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CAT VARC 2026 Strategy: Topic-Wise Weightage, Time Plan & Smart Attempt Order
The VARC section in CAT 2026 demands more than just good English; it tests how clearly and quickly a candidate can understand complex ideas. With Reading Comprehension making up the largest share, knowing how to choose passages, manage time, and avoid common traps becomes crucial. This article focuses on practical strategies that help aspirants attempt the VARC section of CAT 2026 confidently.
This Story also Contains
- CAT VARC 2026 Topic Wise Weightage
- Best Approach for CAT VARC Section
- CAT VARC Section Overview
- Key Strategies to Approach the CAT 2026 VARC Section
- VARC Strategy CAT 2026: Balancing Speed and Accuracy
- How to Attempt the VARC Section in CAT 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
- CAT 2026 VARC: Accuracy vs Speed
- Common VARC Mistakes to Avoid
CAT VARC 2026 Topic Wise Weightage
CAT VARC 2026 Topic Wise Weightage shows a clear and consistent pattern across all three slots. Reading Comprehension dominates the section with 16 out of 24 questions, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the total weightage. The remaining 8 questions come from Verbal Ability, evenly distributed among para-jumbles, para-summaries, para-completion, and odd-one-out questions. Know about the CAT VARC Slot 1 topic wise weightage in the section below.
CAT VARC Slot 1 Topic Wise Weightage
Topic (VARC) | No. of questions | % of VARC (out of 24) |
Reading Comprehension (4 passages × 4 qns) | 16 | 66.67% |
Para-summary | 2 | 8.33% |
Para-jumble | 2 | 8.33% |
Para-completion / Paragraph completion | 2 | 8.33% |
Odd-one-out / Odd sentence out | 2 | 8.33% |
CAT VARC Slot 2 Topic Wise Weightage
Topic (VARC) | No. of questions | % of VARC (out of 24) |
Reading Comprehension (4 passages × 4 qns) | 16 | 66.67% |
Para-summary | 2 | 8.33% |
Para-jumble | 2 | 8.33% |
Para-completion / Paragraph completion | 2 | 8.33% |
Odd-one-out / Odd sentence out | 2 | 8.33% |
CAT VARC Slot 3 Topic Wise Weightage
Topic (VARC) | No. of questions | % of VARC (out of 24) |
Reading Comprehension (4 passages × 4 qns) | 16 | 66.67% |
Para-summary | 2 | 8.33% |
Para-jumble | 2 | 8.33% |
Para-completion / Paragraph completion | 2 | 8.33% |
Odd-one-out / Odd sentence out | 2 | 8.33% |
Best Approach for CAT VARC Section
The VARC section has equal weight with Quantitative Ability (QA) and Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), accounting for a third of your overall CAT score. Its significance goes beyond numbers:
Sectional Cut-offs: Most IIMs enforce sectional cut-offs, requiring a minimum score in each section. A weak VARC performance can disqualify you, regardless of your performance elsewhere.
Percentile Impact: Since CAT VARC questions often have multiple plausible answers, the scoring becomes more nuanced. Students who master the art of selecting the "best" answer consistently outperform those who rely on intuition.
Foundation for MBA Success: The skills tested in VARC – critical reading, logical reasoning, and effective communication – are fundamental to MBA coursework and business leadership.
Competitive Advantage: While many students focus heavily on quantitative sections, excelling in VARC can provide a significant competitive edge, especially for those from non-English medium backgrounds.
CAT VARC Section Overview
The verbal ability and reading comprehension section of the CAT exam plays a key role in determining the CAT exam success of the candidates. The candidates are asked 24 questions under this section, and there exists a sectional time limit of 40 minutes. The important insights into the CAT VARC section are provided below for the reference of the candidates. Compared to the other sections, the CAT VARC syllabus is not very broad.
Component | Number of Questions | Type | Weightage |
Reading Comprehension | 16 | MCQs | ~66% |
Verbal Ability | 8 | TITA + MCQs | ~34% |
Note: There can be some CAT TITA questions (Type in the answer) in Verbal Ability that have no negative marking, making them excellent opportunities to score.
Question Types to Explore:
Question Type | Format | Expected Number of Questions |
Para Jumbles | TITA | 2 to 3 |
Para Summary | MCQ | 2 to 3 |
Odd-One-Out | TITA | 2 to 3 |
The question types you can expect include:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with four options
Type in the Answer (TITA) questions requiring you to enter the answer directly
Questions testing inference, main idea, tone, and the author's perspective
Para-jumble questions requiring logical sequencing
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Use NowKey Strategies to Approach the CAT 2026 VARC Section
To succeed in the VARC section, a systematic approach is essential rather than relying on random attempts. The best strategy consists of three key phases:
Pre-reading Phase:
Before delving into the passages, spend 2-3 minutes scanning all the questions. This will help you understand the section's difficulty level and plan the order in which to tackle the questions. This initial assessment allows you to identify easier passages and allocate your time effectively.
