Common Admission Test VARC Syllabus 2026
Common Admission Test VARC Syllabus
The CAT VARC Syllabus 2026 includes two major sections: Reading Comprehension (RC) and Verbal Ability (VA).
Although the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) do not officially publish a section-wise syllabus for CAT, the topics asked in the VARC section have remained largely consistent over the past several years.
Based on an analysis of the last 5 years' CAT question papers, Reading Comprehension continues to account for nearly 65-70% of the section, while Verbal Ability contributes the remaining 30-35%.
- In the recent CAT pattern, the VARC section consists of 24 questions to be attempted within a 40-minute sectional time limit.
- Reading Comprehension generally includes four passages with 4 questions per passage.
- Verbal Ability is a total of 8 questions, usually a mix of MCQs and TITA questions with no Negative Marking.
- Verbal Ability has question types such as Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd One Out, and Paragraph Completion.
Since there is no official syllabus PDF released by the IIMs, candidates should focus on understanding recurring topics, CAT previous year trends, CAT chapter-wise weightage, and the skills tested in the examination.
Related Links:
- CAT Exam Pattern 2026 - Topic Wise, Marking Scheme, Duration, Type of Questions, and Syllabus
- CAT Topic Wise Weightage for QA, VARC, and DILR, Check Previous Years’ Questions
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026: Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Section Name | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) |
| Total Questions | 24 (Expected) |
| Total Marks | 72 Marks |
| Sectional Time Limit | 40 Minutes |
| Reading Comprehension Questions | 16 (Expected) |
| Verbal Ability Questions | 8 (Expected) |
| Question Types | MCQ & TITA |
| Negative Marking | -1 for incorrect MCQs |
| Marks for Correct Answer | +3 |
| Highest Weightage | Reading Comprehension |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate to Difficult |
| Official Syllabus PDF | Not Released |
Note: There are no fixed chapters in VARC; preparation should be based on skills, previous year trends, and topic-wise practice.
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026: Complete Topic-wise Syllabus
- An analysis of the previous five years' CAT papers shows that the structure of the VARC section has remained largely consistent.
- Reading Comprehension continues to dominate the section with nearly 16 out of 24 questions. In contrast, the remaining questions are asked from Verbal Ability topics such as Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out, and Paragraph Completion.
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026: Reading Comprehension (RC)
- Reading Comprehension is the most important part of the CAT VARC syllabus, with 65-70% of the total VARC section.
- In recent years, candidates have been required to solve four passages, each followed by 4 questions based on comprehension, inference, critical reasoning, and contextual understanding.
- Rather than testing factual recall, CAT focuses on a candidate's ability to analyse complex passages from diverse academic and non-academic domains.
Important Reading Comprehension Topics
| Topic | Skills Tested |
|---|---|
| Main Idea | Identifying the central argument of the passage |
| Author's Tone | Understanding whether the tone is analytical, critical, persuasive, or neutral |
| Inference-Based Questions | Drawing conclusions not directly stated in the passage |
| Fact vs Opinion | Distinguishing objective statements from opinions |
| Vocabulary in Context | Interpreting words based on context rather than dictionary meanings |
| Logical Flow | Understanding how ideas develop throughout the passage |
| Purpose of the Passage | Identifying why the author has written the passage |
| Paragraph Function | Understanding the role of individual paragraphs in supporting the main idea |
Reading Comprehension Passage Types Asked in CAT
Based on the analysis of recent CAT papers, Reading Comprehension passages are drawn from a wide range of disciplines. Candidates should develop the habit of reading articles from different domains instead of focusing only on newspapers.
| Passage Type | Expected Frequency |
|---|---|
| Philosophy | High |
| Sociology | High |
| Economics & Business | High |
| Science & Technology | Moderate to High |
| History & Politics | Moderate |
| Psychology | Moderate |
| Environment | Moderate |
| Literature & Arts | Moderate |
Philosophy and Sociology passages have appeared consistently over the past few CAT examinations. These passages often appear difficult due to abstract language, but the questions usually test logical interpretation rather than prior subject knowledge. Therefore, candidates should focus on understanding arguments instead of memorising concepts.
