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An aspirant who is aiming to clear the MBA entrance examination has to keep in mind that Reading Comprehension (RC) plays an important role in all three major management entrance exams - CAT, XAT, and GMAT. The reading comprehension section is challenging yet scoring because this area not only tests your understanding of written material but also evaluates your ability to analyse, interpret, and apply information effectively. In most cases, a strong RC performance is a make-or-break factor for the top percentile, so it needs lots of serious consideration. Reading Comprehension for CAT, Reading Comprehension for XAT and Reading Comprehension for GMAT need proper preparation and strategy. In this article, we will discuss how to improve reading comprehension for all the major exams.
Let’s understand from a different major exam point of view, the weightage. SNAP is the only examination where the RC questions have not been asked regularly in the last few years. The rest of the papers are one of the ruling factors. Like-
Exam | Reading Comprehension (RC) Weightage & Nature |
CAT | RC contributes to about 70% of the Verbal Ability section, making it the most dominant part. |
XAT | RC accounts for nearly 50% of the Verbal and Logical Ability section, with additional questions testing critical reasoning. |
GMAT | One-third of the Verbal section is RC-based. Unlike CAT and XAT, GMAT RC is more about reasoning through dense academic text. |
To excel in the Language Comprehension section, it is essential to have strong reading skills. Candidates can enhance their comprehension abilities by regularly reading a variety of topics and genres. They can also use techniques such as skimming and scanning to quickly identify important information and improve their reading speed without sacrificing understanding. So, try to solve one RC a day to keep tension away.
Most students face challenges in RC due to:
Lack of consistent reading habits.
Inability to focus during dense or abstract passages.
Poor time management and comprehension speed.
Misinterpretation of question types, especially inference-based ones.
Every exam has its aroma. In terms of the number of questions and number of paragraphs from exam to exam, things vary. As per negative marking and cut off the set target and strategies to solve this section also vary. From the Passage Style and Language Complexity factor, these are the differences-
CAT: Contemporary topics, opinion-heavy writing, and moderate to high complexity.
XAT: Abstract, philosophical, and humanities-based passages with complex vocabulary.
GMAT: Dense, academic writing with a formal tone—common in natural and social sciences.
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CAT: From Cat’s perspective, questions are very close to options, and the difficulty increases because of the philosophical touch in it. It is a mix of direct and inferential questions; options can be very close.
XAT: XAT always prefers a reasoning-based structure. And sometimes, some additional set or pattern of questions is also introduced. Emphasises reasoning and contextual understanding; often multi-layered.
GMAT: Logic is the trade mark over here. Precise language, critical reasoning questions embedded, and trap options are common.
Under the CAT VARC section, more than 60% of the section is constituted by the reading comprehension section. This means that out of the CAT VARC syllabus, the highest weightage is provided for the CAT reading comprehension questions. Hence, scoring well in the CAT RC section is a must for the candidates to ensure a good CAT score.
CAT usually features:
Essays from newspapers, magazines, and journals.
Abstract and philosophical articles.
Arguments with implicit conclusions.
There is nothing specific, as it is a very wide area, so questions can come from any segment of society. So, reading topics like technology, philosophy, art, culture, law can be a big help
Reading non-fiction stuff is the requirement of the hour. One can read good articles, blogs, summaries, journals, books, novels, novellas, and poems according to the individual's likes, interests and requirements.
Some recommendations are:-
Editorials from The Hindu, Indian Express, and The Guardian.
Essays by authors like George Orwell or Malcolm Gladwell.
Articles from Aeon, Harvard Business Review, and The Atlantic.
When we talk about smart reading habits, it is more about being an active reader. Understanding the tone, purpose, and structure is very important. Within time, how much one can read is also something one should know. It is said the set target is 330 words per minute. Reading and understanding the structure is also very important. First is accuracy, then speed, and then shortcut, which we have to always keep in mind.
The XAT examination will feature critical reasoning questions under the verbal and logical reasoning ability section. This means that the candidates will be tested on the basis of conceptual understanding. Also, the XAT passages will have complex vocabulary, which might also make it difficult for the candidates to answer. A few of the efficient XAT preparation tips that the candidates can follow for answering the XAT RC questions are discussed here.
XAT demands the ability to grasp abstract ideas quickly. Read philosophy-focused essays and practice summarising them. And variety matters a lot. Every time XAT brings something new, Verbal. Reading a poem is also a big help, as 2 questions from poem-based RC we always expect.
