CAT VARC Strategy: Solving RCs with 80%+ Accuracy

rahulsirblogs1
4 days ago
3 min read

Your Guide to Mastering Reading Comprehension in CAT 2025

Reading Comprehension (RC) forms the backbone of the VARC section in CAT. With nearly 70% of the section dedicated to RCs, aspirants who crack this area with 80%+ accuracy often sail ahead in the overall percentile game.

But let’s be honest—RCs are tough. Long passages, abstract ideas, unfamiliar topics, and tricky options can make even confident readers second-guess themselves.

At Rahul Sir Classes, we’ve helped thousands of students improve their RC accuracy using targeted strategies, structured practice, and analysis. Here’s a battle-tested guide to help you do the same.

Why RC Accuracy Matters

Unlike Quant, RCs don't have formulas to memorize. What you need instead is:

Comprehension speed
Logical elimination
Inference-making
Option sensitivity

Scoring well doesn’t mean attempting all questions—it means attempting the right ones and avoiding traps.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Hit 80%+ Accuracy in RCs

1. Choose the Right Passages

Not every RC is worth attempting. Learn to spot what works for you:

Prefer topics you're comfortable with (science, psychology, economics, etc.)
Avoid abstract or verbose philosophical texts in early mocks
In CAT, quality matters more than quantity—3 RCs with 80% accuracy is better than attempting 4 with 50%

2. Read the Questions First (Optional)

For some students, reading the questions before the passage helps them identify key areas in the text.

Try both methods (questions first vs passage first) during mocks and stick to what gives you better results.

3. Active Reading Techniques

Passive reading leads to confusion. Instead:

Note the tone (positive/negative/neutral)
Mentally summarise each paragraph
Identify arguments vs facts

Active reading keeps you engaged and improves retention.

4. Focus on Line References and Paragraph Structure

In CAT, many questions are based on:

Specific lines
Author’s intent
Paragraph transitions

Understand the structure of the passage. This helps you locate answers quickly and eliminate irrelevant options.

5. Master Option Elimination

One of the most powerful tools in RC solving:

Eliminate options that are extreme, factually incorrect, or go beyond the scope
Be cautious of “trap options” that include correct phrases but distort the meaning
Trust what’s in the passage, not your assumptions

If you’re stuck between two options, go back to the passage and reread the relevant lines carefully.

6. Practice With a Timer, But Review Without One

During practice:

Time yourself to simulate the real exam
After solving, review each question slowly—ask why an option is right or wrong
Keep an error log to record what misled you

This habit alone can boost your accuracy significantly over time.

Rahul Sir Classes RC Toolkit

We offer a complete VARC solution tailored to improve RC accuracy:

Daily RC passages from CAT-level sources
Video solutions explaining why an answer is correct or incorrect
Personalized feedback on your reading style
Weekly VARC mock tests with percentile tracking

Our goal is not just to improve your reading, but to sharpen your decision-making under pressure.

Conclusion

Achieving 80%+ accuracy in CAT RCs isn’t about being a literary genius—it’s about being a smart test-taker. With the right strategies, regular practice, and in-depth mock analysis, you can turn RCs into your strongest section.

Thousands of students at Rahul Sir Classes have done it. So can you.

Want to Supercharge Your VARC Prep?

Join Rahul Sir Classes today! Get access to:

200+ RC passages with CAT-level difficulty
Daily Reading Practice Club
Personalized strategy sessions with Rahul Sir
Full VARC mocks with AI-based analysis

📞 Book your free trial class now and take the first step toward CAT success.

FAQs

Q1. What’s a good number of RCs to attempt in CAT?

Aim to attempt 3–4 RCs depending on the passage length and your comfort with the topic.

Q2. How many hours should I dedicate to VARC every day?

1.5 to 2 hours daily is ideal, including reading, RC solving, and error analysis.

Q3. How do I improve vocabulary for RCs?

Read editorials from The Hindu, Indian Express, and Aeon. Focus on understanding words in context.

Q4. Should I attempt all RC questions in CAT?

No. Selective accuracy is key. Skip confusing questions and focus on getting the ones you understand right.

Q5. I get confused between two close options. What should I do?

Always go back to the passage. Trust the text, not your gut. Eliminate options that are extreme or unsupported.