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Speed Reading Techniques for CAT 2026: How to Read RC Passages Faster in VARC
Speed reading is a key skill for the CAT VARC section because it helps candidates manage time and improve comprehension under pressure. In CAT, long passages and tight time limits make it essential to read quickly without losing meaning. Aspirants who master speed reading techniques can skim and scan efficiently for the CAT 2026 exam. This improves both accuracy and confidence while attempting Reading Comprehension and related VARC questions.
This Story also Contains
- Importance of Speed Reading in VARC Time Management
- Understanding the Structure of the VARC Section in CAT 2026
- Top Speed-Reading Techniques for CAT 2026
- How to Improve Reading Speed for CAT VARC?
- Daily Practice Strategies to Sharpen Speed Reading
- VARC Reading Strategies for CAT 2026 Toppers
- Using Editorials & Journals to Master Speed and Comprehension
In this article, we are going to discuss which is a worry point for many, that is, Speed reading techniques for the CAT 2026 to ace the VARC section in CAT 2026.
Importance of Speed Reading in VARC Time Management
Speed reading plays a vital role in managing time effectively in the CAT VARC section. With long Reading Comprehension passages and limited time, the ability to read faster without losing meaning helps aspirants attempt more questions accurately. Speed reading allows better passage selection, quicker understanding of arguments, and more time for tricky verbal ability questions.
Helps Cover Long RC Passages Quickly
CAT RC passages are usually lengthy and dense. Speed reading helps aspirants go through passages faster while still understanding the main ideas. This reduces the time spent on each passage and avoids panic, allowing candidates to attempt more RC questions within the given time limit.
Improves Passage Selection Strategy
When aspirants can read faster, they can quickly scan all passages and choose the easier ones first. Speed reading helps in identifying familiar topics, simpler language, and clear arguments. This smart selection prevents wasting time on difficult passages early in the section.
Enhances Focus and Reduces Re-reading
Slow reading often leads to loss of focus and frequent re-reading of lines. Speed reading improves concentration and flow, helping candidates understand the passage in one go. This saves time and reduces mental fatigue during the VARC section.
Creates More Time for Verbal Ability Questions
Reading passages quickly leaves extra time for verbal ability questions like para jumbles and summaries. Since these questions require thinking rather than reading, saved time from RC can be used to improve accuracy in VA questions.
Builds Confidence Under Exam Pressure
Speed reading gives aspirants confidence during the exam. Knowing that passages can be handled quickly reduces stress and improves decision-making. This confidence helps candidates stay calm, maintain accuracy, and manage VARC time more effectively.
Understanding the Structure of the VARC Section in CAT 2026
Understanding the CAT exam format for the VARC section is necessary before attending the section. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of the CAT exam is often considered to be one of the important and decisive sections of the CAT examination. Further insights into the CAT VARC section are provided below.
Number of Questions and Types in VARC
The VARC section typically contains 24 questions divided into:
Reading Comprehension (RC): 16 questions across 4 passages
Verbal Ability (VA): 8 questions on best fit, para-jumbles, odd one out, and paragraph summary
Most questions are MCQS and only a few TITA (Type in the Answer), making comprehension and inference skills crucial
Top Speed-Reading Techniques for CAT 2026
When it comes to management entrance examinations, both speed and accuracy play an important role in deciding the CAT score of the candidates. Due to the presence of lengthy passages, it has become increasingly difficult for the candidates to focus on time management while attempting the VARC section of the CAT examination. Given below are some of the effective CAT strategies to build speed while solving the VARC section of the CAT examination.
Chunking: As a CAT aspirant, it is very important to build eyes and work on reading groups of words instead of individual words. It is also an important characteristic trait of a successful aspirant.
Minimise Subvocalization: Many times, it happens that our mind wanders, so try to reduce the inner voice that slows reading down.
Previewing: Developing a scanning eye is very important. Try to scan headings and the first sentence of paragraphs before deep reading.
Pointer Method: While in the offline method, try to use a finger or pen to guide the eyes and maintain focus.
Regression Control: The best strategy is to move on by avoiding unnecessary backtracking.
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Use NowTaking notes or summarising in the margins can be very helpful for creating a mind map of the content as you read. Give it a try and experience the benefits.
How to Improve Reading Speed for CAT VARC?