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026: Verbal Ability (VA)
- Verbal Ability forms the second component of the VARC section and generally contributes 8 questions.
- Unlike Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability tests a candidate's understanding of sentence structure, logical sequencing, summarisation, and paragraph coherence.
- The section contains both MCQ and TITA (Type In The Answer) questions, with TITA questions carrying no negative marking.
Important Verbal Ability Topics
| Topic | Description |
|---|---|
| Para Jumbles | Arrange shuffled sentences into a logical paragraph |
| Para Summary | Identify the best summary of a given paragraph |
| Odd Sentence Out | Find the sentence that does not fit logically |
| Paragraph Completion | Choose the most appropriate concluding or introductory sentence |
| Sentence Arrangement | Test logical sequencing and coherence |
Important: Direct grammar questions, such as error spotting, fill-in-the-blanks, idioms, or one-word substitutions, have become extremely rare in recent CAT examinations. The focus has shifted towards logical understanding of language rather than traditional grammar.
CAT VARC Sample Papers 2026 - Download PDF
CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Sample Paper: Download
CAT VARC Expected Question Distribution 2026
Based on the analysis of recent CAT examinations, the overall structure of the VARC section is expected to remain similar in CAT 2026. While the conducting IIM may vary the passage themes or Verbal Ability question types, the overall weightage is unlikely to change significantly.
| Topic | Expected Questions | Weightage | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | 65–70% | Moderate to Difficult |
| Para Summary | 2–3 | 10–12% | Moderate |
| Para Jumbles | 2–3 | 10–12% | Moderate |
| Odd Sentence Out / Paragraph Completion | 2 | 8–10% | Moderate |
| Total | 24 | 100% | Moderate to Difficult |
Check: Is CAT Exam Tough? Check Exam Structure, IIM Cutoffs, Difficulty Comparisons, Reddit Discussions
One aspect has remained unchanged across every recent CAT paper: Reading Comprehension dominates the VARC section. Candidates who consistently score above the 95 percentile generally maximise their RC attempts while maintaining high accuracy in Verbal Ability.
Ques. How many Reading Comprehension questions are asked in CAT?
Ans. The CAT VARC section generally includes 16 Reading Comprehension questions divided across four passages. RC accounts for nearly 65-70% of the total VARC section.
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026 Topic Priority Matrix
Candidates often ask which topics deserve maximum preparation time. Based on previous year trends, the following matrix can help prioritise preparation.
| Topic | Question Frequency | Difficulty Level | Preparation Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | Very High | Moderate to Difficult | High |
| Para Summary | High | Moderate | High |
| Para Jumbles | High | Moderate | High |
| Author's Tone | High | Moderate | High |
| Inference | High | Difficult | High |
| Odd Sentence Out | Moderate | Easy to Moderate | Medium |
| Paragraph Completion | Moderate | Moderate | Medium |
| Vocabulary in Context | Moderate | Moderate | Medium |
Ques. Should I focus more on RC or Verbal Ability?
Ans. Candidates should prepare both sections, but they should spend more time on Reading Comprehension because it contributes the majority of questions in VARC.
Explore CAT 2026 Preparation Resources
| CAT Syllabus 2026 | CAT Mock Test 2026 |
| CAT Exam Pattern 2026 | CAT Previous Year Question Papers |
| CAT Sample Papers 2026 | CAT Preparation Tips 2026 |
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026: Real Challenges Faced by Candidates (Reddit Discussion)
A CAT 2026 candidate on Reddit shared that despite solving Reading Comprehension passages every day, their VARC accuracy had not improved. They often understood the passages but still selected incorrect options, making the section feel unpredictable. The user wanted to know whether this was a common experience or whether their preparation strategy needed improvement.
Source: Reddit
One experienced CAT candidate reassured the student that this phase is completely normal, especially during the early months of preparation. The user explained that although they consistently scored 40+ marks in VARC mocks and eventually achieved around the 95th percentile, they still experienced fluctuations in accuracy while preparing for CAT 2026.
Ques. How can I improve my Reading Comprehension score for CAT?
