CAT 2023, which will be held in three slots in November 2023, is expected to have its official notification released in July 2023. The notification will contain important information about the exam date and registration dates, and the CAT application form for 2023 is likely to be released shortly thereafter. To achieve the highest percentile and clear the cut-offs, candidates should begin their CAT 2023 preparation now.
The CAT exam assesses applicants' decision-making, time management, and analytical abilities through complex questions based on Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation.
To prepare for CAT 2023, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the syllabus and related topics.
The CAT syllabus covers fundamental concepts in Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, which are designed to challenge applicants' skills and abilities.
CAT VARC section has two parts i.e Reading Comprehension & Verbal Ability. Detail wise syllabus for both parts are given below.
Fill in the blanks | Para completion and inference | Verbal logic |
Verbal reasoning | Subject-verb agreement | Para jumbles |
Sentence completion | Foreign language words used in English | Different usage of same word |
Grammar | Reading comprehension | Idioms |
Syllogisms | Analogies | Antonyms |
Jumbled paragraphs | Sentence correction | One word substitution |
Parts of speech | Preposition | Types of clauses |
Phrases modifiers | Errors in tenses | Articles usage |
Topics | Subtopics |
Current Affairs | CAA, Covid 19 Pandemic, Clean India Project, Issues affecting social life, foreign relations, governance policies, and schemes such as Triple Talaq, migration of citizens from one country to another, worldwide intolerance |
Business and Economics | Global Economic Change, Environmental Economic Growth, Indian Demonetization Effect, Government Waste Expenditure |
Literature | Passages from various books of English literature, essays written by great philosophers and thinkers, different speeches of great personalities like Aristotle, Charles Dickens, Martin Luther King, Mohan Das Karam Chand Gandhi, and Churchill among others |
Science and Culture | Transition into the modern world, disappearing society with technological advancement |
Abstract Topics and Fiction | Such passages make the candidates think a lot and put themselves in the shoes of the author before addressing the questions asked because they are opinion-based |
Historical Events | Events leading to social changes such as the French Revolution and the War of Roses. Social changes in Indian Culture and thoughts expressed by various activists are still of great relevance |
Mythology | Such passages seek to connect mythological events with the actual social system and answers must be given accordingly |
The CAT Exam Syllabus has a VARC section which is split into two parts - Reading Comprehension passages and Verbal Ability. There are a total of 66 questions, out of which 24 are expected to be on VARC, with 70% based on the RC syllabus and 30% on the VA syllabus. While 5-6 Non-MCQ type VA questions don't have negative marking, all the Reading Comprehension questions are MCQs with negative marking. The VARC section consists of both long and short English Comprehension passages, followed by 4-5 questions, with 3-4 RC passages having a uniform number of 4 questions. The Verbal Ability part includes individual questions on different areas of English grammar and usage, without the penalty of negative marking.
Know some of the key points of Verbal Ability and Reading comprehension before going towards important topics.
Important Topics | No. of Questions (Expected) | Level of Difficulty (Expected) |
Reading Comprehension Passages | 18 Questions | Moderate to Difficult |
Para-Summary | 2-3 Questions | Moderate |
Odd Sentences | 1-2 Questions | Moderate |
Word Usage (Vocabulary) | 1-2 Questions | Easy |
Para-Jumbles | 2-4 Questions | Moderate |
Sentence Completion and Correction | 2-3 Questions | Moderate to Easy |
Fill in the Blanks | 1-2 Questions | Easy |
EduRev Infinity Package for CAT VARC includes:
Not just VARC, you get a complete course on Quantitative Aptitude and DILR with EduRev Infinity Package for CAT.
Watch the video below to know more about EduRev Infinity for CAT
How To Prepare For CAT Exam at Home | |
The section on Reading Comprehension has the maximum weightage and therefore requires more focus. In CAT, there are questions that are summary-based, odd sentences and para jumbles. Over the past few years, there have been changes in the number of questions in each set.
VARC stands for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. It is one of the three sections in the CAT exam, which includes questions related to the English language.
The topic-wise weightage of VARC in CAT varies every year. However, based on the past trends, the weightage of topics can be roughly estimated. Reading comprehension generally carries the maximum weightage, followed by vocabulary, grammar, and verbal reasoning.
Reading Comprehension carries the maximum weightage in VARC. It is estimated that around 50-60% of the questions in VARC are based on Reading Comprehension passages.
Vocabulary carries a moderate weightage in VARC, and it is estimated that around 15-20% of the questions in VARC are related to Vocabulary.
Grammar carries a relatively lower weightage in VARC, and it is estimated that around 10-15% of the questions in VARC are related to Grammar.
Verbal Reasoning carries a moderate weightage in VARC, and it is estimated that around 15-20% of the questions in VARC are related to Verbal Reasoning.
As Reading Comprehension carries the maximum weightage, candidates should focus on improving their reading speed and comprehension skills. Vocabulary is also an important area, and candidates should work on expanding their vocabulary. Additionally, candidates should also work on their grammar and verbal reasoning skills.
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