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How to Solve Para Jumbles for CAT 2025 & MBA Entrance Exams: Expert Strategies and Examples
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CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25
In the Non-RC segment, Para jumbles, or sentence rearrangement questions, play an important role in Verbal Ability sections in competitive exams like CAT, MAT, CMAT, MHCET and XAT. This is a perfect way to test a candidate’s understanding of logical structure, ideas flow, and writing coherence. While seemingly simple, para jumbles can often become stumbling blocks due to their complexity and deception. So, it is better not to consider it lightly, also don’t be overconfident. In this article, we will understand the roadmap for mastering para jumbles with proven strategies, practice frameworks, and exam-specific approaches tailored for CAT 2025 and XAT 2026, especially how to solve Para Jumbles in CAT.
This Story also Contains
- Understanding Para Jumbles
- Para Jumble Question Types in CAT & XAT
- Core Skills Tested by the Para Jumble Questions
- Top Strategies for Solving Para Jumbles: How to Solve Para Jumbles in CAT
- Heuristics for Identifying Sentence Order OR Para Jumble tricks for CAT 2025
- Strategy for TITA (Type in the Answer) Para Jumbles in CAT/Para Jumbles Solving Techniques for CAT
- Strategy for MCQ-Based Para Jumbles in XAT/Best strategies for Para Jumbles in XAT 2026
- Common Pitfalls while answering Para Jumble Questions and How to Avoid Them?
- Practice Techniques and Resources/CAT Para Jumbles shortcuts
- Final Tips for Exam Day/Para Jumbles approach for XAT/CAT
- Best Strategies for Solving Para Jumbles: Key Takeaways
- Other Useful Resources
Understanding Para Jumbles
A group of sentences can be given in a jumbled way, one has to arrange them in the correct order, and it can present a group of 4-6 sentences in a jumbled order. The objective of the candidate is to rearrange them into a logical, meaningful paragraph, as the main goal is to test your reading comprehension, contextual understanding, and logical sequencing. There are different types of Para Jumbling questions, so logic can be different, but the main idea to solve them is to understand the main thread of discussion.
Why Are Para Jumbles Challenging?
Most of the students consider the para jumble questions challenging, while some students are seen to be comfortable with them. The main parameter required to be proficient in this is to work based on comprehending the main information. Some standard challenges are: -
No definite clues: Especially in CAT, TITA questions in CAT offer no options to eliminate.
Time-consuming: Evaluating all possible combinations (e.g., 5 sentences = 120 combinations) is impractical.
High penalty for error: A single misplaced sentence can break coherence and cost marks.
Subtle traps: Multiple sentences may seem like valid starters, leading to confusion.
Types of questions: All question types cannot be solved in the same logic, so they need to be customised.
Para Jumble Question Types in CAT & XAT
While preparing for management entrance examinations such as CAT and XAT, care must be taken to complete the whole syllabus in time. As far as the CAT exam syllabus is concerned, the para jumble questions appear in the CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section. It is essential to understand the various types of possible parajumble questions in the examination. The complete list is provided below.
1. Types Of Questions Based On Format-
The different types of classification of para jumle questions based on types of questions are given below:
Complete Para Jumbling
- All the sentences are jumbled, and one has to fix all of them.
For example -
When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it often spreads to the bones.
Metastasised cancer is much harder to treat than localised cancer because it can be hard for drugs to reach all the tumours and completely root out the disease.
However, when prostate cancers need hormones to grow, as in Biden’s case, they can be susceptible to treatment that deprives the tumours of hormones.
Biden’s predecessor and successor, Donald Trump, expressed concern on behalf of himself and his first lady, Melania Trump, for his political rival.
CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages
Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
Download NowOPTIONS-
1234
3421
4321
2134
Here, in this case, the right answer is option 1.
Partial Para Jumbling
Not all the sentences are jumbled, and one has to fix those sentences. In such types of questions, one to two sentences will remain intact. So, we have to follow the thread accordingly.