Many candidates have often said that the major issue that they face while attempting the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of the CAT examination is that they do not find enough time for solving the questions. This has often resulted in them not attempting a Reading Comprehension passage or two. Here, speed is a very important factor that determines the extent to which the candidates will be able to attempt the RC questions. Given below are a few CAT preparation tips for the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section on how the candidates can enhance their speed of answering the questions.
Assess Your Current Reading Speed
Practice reading each day by setting a target and establishing a disciplined routine. Start with topics that align with your interest, and gradually expand to cover a variety of subjects. Aim to read at least 2 to 3 reading comprehension passages daily. Begin by assessing your baseline: read a passage of 300 to 500 words and calculate your words per minute (WPM) while also noting your comprehension accuracy. This will provide you with a starting point to track your progress over time. The set target is 330 words per minute, so work accordingly.
Set Realistic Speed Goals with Accuracy
Everything will happen over some time, so try to aim to gradually increase reading speed by 10–20 WPM weekly while maintaining at least 80% comprehension. For CAT, a good target is 300–350 WPM with a high accuracy. In the CAT Exam for the last few years, passages have been of average length. This can be understood by analysing the CAT previous year question papers.
Use Online Tools and Timed RC Passages
Consider utilising interactive platforms such as ReadTheory, Spreeder, or specialised apps designed for reading comprehension practice. These resources provide simulated reading comprehension passages that mimic the style and format you'll encounter on the actual CAT exam day. Engaging in time-bound exercises on these platforms can significantly enhance your ability to think critically and quickly under pressure, training your brain to effectively manage time constraints while absorbing and analysing information. But it should be on RC in one attempt.
Track Progress Using WPM and Accuracy %
Try to maintain a straightforward log to monitor your progress and performance. Include vital metrics such as:
- Passage Type and Source: Document the genre of the text (fiction, nonfiction, academic, etc.) and where it was obtained to understand your reading preferences and challenges.
- Time Taken: Record the duration spent on each passage to understand your reading speed and pacing.
- Words Per Minute (WPM): Calculate your reading speed to see how it evolves over time, helping you become a more efficient reader.
- Comprehension Score: Track your accuracy by noting the number of correct answers to comprehension questions, which allows you to assess your understanding of the material.
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This detailed logging not only clarifies your reading habits but also highlights your strengths and identifies areas needing improvement, providing a clearer path toward your reading goals.
Daily Practice Strategies to Sharpen Speed Reading
Speed and accuracy, as we have discussed above, are two of the most decisive factors that determine the admission of candidates towards their dream business school. For beginners in the CAT exam who might be struggling with speed and accuracy, they must ensure that they practice daily. A CAT timetable can be devised, and you must stick to it. A systematic daily schedule must be followed by the candidates to bring the most out of their CAT 2026 preparation.
Ideal Practice Time and Materials to Use
Start with 5 5-minute activities every day. Then, only slowly increase the time and make a target to spend at least 30–45 minutes daily on reading practice. Use a mix of:
Editorials
Opinion columns
Scientific and philosophical essays
CAT-level RC passages
Also, something that is light and you like
How to Choose Articles for Speed Practice
When tackling Reading Comprehension (RC) passages in the exam, it is important to ensure that unfamiliar vocabulary does not hinder your understanding of the text. While you may encounter unfamiliar words, try to deduce their meanings from the context in which they appear. Instead of concentrating on individual words, focus on the key ideas and main concepts of each paragraph.
Pick articles with:
Dense vocabulary
Argumentative structure
Abstract themes
Good sources: Aeon, The Guardian (Opinion), The Hindu Editorial, NYT Opinion, The Economist.
Incorporating RCS from Newspapers & Magazines
Take the challenge and succeed. Start regularly solving RCs from current newspapers, and train your brain to handle unfamiliar content. Magazines like The Economist, Scientific American, or Frontline offer rich, diverse content. The more you go out of your comfort zone, the more confident you get and the better you will perform.
VARC Reading Strategies for CAT 2026 Toppers
While speed is important, accuracy is also a decisive factor. Speed without accuracy yields no results, and the negative marks accumulated by this can be potentially fatal for the candidates as well. In this section, we will learn about the various VARC reading strategies that can be employed to enhance the reading comprehension abilities of the candidates.
