How to Improve Reading Speed and Accuracy for CAT 2026 VARC

Understanding the Role of VARC in CAT 2026

What is VARC in the CAT Exam 2026?

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is the first section aspirants encounter in CAT. It typically contains 24 questions divided between Reading Comprehension passages (usually 4-5 passages with 16-18 questions) and Verbal Ability questions (6-8 questions, including Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out, and Sentence Completion). Unlike other competitive exams, CAT's VARC section tests your ability to comprehend complex, dense passages under time pressure while maintaining near-perfect accuracy.

Weightage of VARC and Its Impact on Percentile

VARC carries equal weightage with DILR and Quantitative Aptitude, contributing one-third to your overall CAT percentile. However, its impact is disproportionately high. A strong VARC score (85+ percentile) can compensate for weaknesses in other sections, while a poor VARC performance (below 70 percentile) can derail your overall score even if you excel elsewhere. Top IIMs like IIM Ahmedabad, Bangalore, and Calcutta have sectional cutoffs, making VARC non-negotiable. Data from recent CAT patterns shows that candidates scoring in the 99+ percentile in CAT typically attempt 18-20 questions with 90-95% accuracy in VARC.

Why Reading Speed and Accuracy Decide VARC Scores

The fundamental equation for VARC success is: Speed × Accuracy = Score. You have 40 minutes for 24 questions, which translates to roughly 100 seconds per question. However, RC passages require initial reading time (2-3 minutes per passage), leaving you with barely 40-50 seconds per question. This is where reading speed becomes critical. If you read at 150 words per minute (WPM), you'll struggle to complete even three passages. At 250-300 WPM with good comprehension, you can comfortably attempt all passages and select questions strategically. Accuracy matters equally; one wrong answer in VARC costs you 1 mark plus the negative marking of 0.33, effectively a 1.33-point loss. Missing five questions through intelligent skipping is better than getting five wrong.

Why Most Aspirants Struggle with CAT VARC

Common Problems in Reading Speed

Most CAT aspirants read at 150-200 WPM, which is conversational reading speed. This happens because of three main issues: subvocalization (mentally pronouncing each word), regressive reading (eyes moving backwards to re-read), and word-by-word reading instead of phrase-by-phrase comprehension. Additionally, unfamiliar vocabulary and complex sentence structures in CAT passages further slow readers down. A typical CAT RC passage contains 450-600 words; at 150 WPM, this takes 3-4 minutes just for the first read, leaving inadequate time for questions.

Accuracy Issues in RC and Verbal Ability

Even aspirants with decent reading speed often struggle with accuracy. This stems from superficial reading without grasping the author's intent, falling for trap options designed to catch hasty readers, and bringing external knowledge into inference questions when CAT strictly tests passage-based comprehension. For instance, in CAT 2023, a passage on economic theories had an inference question where the most "logical" answer based on general economics was actually incorrect—the passage subtly argued a contrasting viewpoint that careful readers would catch.

Difference Between Reading English and Reading for CAT

Reading novels, newspapers, or academic texts differs fundamentally from reading for CAT. Casual reading allows you to skip unfamiliar words, skim boring parts, and enjoy content at your own pace. CAT reading demands active engagement with every paragraph, identifying the author's argument structure, noting qualifiers and contrasts, and mentally preparing for the types of questions the passage might generate. It's analytical reading, not passive consumption.

How CAT Passages Are Designed – Think Like the Paper Setter

Types of Reading Comprehension Passages in CAT

CAT passages typically fall into four categories: Social Sciences/Humanities (history, sociology, philosophy), Business/Economics, Science/Technology, and Arts/Literature. Recent CAT papers show a preference for abstract, opinion-based passages over factual ones. For example, CAT 2022 featured a passage discussing the philosophical implications of artificial intelligence on human identity—a topic that requires deep analytical reading rather than fact recall. Understanding these categories helps you calibrate your reading approach.