For example -
a. She has blackwater fever, a rare but increasing complication of malaria that researchers are trying to explain.
1. Blackwater fever happens when red blood cells break down rapidly in the bloodstream.
2. So named because patients’ urine turns dark with blood, it can be deadly.
3. They release haemoglobin, and this is excreted in urine.
4. It can result in anaemia and jaundice and require blood transfusion.
f. Prof Kathryn Maitland of Imperial College London, based in Kenya, was part of a team that noticed high numbers of children in eastern Uganda with blackwater almost a decade ago.
OPTIONS-
1234
2134
3214
2341
Ans:- 2
Here in this case, statements a and f are fixed, and we have arranged the rest of the sentences.
2. Types Of Questions Based On Exam Or Option-Specific
The type of questions asked under the para-jumble section varies from exam to exam. The important characteristics of the para jumble questions in the most important management entrance exams, CAT and XAT, are listed below.
Exam | Type of Para Jumble | Characteristics |
CAT | TITA (Type In The Answer) | 4 sentences, no options, must enter the correct sequence |
XAT | MCQ-Based | 4–5 sentences, options provided, one correct order |
Core Skills Tested by the Para Jumble Questions
Para jumble questions are based on many minute matrices and give a wide array to the assessor to understand what exactly he or she is looking for in the candidate. Some of the top skill sets required are as follows:-
Identifying topic sentences
Linking ideas logically
Understanding pronoun references
Detecting cause-and-effect and contrast
Recognising chronological or narrative sequence
Recommended eBooks
Related eBooks & Sample Papers
Top Strategies for Solving Para Jumbles: How to Solve Para Jumbles in CAT
In exams such as CAT, which is highly competitive, each mark matters. The candidates, during their CAT 2025 preparation, should ensure that they allocate enough time for practising enough para-jumble questions. While analysing the CAT previous year question papers, it is observed that the parajumble questions are often confusing and time-consuming. Now, with around 6 months FOR the CAT exam left for CAT preparation, applying the best CAT preparation strategies for solving the para jumble questions can bring the best results. A few of the expert suggestions for scoring the maximum marks under this section are listed below.
Looking out for the Opening Sentence
The first target should be to look for a sentence that introduces a topic and doesn’t refer back to anything else. As you review the labelled sentences, seek one that offers a fresh start. It should not be a continuation of prior ideas. If you find a single option that begins with this sentence, you won’t need to do any additional work. It usually:
Lacks pronouns (he, she, it, they)
States a broad idea
Sets the stage for details to follow
Looking out for Mandatory Pairs
Frequently, a pair of sentences can be arranged chronologically based on clues found in one of the sentences. Common indicators include references to a person or object. The initial mention mostly uses a noun, while subsequent references make use of a pronoun or a preposition. For example, consider the following two sentences. Identify the sentence pairs that are required to occur together due to these references.:
Pronoun reference (e.g., "This" referring to a previous statement)
Logical continuation (e.g., cause and effect, example following a statement)
Abbreviation-based (e.g., ‘WHO’ world health organisation, so full form at first, then the abbreviation)
Chronological-based (e.g., past, present, then future, or event-based based or some action-based)
Tracking Flow of Ideas
Idea tracking is very important, so we need to check how the thought process develops:
General → Specific
Statement → Reason/Example
Idea → Contrast → Resolution
This kind of mind mapping helps us to be technically correct while struggling with some specific close choices.
Identifying Transition Words
Transition words always give a clear path to decide the correct sequence, so use connectors to guide sequencing:
Category | Transition Words | Function |
Additive | Furthermore, also, in addition | Adds more information or expands on an idea |
Contrast | However,, yet | Shows a difference or introduces an opposing idea |
Result | therefore, hence, thus | Indicates a consequence or result of something |
Sequence | then, subsequently, finally | Shows the order in which things happen |
But in modern-day writing, we have to be very careful because words can be a trap used by modern test setters, so better to read, understand and decide.
