25+ Important CAT Reading Comprehension Questions with Answers PDF Download

Q: Why is reading comprehension important for the CAT exam?

The Reading Comprehension (RC) section accounts for a significant portion of the CAT exam, typically around 50 to 70% of the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section. Strong performance in RC can greatly influence your overall score and improve your chances of getting into your desired B-school.

Q: How can I effectively use newspapers and editorials to improve my RC skills?

Reading newspapers like The Hindu and articles from sources like The Indian Express and The Wire helps enhance your understanding of various topics and writing styles. Focus on editorials to develop your analytical skills and learn to discern different perspectives presented in the articles.

Q: What types of online resources are available for practicing reading comprehension?

Many free online resources can aid RC preparation, including websites like Project Syndicate, Art and Letters Daily for essays, SuperGrads’ portals for structured practice, and various educational YouTube channels that provide tips and strategies for tackling RC questions.

Q: Are there specific genres or topics I should focus on while preparing for RC?

It’s beneficial to read a variety of genres, including essays, articles on current affairs, scientific studies, and literary works. Topics may range from economics and politics to technology and environmental issues, as the CAT often includes passages from diverse fields.

Q: How can I assess my reading comprehension progress effectively?

Regular practice with mock tests and past question papers can help you gauge your progress. Additionally, utilizing question packs from online platforms and participating in group discussions can enhance your comprehension skills and allow you to analyze your performance critically.

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

November 26, 2025

Overview: Boost your speed, accuracy and scores with these Best free Reading Comprehension for CAT 2026. Read on to download the RC for CAT PDF.

As a CAT aspirant, you're likely feeling the pressure to optimize your strategy with a smart, well-rounded preparation plan. With CAT 2026 approaching fast, it's crucial to focus on one of the most impactful sections Reading Comprehension for CAT 2026

The good news is, you don't have to break the bank to access high-quality RC for CAT resources. In this comprehensive blog post, we'll dive into the CAT Reading Comprehension Questions, best free tools, websites, and study materials that can elevate your CAT 2026 RC game and help you conquer the exam with confidence.

Importance of Reading Comprehension in the CAT 2026

Before we talk about the best resources RC for CAT 2026, let's first understand why CAT Reading Comprehension Questions is such an important component of the CAT exam.

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section accounts for a significant portion of the CAT paper, approximately 50 to 70% of the total.

This means that your performance in the RC section can make or break your chances of securing a top score and getting into your dream B-school.

It's not just about understanding the passage; you also need to be able to analyze the tone, identify the author's perspective, and draw logical inferences - all within a limited time frame.

CAT Reading Comprehension Questions with Answers

1) The author’s attitude towards “sustainable development” can best be described as:

A) Strongly supportive
B) Mildly optimistic
C) Cautiously skeptical
D) Indifferent

Answer: C

2) Critics of sustainability argue that:

A) It creates more jobs than traditional industries
B) It is mostly a rhetorical device
C) Governments have abandoned economic growth
D) Renewable energy is impractical

Answer: B

3) What does the passage primarily emphasize?

A) The superiority of novels over poetry
B) The changing cultural value of literary forms
C) The frivolous nature of novels in the past
D) The decline of drama in modern society

Answer:B

4) Which of the following can be inferred?

A) Literary value is socially constructed
B) Poetry is no longer respected
C) Novels were always popular with critics
D) Drama has disappeared from literature

Answer:A

5). The central concern of the passage is:

A) AI will replace human jobs
B) AI cannot be applied in sensitive fields
C) AI may perpetuate human biases
D) AI is more efficient than humans

Answer: C

6). According to the passage, accountability in AI is problematic because:

A) AI decisions are always unpredictable
B) Responsibility is difficult to assign
C) Programmers refuse to take blame
D) Companies never regulate AI use

Answer: B

7) What is the main purpose of most CAT Reading Comprehension passages?
A) To test vocabulary knowledge
B) To evaluate the ability to understand, analyze, and interpret texts
C) To memorize facts
D) To summarize chapters

Answer: B

8) A passage primarily discussing the environmental effects of urbanization is likely testing your ability to:
A) Interpret statistical data
B) Identify the author’s opinion and implications
C) Solve numerical problems
D) Translate text into simpler language

Answer: B

9) Which question type is most common in CAT RC?
A) Synonym and antonym
B) Main idea and inference
C) True/False from memory
D) Grammar correction

Answer: B

10) “Inference-based” questions require the reader to:
A) Copy sentences from the passage
B) Deduce information not explicitly stated
C) Summarize the entire passage
D) Rewrite the passage in simpler terms

Answer: B

11) The author’s tone in a passage can best be identified by:
A) Counting adjectives
B) Observing the choice of words and the attitude expressed
C) Looking at the length of sentences
D) Checking the number of examples used

Answer: B

12) When a question asks for the “central theme,” you should:
A) Focus only on the first paragraph
B) Consider the passage as a whole and identify the main point
C) Look for the longest sentence
D) Only read the concluding paragraph