Logical Structure of CAT RC Questions

Every CAT RC set follows a predictable question pattern: one main idea/primary purpose question, one or two specific detail questions, one inference/implication question, and occasionally a tone/author's attitude question. The paper setters deliberately place trap options that either overextend what the passage says (extreme choices), contradict a single line while matching the overall theme, or present factually correct information not supported by the passage. Recognising this structure allows you to read anticipatorily.

Skills CAT Actually Tests in VARC

CAT doesn't test your vocabulary breadth or grammar rules—it tests critical reasoning applied to verbal content. Specifically: Can you distinguish between what's explicitly stated versus implied? Can you identify logical gaps in arguments? Can you recognise the difference between the author's view and the views the author is critiquing? Can you eliminate options systematically? These are reasoning skills applied to language, which explains why strong Quant students often excel in VARC once they approach it systematically.

How to Improve Reading Speed for CAT VARC

Ideal Reading Speed Required for CAT 2026

For comfortable CAT VARC performance, target 250-300 WPM with 80%+ comprehension. This allows you to complete a 500-word passage in 2 minutes, leaving 6-7 minutes for four questions per passage. If you're currently at 150-180 WPM, you'll need focused training to improve. Test your baseline: time yourself reading a sample editorial or CAT passage and calculate words divided by minutes. Track this weekly throughout your CAT VARC preparation.

Techniques to Increase Words Per Minute (WPM)

Chunking practice is the most effective technique. Instead of reading word-by-word ("The... quick... brown... fox"), train your eyes to capture phrase-units ("The quick brown fox" / "jumps over" / "the lazy dog"). Start with 3-4 word chunks and gradually expand to 5-7 words. Use your finger or cursor as a pacer—move it slightly faster than comfortable, forcing your eyes to keep up. Timed reading drills also help: read an article for exactly 3 minutes, mark where you stopped, count words, and calculate WPM. Repeat daily, pushing yourself 10% faster each week while maintaining comprehension (test yourself with 3-4 questions after reading).

Eliminating Subvocalization and Regressive Eye Movements

Subvocalization (hearing words in your mind) limits you to speaking speed (150-200 WPM). To break this habit, practice reading while humming or counting "1-2-3-4" repeatedly—this occupies your inner voice. Another method: focus on visualising concepts rather than hearing words. When you read "The company expanded rapidly," see a mental image of growth rather than hearing each word. For regressive reading, use the pointer method—move your finger steadily forward, never backwards. Initially, you may feel that you've missed something, but trust that the passage structure will clarify any doubts. CAT passages are well-written; they repeat key ideas across paragraphs.

How to Improve Reading Accuracy for CAT 2026 VARC

Understanding vs Skimming – What CAT Needs

CAT requires intelligent skimming, not detailed reading. You don't need to memorise facts, dates, or names—these you can reference when questions ask. Focus on understanding: What's the author's main argument? What evidence supports it? Are there contrasting viewpoints presented? What's the overall tone—critical, appreciative, neutral? For example, in a CAT 2021 passage about urbanisation, specific city names and statistics weren't relevant to most questions, but understanding whether the author viewed urbanisation positively or critically was essential.

How to Identify Central Idea, Tone, and Argument

The central idea usually appears in the opening or closing paragraph, often as a thesis statement. Look for definitive phrases like "This paper argues that...", "The fundamental issue is...", or "Contrary to popular belief...". Tone emerges from word choice—words like "unfortunately," "merely," or "supposedly" indicate criticism, while "remarkably," "effectively," or "successfully" suggest approval. For argument structure, identify: What question is the author answering? What's their position? What counterarguments do they address? Map this mentally as you read.

Avoiding Trap Options and Extreme Choices

CAT options are crafted to mislead. Extreme language ("always," "never," "completely," "impossible") is usually wrong unless the passage itself uses such terms. Out-of-scope options introduce ideas not discussed in the passage—these feel tempting because they're logically related, but CAT tests passage-based reasoning only. Half-right options correctly represent one part of the passage but distort another part. Train yourself to eliminate by verifying every component of an option against the passage. If 90% of an option matches but 10% doesn't, it's wrong.