Use Elimination (For XAT/SNAP/CMAT)
For para jumble based on MCQs, try to eliminate options that are as follows: -
Start with a sentence that has a pronoun
Have abrupt jumps in logic
Break continuity between known sentence pairs
Looking out for the closing Sentence
The test creators are often seen to be smart, as they usually ensure that escaping their traps isn't easy. You'll often encounter multiple options following the introductory sentence, which means you'll need more than a single clue to arrive at the correct answer. The final sentence in the paragraph serves as a summary and connects to the preceding sentences.
Heuristics for Identifying Sentence Order OR Para Jumble tricks for CAT 2025
Identifying the correct sentence order is the key to solving the para jumble questions in any examination. A lot of candidates are often observed to struggle with finding the right sentence order, or in the process of doing so, make mistakes by selecting the incorrect sentence structure. This will result in negative marking and can severely impact the CAT 2025 scores. Some of the efficient tips for identifying the correct sentence structure are:
Clue Words-Pronouns
Luckily, some sentences come with "he", "she", "it", "they"; they usually do not begin a paragraph. The best is to match them with the sentence that introduces their antecedent.
For example -
The famous Parisian cathedral has three rose windows. The south rose window, shown here, is made of 84 panes divided into four circles.
It depicts various biblical images, including apostles, bishops, angels and martyrs, as well as various scenes from both the Old and New Testaments.
Here ‘it’ is helping us to connect the sentences.
Articles and Demonstratives
Sentences starting with "This", "These", "That", and "Such", etc, likely refer to earlier content.
For example -
Each was slightly different, and all were geometric, featuring bright primary colours.
That was a departure from Wright's earlier designs, which were primarily based on nature.
These designs could have been inspired by a parade with the colored glass simulating balloons, flags and confetti.
Here, the 3 sentences can be paired easily with the help of “that’ these’ words.
Chronological Clues
Keep searching for time-based connectors:
"In the beginning", "Later", "Eventually"
For example -
For example, while as children, we may need to be reminded to brush our teeth, we eventually grow to do it as a matter of habit.
Good habits, like tooth-brushing, are behaviours that are consciously and intentionally added to our routines in order to maintain or improve our health or general wellbeing.
Hook word ‘eventually’ is helping to organise things.
Cause and Effect Chains
If we get this notion clearly, it helps us to connect the ideas first. In case it is inferential writing, it helps.
Example:
A: The stock market fell sharply today.
B: Investors panicked due to rising inflation numbers.
B logically precedes A (cause before effect).
Strategy for TITA (Type in the Answer) Para Jumbles in CAT/Para Jumbles Solving Techniques for CAT
For the CAT exam, solving the TITA questions has to be dealt with diligently. Many challenges can be expected in this zone. Sometimes the questions are optional, sometimes it is mandatory, sometimes it comes with or without negative marking.
Technique | Description |
Anchoring Technique | Lock in anchor pairs (certain sequences of sentences) to reduce the number of permutations. |
Vertical Reading | Write sentences vertically and compare key terms or ideas to identify logical connections. |
Opening and Closing Clues | Identify opening sentences (no pronouns, fresh topic) and closing sentences (summarising or conclusive tone) as a set rule. |
Avoid Linear Attempts | Don’t attempt all possible permutations. Use logic to eliminate unlikely sequences and focus on likely sentence orders. |
Validate Coherence | After forming a sequence, check if the paragraph reads smoothly and ideas are logically connected.
|
Strategy for MCQ-Based Para Jumbles in XAT/Best strategies for Para Jumbles in XAT 2026
For the last few years, the difficulty level of the XAT Para Jumbles section has been between the moderate to difficult levels. XAT preparation tips for the Jumbles require you to plan actively and precisely.
Better to start with Elimination- It saves our time and helps to take instant, correct decisions, such as quickly eliminating options that start with pronoun-based sentences.
Looking for Unique Starters- Keep in mind that we have to move from general to specific idea, it is better to decide that sometimes only one sentence introduces the subject. Use that to anchor your answer.
