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How to Boost VARC Score? | Books and Sources for VARC | CAT Preparation Guide
For many CAT aspirants, VARC feels unpredictable. Some mocks go well, while others bring sudden drops in scores. Unlike Quant or DILR, VARC is not a section you can “complete.” It improves gradually through better reading, clearer understanding, and consistent practice.
In recent CAT papers, the focus has shifted even more toward Reading Comprehension, inference, and tone-based questions. This means vocabulary memorisation or shortcut techniques alone won’t help. What works is building a strong reading habit and using the right sources.
If you’re aiming to improve your VARC score in 2026, here’s a practical and updated approach.
Understand What VARC Actually Tests
VARC evaluates:
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Reading speed with understanding
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Ability to identify the main idea
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Logical interpretation and inference
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Understanding tone and argument
It is less about English grammar and more about comprehension and reasoning.
Best course to score 99 percentile in VARC
Step 1: Make Reading a Daily Habit
The biggest difference between high and low VARC scorers is consistency.
Spend 20–30 minutes daily reading:
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Editorials
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Opinion pieces
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Long-form articles
While reading, ask yourself:
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What is the author’s main argument?
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Is the tone critical, neutral, or supportive?
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What is the conclusion?
This improves comprehension naturally.
Step 2: Focus on Reading Comprehension Practice
Since RC dominates VARC:
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Practice 2–3 passages daily
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Focus on accuracy first, not speed
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Avoid answering from memory — refer back to the passage
After practice, analyse:
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Why your answer was wrong
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Which line you misinterpreted
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Whether you assumed something not given
Improvement happens during analysis.
Step 3: Strengthen Verbal Ability Areas
Apart from RC, focus on:
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Para Jumbles
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Odd Sentence Out
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Para Summary
Tips:
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Look for logical flow, not grammar alone
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Identify connectors and theme continuity
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Avoid extreme or unrelated options
Regular sectional tests help build confidence.
Best Books for VARC Preparation
For Reading Comprehension & Practice
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How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension – Arun Sharma
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VARC for CAT – Nishit Sinha
These provide structured practice with varying difficulty levels.
Best Sources to Improve Reading
Instead of random content, use quality reading material:
Newspapers & Editorials
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The Hindu (Editorial section)
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The Indian Express (Explained & Opinion)
Online Sources
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Aeon Essays
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Guardian Long Reads
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Harvard Business Review (selected articles)
These sources match the tone and complexity of CAT passages.
Common VARC Mistakes to Avoid
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Reading too fast without understanding
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Attempting all questions aggressively
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Ignoring daily reading
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Practicing without analysing mistakes
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Choosing options that “sound right” instead of checking the passage
Accuracy should always come before attempts.
A Practical Daily VARC Routine
Daily (45–60 minutes)
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20–30 minutes reading
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2 RC passages
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1–2 Verbal Ability questions
Weekly
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2–3 VARC sectional tests
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Track accuracy and weak areas
Consistency for 6–8 weeks usually leads to visible improvement.
Final Thoughts
VARC is not a section you improve overnight. But the good news is that it is also the most predictable to improve if you build the right habits. Students who read regularly, analyse their mistakes, and focus on understanding rather than speed often see steady score improvement.
Think of VARC as a long-term skill, not just an exam section. The reading ability you build now will help you in MBA coursework, interviews, and even your professional career.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to improve VARC?
With consistent practice, improvement is usually visible in 6–8 weeks.
2. How many RCs should I practice daily?
Around 2–3 passages along with regular reading.
3. Is vocabulary important for CAT VARC?
Basic understanding helps, but context and comprehension matter more.
4. Which newspaper is best for VARC preparation?
The Hindu or The Indian Express editorials.
5. Should I focus on speed or accuracy first?
Accuracy first. Speed improves with practice.
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