For every CAT aspirant targeting top B-schools in India, a strong command of Verbal Ability (VA) is essential for success. The Common Admission Test (CAT) is not just about quant and logic—Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) accounts for a significant chunk of the exam. Whether you’re enrolled in CAT coaching at Career Launcher FC Road or prepping solo, a strong strategy for VA is essential.
In this blog, we’ll break down the major topics under CAT Verbal Ability, share effective prep tactics, and provide a roadmap to score higher in this section.
Understanding the CAT Verbal Ability Section
The Verbal Ability section in CAT typically forms the first part of the exam: VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension). It usually consists of 24 questions to be completed in 40 minutes.
The section can be split into two major parts:
- Reading Comprehension (RC) – 70% of the section
- Verbal Ability (VA) – 30% of the section
We’ll focus specifically on the Verbal Ability part here, which includes non-RC questions.
Key Topics in CAT Verbal Ability
Here’s a closer look at the primary VA topics you need to master:
1. Para Jumbles (PJ)
These questions ask you to rearrange a set of jumbled sentences into a logical and coherent paragraph. They test your understanding of flow, connectors, and contextual cues.
Tip: Look for transition words like “however,” “moreover,” “thus,” etc., and identify the opening or concluding sentences.
2. Para Summary
In these questions, you are asked to choose the option that best summarizes a given paragraph. These test comprehension, inference, and identifying the main idea.
Tip: Focus on the central theme, not specific examples. Eliminate options that introduce new ideas.
3. Odd One Out (Sentence Elimination)
You are presented with 4–5 sentences and must identify the one that doesn’t fit logically with the others.
Tip: Understand the central topic and tone, and spot the sentence that deviates in theme or logic.
4. Sentence Completion / Fill in the Blanks (Occasional)
While not consistently asked, these test grammar and vocabulary. They’re worth practicing occasionally.
Preparation Tactics to Master CAT Verbal Ability
Here are some practical, effective tactics that many toppers and experienced CAT classes recommend:
1. Read Every Day
The foundation of VA is strong reading habits. Explore editorials from publications like The Hindu, The Economist, Aeon Essays, or opinion pieces from The New York Times. They sharpen your comprehension, vocabulary, and inference skills.
2. Practice Topic-Wise
Divide your practice into topics: one day for para jumbles, another for summaries. Platforms like Career Launcher FC Road’s CAT coaching programs provide structured topic-wise practice with feedback.
3. Time Your Practice
Use a timer when solving sets. During CAT, you’ll get less than 2 minutes per VA question. Practice within time limits to enhance both speed and accuracy.
4. Analyze Your Mistakes
Merely solving isn’t enough. Review your errors—why a summary was incorrect, or what clue you missed in a para jumble. Keep a notebook of learnings and patterns.
5. Take Sectional Mocks
Enrolling in reputed CAT classes like those at Career Launcher FC Road can give you access to sectional tests that simulate actual exam pressure. This helps boost both performance and confidence.
6. Peer Discussion
Discussing difficult questions with fellow aspirants can reveal alternative interpretations and expose blind spots. Study groups, either online or through CAT coaching institutes, are a powerful tool.
Advantages of Joining CAT Classes Like Career Launcher FC Road
While self-study can work, joining expert-led programs gives you structured guidance and constant motivation. At Career Launcher FC Road, Pune, you benefit from:
- Experienced mentors who’ve cracked CAT themselves
- Regular VA workshops and masterclasses
- Personalized feedback and doubt sessions
- Access to updated mocks and previous year CAT question patterns
- Interactive student forums and revision strategies
Many students report significant improvements in their VARC scores after just a few weeks of guided practice and strategic preparation under expert supervision.
Final Tips for CAT Verbal Ability Success
- Be consistent – 30 minutes daily on VA can yield great results.
- Don’t fear RC-heavy sections – VA gives you a breather if you’ve prepared well.
- Keep vocabulary natural – Don’t memorize, infer meanings through context.
- Practice from past CAT papers and reliable CAT prep platforms.
Summary
Mastering CAT Verbal Ability requires a combination of a strategic approach, intelligent practice, and consistent reading habits. Focus on high-weightage topics like para jumbles, summaries, and odd one out. Supplement your self-study with expert guidance from reputed coaching centers like Career Launcher FC Road to unlock your full potential. With the right approach, the VARC section can become your strength and a major percentile booster.