When I first started preparing for CAT, the VARC section felt like the biggest mystery. Unlike Quants or DILR, where practice shows steady improvement, VARC scores often swing wildly. But through trial, error, and a lot of consistency, I built a strategy that helped me perform better. 

1. Establish a Reading Routine

The biggest c*unk of VARC is Reading Comprehension (RC) - four passages from four completely different topics. I realized that if I didn’t train my focus and speed, I would struggle.

So, I set up a daily reading routine:

• Started with The Hindu editorials.

• In the beginning - 3 to 4 articles = 1.5 hours.

• After weeks of practice - down to 50 to 55 minutes.

I also experimented with Aeon essays. They were insightful but way too long, so I dropped them. The point is: pick any source you like, but read consistently. Over time, your brain adjusts to switching between topics, just like in RCs.

2. Practice with Sectionals & Mocks

Here was my game plan:

• Attempt all 16 RC questions.

• Attempt VA questions with no negative marking.

• For RCs - read the passage once, then solve questions. Instead of rereading the whole thing, I’d jump back only to specific lines for verification.

• If stuck - mark for review - revisit later.

For VA, I hardly spent more than 1-1.5 minutes per question. If confident, I marked it; otherwise, I moved on. This saved me from wasting time on traps.

3. Stay Flexible with Strategy

Mocks taught me an important lesson: don’t be rigid.

• In practice, my plan was 16 RC + 4 VA.

• On exam day - I ended up attempting 6 VA because they looked easier.

• In CAT 2024 Slot 2 (which I took as a mock), I managed only 11 RC + 2-3 VA because the paper was tough.

The key: adapting to the paper in front of you. Don’t walk in with a fixed number of questions you “must” attempt. Play smart.

4. Accept the Luck Factor

VARC is unpredictable. You can do everything right and still see fluctuating scores. Unlike Quants or DILR, where progress is measurable, VARC sometimes feels like a gamble.

But here’s the truth: with consistent reading + practice, things click eventually. You’ll start recognizing traps, reading faster, and eliminating options smarter.

If you’re struggling with VARC, don’t get disheartened by mock scores. Focus on building a reading habit, learn to adapt your strategy, and keep practicing. The results might not show every day, but they add up.

Consistency is your best bet. Flexibility is your safety net.