What type of Reading Comprehension passages are there in XAT?

In XAT, Reading Comprehension passages are usually taken from Philosophy, Psychology, History, Art, research articles. Sometime, the XAT RC section also has poems. These areas are chosen to test the candidates, who are largely Science, Commerce and Engineering graduates, on their ability to come out of their comfort zone and adapt to unfamiliar situations. Out of 26 questions, about 14-16 questions are based on RC passages or a poem. Candidates must target solving about 10 questions accurately to score well. XAT has negative marking so do not mark an option as your answer if you are not 100 percent sure of it.

How many RC questions does CAT have?

The CAT VARC section is dominated by RC questions. Out of 24 questions about 14-16 are based on Reading Comprehension passages and the rest of them are based on parajumbles, para completion, etc. CAT has about 12-16 RC question. Since, it is not mandatory to solve all the questions, candidates can maximize their scores by leaving out the questions related to the passage they find the toughest. There is negative marking in CAT so candidates must ensure that they mark only the correct options or do not mark any option at all.

Is the CAT syllabus difficult?

Yes CAT syllabus is difficult to crack if you do not have enough time. There are three subjects in CAT- VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude. Most of candidates find RC passages tough to crack. In Quants, Arithmetic, Algebra and Geometry pose significant challenge during preparation. In DILR, Reasoning questions often turnout to be tricky and confusion.

What are the important topics of CAT syllabus from which maximum questions are asked?

CAT lays a lot of emphasis on analytical skills so the questions are asked mostly from those topics which require deep learning and practice. The three sections of CAT question paper are designed in such a way that candidates have to use their ability of minute observation and fast calculation. Shared below are the section wise main topics from which questions are asked in CAT. Verbal Ability: Parajumbles, Parasummary, Sentence Completion and Inferences Reading Comprehension: Questions based on passages, Para meaning, Order of sentences Data Interpretation: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Data Sufficiency Logical Reasoning: Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Sets and Caselets, Family Tree, Assumptions Quantitative Aptitude: Geometry, Algebra Number System Modern Math, Arithmetic, Mensuration The difficulty level of CAT questions is usually moderate to high. Only a few questions are easy and quick to solve. To crack the CAT exam, one needs to pay attention to the abovementioned topics.

Is CMAT syllabus the same as that of CAT?

Yes, syllabus of CMAT and CAT are same and include: 1. Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: Mensuration Number System Algebra Time-Speed-Distance, Allegation and Mixtures, Geometry, Graph, Quadratic and Linear Equations, etc. 2. Logical Reasoning: Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, etc. 3. Language Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Vocabulary, Grammar, English Usage Errors, Para jumbles, etc. However, CMAT has two extra sections - General Knowledge and Innovation and Entrepreneurship, topics of which are mentioned below: 4. General Awareness: Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society, Arts, Awards, Inventions 5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Questions related to innovation, entrepreneurship and start up business, models of entrepreneurship, Emerging Trends in Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Society, Rural Entrepreneurship, etc.

What is the syllabus of General English section of SNAP?

The SNAP General English syllabus is similar to that of other MBA entrance exams. It includes passages, Syllogisms, Analogies, Grammar, Antonym-Synonym, One Word Substitution, Similar Sounding Words, Parajumbles and Fill in the Blanks. This is the shortest section of SNAP having only 15 questions. Most of the questions are usually based on English grammar. For the past 2 years, no Reading Comprehension passage is seen in the exam. However, candidates still need to practice Reading Comprehension passages as it has not been completely scrapped. Preparation for the exam as per the SNAP syllabus requires not much time to prepare if your English is strong. But if it is not, then you must start studying English much earlier as developing hold on a language requires time.

What is the best preparation strategy for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension?

To prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, stick to the traditional path of concepts first and practice later. Study English grammar and Verbal Ability first to understand the concept. Then practice a number of sample questions of different kinds to gain confidence, speed and accuracy. For RC passages, develop the habit of reading from early stages. Read books from all walks of life. Practicing sample Reading Comprehension passages and questions in a crucial part of VARC preparation. This will help you understand the types of questions and RC passages asked in various entrance exams. As an aspirant, you will be appearing for more than one entrance exam, thus you need to have the practice of different types of RC passages.