Scientific Reading Techniques for CAT Aspirants

Layered Reading Method for RC Passages

Read passages in two layers. Layer 1 (First Read - 2 minutes): Quickly identify the structure—introduction, main argument, supporting points, conclusion. Don't worry about details; grasp the flow. Note: "This passage discusses X, argues Y, uses examples A and B, and concludes Z." Layer 2 (Question-Driven): When you read the question, return to relevant paragraphs for specific details. This prevents information overload and maintains focus. For instance, if a question asks about a specific example mentioned in paragraph 3, you don't need to remember it from the first read—just know where to find it.

Keyword Tracking and Mental Mapping

As you read, mentally highlight keywords that signal structure: contrast words (however, but, although, despite), causation (because, therefore, thus, consequently), emphasis (significantly, importantly, crucially), and examples (for instance, such as, illustrated by). These keywords reveal logical relationships between ideas. Create a mental map: "Paragraph 1: introduces the problem. Paragraph 2: presents a traditional solution (which the author disagrees with). Paragraph 3: author's alternative approach. Paragraph 4: supporting evidence." This map helps you navigate back when answering questions.

Paragraph Summarisation Technique

After reading each paragraph, pause for 5 seconds and mentally summarise it in one sentence. This forces active comprehension. For example, reading a paragraph about how social media algorithms create echo chambers, summarise: "Algorithms reinforce existing beliefs by filtering content." If you can't summarise a paragraph, you didn't understand it—re-read before moving on. This technique dramatically improves retention and accuracy. Practice this during preparation, and it becomes automatic during the exam.

CAT VARC Strategy 2026: Section-Wise Approach

Ideal Attempt Order in VARC Section

Don't attempt VARC linearly. Spend the first 2-3 minutes scanning all passages—read the opening and closing lines of each passage to assess difficulty and topic familiarity. Categorise passages: Easy (familiar topic, simpler language), Medium, and Difficult (abstract concepts, complex structure). Start with Easy passages to build confidence and bank marks quickly. Then tackle Medium passages. Attempt Difficult passages only if time remains. For Verbal Ability questions, do them in the middle or end, as they're quicker—you can bank 2-3 marks in 4-5 minutes if you're short on time.

RC vs Verbal Ability – Time Distribution Strategy

Allocate time proportionally to marks: Since RC typically has 16-18 questions and VA has 6-8 questions, spend approximately 28-30 minutes on RC and 10-12 minutes on VA. However, flexibility is crucial. If you encounter an exceptionally difficult RC passage, it's better to skip it and invest those 8-9 minutes in VA questions where accuracy is typically higher. A safe strategy: attempt 3 RC passages thoroughly (12 questions) and selectively cherry-pick easier questions from remaining passages, combined with all VA questions, targeting 18-20 attempts with 90%+ accuracy.

Attempt Strategy for Accuracy Maximisation

CAT VARC rewards accuracy over attempts. An 18/20 score (18 attempts, 16 correct) gives you approximately 51 raw marks (16×3 - 2×0.33 = 47.34, rounded to scaled score 51). A 22/24 score with 16 correct gives you approximately 44 raw marks (16×3 - 6×0.33 = 46). Never guess wildly—eliminate two options before guessing. If you can't eliminate, skip. Practice the 30-second rule: if you're not progressing toward an answer after 30 seconds, mark for review and move on. Return if time permits.

Daily Reading Plan to Improve VARC Performance

What to Read for CAT VARC Preparation

Diversify your reading sources to match CAT's variety: The Economist, The Atlantic, Aeon, Arts & Letters Daily, and Scientific American for passages similar to CAT's style. These sources publish long-form, analytical articles on abstract topics—exactly what CAT favours. Avoid simple news articles; CAT rarely uses straightforward reporting. Also read philosophical essays, opinion pieces on technology/society, cultural criticism, and academic papers' introduction sections. For instance, reading essays from "Philosophy Now" or "Boston Review" trains you for the CAT's abstract passages.

