The truth? Scoring 99%ile in VARC isn’t about devouring fiction. It’s about building the right skills with the right strategy. So if you hate novels but love results – keep reading.
Short answer: Yes.
Novels are just one way to build comprehension and vocabulary. But there are quicker, smarter, and frankly more interesting alternatives that work better for the CAT exam.
Let’s look at practical, proven VARC prep tips – especially for non-fiction haters, time crunched aspirants, and those who’ve never finished a novel without yawning.
Before jumping into strategy, understand what the CAT VARC section wants:
| Component | What It Tests | Relevance |
| Reading Comprehension (RC) | Ability to understand, infer, summarize, tone & intent | High (16-18 questions) |
| Para Jumbles | Logical sequencing | Medium |
| Para Summary | Ability to capture the essence | Medium |
| Odd One Out | Pattern and coherence spotting | Low to Medium |
Instead of dense novels, consume short, sharp content that challenges your comprehension. Start with:
Mocks are good, but genre-wise practice is better. Try passages from:
While reading, keep asking:
| Stage | Focus | Tools |
| Beginner | Comprehension + Logical Flow | Basic VARC Modules |
| Intermediate | Genre-Focused RC Practice | 175 Sectional Tests |
| Advanced | Time + Accuracy + Summary | Advanced VARC Workshops |
CAT doesn’t reward fiction lovers—it rewards comprehension, logic, and application.
So skip the guilt about not reading novels, and instead use non-fiction, structured RCs, and daily logic practice to your advantage.
No. Focus on reading comprehension, tone recognition, and summarization. Non-fiction, editorials, and RC practice sets are more effective.
Ideally 60 minutes/day — split between reading, practice sets, and reviewing errors.
Practice active reading, annotate while reading, and review all wrong answers. Understand why an answer is wrong.
Yes. VARC is more about logic than literary finesse. With consistent practice, even average English speakers crack 99%ile.
Mix both. Free resources help you build variety. Coaching content gives structure and feedback.
Don’t mug up word lists. Read actively and maintain a vocab journal. Learn from context, not cramming.
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