Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in CAT 2025 VARC Section

Debanjalee Sen

Updated On: November 13, 2025 10:08 AM

Learn about top 10 mistakes to avoid in the CAT 2025 VARC section. Follow practical strategies to sharpen your problem-solving skills and score the most in the VARC segment of CAT 2025.


 
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in the CAT VARC Section

Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid in CAT 2025 VARC Section includes common mistakes like rushing the first read, missing clue words, or letting opinions colour answers. Since CAT 2025 VARC is the first section of the exam, you are expected to utilize the majority of your mental strength and focus during this portion of the exam. Skimming the passages for RC, overthinking simple grammar-based questions, etc., are common blunders that can be prevented with practice. If you are aiming to achieve a high score, you must avoid the mistakes mentioned here!

Also Read: CAT 2025 Exam Day Instructions

10 Common Errors in CAT 2025 VARC

Several credible platforms reveal 13 to 15 correct attempts in this component can fetch you around 95 to 98 percentile in CAT 2025. Feel free to check below 10 common errors in CAT VARC that quietly drain marks.

Common Error

Particular

Reading RC passages too quickly

Many glance through the passage instead of reading for tone and logic. Skipping results in missing clues hidden in examples or contrasts.

Ignoring key phrases

Words like however, although, or therefore modify the meaning of the piece. Not noticing them changes the sense of an entire paragraph.

Making assumptions beyond given text

Answers must reflect what’s stated in the passage of the CAT question paper . Adding personal opinions may lead to inaccuracies.

Ignoring write-up’s tone

Each passage carries an attitude: critical, optimistic, negative, neutral, or persuasive. Misjudging tone often leads to selecting the wrong options.

Not following CAT pattern and syllabus

The exam structure may be modified every year. Without having proper knowledge of the latest CAT syllabus and pattern, the risk increases of wasting time on preparing less relevant areas.

Weak grammar base

Missing basic rules of grammar, such as subject-verb agreement, grammar, or tenses, leads to losing marks that could have easily been earned.

Not keeping watch on sectional time limit

Spending too much time on one RC or revising each question twice reduces the attempt count sharply. Practice pacing during CAT mock tests .

Limited vocabulary

Unknown words break the flow. Broaden your vocabulary with daily reading from varied sources.

Skipping full-length mocks

Practising only CAT sample questions is not sufficient. Full-length mocks enhance time management and accuracy.

Ignoring review of mistakes

Many ignore analysing mock scores. Analysing hints at a pattern of careless slips and confusion zones. Without that, improvement stalls.

In short, little awareness and consistency can save you from losing valuable marks.

Also Read: Section-Wise Time Management Tips for CAT 2025

Tips to Improve Accuracy in CAT 2025 VARC

Now here’s the good news… precision in CAT VARC improves quickly with steady habits. Students who practised 15–20 full mocks usually see a substantial rise in answer consistency. The tips shared below can be tried to improve accuracy in CAT VARC.

Tips

Explanation

Read with purpose

Focus on thorough reading. Pause for keywords and connectors to grasp tone and logic.

Work on tricky questions

Mark question styles that confuse you. Review them after each mock and practise those areas.

Set timer

Set a stopwatch for each RC practice to stay calm under stress

Analyse mocks deeply

Check not just what went wrong, but why. That’s often where steady progress begins.

Keep vocabulary alive

Read 1 editorial or business article daily. Jot new words, learn their usage in daily writing.

Best Books and Resources for CAT VARC

Here are some best books and resources for CAT VARC training to help you with MBA admissions .:

Courseware on Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT 2025-26 by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

36 Topic-wise CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) Previous Year Solved Papers by Shipra Agarwal and Deepak Agarwal

High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh

To summarise, avoiding small faults in CAT VARC can transform how you perform. Practise reading consciously, manage time wisely, and keep calm during mocks. With regular focus and revision, consistency becomes your strongest asset on exam day. Check the links below to learn more!

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FAQs

Why is it a bad idea not to attempt the mock test for CAT VARC preparation?

Missing out on attempting the mock test for CAT VARC preparation is a bad idea, as it limits your problem-solving speed and accuracy.

How does not following the CAT exam pattern is a top mistake?

Not following the CAT exam pattern is a top mistake, as it leads to a partial idea of the weightage and unexpected difficulty in the admission test.

Why is neglecting time management a costly mistake in CAT VARC preparation?

CAT VARC has a 40-minute time limit. Hence, neglecting time management is a costly mistake in CAT VARC preparation, as you miss out on attempting many questions

How can reading the RC passages quickly affect your CAT VARC score?

Reading the RC passages quickly can affect your CAT VARC score as it may lead to confusion while answering the questions.

What are some common mistakes that you must avoid in the CAT VARC section?

Wasting too much time on a single question, not taking note of the sectional limit, speedily reading through the RC passages, and not revising the basic grammar rules are some of the most common mistakes that you must avoid in the CAT VARC section.

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