How to Improve VARC for CAT 2025: Step-by-Step Guide by Planet E

Are you struggling with the VARC section of CAT 2025? You’re not alone. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section can be tricky—but with the right strategy, it’s absolutely conquerable. At Planet E, we’ve helped thousands of aspirants crack CAT with confidence—and now it’s your turn!

This comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide will show you how to improve your VARC score in CAT 2025, whether you’re starting from scratch or aiming to boost your accuracy.

📘 What is VARC in CAT?

The VARC section in CAT 2025 will comprise 24 questions, focusing on:

• Reading Comprehension (RC)

• Verbal Ability (Para jumbles, Odd Sentence Out)

• Grammar and Vocabulary

• Sentence Completion & Correction

• Verbal Reasoning

Unlike QA or DILR, this section tests your language comprehension rather than logical or mathematical reasoning. That’s what makes mastering it a different ballgame altogether.

🔍 Why VARC Accuracy Matters

Many students ask: Why is accuracy so important in VARC?

Here’s why:

• CAT has negative marking for wrong answers (−1).

• Time is limited—40 minutes for 24 questions.

• Even a few wrong answers can lower your percentile drastically.

• High accuracy means more marks in less time.

At Planet E, our CAT experts emphasize that a strategic and consistent approach to VARC can significantly raise your overall CAT percentile.

🧠 How to Improve VARC for CAT 2025 – Top 10 Proven Techniques

1. Read Every Day (Yes, Even 10 Minutes Helps!)

Build a daily habit of reading. Start with what you enjoy—blogs, editorials, novels, or articles.

Great sources to try:

• The Hindu Editorials

• Aeon Essays

• The Economist

• Financial Times

• The Atlantic

• Planet E’s exclusive RC Blog Vault

💡 Tip: Read about diverse topics like politics, psychology, history, and tech. This mirrors the CAT reading comprehension style.

2. Don’t Just Read—Understand!

Reading fast is not enough. You must understand what you read. Train yourself to:

• Identify the main idea of a passage.

• Rephrase paragraphs into simple sentences.

• Predict questions after each paragraph.

🎯 Planet E Hack: After every RC, summarise it in your own words in under 50 words.

3. Grow Your Vocabulary Naturally

Ditch the rote word lists! Learn new words by:

• Watching English shows with subtitles.

• Using flashcard apps like Quizlet or Memrise.

• Reading fiction/non-fiction books.

📘 Example: Learn the word “ephemeral” through a quote like: “Happiness is ephemeral—enjoy it while it lasts.”

4. Tackle RC Smartly

Improve your RC accuracy by:

• Reading the first and last paragraphs attentively.

• Watching out for transition words (e.g., however, moreover, although).

• Avoiding personal bias—stick to what’s stated.

🎯 Planet E Tip: The right answer is often directly supported by the passage.

5. Master Para Jumbles & Odd Sentences

These are common question types with NO negative marking!

Tips:

• Identify the topic sentence first.

• Use connectors like “hence,” “but,” “therefore.”

• Practice reading the sequence aloud to check coherence.

6. Don’t Guess Blindly!

Guessing recklessly in VARC can hurt your percentile.

Instead:

• Attempt only when you’re 75%+ confident.

• Eliminate 2 clearly wrong options, then decide.

• Flag and revisit if time permits.

7. Take Timed Practice Tests

Mocks simulate the real exam. They help you:

• Improve speed.

• Learn time allocation strategies.

• Build exam temperament.

📅 Weekly mock + daily sectionals = solid improvement.

8. Learn from Your Mistakes

After every mock, analyze:

• Which RCs you got wrong?

• What type of para jumble confused you?

• Where did you run out of time?

💡 Use a spreadsheet to track your errors and monitor progress weekly.

9. Find Your Own Strategy

Some students:

• Read the full RC before answering.

• Others glance at questions first.

Experiment during mocks and find what works best for you.

🎯 At Planet E, we help you discover your personal approach with 1-on-1 mentorship.

10. Practice. Daily. Without Fail.

There’s no shortcut to mastering VARC. Consistency wins.

🚀 Set small goals:

• 5 RCs a week

• 10 para jumbles per day

• 1 newspaper editorial daily

Stick to the plan—and you’ll see results.

✍️ 5 Smart Tips to Improve Reading Comprehension for CAT

1. Read by Point
   Break passages into smaller parts. Each paragraph = one core idea. Write down one-liner summaries until it becomes second nature.

2. Skim Effectively
   Capture essence in fewer words. Don’t focus on speed—focus on clarity.
   Example: “The budget isn’t expansionary despite breaching deficit norms.”

3. Don’t Memorize—Locate
   Facts can be referred back. Focus on understanding structure, not memorizing numbers or names.

4. Spot Transition Words
   These signal relationships between ideas.
   E.g., however, moreover, in contrast.

5. Ignore Comma Interruptions
   Skip what’s between commas if it breaks flow.
   E.g., “My friend, who lives in Delhi, called me yesterday.” → Focus on main clause.

📚 Best Books to Improve VARC for CAT 2025

📈 Summary – VARC Preparation Tips for CAT 2025

• Build a reading habit.

• Focus on comprehension, not just speed.

• Practice para jumbles and RCs regularly.

• Take mock tests and analyze errors.

• Develop a strategy that fits you.

• Stay consistent and motivated.

🔍 Why Choose Planet E for VARC Preparation?

✅ 1-on-1 VARC Mentorship
✅ 500+ RCs curated from international sources
✅ In-depth error analysis sessions
✅ Proven strategies used by 99+ percentilers
✅ Online + Offline coaching (Dadar, Mumbai + PAN India)

Whether you’re preparing from Mumbai or any other city in India, Planet E gives you the edge you need.

🧩 FAQs on How to Improve VARC for CAT 2025

Q1. How many questions does VARC have in CAT 2025?
Ans: 24 questions.

Q2. Is Reading Comprehension tough in CAT?
Ans: It can be, but with practice and the right strategies, it becomes manageable.

Q3. How much time should I devote to VARC daily?
Ans: Ideally, 45–60 minutes, including reading and practice questions.

Q4. Can I prepare for VARC without coaching?
Ans: Yes, but guided mentorship like at Planet E accelerates progress and helps avoid common pitfalls.

📌 Final Thoughts

Improving VARC for CAT 2025 is a journey of consistency, strategy, and self-awareness. With daily effort, smart techniques, and expert support from Planet E, you’ll not just improve—you’ll master the VARC section.

Ready to level up your VARC score? Join Planet E’s CAT 2025 Program today!

oin Planet E Family

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