Preparing for an entrance exam like the CAT and competing with over 2 lakh candidates from around the country can sometimes feel daunting. We get you; cracking CAT is like playing a game of chess, where you want to be prepared with your best moves. If you’re not a fan of reading, the VARC section might seem like a heavy backpack to carry. 

But don’t worry! We are here with some tips to help you sharpen those reading skills and tackle this section like a pro. 

Read Every Day

Okay, let’s be honest—most of us don’t exactly jump out of joy at the thought of diving into long texts. I remember when I was prepping for CAT, I had zero patience for lengthy, comprehensive passages. But did I give up? ABSOLUTELY NOT! I decided to develop a reading habit instead.

Start small! If reading feels like a chore, pick something light—maybe a comic or a funny short story. Gradually work your way up to newspapers like The Hindu or The Economist, and explore books from different genres. This variety makes reading more enjoyable, helps you get used to different writing styles, and expands your vocabulary. Win-win!

Practice Active Reading

Now, here’s where it gets fun—don’t just skim through the text like a robot! Engage with it! Try to have a little chat with the material. Look for the main idea, tone, and structure as you read. Use your finger or a pen to guide your eyes along the lines; it really helps you pick up speed.

And here’s a tip: after finishing a passage, take a moment to summarize what you just read in bullet points. This little exercise boosts your comprehension and retention—making it way easier when you face similar passages in the exam.

Expand Your Vocabulary

Let’s talk vocabulary—it’s like having a secret weapon in your toolkit! The more words you know, the less time you’ll spend figuring out tricky ones during the exam. Try using resources like Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis or apps like Quizlet to learn new words every day.

Time Yourself

Regular practice with timed reading comprehension passages is key! I used to set a timer while recording myself in time-lapse mode. It felt like I was in an action movie! I started with shorter pieces and then moved on to more complex ones from mock tests or past CAT papers.

Adopt Elimination Techniques

When you hit those tough questions, focus on eliminating the wrong options first. You’ll often find that two choices can be tossed aside pretty quickly, leaving you with two that seem equally tempting (like they’re saying, “Pick me!”). Don’t panic; just reread the related paragraph calmly, and you’ll likely find your answer!

Improve Comprehension First

Remember this: speed doesn’t matter if you don’t understand what you’re reading! Start by slowing down to ensure accurate comprehension before gradually picking up the pace.

Practice Makes You Perfect

Mock tests are your best buddies! They simulate the pressure of the actual exam and highlight areas where you need improvement. After each test, review your mistakes carefully so you can refine both speed and accuracy.

So there you have it! Improving your reading speed is all about treating this section like a marathon—not a sprint! By cultivating a love for reading, using smart techniques, and regularly testing yourself, you’ll be ready to crush it on exam day! Good luck on your journey to cracking CAT!