How Toppers Approach CAT Reading Comprehension
CAT toppers always follow a strategic approach during their CAT preparation. Taking inspiration from them and incorporating their preparation methodologies can significantly help the candidates. Some of the effective strategies followed by the CAT toppers in enhancing their CAT VARC scores are listed below.
A. Note making Technique
Here's how it works: You read a paragraph and then quickly jot down what you just read. Repeat this process: read a paragraph, take a note, read another paragraph, and take another note. Your notes should be brief-just a word or a phrase that captures the main idea of the paragraph.
To take notes more efficiently, consider the following tips:
- Keep your notes concise.
- Write down ideas instead of full sentences.
- Focus on keywords and phrases.
- Only include what is absolutely necessary.
- Avoid excessive highlighting.
- Be cautious about getting too caught up in details; this can distract you from the main point. This is a common issue in note-taking.
A better approach is to finish reading the entire paragraph before deciding what to note down.
For example-
Sample Passage – Business
Starting a business requires more than just a great idea; it demands planning, persistence, and a clear understanding of the market. The first essential step is identifying a real customer need that the product or service can fulfil. A business plan then helps chart the path to success by outlining objectives, target audience, financial forecasts, and marketing strategies.
Equally important is understanding the competition. A thorough market analysis reveals existing players, their strengths and weaknesses, and areas where a new business can offer something better or different. Pricing, branding, and customer service must all be tailored to stand out.
Financial management is another cornerstone of a successful business. Entrepreneurs must track expenses, manage cash flow, and secure funding when necessary. Poor financial planning often leads to business failure, regardless of how promising the idea might be.
Finally, adaptability is key. Markets shift, customer preferences change, and technology evolves. A successful business stays flexible, ready to pivot strategies when needed. In today’s fast-paced economy, innovation and responsiveness are as valuable as the original business idea.
Summary:
A successful business starts with identifying a customer need and planning strategically. Key aspects include market research, financial management, and adaptability. Competitive analysis and innovation help businesses stay relevant and grow sustainably.
Table: Key Ideas and Supporting Ideas
Key Idea | Supporting Ideas |
Identifying a customer need | Product/service must fulfil a real demand |
Strategic planning | A business plan includes goals, target audience, marketing, and financial planning |
Understanding competition | Analyse competitors, differentiate through pricing, branding, and service |
Financial management | Track expenses, manage cash flow, and secure funding |
Adaptability and innovation | Adjust to market shifts, respond to changing customer needs and technological trends |
B. Creating Visual Maps
Mind maps are dynamic visual tools for note-taking that help organise information in a pictorial format, enhancing comprehension and retention. They are particularly effective for subjects with interconnected concepts, such as business, law, physics, and medicine, as they allow users to see relationships between ideas.
To create a mind map, start with a central idea in the centre and draw branches for key points and subheadings. Use colours, symbols, and images to enrich the map, making the process more engaging and improving memory retention. Ensure your mind map reflects the structure and relationships within the material you are studying.
Using Editorials & Journals to Master Speed and Comprehension
Both editorials and journals are seen to be important practical resources for the candidates to enhance their VARC section performance. Apart from providing a plethora of information, editorials also provide the candidates with the much-needed practice for mastering the VARC section of the CAT exam.
Best Newspapers and Magazines for CAT VARC
The Hindu (Editorial)
Indian Express
The Guardian
The Economist
Scientific American
Smithsonian Magazine
These expose you to global topics, dense argumentation, and diverse writing styles.
What to Read
Considering the importance of reading comprehension, it is essential to prioritise reading. However, with the limited time left before the CAT exam, some of you may find it challenging to fit in all the CAT preparation books you want to read. We have a simple solution: a list of online resources that can help you improve your reading skills for the CAT.
You can choose from the following topic-wise resources, depending on your interests. It’s advisable to read articles from various fields to develop your reading skills comprehensively.
Category | Websites / Sources |
Philosophy Websites & Sections | The Philosopher’s Beard, The Stone (New York Times), Sophia Project, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Philosophy Hub |
Economics & Business | The Economist, The New York Times (Paul Krugman Articles), Project Syndicate, Financial Times |
Art, Culture & Literature | The New Yorker, Granta, The Culture Vulture |
Mock Test Strategies: Apply Speed Reading Under Exam Conditions
CAT mock tests and CAT sample papers play an essential role in shaping the candidate’s CAT 2026 preparation. Before attempting the actual CAT exam, you should practice as many CAT mock tests as possible. Given below are a few strategies that you can follow while attempting the CAT mock tests to improve your CAT scores under the VARC section.
