The VARC (verbal ability and reading comprehension) section in the CAT exam is often seen as unpredictable. For many aspirants, scoring in RC (reading comprehension) seems more straightforward, while VA (verbal ability) questions can feel like a hit or miss. However, by comparing your RC and VA scores over time and using trendlines, you can identify patterns and make strategic adjustments to your preparation.
Understanding RC and VA in CAT VARC
Before diving into analysis, let’s break down what RC and VA typically consist of:
- Reading comprehension (RC): usually 4 passages with 4-5 questions each. Focus is on inference, tone, summary, and factual understanding.
- Verbal ability (VA): includes para-jumbles, odd sentence out, and para-summary. No options, making accuracy crucial.
Both contribute to the overall VARC score, but the approach to mastering them is different.
To do well, it’s also essential to stay updated with the CAT exam syllabus, understand the CAT exam pattern, and regularly check official updates regarding the CAT admit card and CAT application form.
Step 1: Collect section-wise data
Begin by tracking your RC and VA performance separately across multiple mocks. Create a spreadsheet or maintain a log with:
- Mock/test number
- RC score
- VA score
Make sure the data covers a decent number of tests (at least 8-10) to observe genuine trends.
Step 2: Plot trendlines
Use Excel or Google Sheets to plot two line graphs:
- X-axis: mock/test number
- Y-axis: scores (separate lines for RC and VA)
Then, insert trendlines for both RC and VA scores using the “moving average” or “linear trendline” feature.
This visual representation will highlight:
- If your RC scores are consistently improving or stagnating
- If VA scores are erratic or on a downward/upward trajectory
- How both are contributing to the overall VARC score
Step 3: Interpret the graph
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is my RC performance more stable than VA?
- Am I seeing a steep decline in VA despite more practice?
- Are both improving equally, or is one pulling down the overall score?
For instance, if your trendline shows VA scores are volatile and not improving, but RC scores are steadily rising, it might be time to reduce VA experimentation and double down on RC.
Step 4: Shift your focus strategically
Based on the trendline interpretation:
- If RC is strong, VA is weak: dedicate 70% of VARC time to mastering VA logic. Focus on improving question comprehension, sequencing techniques, and accuracy.
- If VA is strong, RC is weak: work on reading stamina, note-taking methods, and question classification (inference vs. fact-based).
- If both are weak: start with RC to build reading fluency, then allocate short daily drills for VA.
- If both are strong but scores fluctuate: focus on exam temperament, time management, and attempt strategies.
Step 5: Reassess every 2 weeks
Trendlines aren’t static. Revisit your data every 2 weeks to:
- Update scores
- Re-draw trendlines
- Re-evaluate your focus areas
This adaptive strategy ensures your efforts are always aligned with what your performance demands, not just what you feel like doing.
Final thoughts
Using trendlines to compare RC and VA scores is a data-driven way to eliminate guesswork from your VARC prep. It helps you identify what’s working, what’s not, and how to respond. By consistently reviewing and shifting your focus, you stay in control of your preparation journey and boost your chances of acing VARC in the CAT exam. Make sure to regularly check for the CAT admit card, complete the CAT application form on time, and align your prep with the latest CAT exam syllabus and CAT exam pattern for best results.