Comparing Between Close Options- After noting something akin to BCDA next to the question, we should verify whether such an option is available. If we encounter an option like BDCA as well, it would be prudent to reconfirm that sentence D follows sentence C. In the absence of an exact match, our assessment of a closely related option as correct will hinge on whether there is a match between the introductory and concluding sentences. If such a match exists, it may be worthwhile to take a chance and select that option. However, if multiple matches are present, a more thorough examination will be necessary.
Common Pitfalls while answering Para Jumble Questions and How to Avoid Them?
Para Jumbles is one such section in the various management entrance examinations that requires strong attention to detail and precise thinking. One small lapse of concentration might prove fatal as the candidate might get confused or opt for the wrong answer. Hence, understanding the common mistakes in the CAT exam made by the candidates while answering the para jumble questions and ensuring not to repeat them can help the candidates enhance their CAT exam score.
Don’t spend time getting stuck on several options.
Don’t avoid the context, so that you do not lag with the logical connect.
Try and test one option at a time, in case a common area arises, then it can be taken care of together.
Overthinking and second-guessing can take you on the wrong path, so better to ignore.
Do not force permutation every time; be logic-oriented.
Divide time or allocate based on your strong area
Practice Techniques and Resources/CAT Para Jumbles shortcuts
Some of the effective practice techniques that can help the candidates enhance their Para Jumble preparation are listed below.
Daily Practice Routine
Try to practice one question every day, and if possible, work out all types of para-jumble questions. At the beginning, the target should be accuracy, then try to solve them by keeping an achievable time limit in mind.
Reverse Engineering
Reading holds significant importance. Engage with well-crafted RC paragraphs, scramble them, and then attempt to rearrange the sentences. Sentence rearrangement involves deciphering a collection of jumbled sentences to identify the underlying structure of the writing. In this process, the examiners often select topics that students are generally unfamiliar with, adding an extra layer of difficulty to the unjumbling task. Having a broad familiarity with various reading subjects is a substantial advantage when approaching Sentence Rearrangement questions. Naturally, this skill develops over time and cannot be achieved overnight.
Group Practice
If possible, sit with a friend group and discuss para jumbles. Debating the sequence helps internalise logic, especially when you are in a group. It can also be done in classes. Ask questions and clear your doubts.
Use Trusted Sources
Authentic material is always preferred, and it can be any good platform when learning, practising and exercising. Some as follows:-
Resource | Description |
Previous Year CAT/XAT/SNAP/CMAT/MAT Papers | Great for understanding real exam patterns and difficulty levels. |
Arun Sharma's Verbal Ability Book | A comprehensive book covering all major verbal topics with practice questions. |
Wordpandit | Helpful for building strong basics and practising daily RCs and verbal sets. |
Cracku | Provides mock tests and practice questions that simulate the actual exam environment. |
Time | Offers structured coaching with well-planned test series and materials. |
Career Launcher | Known for expert guidance and quality mocks for various MBA entrance exams. |
Hitbullseye | Provides video lessons and practice content ideal for self-paced learners. |
IMS | Offers adaptive tests and detailed analytics for performance tracking. |
Career 360 website mocks and exercises | Useful for free mock tests, articles, and preparation insights. |
Create a Para Jumble Journal
If possible, maintain a log as this gives a clear connection and idea about practice, and also learning and exercising. Some of the parameters are:-
Attempted questions
Correct sequence vs. your guess
Reasoning errors
Key learning from each
Every question will always have clues
To create effective questions, examiners always select paragraphs that contain clues about the structure. These clues may include identifying the introductory sentence, recognising relationships between sentences, or pinpointing the concluding sentence.
Final Tips for Exam Day/Para Jumbles approach for XAT/CAT
The final tips on the Para Jumble topics for the exam day are given below for the quick reference of the candidates.
Plan and start, and decide the timeline
Don’t waste time on tricky questions
Read the sentences wholly and then take a stand, so don’t jump
Focus and calmness of mind are required to solve this area
No guessing is working logically
Don’t be overconfident, as questions are also easy to handle
Don’t be underconfident, also, as sometimes questions can be easy too
For TITA, only opt in case confident.
