Misconception 1: Reading more = better RC scores

This one’s everywhere: read novels, newspapers, journals, cereal boxes, anything you can get your hands on. While reading habitually is great, reading blindly won’t cut it. RC in CAT isn’t about how many books you’ve finished. It’s about how well you process dense, unfamiliar information quickly.

So instead of volume, focus on engagement. Read with questions in your head: “What’s the tone?”, “What’s the author’s main point?”, “Is there a hidden assumption here?” Even reading a single article like that every day is more effective than skimming through 10 aimlessly.

Misconception 2: RC is all about vocabulary

“Bro, I need to learn 20 new words daily or I’ll tank in RC.”

No, bro. You won’t.

Vocabulary helps, yes. But CAT RC doesn’t test obscure words like “defenestration” or “obstreperous.” It’s not GRE. The game here is comprehension, not a spelling bee.

If you stumble upon a difficult word in a passage, focus on guessing its meaning through context. That’s a skill you’ll actually need during the exam.

Misconception 3: Skimming and scanning are enough

Skimming might work if you’re cramming for a school test. But CAT RC passages are more like mind games. Authors twist arguments, use sarcasm, toss in subtle hints; you miss one nuance, and your answer is toast.

So instead of rushing, slow down. Read the passage properly. Understand the structure. Then go to the questions. Ironically, reading it well the first time saves more time than reading it twice badly.

Misconception 4: Elimination is the safest trick

Everyone loves the "eliminate the wrong ones" strategy. And sure, it feels good to cross out options. But CAT answer choices are crafty. They’re not blatantly wrong; they’re almost right.

That “elimination method” becomes risky if you don’t understand the passage deeply. Focus on what the author said, not what you think they meant. Always go back to the passage to verify, especially if two options seem similar.

 Misconception 5: I just need to practice more mocks

Mocks are amazing—I lived on them. But if you’re not analyzing what went wrong after each RC section, you’re not growing. Are you falling for trap options? Do you struggle with inference questions? Tone-based?

Take notes. Build a strategy. Fix what’s not working. Mocks are like mirrors; they’ll show you the flaws, but only you can wipe the smudges off.

What You Should Do Instead:

• Active reading > passive reading: Summarize each paragraph in your mind.
• Practice different genres: Philosophy, science, economics, art—you’ll get them all on D-day.
• Time yourself: But don’t panic. Start untimed, then build up.
• Review mistakes: That’s where the magic lies.

Reading Comprehension in the CAT isn’t about becoming a bookworm or a thesaurus. It’s about becoming a smart reader, one who reads with purpose, questions the author, and stays calm under pressure.

So forget the myths. Focus on strategy. And trust yourself, RC is totally beatable if you train your brain the right way.