How Much to Read Daily for CAT 2026

Implement a progressive reading schedule:

• Months 6-5 before CAT: Read 2 articles daily (20-30 minutes), focus on completion and enjoyment

• Months 4-3: Read 2 articles + 1 CAT-style passage (30-40 minutes), start timing your reads

• Months 2-1: Read 1 long article + 2 CAT passages with questions (40-50 minutes), track accuracy

• Last month: Daily CAT passages with full question sets, analyse errors rigorously (60+ minutes)

Consistency matters more than volume. Thirty minutes daily for six months transforms your reading ability more than sporadic 3-hour sessions.

Tracking Reading Speed and Accuracy Progress

Maintain a VARC Progress Tracker with these metrics:

• Date

• Article/Passage source

• Word count and time taken (calculate WPM)

• Comprehension score (if questions attempted)

• Difficulty rating (1-5)

• Key learnings/mistakes

Plot your WPM on a graph monthly. Initial progress is rapid (150 to 200 WPM in 4-6 weeks), then plateaus, requiring focused technique work. If your WPM stagnates, diagnose: Are you still subvocalizing? Do complex sentences slow you down? Target the specific issue.

How to Practice Reading Comprehension for CAT 2026

Right Way to Solve RC Questions

Follow this systematic approach for every passage:

1. Skim the questions first (10 seconds)—not to answer them, but to know what you're looking for

2. Read the passage actively (2-2.5 minutes)—apply layered reading and keyword tracking

3. Answer questions in this order: Specific detail questions first (easy, passage-based), then main idea, then inference questions last (require holistic understanding)

4. Use elimination aggressively—remove two clearly wrong options before deep analysis between the remaining two

5. Verify your answer against the passage—find textual support; if you can't, reconsider

For example, in CAT 2020, a passage on indigenous knowledge systems had a question: "What would the author agree with?" The correct answer was directly supported by lines in paragraph 3, but many missed it because they relied on inference rather than checking the passage.

Post-Practice RC Analysis Framework

After solving any RC set, spend equal time analysing: For correct answers: Why was it correct? What textual evidence supported it? Could you have solved it faster? For incorrect answers: Why did you choose the wrong option? What made the correct option right? Did you misread the passage, misunderstand the question, or fall for a trap? For unattempted questions: Could you have solved them with better time management? Were they genuinely difficult, or did panic cause you to skip?

Create an Error Log categorising mistakes: Comprehension errors (misunderstood passage), Logical Reasoning errors (misapplied logic), Trap errors (chose appealing wrong option), or Time pressure errors (rushed decision). If 60% of your errors are trap errors, you need to practice option elimination. If comprehension errors dominate, slow down your reading slightly and focus on understanding.

VARC Error Diagnosis Framework

Converting Mistakes into Reading Skills

Every mistake teaches a specific lesson. If you missed a main idea question, practice identifying thesis statements in your daily reading. If inference questions trouble you, practice making logical deductions from editorial conclusions. If you're falling for extreme options, create flashcards with common trap patterns and review them weekly. Mistakes aren't failures—they're diagnostic tools. An aspirant who solves 100 passages and analyses errors improves faster than one who solves 300 passages mechanically.

Improving Verbal Ability Accuracy Along with RC

Para Jumbles, Odd One Out, and Para Summary Strategy

Para Jumbles: Identify the opening sentence (usually independent, provides context without referencing previous information) and closing sentence (often contains conclusive words: thus, therefore, ultimately). Look for connector words (however, moreover, additionally) and pronoun references (this, these, such) that link sentences. The mandatory pair technique works well—identify two sentences that must be consecutive, then build around them.

Para Summary: Read the paragraph, identify the core argument in one sentence mentally, then find the option matching this. Eliminate options that: introduce new information not in the paragraph, miss the main point while focusing on peripheral details, or distort the author's tone.

Odd One Out: Four sentences will share a common theme/context; one won't. Look for the outlier in subject, time frame, perspective, or purpose. Sometimes the odd sentence is grammatically connected but logically disconnected.