Answer: B

13) Which strategy is most effective for answering RC questions under time pressure?
A) Reading every word slowly
B) Skimming for structure and keywords, then reading in detail for questions
C) Memorizing the passage
D) Skipping the passage and guessing answers

Answer: B

14) If a question asks about a specific detail, you should:
A) Guess based on general knowledge
B) Locate the exact line in the passage that mentions it
C) Skip the question
D) Summarize the passage first

Answer: B

15) What does an “author’s attitude” question usually test?
A) Spelling and grammar
B) The emotional or evaluative stance of the writer
C) Knowledge of literature
D) Understanding of figurative language only

Answer: B

16) If a word is used in an unusual way in the passage, the CAT may ask:
A) Its dictionary meaning
B) Its contextual meaning
C) Its etymology
D) Its synonyms in other languages

Answer: B

17) Which of the following is a trap answer in CAT RC?
A) Directly supported by the passage
B) Slightly exaggerated or distorted version of the passage
C) Paraphrase of a line from the passage
D) Contradicted by the passage

Answer: B

18) Which of these passages is more likely to appear in CAT RC?
A) Technical manual
B) Philosophical essay, social science, or contemporary issue
C) Comic book
D) Fictional short story for entertainment

Answer: B

19) If two answer options seem correct, the best strategy is to:
A) Choose the longer one
B) Compare them against the passage and pick the one fully supported
C) Pick the one with simpler words
D) Choose the one that appears first

Answer: B

20) “Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?” tests:
A) Inference
B) Detail recognition
C) Vocabulary
D) Tone

Answer: B

21) How does CAT usually test numerical or data interpretation in RC passages?
A) Through direct math problems
B) Rarely, only as part of social science/economics context
C) With statistical formula derivation
D) With algebraic equations

Answer: B

22) What should you do if a passage is very long?
A) Skip the passage completely
B) Skim for structure, read intro/conclusion carefully, and scan for answers
C) Read word by word
D) Only focus on the first paragraph

Answer: B

23) When the question asks, “The author would most likely agree with which of the following statements?” you should:
A) Pick the statement that aligns with your own opinion
B) Pick the statement supported by the passage
C) Pick the statement that is opposite to the passage
D) Pick the longest statement

Answer: B

24) Why are inference questions considered tricky in CAT RC?
A) They require knowledge outside the passage
B) They require careful deduction from subtle hints in the text
C) They are always mathematical
D) They are opinion-based

Answer: B

25) Which of these is the LEAST effective way to prepare for CAT RC?
A) Reading editorials and essays regularly
B) Practicing RC questions under timed conditions
C) Memorizing vocabulary lists without context
D) Analyzing previous CAT RC passages

Answer: C

26) What is the typical length of a CAT RC passage?
A) 50–100 words
B) 200–350 words
C) 500–700 words
D) More than 1000 words

Answer: B

CAT Reading Comprehension Questions Weightage Over Past 5 Years

Year	Weightage (No. of Questions)
2024	16
2023	16
2022	16
2021	16
2020	16

Also Check | CAT Total Marks and Weightage

Free Online Resources for Effective RC for CAT 2026 Preparation

Now, let's explore the best free resources that can help you master the art of RC for CAT 2026:

Some Important and Reputable News Sources

1. The Hindu Editorial

Start your day by reading the editorials in The Hindu newspaper. These well-written, thought-provoking pieces will not only improve your reading skills but also expose you to a diverse range of topics and writing styles.

2. The Wire, Livemint, and Indian Express

Gain access to multi-topic editorial opinions excellent for exposure to reading comprehension passages for CAT 2026

3. Project Syndicate

This global platform features insightful commentary and analysis from renowned experts, economists, and public intellectuals. It's a treasure trove of well-written, intellectually stimulating content.

4. Art and Letters Daily

This website curates the best essays, reviews, and articles from around the web, making it an excellent resource for genre-based reading practice.

Common Sources of Reading Comprehension for CAT 2025

Here are the common reading comprehension passages that were asked in CAT 2024:

Slot	RC Topic	Source Title / Publisher	Source Type
1	Craftsmanship and Creativity	The Economist	Magazine
	Bandicoots in Australia	The Smithsonian	Magazine / Research
	Digital Rights of Content	The Guardian	Newspaper / Online News
	Behavioural Economics	Public Books	Online Article / Review
2	Spice Trade	Yale Global	Academic / Global Affairs
	Consequences of Technology	NY Times Magazine	Magazine
	Peer Review of Research	Nature.com	Academic Journal / Online
	Animals vs Humans	Vijesti.me	Online News Article
3	AI Regulation	The Economist	Magazine
	Contamination of Space	Foreign Policy	Magazine / Policy Journal
	Moutai Madness	The Economist	Magazine
	Languages	HuffPost	Online News / Blog

Find out | CAT cut off for IIM

Common Sources of Reading Comprehension for CAT 2024

Here are the common reading comprehension passages that were asked in CAT 2023:

