As CAT 2025 approaches, aspiring MBA candidates are scrambling to find that competitive edge that will secure their spot in prestigious IIMs. While quantitative aptitude and data interpretation often steal the spotlight, experts reveal that the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section could be your golden ticket to success.
The VARC Advantage: More Than Just English Proficiency
According to CAT preparation specialists, the VARC section isn't merely testing your English skills—it's evaluating your ability to process information quickly and accurately under pressure. "Many candidates underestimate the VARC section," explains a seasoned CAT mentor. "But it's often the differentiator between average and exceptional scores."
Building Your Daily Reading Regimen
Consistency is key when it comes to VARC preparation. Here's how to structure your daily reading practice:
- Diversify Your Reading Material: Don't limit yourself to one type of content. Incorporate editorials from quality newspapers, business magazines, literary fiction, and even philosophical texts to broaden your comprehension skills.
- Time-Bound Practice Sessions: Set a timer while reading to simulate exam conditions. This trains your brain to absorb information quickly—a crucial skill for the time-pressed CAT examination.
- Active Reading Techniques: Don't just passively read. Question the author's perspective, identify the main arguments, and summarize paragraphs in your own words.
- Vocabulary Building: Maintain a dedicated notebook for new words and phrases encountered during your reading sessions. Review them regularly to enhance your lexical resource.
Why Daily Practice Becomes Your Superpower
The magic of daily reading lies in its compounding effect. Just 30-45 minutes of focused reading each day can significantly improve your comprehension speed and accuracy over several months. "Students who maintain consistent reading habits show marked improvement in their mock test scores," notes an IIM alumni and CAT trainer.
Strategic Approach to VARC Questions
Beyond reading habits, successful CAT candidates develop specific strategies for tackling different question types:
- Reading Comprehension: Read questions before the passage to know what information to look for
- Para-jumbles: Identify connecting words and thematic flow between sentences
- Critical Reasoning: Focus on argument structure rather than getting swayed by content
- Vocabulary-based Questions: Use contextual clues and elimination techniques
As CAT 2025 preparation intensifies, remember that VARC excellence isn't built overnight. It's the result of disciplined, daily engagement with diverse reading materials. By making reading a non-negotiable part of your routine, you're not just preparing for an exam—you're developing skills that will serve you throughout your management career.