Logical Flow Identification Technique

All VA questions test logical flow and coherence. Practice by taking any well-written article, jumbling its paragraphs, and rearranging them back. This trains you to recognise structural markers: Introduction → Problem statement → Analysis → Evidence → Conclusion. Note transition patterns between paragraphs in quality writing. CAT VA questions follow these same patterns. The more you internalise good writing structure through extensive reading, the more intuitive VA questions become.

Common VARC Traps and How to Avoid Them

Trap 1: Partial truth options - Statement is factually correct, but doesn't answer the question asked. Always re-read the question before finalising.

Trap 2: Emotional appeal - Option sounds good or ethical, but isn't supported by the passage. CAT tests comprehension, not your values.

Trap 3: Extreme extrapolation - Option extends passage logic beyond what's stated. If the passage says "Technology has significantly improved education access," the trap says "Technology has completely solved education inequality."

Trap 4: Tone mismatch - In tone/attitude questions, an option might capture facts correctly but misrepresent the author's attitude (presenting criticism as neutral analysis or vice versa).

Trap 5: Vocabulary confusion - Similar-sounding words or words with multiple meanings are used to confuse. Always verify word meaning in context.

Time Management Techniques for CAT VARC

Ideal Time per RC Passage

A complete RC set (passage + 4 questions) should take 8-9 minutes maximum: 2-2.5 minutes for reading the passage, 1.5 minutes per question. However, this varies by difficulty. An easy passage might take 6-7 minutes total; a difficult philosophical passage might take 10 minutes. The key is compensating—if you spend 10 minutes on a tough passage, recover time by attempting quicker VA questions or easier passages efficiently.

RC Passage Time Distribution

Two-Round Attempt Strategy

Round 1 (30 minutes): Attempt all questions you're confident about—typically 2-3 easier RC passages + most VA questions. This bank's 14-16 sure-shot attempts with high accuracy, securing approximately 41-44 marks.

Round 2 (10 minutes): Revisit marked-for-review questions, attempt remaining passages' easier questions (even if you haven't read the full passage, sometimes specific detail questions can be answered by reading just one paragraph). This adds 2-4 strategic attempts.

This approach ensures you never leave easy marks on the table while getting stressed over difficult passages.

When to Skip a Passage

Skip a passage if: (1) After reading the first paragraph, you realize the topic/vocabulary is completely unfamiliar (highly technical science/philosophy beyond your grasp), (2) The passage structure is exceptionally convoluted—you've read three paragraphs but can't identify the main argument, (3) You're running short on time (<12 minutes left and one passage remaining)—better to attempt VA questions or cherry-pick single questions from remaining passages. Remember, attempting 18 questions with 90% accuracy beats attempting 22 questions with 70% accuracy every time.

CAT 2026 VARC Mock Test Strategy

How to Use Mocks to Improve Reading Speed

Treat initial mocks diagnostically, not evaluatively. In your first 2-3 mocks, don't worry about scores—experiment with reading techniques. Mock 1: Focus only on improving reading speed, even if accuracy drops. Mock 2: Focus only on accuracy, even if you attempt fewer questions. Mock 3: Balance both. Track your optimal speed-accuracy combination. Most aspirants find their sweet spot between 240-280 WPM. Also, use mocks to test different attempt orders—does starting with VA or RC work better for you? Does attempting the easiest passages first or going linear work? Mocks are laboratories for discovering your personalised strategy.

Accuracy Benchmarking Method

Set progressive accuracy targets:

• 4-6 months before CAT: 70-75% accuracy acceptable while you're building speed

• 3-4 months before: Target 80% accuracy

• 2 months before: Maintain 85%+ accuracy consistently

• Last month: Aim for 90-95% accuracy on attempted questions

If accuracy falls below the target, slow down deliberately. It's a myth that you must attempt all 24 questions. Most 99+ percentilers attempt 18-21 questions with exceptional accuracy rather than rushing through all 24.