Ans. Read quality editorials daily, solve RC passages under timed conditions, analyse incorrect answers, and practise previous year CAT questions regularly to improve accuracy.
How to Prepare for CAT VARC Syllabus 2026
- Preparing for the CAT VARC Syllabus 2026 requires a combination of consistent reading, targeted practice, mock test analysis, and time management.
- Since CAT does not have a fixed chapter-wise syllabus, candidates should focus on improving Reading Comprehension (RC), Verbal Ability (VA), and analytical reasoning skills.
The table below outlines a practical preparation strategy followed by many high-percentile CAT aspirants.
| Preparation Area | What You Should Do | Recommended Daily Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Develop a Reading Habit | Read editorials, essays, and long-form articles from different domains such as philosophy, economics, sociology, science, and business. | 45-60 minutes | Improves reading speed, comprehension, vocabulary in context, and inference skills required for Reading Comprehension. |
| Focus on Reading Comprehension (RC) | Solve RC passages under timed conditions and analyse every incorrect answer carefully. | 3-4 RC passages | RC contributes nearly 65–70% of the VARC section, making it the highest-weightage area. |
| Practice Verbal Ability Daily | Solve Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Odd Sentence Out, and Paragraph Completion questions. | 6-8 VA questions | Builds logical sequencing, paragraph coherence, and critical reasoning skills. |
| Attempt Sectional Tests | Take dedicated VARC sectional tests every week to improve speed and accuracy. | 2-3 sectional tests per week | Helps identify weak topics and improves exam temperament. |
| Analyse Mock Tests | Review every mock test to understand mistakes, question selection, and time allocation. | After every mock | Mock analysis is often more valuable than attempting additional practice questions. |
| Revise Previous Year Questions | Practice CAT VARC questions from previous years to understand recurring question patterns. | 1 previous year RC set daily | Familiarises candidates with the actual difficulty level and question style. |
| Improve Time Management | Learn to skip difficult passages and prioritise easier questions first. | Practice during every mock | Prevents wasting time on challenging RC passages and increases overall attempts. |
| Track Your Performance | Maintain a notebook to record mistakes, accuracy, and weak areas after every practice session. | Update after each practice session | Helps measure improvement and creates a personalised revision plan. |
Check:
Reddit Users Share Tips to Improve VARC Score from 30 to 50+
A CAT aspirant on Reddit asked how to improve their VARC score from 30 to 50+, with most users recommending prioritizing accuracy over speed, attempting fewer RCs with deeper focus, and strengthening the Verbal Ability section instead of rushing through all passages.
Source: Reddit
Ques. How many RC passages should I practise every day?
Ans. Candidates should practise 3-4 Reading Comprehension passages daily along with analysing their mistakes to improve accuracy and speed.
Ques. How often should I take VARC mock tests?
Ans. It is recommended to attempt 2-3 VARC sectional tests every week and analyse each mock test carefully to identify weak areas.
Ques. Is solving previous year CAT VARC questions enough for preparation?
Ans. Previous year questions are important, but candidates should also solve mock tests, sectional tests, and practice questions from different sources to prepare for new question patterns.
CAT VARC Previous Year Question Pattern (2021–2025)
The CAT VARC syllabus has remained almost the same over the last five years. Reading Comprehension has consistently carried the highest weightage, while Para Summary and Para Jumbles have appeared regularly in the Verbal Ability section. Looking at previous year trends can help candidates understand what to expect in CAT 2026.
| CAT Year | Reading Comprehension | Para Summary | Para Jumbles | Odd Sentence Out / Paragraph Completion | Total Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAT 2025 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 24 |
| CAT 2024 | 16 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 24 |
| CAT 2023 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 24 |
| CAT 2022 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 24 |
| CAT 2021 | 16 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 24 |
Check More related to CAT Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions
Reading Comprehension has remained the most important part of VARC every year. Candidates should spend more preparation time on RC while practising Verbal Ability daily.