How early should I start reading novels for Reading Comprehension?

To develop reading habit, one should start reading books and newspapers every day for at least one hour daily from at least six to eight months before the exam. Ideally, you should start reading books from a year before the entrance exam you are planning to appear for. We say so because, reading depends a lot on one’s interest. You need to first build interest in reading. Candidate who have to habit or interest in reading may not find it too difficult to read 100 pages every day, but those who have no interest in reading will have to develop it. So, start reading early on and read a variety of books. Start will books having easy language, once you develop interest and speed, move to books with tough English.

What is the latest CMAT exam pattern?

Latest CMAT exam pattern is given below: Question paper carries 100 MCQs Each section has 20 question Exam duration is 180 minutes Each question carries 4 marks There is no negative marking

Is the question paper of MAT IBT different from MAT CBT or PBT?

No, the question paper of MAT IBT is not different from MAT CBT or PBT. The test pattern, time duration, question type and marking scheme are the same for all three modes. Candidates can choose to appear for any exam mode with the worry of doing exam specific preparation. The only difference between MAT IBT and MAT CBT or PBT is that MAT IBT is a remote proctored exam and can be taken from any location unlike MAT CBT or PBT which are held at designated exam centres. The MAT question paper of every session however is different. All the 200 questions of each question paper is unique. The difficulty level is the same- easy to moderate but since the questions are different from each other candidates can feel slight difference in the difficulty level. The questions for every session are chosen randomly so in one session the paper can be overall easy while in another session the exam can be slightly difficult.

In how many months can I prepare for XAT?

Ideally, XAT preparation takes six to nine months, but if candidates have prepared for CAT too, XAT preparation can be done in lesser time as one will have to only work on Decision Making and General Knowledge topics. Those who are weak in English Comprehension must start reading practice early on. The ideal time to start XAT preparation is May, so you can cover the whole syllabus by October and dedicate two months to mock test practice. If you start studying for XAT late, by July or so, make sure you complete the syllabus by October only. Remember that XAT syllabus is tough, so you’ll need to study at least 6-8 hours daily from start until the end. Give ample time to yourself to complete the XAT syllabus.

What are the important topics of MAT exam?

Questions in MAT are asked from verbal ability, reading comprehension, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, arrangement, coding decoding, graphs and tables, family tree, blood relation, clocks and calendars, time, speed and distance, statements, etc.

What are the topics on which I should read books for RC preparation?

Candidates must read books on economy, philosophy, science, astronomy, psychology, sociology, history, geography, psychoanalysis, economics, astronomy, art & culture, literature, fiction novels, auto-biographies and biographies. Most of the passages that appear in any MBA entrance exam are based on these topics. The RC passages length may vary but most of the times the language is tough with foreign words and expressions or a good amount of data. It is also recommended to candidates to read research papers, survey reports, etc. to have the practice of understanding and relating data in a quick read. Always refer to dictionary for word meanings while reading books.

Which type of questions does VARC section of an entrance exam comprise?

The VARC section of any MBA entrance exam or a competitive exam typically comprises MCQs based on Grammatical concepts like tenses, articles, noun/pronoun, conjunctions, subject-verb agreement; Verbal Ability questions on word meaning, one-word substitution, fill in the blanks, parajumbles, para completion, antonyms/synonyms, etc. Apart from these, every VARC section has reading comprehension passages of 300 to 900 words. Candidates have to answer questions based on these passages. In MBA entrances exams, you will find RC passages dominating CAT, XAT, IIFT, NMAT, GMAT, whereas there will be less of them MAT, CMAT, ATMA. In SNAP there is no RC passages anymore.

Which are the best books for VARC preparation?

Best books for VARC preparation are Word Power Made Easy by Normal Lewis and High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin. Apart from these two books, students must refer to practice books such as, How To Prepare For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension For CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay, The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations by Sujit Kumar and The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha. These books are recommended for all the MBA entrance exams as well as other competitive exams.

