Thriving in the VARC Section of CAT 2021: A Comprehensive Guide

The Common Admission Test, or CAT, is a highly competitive entrance examination conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their flagship management programs. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT is particularly challenging, requiring a strong command of the English language, critical thinking skills, and the ability to efficiently analyze and synthesize information. In this article, we will provide an exclusive guide to help aspirants excel in the VARC section of CAT 2021, empowering them to achieve their desired percentile and secure admission to their dream B-school.

Understanding the VARC Section

The VARC section of CAT comprises two major components: Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability. Reading Comprehension questions assess the candidate's ability to understand and interpret written passages, while Verbal Ability questions test vocabulary, grammar, and sentence completion skills. The section typically consists of 24-26 questions, with a time limit of 60 minutes.

Section Break-Down

According to the CAT 2020 exam analysis, the VARC section was divided into the following sub-sections:

Question Distribution

The distribution of questions within the Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability sub-sections is as follows:

Tips to Excel in Reading Comprehension

1. Active Reading: Engage with the passage actively by highlighting key points, underlining important words, and taking notes in the margins.

2. Summarization: After reading the passage, summarize its main argument, key points, and supporting evidence in your own words.

3. Inferencing: Draw inferences from the passage based on the information provided. This will help you answer questions that require you to understand implied meanings.

4. Time Management: Allocate time wisely to each passage. Spend more time on the longer passages with multiple questions.

Tips to Excel in Verbal Ability

1. Vocabulary Enhancement: Build a strong vocabulary by reading widely, using flashcards, and practicing regularly.

2. Grammar Proficiency: Brush up on grammar rules, including parts of speech, sentence structure, and verb tenses.

3. Practice Para Jumbles and Error Detection: These question types require careful analysis and a strong grasp of grammar and sentence structure.

Advanced Preparation Strategies

1. Mock Tests and Practice Papers: Take regular mock tests and practice solving CAT-level VARC questions to improve timing, accuracy, and confidence.

2. Topic-Based Preparation: Focus on areas where you need improvement, such as specific grammar rules or vocabulary building.

3. Comprehensive Analysis: Analyze your performance in mock tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and develop targeted strategies for improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the ideal time taken to solve the VARC section?

A. The optimal time varies depending on the individual's abilities. However, most candidates aim to solve the section in 50-55 minutes, leaving 5-10 minutes for checking and review.

Q. How should I prioritize questions during the exam?

A. Start with questions that you are most confident about. Attempt para jumbles and sentence completion questions first, as they are typically easier.

Q. What resources are available to prepare for the VARC section?

A. Official CAT mock tests, practice papers, and study materials are available on the CAT website. Additionally, numerous coaching institutes and online platforms offer preparation courses and study materials specifically tailored for the VARC section.

Inspirational Stories

Story 1:

Excerpt: "I struggled with the VARC section initially, but I devised a daily study plan that included reading, vocabulary building, and mock tests. Slowly but surely, my accuracy and speed improved, and I eventually achieved a 95th percentile."

Learning: Consistency, hard work, and a structured approach can lead to significant improvement in performance.

Story 2:

Excerpt: "During the exam, I encountered a particularly difficult passage. Instead of panicking, I took a deep breath and focused on understanding the main argument. I skipped the difficult questions and returned to them later, ultimately answering most of them correctly."

Learning: Maintaining composure, strategic question selection, and time management are crucial to success in the CAT.

Story 3:

Excerpt: "I used humor to make the learning process more enjoyable. I created funny flashcards with bizarre vocabulary words and invented silly sentences to practice grammar rules. It made studying less monotonous and helped me retain information better."

Learning: Incorporating humor and creativity into preparation can enhance motivation and improve recall.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Question Types and Time Allocation

Table 2: Tips for Reading Comprehension

Table 3: Tips for Verbal Ability

Call to Action

Equip yourself with the knowledge, skills, and strategies outlined in this guide to achieve your desired percentile in the CAT 2021 VARC section. Embark on a strategic preparation journey today to unlock your potential and secure admission to the B-school of your dreams.