CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC Section: A Comprehensive Guide

The Common Admission Test (CAT) conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) is highly regarded as one of the most competitive entrance exams in India for admission into management programs. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT exam plays a crucial role in assessing candidates' language skills, comprehension abilities, and critical thinking.

Understanding the Question Paper

The CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC question paper consisted of 24 questions carrying a total of 40 marks. The question paper was divided into two broad sections:

• Reading Comprehension (RC): Comprised 12 questions, each worth 3 marks.
• Verbal Ability (VA): Included 12 questions, each carrying 2 marks.

Section-Wise Breakup

Topic-Wise Distribution

The topic-wise distribution of questions in the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC section was as follows:

Reading Comprehension

Verbal Ability

Difficulty Level

The overall difficulty level of the CAT 2021 Slot 3 VARC section was moderate to challenging. While the Reading Comprehension passages were generally well-written and accessible, they required careful reading and comprehension. The Verbal Ability questions, on the other hand, tested a wide range of skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and critical thinking.

Time Management

The VARC section of the CAT exam carries a strict time limit of 60 minutes. Candidates must allocate their time wisely to complete all the questions. It is recommended to attempt the Reading Comprehension passages first, as they require more time to read and understand. The Verbal Ability questions can be tackled in the remaining time.

Analysis

According to the CAT 2021 Scorecard, the average sectional score for VARC was 23.34 out of 40. This suggests that candidates struggled to perform exceptionally well in this section. The difficulty level was a major contributing factor, especially in the Verbal Ability portion.

How to Prepare for CAT 2023 VARC

1. Focus on Reading Comprehension: Read extensively from various sources to improve your reading speed, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Practice identifying the main idea, key details, and supporting evidence in passages.

2. Master Verbal Ability Concepts: Review grammar rules, vocabulary lists, and practice exercises to strengthen your foundational skills. Focus on sentence structure, punctuation, and common grammatical errors.

3. Take Mock Tests: Solve full-length mock tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam experience. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and work on improving specific areas.

4. Analyze Question Patterns: Study the question paper pattern and understand the types of questions asked in the CAT VARC section. This will help you develop a strategy for answering different types of questions.

Success Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1:

Candidate A scored 95 percentile in VARC. She attributed her success to consistent reading, a strong vocabulary, and effective time management. She avoided rushing through the passages and took time to understand and analyze them carefully.

Lesson: Reading comprehension is a skill that takes time to develop. Invest in regular reading and practice to improve your understanding and critical thinking abilities.

Story 2:

Candidate B scored 80 percentile in VARC. He focused on mastering verbal ability concepts and practiced extensively. He also developed a strategy to tackle sentence correction and para jumble questions efficiently.

Lesson: Strong verbal ability skills are essential for success in the VARC section. Dedicate time to reviewing grammar rules, building vocabulary, and solving practice exercises.

Story 3:

Candidate C scored 60 percentile in VARC. She struggled with time management and panic during the exam. She also did not invest enough time in reading comprehension practice.

Lesson: Time management is crucial in the CAT exam. Practice mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Additionally, consistent reading and comprehension exercises are essential for building a strong foundation.

Step-by-Step Approach to CAT VARC Preparation

Step 1: Set Realistic Goals Set achievable goals based on your current level of proficiency and target score.

Step 2: Build a Strong Vocabulary Start by identifying commonly tested words and phrases. Use flashcards, apps, or websites to expand your vocabulary.

Step 3: Master Grammar Rules Review essential grammar rules, including punctuation, sentence structure, and common errors. Solve practice exercises to reinforce your understanding.

Step 4: Practice Reading Comprehension Read from diverse sources, including newspapers, magazines, and books. Focus on understanding the main idea, key details, and supporting evidence.

Step 5: Develop Time Management Strategies Practice mock tests under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy. Experiment with different strategies to find what works best for you.

Step 6: Analyze Your Performance Review your mock test results and identify areas for improvement. Focus on fine-tuning your skills and addressing specific weaknesses.

Step 7: Stay Positive and Confident Believe in your abilities and approach the exam with a positive mindset. Remember, hard work and dedication will lead to success.

Pros and Cons of CAT VARC

Pros:

• Assesses essential communication and comprehension skills
• Tests a wide range of verbal ability concepts
• Helps candidates develop critical thinking and analytical abilities

Cons:

• Time constraint can be challenging for some candidates
• Difficulty level can vary, affecting overall performance
• Results can be influenced by external factors such as anxiety and time management

Call to Action

Start your CAT 2023 VARC preparation today! Follow the tips and strategies outlined in this article to enhance your skills and achieve your target score. Dedicate time to consistent reading, master verbal ability concepts, and practice mock tests to improve your time management and accuracy. Remember, success in the CAT exam requires a combination of hard work, dedication, and a positive mindset.