Must-Know VARC Tricks for 90%+ Accuracy

Are you looking to maximize your score in VARC, especially when it comes to accuracy and time management? Achieving a high percentile in the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section relies on systematic techniques—not just luck. At Rahul Sir Classes, we've compiled the 5 most critical strategies used by top scorers to help you turn VARC into your strongest section. Stop guessing and start scoring!

1. RC Mastery: The 'Passage Map' Technique for Quicker Comprehension

The biggest time sink in Reading Comprehension (RC) is re-reading the passage multiple times. The solution is the 'Passage Map' technique, which ensures quicker comprehension and better retention from the first read.

• Read for Structure, Not Detail: Focus on the main idea of each paragraph. Identify the function of the paragraph (e.g., introducing a theory, giving evidence, presenting a counter-argument).

• Create a Mental Map: For every paragraph, assign a simple 3-5 word summary in your mind. This map helps you quickly locate the relevant section when you encounter a question.

• Pay Attention to Tone: Quickly identify the author's tone (critical, neutral, supportive, etc.) as this is key for inference questions.

Time-Saving Tip: Before reading the passage, briefly glance at the questions. This primes your brain to look for specific details (dates, names, definitions) while maintaining your focus on the overall structure.

2. VA Secrets: Strategic Approaches for Para Jumbles and Para Summary

Verbal Ability (VA) questions like Para Jumbles (PJs) and Para Summary (PS) are tricky because they rely heavily on internal logic. Here's how to tackle them strategically:

• Para Jumbles (PJs): Master the 'Mandatory Pair' approach. Identify sentences that must follow each other (e.g., a sentence introducing a concept followed by a sentence defining it). Connectors like pronouns (it, they, he, she) and transition words (however, therefore, moreover) are your biggest clues.

• Para Summary (PS): Treat the passage like an RC. Identify the central theme and the conclusion. Your correct option must cover the main idea of the entire paragraph without introducing outside information or focusing only on a single detail.

  
  

3. Grammar Hacks: Eliminating Common Error Mistakes

For Sentence Correction and identifying errors, relying solely on your 'ear' can be risky. You need a systematic review of the most common high-frequency CAT grammar errors:

• Subject-Verb Agreement (SVA): This is the most frequently tested rule. Always ensure the verb agrees with the true subject, especially when distracting phrases (like 'along with,' 'as well as,' or nested clauses) separate them.

• Parallelism: If you use a list (A, B, and C), all items must be in the same grammatical form (e.g., all nouns, all verbs, or all gerunds).

• Pronoun Consistency: Ensure every pronoun clearly refers back to a specific, unambiguous noun (antecedent).

  
  

4. Inference Logic: How to Tackle Tricky Questions with Confidence

Inference questions are designed to test your ability to read between the lines. They often have the lowest accuracy rate, but they don't have to!

• Stay Within the Passage's Scope: An inference is a conclusion that must be true based only on the information provided in the passage, even if that information is not directly stated.

• Avoid External Knowledge: Do not bring in external facts or opinions. If the passage doesn't support the inference, it's the wrong answer.

• Use Negation: Test a tricky option by negating it. If the negation directly contradicts a statement in the passage, then the original option (the inference) is likely correct.

  
  

5. The Strategic Practice Mantra: Sectional Mocks

The single best way to ensure 90%+ accuracy is to implement all these strategies under timed, exam-like conditions. Start taking sectional mocks (40 minutes of VARC) regularly. Analyze every single error—why did you choose the wrong option? Was it a failure in comprehension, time management, or logic application? Consistent, high-quality error analysis is the final step to turning VARC into your most reliable section.

Conclusion: Turn VARC into Your Strongest Asset

VARC success in CAT is a combination of strong reading habits and the smart application of specific tricks. By systematically using the Passage Map for RC, recognizing mandatory pairs for VA, mastering high-frequency grammar rules, and employing strict logic for inferences, you can stop relying on guesswork. Start applying these techniques in your daily practice, and watch your accuracy and confidence soar.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much time should I spend on a single RC passage?

Aim for about 8–10 minutes per passage, which includes reading the passage (4 minutes) and solving the questions (4–6 minutes). The Passage Map technique helps you stay within this limit.

Q2: Should I attempt all TITA questions (Para Jumbles)?

Yes, since TITA questions have no negative marking, it is highly advisable to attempt them. Even if you are unsure, apply the opening sentence/mandatory pair logic and make an educated attempt.

Q3: What reading material is best for improving VARC skills?

Focus on non-fiction articles from diverse sources like Aeon, The Economist, The Guardian, and academic papers on sociology, philosophy, and economics. Diversity is key to preparing for CAT's varied themes.