Reddit Analysis Reveals Most Important VARC Question Types in CAT
A Reddit user analysed 360 VARC questions from CAT 2021–2025 and found that Reading Comprehension accounts for 67% of the section, while Inference questions alone make up nearly one-third of VARC, making them the highest-priority area for preparation
Source: Reddit
CAT VARC Test Series for 99+ %ile
CAT VARC Good Attempts 2026 (Expected)
The number of good attempts depends on the difficulty level of the paper. The table below shows the expected number of attempts that can help candidates score well in the VARC section.
| Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|
| Easy | 20–22 |
| Moderate | 17–19 |
| Difficult | 15–17 |
Note: Good attempts do not guarantee a particular percentile. Accuracy is more important than attempting more questions.
Read VARC Preparation Tips by more CAT Toppers:
Best Books for CAT VARC 2026
- Since the CAT VARC section focuses on analytical reading rather than grammar, candidates should combine concept books, previous year papers, mock tests, and daily reading to build a strong foundation.
Best Books for Reading Comprehension
| Book | Author/Publisher | Why You Should Read It |
|---|---|---|
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay | Covers RC and VA concepts with practice questions of varying difficulty levels. |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Comprehensive coverage of RC, Para Jumbles, Para Summary, and previous year-level questions. |
| High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | Useful for improving sentence structure and language fundamentals. |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Helps build vocabulary through practical exercises and root-word techniques. |
Newspapers and Magazines for CAT VARC Preparation
Recommended resources include:
- The Hindu (Editorials)
- The Indian Express (Explained Section)
- Aeon Essays
- The Economist
- Harvard Business Review
- Smithsonian Magazine
- Scientific American
Reading articles from these sources helps improve comprehension, analytical thinking, and familiarity with the types of passages commonly seen in CAT.
Quick Links:
CAT VARC Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Ques. Is VARC easy in CAT?
Ans. The VARC section is generally considered moderate to difficult. Candidates with good reading and comprehension skills may find it easier, but many aspirants struggle with Reading Comprehension passages and inference-based questions. Regular practice and mock tests can improve both speed and accuracy.
Ques. Is 72 a good score in CAT?
Ans. Yes, 72 marks is considered a good CAT score. The exact percentile depends on the exam's difficulty level and overall candidate performance. In recent years, a score around 72 marks has generally helped candidates secure a 95+ percentile, though the final percentile varies every year.
Ques. Which is the hardest part of VARC in CAT?
Ans. Reading Comprehension (RC) is usually the hardest part of the VARC section because it carries the highest weightage. Candidates often find inference-based questions, the author's tone, and abstract passages from philosophy or sociology more challenging than Verbal Ability questions.
Ques. Is scoring 99 percentile in CAT easy?
Ans. No, scoring a 99 percentile in CAT is not easy. It requires consistent preparation, regular mock tests, high accuracy, and good time management across VARC, DILR, and Quantitative Aptitude. Most 99-percentile scorers prepare for several months with a structured study plan.
Ques. Is CAT tougher than UPSC?
Ans. CAT and UPSC are different exams, so they cannot be compared directly. CAT tests aptitude, logical reasoning, mathematics, and reading comprehension, while UPSC covers a much broader syllabus across multiple stages. Most aspirants consider UPSC more challenging because of its extensive syllabus and highly competitive selection process.
Ques. What is a good VARC score in CAT?
Ans. A good VARC score depends on the exam's difficulty level and your target percentile. In a moderate-difficulty CAT paper, scoring around 35–40 marks in VARC is generally considered good and can help candidates achieve a high sectional percentile.
Ques. How much time is allotted for VARC in CAT?
Ans. Candidates get 40 minutes to complete the VARC section in the CAT exam. The sectional time limit is fixed, and unused time cannot be carried forward to the DILR or Quantitative Aptitude sections.
Ques. How many questions should I attempt in CAT VARC?
Ans. The ideal number of attempts depends on the paper's difficulty level. In a moderate-difficulty exam, attempting 17–19 questions with high accuracy is generally considered a good strategy. Candidates should focus on accuracy instead of attempting all 24 questions.
Ques. Which year had the toughest VARC section in CAT?
Ans. Many CAT experts and aspirants consider CAT 2023 to have one of the toughest VARC sections in recent years due to challenging Reading Comprehension passages and close answer choices. However, the difficulty level varies across slots, and there is no official ranking of the toughest VARC paper.