Mock Analysis Sheet for VARC

Create a detailed analysis template:

• Overall: Attempts, Correct, Incorrect, Accuracy%, Marks, Percentile

• RC Performance: Passage-wise breakdown (topic, difficulty, time taken, questions attempted, accuracy)

• VA Performance: Question-type-wise accuracy (Para Jumbles, Summary, Odd One Out)

• Time Distribution: Minutes spent on RC vs VA, time per passage

• Error Analysis: Types of mistakes (comprehension/trap/reasoning), which passages troubled you

• Key Takeaways: Top 3 learnings from this mock

Review this before your next mock. Track trends across mocks—if Para Summary accuracy is consistently low, dedicate focused practice to it.

Psychological Skills That Boost VARC Scores

Building Reading Stamina

Reading four dense passages consecutively under exam pressure requires mental stamina. Build this progressively: Weeks 1-4: Read for 20 minutes without breaking focus. Weeks 5-8: Read for 30 minutes. Weeks 9-12: Read for 40 minutes continuously. Final months: Practice full 40-minute VARC simulations weekly. During practice, eliminate all distractions—no phone, no music, simulate exam conditions. Your brain needs to condition itself for sustained concentration. Many aspirants lose marks not because of poor comprehension but because their focus wavers midway through the section.

Focus Training for Long RC Passages

Some CAT passages exceed 700 words—reading these demands intense focus. Practice meditation or mindfulness for 10 minutes daily; this strengthens attention control. During reading, if your mind wanders (thinking about previous sections, worrying about time), catch yourself immediately and refocus. The keyword tracking technique helps maintain engagement—actively searching for contrast/emphasis/causation words keeps your brain occupied with the passage, preventing drift.

Handling Comprehension Pressure in the Exam

Exam pressure amplifies difficulty. An RC passage that seems manageable during practice feels incomprehensible in the actual exam due to stress. Counter this with exposure therapy—practice under timed pressure regularly so it becomes normal. Develop a reset routine: if you're feeling overwhelmed mid-section, close your eyes for 10 seconds, take three deep breaths, then return. Normalise making hard decisions—skipping difficult passages, guessing between two options after elimination. Perfectionism kills VARC scores. Adopt the mindset: "I'll maximise marks from what I can do, not attempt everything."

6-Month CAT 2026 VARC Improvement Roadmap

Beginner to Advanced Reading Plan

Months 6-5 (Foundation Building):

• Baseline testing: Current WPM and comprehension level

• Daily reading habit: 2 articles (20-30 min)

• Focus: Understanding passage structure, enjoying reading

• Weekly: 3 easy CAT-level passages

• Goal: Reach 200 WPM, 70% accuracy

Months 4-3 (Speed Development):

• Daily reading: 2 articles + 1 CAT passage (30-40 min)

• Active practice: Eliminating subvocalization, chunking

• Weekly: 6-8 CAT passages with full analysis

• Introduce VA question practice (2-3 questions daily)

• Goal: Reach 250 WPM, 75-80% accuracy

Month 2 (Accuracy Enhancement):

• Daily reading: 1 long article + 2 CAT passages (40-50 min)

• Focus: Trap identification, inference questions

• Weekly: 10-12 passages + 15-20 VA questions

• First mock test (diagnostic)

• Goal: Maintain 250+ WPM, achieve 85% accuracy

Month 1 (Exam Simulation):

• Daily: Full VARC section simulation or 3-4 passages + VA (60 min)

• Weekly: 2 full-length CAT mocks

• Intensive error analysis and strategy refinement

• Goal: 260+ WPM, 90%+ accuracy, consistent 85+ percentile in mocks

Monthly Speed and Accuracy Targets

Remember, these targets are guidelines. Individual progress varies—some aspirants improve reading speed quickly but struggle with accuracy, requiring adjusted focus. Monitor your specific bottlenecks and adapt.

Final 60-Day VARC Strategy

Days 60-45: Intensive passage practice (15-20 passages weekly), solidify core techniques, identify weak question types and drill them specifically. Take 3-4 mocks, analyze exhaustively.

Days 45-30: Mock frequency increases (2 per week), focus shifts to exam strategy optimisation—attempt order, passage selection, time distribution. Practice handling deliberately difficult passages to build resilience.