Best Strategies for Solving Para Jumbles: Key Takeaways
Always remember that Para jumbles, while challenging, can become a scoring opportunity with the right approach. So, mastering this section requires not only extensive practice but also an understanding of patterns, a recognition of logical structures, and the consistent application of frameworks. For CAT 2025, concentrate on enhancing your TITA logic-building skills. For XAT 2026, focus on refining your elimination techniques and choice analysis. Utilise each practice session to boost your confidence and minimise your reliance on guesswork. Keep your eyes wide open and keep working on strategies. Keep in mind that coherence is paramount in para jumbles. Train yourself to think like the author. Clarity of thought leads to accuracy in sequencing, which can help in securing a very good score.
Other Useful Resources
To help the candidates enhance their XAT as well as CAT preparation for 2026 and 2025, respectively, Careers360 has designed a set of ebooks written by subject experts. The candidates are strongly advised to download the ebooks and make them a part of their study routine. The links to the books are provided in the table below.
eBook Title | Download Links |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | |
Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions | |
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions | |
XAT 2026 Sample Paper, Section-wise Questions with Expert's Solution | |
XAT 2026 Section-wise Preparation Tips |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the good resources to practice Para Jumble?
A:
Response- The candidates can practice parajumble questions from past papers, and also some good platforms already mentioned in the above article.
Q: Is Para Jumble mandatory for the CAT exam?
A:
Response- In the CAT exam, the pattern changes every time, such as in 2024, no Para Jumble questions were there. But we can’t say that it is no more part or mandatory. Better to consider and move along.
Q: Can reading every day help to improve my efficiency in the para jumbles section of various management entrance examinations?
A:
Response- Of course, reading gives us a variety of understanding and improves our logical skills, which is very important for this domain.
Q: Why should para-jumble be included in the daily to-do list every day?
A:
Response- That’s one of the best ways to excel in this area, practising at least one every day helps build expertise in this segment. Candidates should ensure to solve at least one para jumble question per day.
Q: Are the para-jumble questions always difficult to attempt?
A:
Response- Not all historical trends guarantee that questions will be easy, so please don’t stop practising.
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KL- MAT syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English/Verbal Ability, and General Awareness (similar to MAT/CMAT pattern).
CAT scores are valid in many private universities including KL University, but always check the year’s admission notification.
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Hello Aspirant,
-
I saw a cat. The cat found an old map inside a drawer of the king's palace.
Here's why:
-
"a cat": It's the first time we mention the cat, so it's indefinite.
-
"The cat": Now we're talking about that specific cat we just mentioned, so it's definite.
-
"an old map": It's the first time we mention a map, and "old" starts with a vowel sound, so "an."
-
"a drawer": It's one of possibly many drawers, not a specific one known to us yet.
-
"the king's palace": This is a specific, unique place, so "the."
Hello Kapish
You can find the last 5 year questions of DILR for CAT at Careers360 website. Moreover, you can find the previous year papers of all the subjects i.e. DILR, Quants and VARC. I am attaching the link through which you would be able to access the same.
Here's the link:
CAT Previous Year Papers by CAREERS360
Sample paper of DILR:
CAT Sample Paper (DILR) by CAREERS360
Thank You!!!
Hello Divya,
Yes, candidates with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT provided that the degree is from a recognized (UGC approved in India or accredited abroad) institution. The leading B-schools in both India and abroad do not look down upon online degrees as long as the degree is from a recognized body, they will mostly be looking at your test scores, academic performance, work experience, and profile holistically. What matters is the legitimacy of the institution and how you showcase your abilities, not whether your degree was obtained online or in-person.
Yes, someone with an online BBA can sit for both CAT and GMAT, provided the degree is from a UGC recognized university. Top B-schools in India (like IIMs) and abroad generally accept online degrees if they are valid, and you won’t be marked down just because it’s online. What matters more is your entrance exam score, academic record, work experience, and overall profile.
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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