CAT 2025 VARC Strategy: Master Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability

Breaking News: The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section in CAT 2025 is expected to test critical thinking, vocabulary, and analytical skills more rigorously. Here’s your expert strategy to excel in this section.

Key Updates for CAT 2025 VARC

• New Pattern Trends:
• Increased focus on Critical Reasoning and Para Jumbles.
• Shorter RC passages but with complex vocabulary.
• 50% weightage to RC; 30% to VA (Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks).
• Exam Dates:
• Registration opens: July 1, 2025.
• Exam date: November 18, 2025.

VARC Section Breakdown & Strategy

1. Reading Comprehension (RC)

Weightage: 50% of VARC score.
Tips to Ace RC:

• Read Daily:
• Follow The Hindu, The Economist, and Livemint for diverse topics (business, science, philosophy).
• Analyze Passages:
• Identify main idea, tone, and author’s perspective in 2 minutes.
• Practice:
• Solve CAT 2024 RC papers and timed mocks.

2. Verbal Ability (VA)

Key Topics:

• Sentence Correction (Grammar Rules).
• Fill in the Blanks (Vocabulary).
• Para Jumbles & Paragraph Completion.

Strategy:

• Grammar: Master Wren & Martin for error spotting.
• Vocabulary: Use Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.
• Daily Practice: Solve 10 VA questions daily on platforms like MBA Rendezvous.

3. Critical Reasoning (CR)

New Focus Area in 2025:

• Questions:
• Strengthen/Weaken arguments.
• Identify assumptions and conclusions.
• Tips:
• Use LSAT Critical Reasoning books for practice.
• Learn to map arguments visually.

Expert Tips for CAT 2025 VARC

1. Time Management:

• Allocate 40 minutes for VARC (out of 60 minutes total).
• RC: 20 minutes per passage.
• VA/CR: 15 minutes total.

1. Mock Tests:

• Take 3–4 mocks weekly (CAT 2024, AIMA, NMAT).
• Analyze mistakes post-mock.

1. Stay Updated:

• Follow iQuantA’s CAT 2025 VARC Strategy Webinars (free resources).

Top Resources for VARC Prep

FAQs on CAT 2025 VARC

Q: How many RC passages can I expect in 2025?
A: 4–5 passages, each with 3–4 questions.

Q: Is vocabulary still important?
A: Yes—10–15% questions test word meanings and usage.

Q: Should I skip difficult passages?
A: No—Read all passages first to choose the easiest one.

Q: What’s the best way to improve critical reasoning?
A: Practice LSAT questions and learn argument structure frameworks.

Also Read :

Best MBA Colleges Accepting Low CAT Scores in 2025 – Admission Guide

Best MBA Colleges in India Without CAT – Direct Admission in 2025

Final Takeaway: Dominate VARC in CAT 2025

• Key Strategy: Balance speed and accuracy in RC; master VA basics.
• Start Now: Begin with 10 days of RC drills and gradually add VA/CR.
• Stay Focused: VARC can boost your overall score by 10–15 percentile points.

Your CAT 2025 success starts with a strong VARC strategy—get ready to shine!