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How to Increase Accuracy in VARC in CAT? Know the Top 10 Ways Here!

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

April 3, 2025

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Overview: VARC is one of the trickiest sections in the CAT exam. Thus, learning how to increase accuracy in VARC in CAT can help you get good marks. Read on to know the ways!

  • Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) is simply the english section of the CAT exam that asks about 24 questions.
  • Many students struggle with accuracy in VARC due to complex passages, tricky questions, and time constraints. 

  • Therefore, knowing the right way from the experts will help you understand the section plus improve your accuracy.

So, continue reading to get the top 10 ways on “How to increase accuracy in VARC in CAT exam here!

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Why Accuracy Matters in VARC in CAT?

VARC, or Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, is the first section of the CAT exam. It consists of 24 questions, weighing 72 marks.

Due to sectional timings, it is challenging for students to complete all the questions accurately and within the given time frame. But why does accuracy matter in the VARC section in CAT?

Accuracy in VARC is important because:

  • A high accuracy rate ensures a better overall score.
  • Negative marking for incorrect answers can significantly impact your percentile.
  • Efficient attempts save time for other sections like DILR and QA.

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How to Increase Accuracy in VARC in CAT?

Is there any way to improve accuracy in the VARC section in the CAT exam? Well, yes we have provided the top 10 ways to increase your accuracy and speed in the VARC section:

1. Read Every Day (Even If It’s Just 10 Minutes!)

Develop a daily reading habit to enhance your performance in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section of the CAT exam. 

Start by reading news articles, blog posts, books, novels, short stories or magazines related to your interest. You can even start reading online journals or documentaries to improve your vocabulary.

Once you become familiar with reading articles, start by exploring diverse subjects such as science, philosophy, economics, history, politics, and the arts. This exposure to a wide range of topics and writing styles will not only enrich your vocabulary and knowledge base but also enhance your ability to comprehend complex passages and arguments.

2. Focus on Understanding, Not Just Reading

The next master tip on how to increase accuracy in VARC in CAT is to focus on understanding rather than just reading.

Many students rush through passages without truly understanding them. Slow down, grasp the main idea, and try summarising the content in your own words.

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3. Improve Your Vocabulary the Fun Way

Instead of cramming word lists, learn new words naturally. Read books, watch movies with subtitles, and use apps like Anki or Quizlet. 

The more words you know, the easier it will be to understand RC passages.

4. Be Smart with Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

To improve your accuracy in the VARC section of the CAT exam, try reading smartly. Read the first and last paragraph carefully to get the main idea.

Spot transition words like however, thus, and on the other hand to follow the argument. Avoid overthinking, as the right answer is usually the most straightforward one.

5. Practice More Para Jumbles 

Para jumbles are tricky yet scoring. Having a good practice on solving the para jumbles can help you in the main examination.

You can try out the following tips:

  • Identify the sentence that introduces the topic.
  • Look for linking words like but " and, therefore, also to arrange sentences logically.
  • Read aloud to check if the order makes sense.

6. Don’t Guess Blindly—It’s a Trap!

It’s very important to be vigilant while performing the VARC section of the CAT exam. Do not try to be oversamart or guess the answer blindly as it will result in serious marks deduction.

If you’re unsure about a question, it’s better to skip it. Remember, negative marking can reduce your overall score. Focus on accuracy rather than the number of attempts.

7. Take Timed Practice Tests

To boost your accuracy and speed in the VARC section in the CAT exam it is equally important to give mock tests or practice test that are monitored by the time limit.

If you fail to find such practice papers then set a timer and practice VARC questions under exam conditions. This will improve your speed and help you manage time effectively on D-day.

8. Learn from Your Mistakes

Repeating the same mistake can never make you ace the exam; therefore, it is crucial to analyse what you are lacking or on what topics you need improvement.

After every mock test, analyse your mistakes. Understand why you got a question wrong and note the patterns in your errors. This will help you avoid repeating them.

9. Develop a Strategy That Works for You

The VARC section in the CAT exam asks about 24 questions from different topics. Therefore, it is important to have an expert strategy that works for you.

Some students read the passage first, while others check the questions first. Experiment with different approaches in practice tests and stick to the one that works best for you.

10. Stay Consistent and Keep Practicing

Lastly, do not break your practice instead, stay consistent and take as many mocks as you can.

This will help you to know the difficulty level of the questions and the types of questions asked. Set small daily goals, like solving 5 RCs or 10 para jumbles. With consistent practice, you’ll see significant improvement.

Conclusion

VARC may seem tough, but it's definitely possible to improve your accuracy and boost your CAT score. 

Consistent daily practice, coupled with regular reading and smart strategies, will go a long way in helping you succeed. Don't wait - start today and give it your best shot!