Slot	RC Topic	Source Title	Source Type
1	Wolf	The Economist	Magazine
	Change in Work Culture	Jared Diamond	Online Article
	Indian Ocean	The Conversations	Online News Article
	Human Behaviour	Public Books	Online Article/Review
2	Fast Fashion and Pollution	Prospect Magazine	Magazine
	Translated Netflix in Europe	The Economist	Magazine
	Falling of Liberalism	The Economist	Magazine
	Historical Facts and Interpretations	What is History (by E.H. Carr)	Book
3	Global Warming and Colonialism	The Wire Science	Magazine
	Romantic Aesthetics	Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy	Academic Journal
	Archaeology Paradox	The Los Angeles Times	Newspaper / Magazine
	Rationality	The Washington Post	Newspaper / Magazine

CAT & OMETs Products by Supergrads To Boost Your Prep

Here are the exclusive CAT & OMETs products that will help you improve your preparation. Check them now!

CAT & OMETs 2026 Batches
CAT Focus Hours I By Supergrads
CAT & OMETs 2026 Crash Course Batch
CAT & OMETs Test Series Batches
CAT Experience Program Batch @ 99
CAT & OMET 2026 Study Material and Test Series by Supergrads
CAT 2026 Mock Test Series by Supergrads

Recommended Books, Essays, and Writers to Build Reading Depth

Add variety and richness to your preparation for Reading Comprehension for CAT 2026

1. Yuval Noah Harari

The author of the acclaimed books "Sapiens" and "Homo Deus" is known for his captivating, thought-provoking writing. Reading his works will not only improve your comprehension but also broaden your perspective on the human condition.

2. Malcolm Gladwell

The bestselling author of "Outliers" and "Blink" has a unique way of presenting complex ideas in an engaging and accessible manner. His books are perfect for honing your RC skills.

3. Steven Pinker

"The Better Angels of Our Nature" by Pinker is a must-read for its insightful exploration of the decline of violence in human history. It's a challenging but rewarding read that will sharpen your analytical abilities.

4. Amartya Sen

The Nobel laureate's collection of essays, "The Argumentative Indian," offers a deep dive into Indian history, culture, and philosophy. It's an excellent resource for broadening your intellectual horizons.

5. George Orwell

The iconic author's work, "Politics and the English Language," is a masterclass in clear, concise writing. Studying his essays will help you develop a keen eye for language and structure.

Author/Book Name	Reason to Read	Availability
Yuval Noah Harari - Sapiens	Engages with broad perspectives, excellent narrative	Online PDFs, libraries
Malcolm Gladwell - Outliers, Blink	Simplified complexity, story-based learning	PDFs & bookstores
Stephen Pinker - Better Angels of Our Nature	Deep insights into human nature and logic	Online free versions, archives
George Orwell - Politics and the English Language	Masterful essay on writing clarity and precision	Widely available online free
Amartya Sen - The Argumentative Indian	Accessible culturally rich essays	PDFs and online libraries

Check Now: IIM CAT English syllabus

Develop a Winning RC Preparation Strategy With Us

Now that you're aware of the best free resources available, it's time to create a structured plan to maximise your RC preparation for CAT 2026.

Monday to Friday

Read 2 articles from the reputable news sources mentioned earlier, such as The Hindu, The Wire, or Project Syndicate.
Solve 2 RC sets from the CAT previous year papers to boost your speed and accuracy.
Analyze the passages, identify the tone, traps, and inference errors, and maintain an error log to track your progress.

Weekends

Set aside time for a timed RC practice session, either from the free resources or the OMET & CAT Test Series.

Review your error log and identify the areas that need more attention. Develop a plan to address your weaknesses.

Remember, the key to success in the RC section is not just about solving more passages but about improving your accuracy and comprehension abilities. By following this structured approach and leveraging the free resources we've discussed, you'll be well on your way to mastering the RC section and achieving your CAT 2026 goals.

Join the CAT Set Go Community

As you embark on your CAT 2026 preparation journey, it's important to surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals. The CAT Set Go community is the perfect platform for you to connect with other CAT aspirants, mentors, B-school alumni, and industry experts.

Within this vibrant community, you'll have the opportunity to:

Engage in discussions, share insights, and learn from the experiences of your peers.
Receive guidance and advice from seasoned professionals and successful CAT alumni.
Stay updated on the latest trends, CAT exam patterns, and preparation strategies for the CAT 2026 exam.
Explore various career paths and get insights into the admission process of top B-schools.

By actively participating in the CAT Set Go community, you'll not only strengthen your RC preparation but also build a valuable network that can support you throughout your MBA journey.

Conclusion

The Reading Comprehension for CAT VARC section is one of the most important parts. By leveraging the best free reading comprehension resources we've discussed, you can elevate your RC skills and increase your chances of securing a top score in the exam.

Remember, consistency and a structured approach are the cornerstones of effective RC preparation. Combine the free tools and materials with personalized guidance from the CAT Scholar Quest program, and you'll be well on your way to conquering the CAT 2026 exam.

Smart Prep for CAT: Join Our Free Demo Class

Fill your details

Recently Published

CAT 2025 Percentile Predictor [Check Here] by Supergrads