Having a mind to solve the RC questions is very important in this section; otherwise, reading will become a heavy task. Then, break the passage, because understanding the pillars of structure is very important. General vocabulary and jargon are an important part of this area. So, staying updated on the same is also important. But don’t get intimidated by vocabulary—focus on the central message. Practice with resources like the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Within a set time frame, it is also important to solve questions accurately.
Skip and return strategy works well in XAT.
Don’t spend too long on the first read—skim and scan to locate key ideas.
GMAT is one of the most competitive management entrance examinations in the world. The GMAT RC questions are very complex and written in a formal manner. Similar to the XAT examinations, the candidates can expect critical reasoning questions under the GMAT section. Some of the efficient GMAT strategies for scoring a good GMAT score are listed below.
The subject of RC can be an international topic, which increases the level of difficulty; then the questions and options are always of a high level of difficulty. Then importance is given to logic, argument and analytical skills. It is very important to understand the logic and argument rather than the surface-level comprehension.
It is very important to understand the requirements. Better to use strategies to have a quick understanding of things.
Break text into digestible chunks.
Look for transition phrases and logical connectors.
Understand the role of each paragraph (e.g., example, counterpoint, conclusion).
Since the reading passages can be content-heavy and involve a lot of questions of different types, it is common for the candidates to make mistakes. But, it is very important that the candidates learn from the mistakes and do not replicate them on the exam day. Some of the common mistakes while preparing for CAT made by the candidates in the reading comprehension of various examinations are:
When analysing a passage, it’s beneficial to concentrate on the main points and overall structure rather than getting bogged down by trivial details. This approach will enhance your ability to effectively answer questions.
Rather than committing the passage to memory, focus on comprehending its flow and key ideas. If you encounter factual or specific questions, you can refer back to the text for clarification.
A useful strategy is to read the questions first before tackling the passage. This method allows you to identify the information you need to locate in the text and helps maintain your focus without being distracted by answer choices.
While having a robust vocabulary can be advantageous, it is not essential to comprehend the passage fully. Concentrate on grasping the main ideas instead of fixating on individual words.
If you encounter a passage that proves difficult to understand, it’s wise not to spend excessive time on it. Prioritize passages that you can manage easily and revisit the more challenging ones later if necessary.
Always base your answers on the information presented in the passage itself. Be cautious not to be misled by options that fall outside the context of the text.
It is important not to rely solely on "trigger words" to interpret the passage. Paying attention to the entire context will help prevent misunderstandings.
Taking notes during your reading can be quite helpful, particularly with complex or abstract texts. Focus on summarizing the general flow, structure, and key points while keeping your notes concise.
Anticipating potential questions as you read the passage can greatly enhance your answering efficiency. Although this skill takes practice, mastering it can lead to more effective comprehension and responses.
Pay particular attention to the opening and closing paragraphs, as they often contain crucial information that can inform your understanding of the passage's main idea.
To maintain concentration while reading, continually ask yourself questions about the text, such as, "What is the author's main point?" or "What is the purpose of this writing?" This self-questioning technique can help keep you engaged with the material.
Developing strong reading habits is key to mastering the RC section of exams like CAT, XAT, and GMAT. Candidates should make it a routine to read editorials, opinion pieces, and academic articles to improve comprehension and vocabulary. Some of the proven techniques for preparing well for the RC section of the various examinations include:
30 minutes: Editorials and op-eds.
15 minutes: Philosophy or abstract topics.
15 minutes: Practice questions with timed sessions.
Above all, keep in mind that you should start with something that is light and that you like if you are a non-reader. Then slowly target medium and then difficult stuff to read. This chain of habits will make you a religious daily reader.
Maintain a reading log with speed and accuracy.
Note difficult words and confusing arguments.
Use apps like ReadTheory or GMAT Club RC tracker.
Target a day every fortnight to revise whatever is written and noted. Because revision is a must.
One well-understood passage is better than five half-read ones.
Reflect on why you chose an answer, not just what you chose.
Reading a small segment is ok, but understanding the whole day is very important. Keeping some questions open in mind while reading is one of the important traits followed by a regular reader.
In most of the management entrance examinations, there exist different types of reading comprehension questions. But a few among them are repeatedly asked in the examinations. The different types of RC types that the candidates should focus on are:
Fact-Based Questions: These questions require candidates to find direct answers from the passage.
