CAT 2026 reading comprehension: 3/4th VARC weightage, 12-14 questions
In short
- Reading Comprehension (RC) questions constitute 70-75% of the VARC section in the CAT exam, making up 3/4th of its sectional weightage.
- Out of approximately 24 VARC questions, 12-14 questions are typically based on RC passages in the CAT exam.
- CAT RC passages are generally 500 to 600 words long, feature a high difficulty level, and are predominantly inference-based.
- Preparation for CAT RC requires a long-term plan, ideally starting as early as March, and consistent practice with sample papers and mock tests.
- Common RC question types include main idea, inference, author’s tone, assumption, conclusion, strengthen/weaken, and application-based questions.
Reading Comprehension (RC) questions are set to comprise a substantial portion of the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section in the CAT 2026 examination. These questions account for approximately three-fourths of the sectional weightage, making them a critical area for aspirants.
Out of the around 24 questions typically found in the VARC section, 12 to 14 questions are expected to be based on RC passages. The VARC section usually allocates 40 minutes for completion.
Structure and Difficulty of CAT Rc Passages
CAT RC passages are generally between 500 to 600 words in length and are known for their high difficulty level. The Reading Comprehension section of CAT is widely considered the most challenging among all MBA entrance exams. Passages rarely feature fact-based questions, instead focusing on complicated, inference-based scenarios.
The difficulty level of CAT RC passages and questions has seen an increase since CAT 2019. Inference questions, along with strengthen and weaken questions, form almost 50 percent of the total RC questions. There are mainly three types of Reading Comprehension passages in the CAT exam: Analytical, Descriptive, and Data Driven.
The VARC section typically includes four RC passages, with around 16 questions in total. Verbal Ability questions, numbering approximately eight, cover topics such as Para Summary, Para Insertion, and Odd-One-Out. Common RC question types include main idea, inference, author’s tone, assumption, conclusion, strengthen/weaken, and application-based questions.
| RC Element | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Number of Passages | Usually 4 passages |
| Questions per Passage | Generally 4 questions each |
| Approximate Passage Length | Around 450 to 650 words |
| Common Question Types | Main idea, inference, author’s tone, assumption, conclusion, strengthen/weaken and application-based questions |
Preparation Strategy and Question Types
Effective preparation for CAT RC demands a long-term plan and consistent action, ideally commencing as early as March. Mastering RC for CAT requires strong English reading skills, including the ability to read long passages in less than a minute and solve at least four questions per passage. It is critical to practice sample papers and sectional CAT mock tests for VARC for a minimum of two months.
CAT RC passages draw from diverse topics, including business & economics, science, humanities, social sciences, and current affairs. The specific topics can vary across different slots and years. For instance, CAT 2025 slots featured passages on income inequality, electronic music, blind fish, and artificial intelligence ethics, among others. CAT 2024 included topics such as digital rights, craftsmanship, spice trade, and the impact of AI. In CAT 2023, topics ranged from jungle and economy to oceans and territories, and the fashion industry.
| Question Type | How to Approach | Common Traps | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Idea / Primary Purpose | Identify the central message that connects all paragraphs. Focus on what the author is trying to achieve overall. | Options focusing on a single paragraph, example, or supporting detail instead of the entire passage. | Question: What is the primary purpose of the passage? Look For: The broadest option that captures the author’s overall argument. |
| Inference-Based | Choose an option that logically follows from the passage, even if not directly stated. | Extreme conclusions, assumptions beyond the passage, or options requiring outside knowledge. | Question: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage? Look For: What the author implies rather than explicitly says. |
| Author’s Tone | Pay attention to adjectives, examples, and criticism used by the author. | Confusing “critical” with “negative” or selecting emotionally extreme words. | Question: The author’s tone can best be described as: Look For: Neutral, analytical, sceptical, appreciative, cautious, or critical cues. |
| Author’s Viewpoint | Identify the position the author ultimately supports or opposes. | Mistaking a quoted opinion or opposing viewpoint for the author’s own stance. | Question: Which statement would the author most likely agree with? Look For: The conclusion the passage gradually builds towards. |
| Assumption | Find the unstated idea that must be true for the author’s argument to hold. | Choosing conclusions instead of underlying assumptions. | Question: The author’s argument assumes that: Look For: A hidden belief supporting the argument. |
| Strengthen the Argument | Select the option that provides additional support for the author’s claim. | Choosing options that are merely related but do not improve the argument. | Question: Which finding would strengthen the author’s position? Look For: Evidence directly supporting the key claim. |
| Weaken the Argument | Look for evidence that challenges the logic, assumption, or conclusion. | Picking information that sounds contradictory but does not affect the core argument. | Question: Which of the following weakens the author’s argument? Look For: Alternative explanations or contradictory evidence. |
Recent Trends in Rc Passages
In CAT 2025, every RC passage featured 4-5 questions. This contrasts with CAT 2024 and CAT 2023, where every session had four RC passages, each with 3-4 questions. This indicates a potential shift in the number of questions per passage in recent exams.
The variety of topics covered in RC passages necessitates a broad reading habit. Aspirants are advised to engage with diverse subjects to build familiarity with different styles and terminologies. The table below illustrates the range of topics observed in recent CAT exams.
| CAT Passage Types | What They Usually Test | Smart Reading Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Abstract reasoning, arguments | Read slowly and identify the central idea |
| Science & Technology | Concepts and explanations | Focus on cause-effect relationships |
| Economics & Business | Data, policies, opinions | Separate facts from interpretations |
| History & Culture | Events and viewpoints | Follow the sequence of ideas carefully |
| Psychology & Sociology | Behaviour and analysis | Track examples supporting the main argument |
| Literature & Arts | Tone and interpretation | Understand the author’s perspective |
Further reading
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