How to Improve Vocabulary for CAT Exam 2025: Tips & Strategies

📍 Table of Contents

1. Why Vocabulary Matters in CAT 2025

2. Understanding Vocabulary in CAT VARC Section

3. Top Strategies to Improve Vocabulary for CAT 2025

4. Best Books to Build CAT Vocabulary

5. Best Apps and Tools for Vocabulary Practice

6. Daily Vocabulary Plan by Planet E

7. Commonly Asked Vocabulary Questions in CAT

8. Do’s and Don’ts for Vocabulary Preparation

9. Conclusion

10. FAQs – Vocabulary Preparation for CAT 2025

Why Vocabulary Matters in CAT 2025

The CAT exam (Common Admission Test) may not have direct vocabulary questions like synonyms or antonyms, but your vocabulary strength plays a massive role in Reading Comprehension (RC) and Verbal Ability.

A rich vocabulary helps you:

• Read faster and understand better

• Eliminate incorrect options in RC and para-jumbles

• Grasp abstract or complex ideas in RC passages

• Avoid confusion in word usage-based questions

📌 Planet E Tip: Many 99+ percentilers consistently work on vocabulary through reading, note-taking, and active recall. Vocabulary is an indirect but powerful tool to crack VARC.

Understanding Vocabulary in CAT VARC Section

Let’s break down where vocabulary plays a key role:

⏩ Verdict: Vocabulary is not directly tested, but it silently impacts 60–70% of the VARC section.

Top Strategies to Improve Vocabulary for CAT 2025

Here are expert-recommended techniques to build a strong vocabulary base:

1. Read Extensively and Actively

• Read newspapers like The Hindu, Indian Express, The Economist, and New York Times.

• Read at least 1 editorial + 1 long article daily.

• Underline or highlight unfamiliar words.

• Maintain a personal word journal.

2. Use the “Root-Affix” Technique

Understanding word roots, prefixes, and suffixes helps decode meaning easily.

Examples:

• “bene” → good (benefit, benevolent)

• “mal” → bad (malfunction, malady)

• “auto” → self (autonomy, autobiography)

3. Make Flashcards or Use Digital Word Lists

• Use apps like Anki, Quizlet, or WordUp Vocabulary.

• Make your own flashcards with:

  • Word

  • Pronunciation

  • Meaning

  • Usage in a sentence

  • Synonyms and Antonyms

4. Use Words in Sentences

Learning is 10x better when you apply the word in writing or conversation.

Example: Instead of just knowing the word “gregarious”, use it:
📌 “Rahul is quite gregarious; he makes friends instantly.”

5. Follow “Word of the Day”

Subscribe to:

• Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Day

• Dictionary.com daily email

• Planet E’s Telegram channel for daily CAT words

Best Books to Build CAT Vocabulary

Here are expert-curated book recommendations by Planet E:

📚 Planet E Tip: Complete Word Power Made Easy in 30 days before moving to Barron’s or Word Smart.

Best Apps and Tools for Vocabulary Practice

🧠 Use Spaced Repetition to revise words you tend to forget.

Daily Vocabulary Plan by Planet E

Here’s a 4-week vocabulary improvement plan:

📌 Bonus Tip: End your day by revisiting 10 words learned in the morning.

Commonly Asked Vocabulary Questions in CAT

Here are some sample questions where vocabulary plays a crucial role:

1. RC Question:

“What is the tone of the author?”
📝 If you don’t understand words like ‘didactic’, ‘sardonic’, or ‘caustic’ – it’s difficult to answer.

2. Summary Question:

“Which option best summarizes the paragraph?”
📝 You need to know nuanced words like ‘juxtapose’, ‘paradox’, ‘ambivalent’.

3. Para Completion:

“The paragraph can be best concluded by…”
📝 Look out for connectors, tone continuity, and transitional phrases.

Do’s and Don’ts for Vocabulary Preparation

✅ Do’s:

• Read daily

• Keep a personal vocabulary notebook

• Use words in context

• Revise using flashcards

• Appear for weekly VARC mocks

❌ Don’ts:

• Rote memorize long wordlists

• Skip revision

• Ignore usage-based understanding

• Focus only on difficult words (even simple words matter)

• Depend only on one book or source

Conclusion

Improving your vocabulary for CAT 2025 is a marathon, not a sprint. By reading quality content, understanding roots, using flashcards, and actively applying words, you will significantly boost your VARC score. At Planet E, we recommend starting vocabulary prep at least 5–6 months in advance and making it a part of your daily routine.

Remember: Good vocabulary leads to better comprehension, faster reading, and sharper accuracy – all crucial for CAT success.

FAQs – Vocabulary Preparation for CAT 2025

Q1. Does CAT ask direct vocabulary questions?

A: Not directly. But vocabulary knowledge is essential to comprehend Reading Comprehension and Verbal questions.

Q2. How many words should I learn for CAT?

A: Focus on quality over quantity. About 1500–2000 high-utility words, well-revised and well-applied, are enough.

Q3. Is “Word Power Made Easy” enough for CAT vocabulary?

A: It’s a great start. Combine it with RC practice, flashcards, and reading editorial content for better results.

Q4. Can I improve vocabulary in 3 months?

A: Yes, if you follow a consistent daily plan, you can build a strong working vocabulary in 2–3 months.

Q5. How does Planet E help in vocabulary preparation?

A: Planet E provides:

• Daily vocabulary sets with contextual examples

• Special VARC booster sessions

• Personalized guidance

• Regular VARC tests to track improvement