CAT 2024: Prepare for the VARC Section

The VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section of CAT 2024 is the first section of the exam. It is expected to follow the same exam pattern and syllabus as the previous years. Thus it will consist of 24 questions, that is, 36% of the total marks. The section must be attempted in 40 minutes.

The section tests the candidate's reading and verbal skills, including vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, and comprehension. To prepare for VARC, candidates can focus on the following steps

Understand the VARC exam pattern & syllabus
Revise & review school-level English
Brush up on grammar and vocabulary
Acquire the habit of reading regularly

CAT 2024: VARC Syllabus

In VARC, the Reading Comprehension part of the section dominates with approximately 70% weightage of the total score of this section. Given below are the topics that should be covered in the CAT VARC syllabus 2024:

Topics Covered
RC passages	Grammar	Para jumbles
Vocabulary	Inferences	Odd one out
Para-completion	One-word substitution	Verbal logic

General Tips to Prepare for VARC in CAT 2024

Here are some tips on how to prepare for the VARC section of CAT 2024

Acquire the habit of reading

The VARC section requires you to read passages and answer questions accordingly. Due to the time constraint, you must read the passage quickly, understand the content and answer the questions. Therefore, it is essential to improve your reading speed and comprehension. You can do this by practicing reading different types of texts, such as newspapers, magazines, and novels.
Focus on vocabulary

Your vocabulary skills are also tested in this section, so it's essential to expand your vocabulary. You can do this by reading extensively and making note of unfamiliar words. Another way of becoming familiar with new words and their usage is by using flashcards or apps.
Time management

The VARC section is time-bound, so it's crucial to manage your time effectively. Practice dividing your time between reading, understanding the message, and answering questions to ensure that you complete the section within the allotted time. Also, make a strategy to identify the questions and passages easiest for you to attempt so you can start with those questions.
Use online resources

There are various online resources available like YouTube videos, online courses, blogs, open sessions, and webinars that can help you in preparing for the VARC section. Utilize these resources to enhance your preparation. However, due to the vast variety of questions ensure that you research well and pick the right study material best for your preparation.
Practice with mock tests & previous year papers

Practice mock tests and past papers to get familiar with the actual exam. This will help you adapt to the format of the questions and build your confidence. Solving previous years’ CAT papers will also give you an idea about the type of questions asked in the VARC section. This will help you in understanding the exam pattern and type of questions asked.
Identify your strengths and weaknesses

After attempting mocks and question papers, always spend ample time analyzing your attempt. It will help you note your progress and identify areas that will require more preparation. You will also understand your strong points which you can utilize when attempting the VARC section.

CAT 2024 VARC: Verbal Ability Preparation

Here's a preparation plan for the Verbal Ability section of the VARC in CAT 2024:

Brush up on grammar

Grammar is an essential part of the Verbal Ability section. Review the basic grammar rules, such as tenses, subject-verb agreement, and parts of speech. Improve your grammar skills by solving grammar exercises, sentence correction questions, and reading grammar books.

Understand para-jumbles

Para-jumbles are a common question type in the Verbal Ability section. Practice identifying the opening and closing sentences and rearranging the sentences in the correct order.

Practice para-completions

Para-completion involves completing incomplete sentences with the provided options. Practice this type of question to improve your accuracy.

CAT 2024 VARC: Reading Comprehension Preparation

Given below are some tips to prepare for the Reading Comprehension section of the VARC in CAT 2024:

Review various topics and subjects

As you are getting into the habit of reading, ensure that you read about all walks of life and include various subjects and topics relevant to the present day.

Make notes while reading

Reading and making notes simultaneously will help you remember important details and main ideas. The notes can also be used to reach the answers quickly and accurately.

Learn different types of questions

There are various types of RC questions, such as the tone of the passage, the author's purpose, inference-based questions, etc. Learn to identify the different types of questions and practice answering them.

FAQs

How difficult is the VARC section in CAT?

In CAT 2022, the overall difficulty of the VARC section was easy to moderate. Candidates could aim for a 99-%ile with an approximate score of 39-41. So following the pattern, CAT 2024 will have a similar level of difficulty.

What should be the strategy to prepare well for VARC?

To prepare well for VARC, you should first familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus basis the past years. The next step will be to get into the habit of reading and brushing up on your vocabulary. For VARC, you should study and prepare before you begin practicing.

Which books are best to prepare for VARC in CAT 2024?

Here are some of the best books for VARC preparation

Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT by Ajay Singh
Past Years' CAT Questions by GK Publications

How should I prepare for VARC if my English is very weak?

If your English is weak, focus on building your vocabulary and grammar. Also get into the habit of reading as it will help you improve your speed alongside grammar. Make sure you build your foundation well before you start attempting mocks or practising questions.

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