CAT 2024: Excelling at VARC — IIM Lucknow students share strategy

So, struggling with the VARC section of CAT? Let's find out how these two Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow students cracked it
Meet the students who excelled
Meet the students who excelled(Pic: EdexLive Desk)

Is the VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section of the Common Admission Test (CAT) exam challenging to aspirants? If yes, how do you cope with it? CAT exam experienced candidates tell us

1. Ramesh Sundaram, IIM Lucknow

Ramesh Sundaram
Ramesh Sundaram(Pic: Ramesh Sundaram)

The VARC section of the CAT has become increasingly challenging for aspirants due to its growing difficulty in recent years. With no clearly defined syllabus, students often find it difficult to develop an effective preparation strategy to conquer this section.

The VARC section aims to evaluate a candidate's critical reasoning and reading comprehension skills, which are vital for decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic thinking in the business world. Therefore, developing strong critical reasoning skills and mastering the art of active reading are essential for excelling in this section. 

Preparing for the VARC section involves two key aspects: First, developing technical competencies to solve reading comprehension and verbal ability questions, and second, mastering test-taking strategies and time management skills. I have found the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Official Guide Verbal Review to be an excellent starting point for beginners, as it outlines effective strategies for mastering critical reasoning and tackling reading comprehension passages.

It is also crucial for students to develop familiarity with reading articles on diverse topics like science, economics, and philosophy.

Reading articles from Aeon and Psyche every day was key to my preparation. During my three-year preparation journey, I found that taking mock exams is key to developing effective test-taking strategies and time management skills. Additionally, the video solutions of mocks provide insights into the teacher’s approach towards analyzing information and problem-solving. 

Aspirants should focus on achieving incremental improvement in their VARC skills through consistent practice. Through perseverance, I believe candidates from any background can excel in the VARC section.

2. Adharam Varshini, IIM Lucknow

Adharam Varshini
Adharam Varshini(Pic: Adharam Varshini)

The VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension) section of the CAT examination is recognised for its critical role in shaping aspirants’ futures. While some candidates find it intuitive, others face challenges, primarily influenced by their reading experiences and educational backgrounds.

My preparation journey, which began in June 2022, emphasised the importance of reading comprehension. This section typically comprises four passages and a total of 16 questions, covering diverse topics such as technology, sociology, and history. The writing styles encountered range from personal diary entries to analytical opinion pieces. Resources like Arun Sharma’s VARC book have been invaluable in navigating these complexities.

Regular reading of leading newspapers has greatly enhanced my comprehension skills, allowing me to connect various contexts effectively.

Additionally, the Verbal Ability component, which includes para-jumbles, para-summaries, and odd-one-out questions, demands a solid command of reading techniques. Consistent practice is crucial not only for excelling in the CAT examination but also for the subsequent challenges encountered during MBA studies.

Ultimately, mastering the VARC section equips aspirants with essential skills for academic success and future career opportunities.

Related Stories

No stories found.
X
logo
EdexLive
www.edexlive.com