Inference Questions: Candidates must derive logical conclusions based on the passage’s content.
Vocabulary-Based Questions: These questions test the understanding of word meanings in context.
Tone and Attitude Questions: Candidates need to assess the author's perspective and writing style.
Main Idea Questions: These questions ask candidates to determine the central theme of the passage.
Logical Structure Questions: These questions examine the flow and organisation of the passage.
Out of all these, the Main idea-based question is the most important one. If someone lags in retrieving data regarding this question, they will definitely fall for the rest of the questions. So, the first target should be to understand the main idea of a passage.
The target should be to work on Vocabulary Building as vocabulary questions play an essential role in determining the CAT success of the candidates, as a lot of questions are repeatedly asked from this topic:
Word Lists and Flashcards: Create word lists and flashcards to systematically expand your vocabulary. Review words regularly and quiz yourself to reinforce learning.
Contextual Learning: Learn new words in context by reading extensively and paying attention to how words are used in sentences. Use context clues to infer the meanings of unfamiliar words.
Word Games and Activities: Engage in word games, puzzles, and vocabulary-building activities to make learning fun and interactive. Challenge yourself to use new words in conversations and writing.
Root Words and Prefixes: Learn common prefixes, suffixes, and root words to decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words. Use word roots to make educated guesses about the meanings of unfamiliar vocabulary
Learning Through Context Rather Than Memorisation
Avoid memorising lists; engage with words in their context.
Use flashcards that include sentences instead of just definitions.
Enhancing Vocabulary Through Daily Reading
Highlight unfamiliar words and infer their meanings.
Consult a dictionary only after making an initial guess.
Focusing on Transition Words and Tone Indicators**
Terms such as "however," "thus," and "nonetheless" guide argument flow.
Recognise shifts in tone and structure.
The three important questions that we should figure out are: -
Question | Answer |
Which tactics work best for acing the Reading section? | The main tactics are taking thorough notes, managing your time wisely, and engaging in a variety of reading activities, such as reading complicated literature and scholarly publications. The demanding character of reading is in line with the emphasis on critical analysis, grasping major concepts, and recognising important details. |
What is the predetermined goal reading speed? | The goal should be 330 words per minute, but anything more than 290 is beneficial. |
How would you sum up the primary theme in one sentence? | The major idea is the author's primary viewpoint or belief. |
Additionally, Candidates interested in staying updated with the latest news and trends should consider subscribing to newspapers and magazines and it will be a big help from an English point of view too. Some recommended publications include:
Financial Express
Economic Times
The Financial Times
Wall Street Journal
Hindu Business Line
Business Today
Business World
The Hindu
Some of the most important resources for the Reading Comprehension preparation of the candidates are listed below.
Category | Resource |
Books That Help Improve Critical Reading | Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman |
The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver | |
Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari | |
Online Sources for Regular Practice | GMAT Club |
Aeon.co |
The insights from the toppers are always helpful for the candidates to enhance their scores. By analysing the study plan of the toppers and making the necessary changes in their preparation timetable, the candidates can perform well in the management entrance examinations. The three important questions that we should figure out are:-
Question | Key Insights |
What did they do differently in their preparation? | - Prioritised extensive reading early on for knowledge and insight. - Tackled complex passages confidently to grow through challenges. |
How did they handle tough and abstract passages? | - Used thoughtful annotation for active engagement. - Applied a “structure-first” approach to map and understand the passage. |
What did they read and how did they practise? | - Read from diverse, curiosity-driven sources. - Practised regularly with weekly mocks and sectional tests to build skills and resilience. |
Tracking time helps to deal with problems regarding CAT time management, specifically in terms of practising time management to a great extent.
It is advisable to create a personal calendar well in advance that includes all your upcoming deadlines, exams, social events, and other time commitments. This will help you keep track of what's ahead. If you prefer a digital calendar, make it a habit to check it daily, preferably in the morning, to ensure that important events are fresh and top-of-mind. To increase efficiency, ensure that your digital calendar integrates with other tools such as your email. Digital calendar options include:
Google Calendar
Outlook Calendar
Fantastical
Calendly
It's important to set up periodic reminders for yourself after creating your calendar. These reminders can include completing a study guide ahead of time or scheduling a meeting for a group project. Remember, it's not just about knowing the deadlines, but also staying on top of the smaller tasks that are necessary to meet those deadlines.
Along with that, mark a schedule like-
Morning: Solve 2-3 RC passages
Afternoon: Revise concepts and solve practice questions.