1. When analysing a passage, it is crucial to concentrate on the main points and overall structure rather than getting bogged down by trivial details. This approach will help you effectively analyse the content and answer related questions.
2. Rather than memorising the passage, it is more beneficial to prioritise understanding its flow and key points. For questions requiring factual information or specific details, you can always refer back to the text for clarification.
3. A strategic approach is to begin by reading the questions before moving further into the passage. This method allows you to focus on relevant information and minimises distractions from answer choices. A quick overview of the questions is sufficient to guide your reading.
4. It is unnecessary to stress about having an extensive vocabulary to comprehend the passage. While a strong vocabulary can be advantageous, focusing on grasping the primary ideas of the text is more important than fixating on individual words.
5. If you encounter a passage that is particularly challenging to understand, it is wise to allocate your time to passages that you find more manageable. You always have the option to revisit difficult passages later if needed.
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Here are some top colleges accepting XAT and CAT exams :
Top colleges accepting CAT:
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IIMs (All Indian Institutes of Management)
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FMS Delhi
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SPJIMR Mumbai
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MDI Gurgaon
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IIT Bombay (SJMSOM)
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IIT Delhi (DMS)
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IIFT
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Hi there,
A female candidate with a CAT percentile of 67.97 and low sectional scores should target private and tier-2/3 B-schools that accept overall CAT scores in the 60–70 percentile range and have flexible sectional criteria.
Some suitable options include AIMS Institute Bangalore, Doon Business School Dehradun, Christ Institute of
Hi there,
Yes, you are eligible for XISS Ranchi with a CAT percentile of 67.60.
According to recent admission trends, the CAT cutoff for the PGDM in Human Resource Management for the general category has been around 60 percentile. For other programs such as Marketing, Finance, and Rural Management, the
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Careers360 offers a wide range of eBooks and study materials to assist with CAT preparation. You can access past CAT question papers with solutions to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level. Additionally, there are quantitative aptitude handbooks, cheat sheets, and section-specific practice sets for arithmetic, algebra, and
Hi there,
The minimum eligibility criteria for a general candidate to receive a call from IIM Sambalpur are as follows:
VARC: 65%ile
QUANTS: 65%ile
LRDI: 65%ile
Overall: 90%tile
Keep practising and aim to improve your score. You can also focus on other management exams where you may secure a strong
Popular CAT Questions
Directions for question :
M/s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, one of the top four audit and accounting firms in the world with headquarters at London, UK, and with an operational presence in 153 countries, hires Management Trainees (MT) from all the premier management institutes of India thrice every year, in the months of January, May and September.
Each new group of Management Trainees (MT) have to go through a four month rigorous training schedule, after which they have to pass through a test consisting of a written assessment and a case-analysis. The top hundred ranked Management Trainees (MT) based on the performance in the test are confirmed as Management Executives (ME). The rest are given the opportunity of undergoing the training for four months one more time along with the next batch of Management Trainees (MT) and then passing through the subsequent test consisting of the written assessment and case-analysis. The Management Trainee (MT) who fails to get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the second time is fired.
The scatter-graph below depicts the number of Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte taking the tests from January 2020 till May 2022, and the vis-à-vis hired Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte who were fired :
It is also known that for the month of September 2019 at Deloitte, 96 hired Management Trainees (MT) failed to be confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the first time, and that 36 hired Management Trainees (MT) were fired.
Question :
In which test did the minimum number of Management Trainees (MT) get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) in the second attempt ?
Option: 1
September 2020
Option: 2
May 2021
Option: 3
January 2021
Option: 4
January 2022
Directions for question:
The bar-graph given below shows the foreign exchange reserves of Nepal (in million Rupees) from 2014 to 2021. Answer the following questions based on the graph :
Question:
What was the percentage increase (rounded to the nearest integer, if deemed necessary) in the foreign exchange reserves in 2020 over 2016 ?
Option: 1 None
Option: 2 None
Option: 3 None
Option: 4 None
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