Why is it necessary to practice sample questions of VARC preparation?

It is necessary to practice sample questions for preparation of Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension because all the MBA entrance exams are speed based test and there is just about minute allotted to each question. By practicing sample questions, you will get the practice of reading 600 plus words passages quickly, develop speed and accuracy in solving question and learn the skill to choose which question to answer and which one to skip to avoid negative marking. Practicing sample questions will also give you prior experience of different types of Reading Comprehension questions of different exams. Remember that same preparation formula cannot be applied to all entrance exams.

Is it true that someone who is weak in English, cannot score well in Verbal Ability?

No, it is not true that someone who is weak in English can’t score well in Verbal Ability. If one works hard and prepares well for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, they can score well in the section. One only needs to have the drive and discipline. They will require to start preparation for this subject earlier than those who have a good command over the language. Start reading books and novels. Keep a dictionary and mark the difficult words. Make notes of common idioms and phrases. Revise word meaning and concepts of Grammar every alternate day. Practice questions and mock tests.

Pronouns: Definition, Rules, Examples, Practice Questions with Answers PDFs for MBA Preparation

Updated on May 20, 2026 18:57 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

Overview

Pronoun in English has many types and is not limited to he, she and it. Pronoun is one of the fundamentals of English grammar and is critical for identifying and addressing a being. In English Comprehension paper of MBA entrance tests and other competitive exams, questions related to types of pronoun are often asked in the form of fill in the blanks. Pronoun is the simplest of all grammar rules in English. Let us understand Pronoun, in this article below.

Table of contents

What is Pronoun?
Types of Pronouns
Pronouns Exercises with Answers
CAT VARC Sample Questions with Answers for Practice

What is Pronoun?

As the name suggests, a pronoun is used in the place of a noun which is used earlier in a sentence. In other words, a pronoun is a substitute of a noun to avoid repetition. A pronoun can be used instead of a noun or a noun phrase. The antecedent of the pronoun is the noun or a noun phrase that a pronoun replaces.

Understand Pronoun by these simple examples:

Sarah is a good girl. She is also a bright student.

Here, ‘she’ is a pronoun which is used to replace the antecedent ‘Sarah’.

Sarah is good at sports. She announced that she wanted to take part in a sports event at her school.

Here, the pronoun ‘she’ is the referent as it refers to the noun, ‘Sarah’. The pronoun and the antecedent must agree in terms of numbers and genders.

Also Read: MBA Preparation 2025: Tips to Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams

Types of Pronouns

There are many types of pronouns. Let’s look at the types of pronouns below:

Personal Pronoun

The most common type of pronouns are the personal pronouns. They are used to substitute or replace a person or people. They are sub categorized into two categories, i.e. subjective pronouns and objective pronouns. Pronouns that replace the subject in a sentence are called subjective pronouns. Pronouns that replace the antecedent object are called objective pronouns. For example; I, she, he, you, it, we, they, etc. are all personal pronouns.

Example for Subjective Pronoun: Juan is a talented pianist. He played the piano really well at the party.

Example for Objective Pronoun: I have a gift for your sister. Give it to your sister.

Relative Pronoun

The pronouns which connect the relative clauses to independent clauses are called relative pronouns. They often give some additional information about something in the sentence. They refer to nouns which have been previously mentioned. Pronouns such as that, what, which, who and whom are relative pronouns.

Example:

The library, which is on North Avenue, is being renovated.
Choose whichever dress you like.

Possessive Pronoun

Some pronouns are used to indicate possession and ownership. Such pronouns, in a broad sense, are called possessive pronouns. Such as, mine, yours, ours, hers, his, theirs. These pronouns also accompany nouns.

Example:

Is that his book?
No, it’s my book.
Those clothes are mine.
That car is theirs.

Reflexive Pronoun

Reflexive pronouns indicates that the subject receives the action. In other words, the subject in the sentence is also the object of the sentence. Reflexive pronouns are used when the action of the subject is performing the action on the subject itself. Here the pronouns end with –self or -selves.

Example:

He told himself that he was so lucky to be alive.
I gave myself enough time.