Days 30-15: Peak practice phase—3 mocks per week, maintain reading routine (prevent skill degradation), fine-tune strategy based on mock patterns. This is also when most aspirants face plateaus or dips—stay consistent, trust your CAT VARC preparation strategy.

Days 15-7: Moderate practice volume, prioritise recovery and freshness. 1-2 mocks for maintenance, revisit error logs to remind yourself of common mistakes, and practice easy-to-moderate passages to build confidence.

Days 7-1: Light reading only (no new passages), revision of strategies, mental conditioning. The day before CAT: No VARC study, light entertainment, early sleep. Your skills are now internalised—trust them.

Final CAT Exam 2026 VARC Strategy for 99+ Percentile

Exam-Day Reading Framework

When you open the VARC section:

1. Minutes 0-3: Scan all 4-5 passages (first and last lines), assess difficulty and categorise (Easy/Medium/Difficult)

2. Minutes 3-11: Attempt the easiest passage completely (8 minutes including all questions)

3. Minutes 11-19: Attempt second-easiest passage (8 minutes)

4. Minutes 19-27: Attempt VA questions (8 minutes, high accuracy expected)

5. Minutes 27-34: Attempt third passage or cherry-pick from remaining passages (7 minutes)

6. Minutes 34-40: Revisit marked questions, strategic guessing (6 minutes)

This framework ensures you bank marks early, maintain psychological momentum, and don't waste time on impossibly difficult passages. Adjust based on actual paper—if VA questions are unusually tough, flip the order and do easier RC passages first.

Last-Minute VARC Do's and Don'ts

DO:

• Trust your preparation and instincts

• Skip confidently when needed

• Maintain a steady pace (if you're spending >10 min on one passage, move on)

• Read questions carefully (misreading questions causes more errors than misreading passages)

• Mark answers carefully on screen (silly marking errors are heartbreaking)

DON'T:

• Panic if the first passage is difficult (it's often a deliberate paper-setter strategy)

• Change too many answers in the last 5 minutes (your first instinct is usually correct)

• Attempt all 24 questions just to feel complete (incomplete attempts with high accuracy beat complete attempts with low accuracy)

• Compare your attempt count with others during the break (every individual's optimal strategy differs)

• Let one bad section affect the next (if VARC went poorly, reset mentally before DILR)

Key Takeaways to Improve Reading Speed and Accuracy

For Reading Speed:

• Target 250-300 WPM through chunking and paced reading practice

• Eliminate subvocalization using humming/counting techniques

• Practice daily for 6 months to internalise faster reading

• Use timed drills—push yourself 10% faster weekly while maintaining comprehension

For Accuracy:

• Master active reading—identify main argument, tone, structure

• Practice aggressive option elimination (remove 2 clearly wrong options first)

• Avoid trap patterns—extreme language, out-of-scope options, partial truths

• Verify answers against passage—find textual support before finalising

For Overall VARC Strategy:

• Attempt 18-21 questions with 90%+ accuracy (better than 24 attempts with 75% accuracy)

• Start with easier passages to build momentum and bank marks

• Allocate time proportionally: 28-30 min RC, 10-12 min VA

• Skip difficult passages confidently—strategic skipping is a strength

• Analyse every mock and practice set rigorously—errors are your best teachers

The Ultimate Success Formula: Consistent daily reading (builds speed) + Analytical passage practice (builds accuracy) + Strategic mock taking (builds exam temperament) = 99+ Percentile VARC Performance

Remember, improving VARC for the CAT Exam 2026 is a marathon, not a sprint. Start early, practice consistently, analyse religiously, and trust the process. Every CAT topper began where you are now—the difference is sustained effort and smart strategy. Your CAT VARC strategy 2026 should be personalised to your strengths and weaknesses, continuously refined through practice, and executed confidently on exam day. The techniques in this guide have helped thousands of aspirants crack VARC—now it's your turn to implement them systematically and achieve your target percentile. All the best!