Evening: Mock analysis + revising mistakes.
Night: Light revision, reading newspapers/articles.
Need to allocate specific time slots for each subject daily to ensure comprehensive coverage of the syllabus. Along with that, solve sample papers and previous years' question papers within the stipulated time frame to improve speed and accuracy. Also, practice mock tests regularly to simulate exam conditions and enhance time management skills. Try to balance both your academic and CAT preparation, beginning your journey in advance so that last-moment pressure can be handled smoothly. To effectively manage your time, consider marking your calendar with weekly and monthly strategies. This will help you plan and stay organised. You can also take timed quizzes on online platforms to improve your speed. Roughly, you can follow like: -
2-4 hours daily (if working/studying)
6-8 hours daily (if full-time preparation)
Increase intensity in the last 3 months.
Response- Yes of course, just need correct direction and planning. Take care of the parameters discussed in the above passage too.
Response- Some areas are common, but some alien areas will be included.
Response- Yes, it is important as students must know all the tips and tricks to ace the test. Understand the passage's concept first before answering the questions.
Response- That’s the most important part of strategy while planning or targeting, especially when near the exam like in a month or so.
Response- Candidates can excel by understanding the language and practicing, without the need for excessive memorization.
Hello Anshuman!!!
You have gotten 86% in 10th, which is a good score. 70% in graduation is not the best but decent. But the main problem is your 12th score which is 62%.
You would be already aware that the Top IIMs (BLACKI) give a big emphasis on your academic score. Let me tell you one example of IIM Ahmedabad,
According to a research i read a few days ago, in IIM Ahmedabad,
70.8%
of students has 90+ percent in 12th,
25.8%
has 80-90 percent and around
3.8%
has less than 80% with the bracket of 60-69 having only
0.26%
students of the total batch. Nearly same is the case of the other top IIMs like IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, IIM Lucknow, IIM Kozhikode and IIM Indore.
Statistically, getting into these TOP IIMs is possible with 62% in 12th is possible (0.26% has done it) but practically you cannot get into these TOP IIMs unless you top the CAT exam.
See, I don't wish to dishearten or demotivate you but I wish to tell you the truth. Although the probability of you getting into these TOP IIMs is very less, but trying is better than doing nothing. You have a good score in 10th which will certainly help you. The least you could do is try your best.
My advice would be that you should not focus on these things like "Will I get top IIM" or negative talk like " I got low marks I won't qualify" etc.
The main focus should be on your preparation.
Give 100% in your preparation because that's the only thing in your hand. You can't change your 10th/12th/Graduation scores but you can put some more effort in your preparation which would certainly help to get better percentile.
Keep working hard and give your best. You might surprise yourself!!! And if not BLACKI, there are many other good colleges like FMS, MDI, newer IIMs etc.
Hello,
Yes, with a 622 rank in IPU CET for MBA and being a Delhi candidate, you have a good chance of getting admission in MAIT (Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology).
You don’t need to worry about not giving the CAT exam. IPU CET rank is enough for admission in MAIT under the CET quota.
Just make sure to keep MAIT high in your preference list during counselling.
Hope it helps !
Yes, candidates who qualify in CUSAT CAT can gain admission to various participating institutes based on their rank. These include engineering colleges associated with CUSAT, such as its own School of Engineering in Kochi, Model Engineering College, and over 20 government and private engineering colleges across Kerala like College of Engineering Thrikkaripur, Co-operative Institute of Technology Vadakara, and MG College of Engineering Thiruvallam. The final seat allotment is based on your rank and your choice of program during the counselling process.
Hello Ashish,
Yes, you can get admission to MBA programs at IISWBM without a CAT score, but only for certain courses. Note that IISWBM has MBA programs under the University of Calcutta and flagship courses like MBA (Day) or MBA-HRM typically require a CAT score. Other programs like the PGDM or Executive MBA/Course may have other entrance examinations on which consideration would be made, or considerations may be based on merit, and of course work experience. Always run any eligibility detail checks with the official IISWBM (https://www.iiswbm.edu/) website or The IISWBM prospectus.
Hello,
Yes, a state (Delhi) NC-OBC certificate is valid for CAT 2025 , but it must be in the central government format (for appointment to posts under Government of India).
Also, it should be issued after 31st March 2025, as required by IIMs. If your certificate meets these conditions, it will be accepted.
Hope it helps !
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