CAT 2023 preparation: VARC important topics, how to tackle questions of this section

NEW DELHI: CAT 2023 entrance exam is scheduled on November 26. The CAT exam paper 2023 is likely to have 66 questions like last year. CAT question paper 2023 will have MCQs and non-MCQs divided into 3 sections- Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) and Quantitative Ability (QA). VARC section examines the language skills, ability to comprehend and effective communication skills of the candidates.

Verbal ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) is expected to have 24 questions. Candidates will get 40 minutes to attempt this section. They must try to accurately answer 13-15 questions in order to qualify for the CAT sectional cut offs.

CAT 2023: VARC Important topics and how to tackle questions

• Reading Comprehension - To answer these questions, candidates must start by skimming the paragraph to find the main theme and thesis statement of the content. It is recommended to highlight the main ideas and headings while actively reading the paragraphs.

• Para Jumbles - To solve these questions, one must understand the logic of sentences and the correlation between the ideas and flow of information in the paragraphs. Look for connectors and arrange the sentences in a logical order by using the elimination method.

• Paragraph Completion - Answer these questions by reading the paragraph carefully and finding out the missing part that seamlessly integrates with the existing text. Also, look for transitional words and phrases to choose the apt sentence.

• Para Summary - Start writing the summary by understanding the main ideas of the content and what actually is there in the passage. Try to keep it precise and to the point.

Also Read | CAT 2023 Preparation: How to ace DILR section

Tips to ace in CAT 2023 VARC section

Develop reading habits

Reading newspapers can be beneficial for solving questions related to vocabulary, sentence correction, antonyms and synonyms. It becomes necessary to read news, articles and editorials and learn the meanings of difficult words.

Focus on grammar

Topics such as sentence completion, errors in tenses, and prepositions demand a good hold on grammar. To avoid any grammatical mistakes, it is essential to focus on the use of grammar in the editorial section of newspapers and magazines.

Practise CAT mock tests

CAT mock tests are the key to achieving the desired results. Solving 3-4 CAT mock tests every day will help improve the speed and accuracy of the actual exam.

Practise quizzes

Start practising quizzes from the newspapers which will help you eliminate the wrong answers and choose the correct options.

Newspapers including The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Hindustan Times can be preferred for practising quizzes and preparing for the CAT exam.

CAT 2023 score will be accepted by over 1000 colleges in India. This year IIFT will also be accepting CAT exam score for admission to its postgraduate management programs. Candidates vying for top CAT colleges like IIMs, IITs, MDI Gurgaon, FMS, IMT, SPJIMR, GIM Goa, LBSIM, FORE, KJ Somaiya etc must aim for percentile ranging between 95 to 99+ in CAT exam.