Active Reading Phase:
Develop an active reading technique that encourages you to engage with the text rather than passively consume it. This involves:
Identifying the main theme in the first paragraph
Noting transition words that indicate shifts in the argument
Recognising the author's tone and perspective
Creating mental maps to understand the structure of the argument
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Strategic Answering Phase:
Answer the questions systematically, starting with direct factual questions before moving on to inferential ones. Always refer back to the passage to verify your answers instead of relying solely on memory.
VARC Strategy CAT 2026: Balancing Speed and Accuracy
The ongoing dilemma in the CAT VARC preparation is whether to prioritise speed or accuracy. The best approach requires a balanced strategy:
Strategy | Details |
Quality over Quantity | Attempting 18–20 questions with 80–85% accuracy is more effective than attempting all 24 with only 60–65% accuracy due to negative marking. |
Time Allocation | - 28–30 minutes on RCs (approx. 7–8 mins per passage) - 8–10 minutes on VA questions - 2–3 minutes for review or educated guesses |
Adaptive Approach | Skip tough passages initially and return later. Focus first on easier sections to save time and maintain exam momentum. |
How to Attempt the VARC Section in CAT 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Often, the candidates with low language skills feel the heat while attempting the CAT VARC section. This is because the lack of good CAT VARC preparation might lead to underperformance in the CAT examination. Due to this, the candidates might perform poorly on the CAT exam day and end up with a below-par CAT percentile score. This section explains the step-by-step process to ace the CAT exam preparation and secure a good score in the examination.
Step 1: Time Management in VARC for the CAT Exam
Effective CAT time management in the VARC section begins with knowing your personal reading speed and comprehension level. Most successful CAT candidates read at a pace of 200-250 words per minute while maintaining good comprehension.
Initial Assessment (2 minutes):
Quickly scan all the passages to understand their difficulty levels. Consider the following factors:
- Passage length and complexity
- Familiar versus unfamiliar topics
- Types of questions and their difficulty
Passage Selection Strategy:
Start with passages on familiar topics or those that seem more structured. Save abstract philosophical texts or highly technical passages for later.
Time Tracking:
Monitor your progress every 10 minutes. If you find yourself spending more than 8 minutes on a single passage, move on and plan to return to it if time allows.
Example Time Distribution
Time Frame | Task |
Minutes 1–2 | Overview of the section and planning |
Minutes 3–10 | First RC passage (easier topic) |
Minutes 11–18 | Second RC passage |
Minutes 19–26 | Third RC passage |
Minutes 27–34 | Verbal Ability (VA) questions |
Minutes 35–38 | Fourth RC passage (if time permits) |
Minutes 39–40 | Final review and guessing |
Step 2: Understanding the Reading Comprehension (RC) and Verbal Ability (VA) Sections
RC passages in the CAT are usually 300-500 words long and cover a wide range of subjects. It's important to remember that you're not required to become an expert on the topic; instead, your goal is to understand the author's argument and perspective.
Common RC Question Types:
Fact-Based Questions: These questions require candidates to identify direct answers from the passage.
Inference Questions: Candidates must draw logical conclusions based on the content of the passage.
Vocabulary-Based Questions: These inquiries assess the understanding of word meanings within context.
Tone and Attitude Questions: Candidates need to evaluate the author's perspective and writing style.
Main Idea Questions: These questions prompt candidates to ascertain the central theme of the passage.
Logical Structure Questions: These items examine the flow and organisation of the passage.
Among all question types, identifying the main idea is the most essential. If someone has difficulty understanding the main idea of a passage, they are likely to face challenges with the ensuing questions as well. Thus, the primary emphasis should be on comprehending the main idea of the text. For the last few years, Double Negative questions have been playing a vital role, so understanding the questions is very important to gain accuracy.
CAT Reading Comprehension Strategies
First, skim the entire passage once to decide whether to attempt or not, and also note the area.
Understand the structure: introduction → body → conclusion. Because it will help you comprehend the text more closely.
Pay attention to the transition: The candidates must pay attention to transition words such as "however," "on the other hand," and "therefore."
Identify the Main Idea First for Better Reasoning
For Example, in a passage about climate change scepticism, if the author presents both sides but ultimately supports renewable energy, the tone might be "balanced but persuasive. So be careful about authors' opinions and the philosophical ideas behind the writing.
Para Jumbles (TITA)
The target is to get an idea about the main topic, then look for connectors, chronology, and pronoun references. Try to get the flow from the author's point of view and find the correct connection.
Example:
Statements:
1. A new study suggests that sleep improves memory.
2. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in this process.
3. During deep sleep, neural connections strengthen.
4. Scientists have long wondered about the connection between sleep and cognition.
Correct order: 4 – 1 – 3 – 2
Odd-One-Out
It revolves around the same theme as a para jumble, and
then eliminates the line that breaks the flow or theme. This line is completely misplaced in the logic.
