize each paragraph into one-liners.
   • Until June, write these one-liners down, then start doing it mentally.

2. Skimming the Text

   • Convey the same meaning with fewer words.
   • Focus on reading accurately, not quickly!
     
     For example: Nirmala Sitharaman’s fourth Budget is not a spend-and-stimulate exercise despite the fact that is has overrun the 3.3% target on fiscal deficit by as much as 0.5 percent point. Nor is it a feel-good budget even accounting for the next tax regime for personal income tax with lower rates.
     
     Nirmala Sitharaman’s fourth Budget is not a spend-and-stimulate exercise despite the fact that is has overrun the 3.3% target on fiscal deficit by as much as 0.5 percent point. Nor is it a feel-good budget even accounting for the new tax regime for personal income tax with lower rates.

Practice Through: CAT Exam VARC Questions

1. Do Not Memorize!

   • Don't memorize facts and figures.
   • Simply know where to find them.
   • You can always refer back to them when needed.

2. Transition Words

   • Use transition words to connect two ideas.
   • They prepare the reader for what's coming next.
     
     Example: Nirmala Sitharaman’s fourth Budget is not a spend-and-stimulate exercise despite exceeding the 3.3% fiscal deficit target by 0.5 percentage points. Moreover, it doesn’t create a feel-good effect, even with the new tax regime for personal income tax with lower rates.

3. Comma Effect

   • Ignore unnecessary words that occur between commas, known as parenthetical expressions.
     
     Example: "My grandmother, who was born in a small town, cannot go out of the house."

Read more: Tricks to solve reading comprehension questions. 

Best RC Resources: How to Improve VARC for CAT

Leverage the strength of CAT RC preparation resources written by renowned professionals. There are various books for CAT preparation which provide vital insights, complete with carefully prepared activities to hone your RC skills. 

Title	Author
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT	Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT	Nishit K Sinha

Read more: Best Books for CAT Preparation

Conclusion 

Beginning the journey on how to improve VARC for CAT exam requires commitment, constant practice, and strategic expertise. You will achieve mastery by systematically incorporating reading habits, keyword identification, time management, personalized strategies, and vocabulary development.