In terms of cracking CAT 2025, the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section can turn out to be a game-changer. This is a strength or a big obstacle to many aspirants. But it is quite possible to learn VARC with a proper approach, strategy, and consistency.
In this blog, we will crack the code on how to go about VARC. You will get the Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability/Logic strategies, accuracy improvement tips, and a clear path to success in CAT 2025 VARC.
We shall also see how solving CAT 25 years previous solved question papers and how to refer to the correct VARC book for CAT, and how this can help you prepare. Here we go to the mastery of VARC.
The significance of VARC in CAT 2025
The weightage of VARC in CAT is 34 percent. VARC can be your downfall even when you are good at QA or DILR. The section does not only check your knowledge of English grammar or vocabulary; it checks whether you can read, process, interpret, and logically draw conclusions on complex texts.
VARC Structure in CAT 2025
Component |
Number of Questions |
Question Type |
Difficulty Level |
Reading Comprehension |
16-18 |
MCQ (mostly) |
Moderate-High |
Verbal Ability & Logic |
6-8 |
Non-MCQ (TITA) & MCQ |
Moderate |
Total |
24 |
MCQ + TITA |
Moderate-High |
Reading Comprehension (RC): Strategies That Work
1. Types of Passages in CAT
Type of Passage |
Common Themes |
How to Approach |
Abstract/Philosophical |
Ethics, morality, existentialism |
Focus on main idea & tone |
Scientific |
Psychology, biology, tech |
Highlight technical terms |
Economic/Business |
Market trends, policies |
Use elimination on dense options |
Historical |
Events, revolutions, theories |
Timeline and cause-effect analysis |
2. Use Elimination Smartly
Often, 2 options seem correct. In these cases, identify extreme words like "always", "never", "guarantee". CAT seldom uses such extremes in correct options. Eliminate them.
3. Practice Daily, Analyze Weekly
Practicing 2-3 RCs every day develops stamina. But the most important thing is to review your answers on a weekly basis by using CAT Previous years question papers. Examine your faulty decisions and how you could have interpreted them better.
Read More: Is 4 Months Enough to Prepare for CAT? Here’s How to Make It Work
Verbal Ability & Logic: A Step-By-Step Approach
1. Para Jumbles (TITA)
Approach:
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Identify opening sentences (look for subjects, pronouns).
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Group related ideas.
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Eliminate options with incorrect sequence.
Tip: Practice using CAT 25 years previous solved question papers to understand commonly repeated patterns.
2. Odd Sentence Out
This is a pattern-recognition test. From 5 logically connected sentences, identify the one that doesn’t fit.
Clue: The odd one will:
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Shift the tone.
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Be unrelated thematically.
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Lack of connecting transition.
3. Para Summary
This is about condensing the core message of a paragraph. Avoid options that:
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Add extra info.
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Miss the central idea.
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Reflect only one example from the paragraph.
Use the VARC book for CAT to master this skill through continuous reading and summarization drills.
How to Prepare for VARC the Right Way?
Let’s now break down a strategy that works for both working professionals and full-time students.
Weekly Plan for 3 Months (Sample)
Day |
Activity |
Duration |
Monday |
2 RCs + 2 Para Jumbles |
1.5 hrs |
Tuesday |
RC + Summary + Vocabulary |
1.5 hrs |
Wednesday |
RC + Odd One Out + Mock Review |
2 hrs |
Thursday |
Mock Test Sectional (VARC only) |
1 hr |
Friday |
RC + Grammar Concept + Error Review |
1.5 hrs |
Saturday |
Solve from the CAT Previous years question papers |
2 hrs |
Sunday |
Revision + Notes Creation + Rest |
1 hr |
How can I improve my reading comprehension for CAT 2025?
The process of improving reading comprehension is concerned with developing speed and comprehension. You can begin by reading editorial columns of newspapers such as The Hindu or business magazines. Read philosophy, psychology, economics and current affairs. After each read, in one or two lines, write down the main message. Then move on to real CAT-level RCs.
Using CAT 25 years previous solved question papers will help you in identifying the kind of questions to be answered. Time management is one thing you should not forget to practice by simulating a real exam environment. Slowly decrease the amount of time you spend on each RC passage, from 10 minutes to 6-7 minutes.
Does VARC require vocabulary in CAT?
In spite of the widespread opinion, CAT does not test vocabulary directly by means of synonym-antonym questions. Vocabulary, however, has an indirect role. In case you do not comprehend important words in a text, you may misunderstand the tone or conclusion.
You do not have to memorize dictionaries, but you should know common academic terminology that is used. That is why it is useful to solve CAT Previous years question papers, which will acquaint you with the real vocabulary of CAT in context. It is much more effective to build this contextual vocabulary than to mug up lists of isolated words.
What is the best way to tackle TITA questions in VARC?
Questions such as para jumbles are more difficult in the form of TITA (Type in The Answer) as they do not involve any negative marking, but also no options to help you. The secret in this is to practice a lot and to get a feel of sentence connectors, chronological hints, and subject pronoun references.
You can develop this intuition with time using practice material in the CAT 2025 preparation books. In addition, revise patterns of the VARC book for CAT that focus on the way to approach TITA formats. The visualization of sentence flow should always be done on scratch paper.
What is the role of mock tests in improving VARC scores?
Mock tests are crucial. They help you:
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Manage time.
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Understand real exam pressure.
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Learn which passages to attempt first.
However, mocks are only effective if followed by analysis. Use every mock as a diagnostic tool. Did you misread a tone? Did you get confused between the two options? If yes, why? Revisiting mocks using CAT Previous years question papers will help reinforce learning.
Don’t chase the number of mocks—focus on the depth of your review.
Mistakes to Avoid in VARC Preparation
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Skimming blindly: Skimming is useful, but skipping too much can lead to misinterpretation.
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Overdependence on tricks: Elimination and tone analysis are helpful but not foolproof. Don’t skip reading the passage properly.
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Ignoring analysis: Practice is pointless without knowing why you went wrong.
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Neglecting TITA questions: Many skip these, assuming they’re too hard. They’re not—if practiced well.
Role of Books & Previous Papers (Without Recommendations)
We’re not suggesting any book, but here’s why books matter:
-
They provide structure to your practice.
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They help you cover all question types methodically.
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Books aligned with the CAT 2025 preparation book standards expose you to new variations of the same question types.
Similarly, practicing from CAT 25 years previous solved question papers gives you clarity on:
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Evolution of VARC difficulty.
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Repeated logical traps.
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Real CAT-level comprehension themes.
Even solving 1 paper per week and deeply analyzing it can bring massive improvement.
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Conclusion
VARC does not require an ability to speak fluent English--it is an ability to process, interpret, and logically analyze language under time pressure. That is what the CAT tests. You put yourself in a winning position by developing reading discipline, enhancing logical reasoning, and revising previous year questions by using CAT Previous years question papers.
Do not depend on passive reading. Any paragraph you read should be doubted. All RC passages must be broken down. A forensic report should be analyzed in every mock. And when you combine intelligent revision by using genuine CAT 25 years ago solved question papers, you gain confidence every week.
By having a regular schedule, a few smart tricks, and having the right VARC book to help you with CAT, you can turn your worst area into your best.
Start today. Read deeply. Think logically. Practice purposefully.
Make VARC your strength in CAT 2025 and not your fear.