Para Summary
To understand the passage, identify the main idea. Select the option that encompasses all key points in a neutral tone.
Determine the argument or core claim.
Eliminate answer choices that:
Emphasise a single point excessively
Introduce irrelevant information
Alter the author's tone
Example Analysis: Consider a passage about artificial intelligence ethics. The structure might be:
Paragraph 1: Introduction to AI ethics concerns
Paragraph 2: Current regulatory challenges
Paragraph 3: Proposed solutions and their limitations
Paragraph 4: Author's perspective on the way forward
Tips for Answering RC Questions Effectively
Read Questions First Strategy
Eliminate Obviously Wrong Options
Look for Extreme Language, Understand Question Stems
Practice with Diverse Topics
CAT 2026 VARC: Accuracy vs Speed
The Main Idea-based question is the most critical type to master. Struggling to identify the main idea often leads to difficulties with subsequent questions, making it essential to grasp the main idea of the text.
For Verbal Ability (VA), important skills include: - Identifying topic sentences - Linking ideas logically - Understanding pronoun references - Detecting cause-and-effect relationships - Recognizing chronological sequences
For Reading Comprehension (RC), focus on: - Fact-Based Questions: Finding direct answers in the passage - Inference Questions: Drawing logical conclusions - Vocabulary Questions: Understanding context-specific meanings - Tone and Attitude Questions: Evaluating the author’s perspective - Main Idea Questions: Identifying the central theme
Logical Structure Questions: Assessing the passage's flow Mastering the main idea is crucial for answering other questions effectively.
Common VARC Mistakes to Avoid
Due to the presence of complex passages and confusing verbal ability questions, it is possible that the candidates might make common CAT mistakes under the VARC section of the CAT examination. The candidates should attempt as many CAT mock tests, CAT sample papers and also try to solve a lot of CAT previous year question papers to find out the common mistakes that they may make. The candidates should then try to reduce the number of mistakes during the actual CAT exam. A few of the strategies that they can follow to avoid repeating the same mistakes on the CAT exam day is listed below.
Mark and Move Strategy: If you're unsure about an answer after reasonable consideration, mark your best guess and move on. Return if time permits.
Confidence-Based Attempt: Develop a system to categorise questions:
Green: Confident about the answer
Yellow: Moderately confident, worth reviewing
Red: Unsure, attempt only if time permits
Avoid Perfectionism: Don't spend excessive time perfecting one answer at the cost of attempting other questions.
Strategic Omission: It's better to leave a question unanswered than to guess randomly, especially if you cannot eliminate any options.
Effective Reading Habits for CAT 2026 VARC Preparation
To improve your reading skills for the CAT Reading section, consider these recommended materials:
Newspaper Articles: Regularly read stories from respected newspapers like The Guardian, The New York Times, or The BBC. Newspapers cover a wide range of topics, helping you become familiar with different types of writing.
Periodicals: Browse magazines that cover a range of subjects, including current events, science, and culture. They often present information in an engaging and informative way.
Scholarly Books: Practice reading passages from academic texts or textbooks. This will expose you to complex language and academic terminology.
Brief Narratives: Read short stories to improve your understanding of characters and storylines. This can help you answer questions about the main ideas in a passage.
Science Reports: Read research papers and scientific articles. You will often find this type of content in the Academic Reading section of the CAT, helping you get comfortable with technical language.
Articles about History and Culture: Read articles on customs, culture, and history. These topics frequently appear in the CAT Reading section and will help you understand passages covering historical events or cultural practices.
Literary Works: Include literary fiction in your reading list. Stories and novels can help you improve your skills in understanding and analysing complex narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Should I attempt RC or VA first in the CAT VARC section?
A:
Response:
Start with your strength area—either RC or VA. However, most toppers begin with an easy RC passage, then move to VA questions, and come back to the tougher RCs if time permits.
Q: How can I manage time effectively in the VARC section?
A:
Divide the 40 minutes as follows:
28–30 mins for RCs (7–8 mins each)
8–10 mins for VA
2–3 mins for final review or guessing
Track time after each passage to stay on pace.
Q: Is it better to attempt all 24 questions or focus on accuracy?
A:
Response:
Accuracy matters more. Attempting 18–20 questions with 80–85% accuracy will fetch a better score than attempting all 24 with low accuracy due to negative marking.
Q: How do I improve my RC performance?
A:
Response:
Practice active reading, focus on the main idea, the author’s tone, and logical structure. Read diverse content (editorials, philosophy, science, history) regularly to improve comprehension and speed.
Q: What is the best way to approach Para Jumbles and Odd-One-Out?
A:
Response:
Look for connectors, chronology, pronouns, and logical flow. In Odd-One-Out, eliminate the sentence that doesn’t match the theme or disrupts coherence.
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Here are some top colleges accepting XAT and CAT exams :
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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.
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