Intensive Pronoun

Intensive pronouns are similar to reflexive pronouns. These pronouns also end with –self or –selves but the only difference is that they add emphasis. They are placed right next to the nouns.

Example:

He built this house (Here himself emphasizes that he personally built the house. He did not hire or ask for help from anybody to build the house.)
I myself am my own worst critic. (Here myself emphasizes the noun I am my worst critic.)

Demonstrative Pronouns

These pronouns are used to replace the noun which has already been mentioned before in the sentence. They are also used to indicate the distance either literally or metaphorically. There are majorly four demonstrative pronouns, which are; this, that, these, those.

Example:

That is my card.
Those flowers are beautiful.
Don’t eat this.

Interrogative Pronouns

Interrogative pronouns are used in sentences where there is a question. They do as their name suggests. The pronouns which refer to questions related to nouns are the interrogative pronouns.

Example:

What is her name?
Who do you work for?
Whose desk is this?

Indefinite Pronouns

As the name suggests, indefinite pronouns refer to an undefined noun. There is no specific replacement of a noun. Pronouns such as everybody, few, neither, either, many, several, some, etc. are indefinite pronouns.

Example:

There are a few candies in the jar.
Everybody is welcome to the party.

Also Read:

Pronouns Exercises with Answers

Listed below are some pronouns exercises with answers for practice.

Q1. She is as good a student as __.

A. (a) he (b) him (c) himself (d) herself

Q2. She is not more studious than __.

A. (a) me (b) I (c) I am (d) myself

Q3. The girl __ fell off the swing has hurt her knee.

A. (a) who (b) whose (c) who (d) that

Q4. Neither Thomas nor Ben has done __ work.

A. (a) his (b) their (c) theirs (d) himself

Q5. He __ saw the thief.

A. (a) himself (b) him (c) them (d) themselves

Q6. Shreya and __ went to Karnataka.

A. (a) I (b) themselves (c) myself (d) ourself

Q7. Riya was displeased at __going there.

A. (a) mine (b) my (c) me (d) I

Q8. Pooja is the maid __I have employed.

A. (a) I (b) me (c) whom (d) who

Q9. The letter __ she wrote reached me late.

A. (a) which (b) that (c) what (d) no change required

Q10. My grandparents live in Italy. We visit __ often.

A. (a) him (b) her (c) they (d) them

Q11. The cabinate gave __consent.

A. (a) his (b) its (c) their (d) theirs

Q12. My niece likes dolls. The barbie is for __.

A. (a) she (b) her (c) it (d) niece

Q13. My grandparents like folk music. The CD is for __.

A. (a) them (b) theirs (c) both (d) grandparents

Q14. Shreya is a wonderful piano player. __ played the piano really well at the party.

A. (a) her (b) she (c) he (d) it

Q15. __ is welcome to the opening of the cafe.

A. (a) Everyone (b) Everybody (c) All (d) They

Q16. The baby cried all night. __ needs sleep.

A. (a) she (b) her (c) they (d) it

Q17. We all told the manager we wanted to have __ salaries paid on time.

A. (a) ours (b) his (c) we (d) our

Q18. Although __ in the class seemed to follow __ the teacher said, she never intended to simplify her language.

A. (a) no one/ anything (b) anybody/ anything (c) nobody/ nothing (d) someone/ something

Q19. We decided to make dinner __ instead of hiring a catering company for the party.

A. (a) of our own (b) by ourselves (c) ourself (d) oneself

Q20. Children nowadays prefer doing __ homework with music in the background.

A. (a) them (b) their (c) they (d) his

Q21. The kids watched each gesture of __ as if their father were a stranger.

A. (a) them (b) him (c) his (d) himself

Q22. Trademarks enable a brand to distinguish __ products from __of another brand.

A. (a) their/ it (b) it/ that (c) our/ this (d) its/ those

Q23. I hope you will enjoy __ at the party.

A. (a) you (b) yours (c) yourself (d) oneself

Q24. When the woman asked how I got __ address, I told her that it was given by a relative of __.

A. (a) my/ me (b) mine/ his (c) her/hers (d) she/ she

Q25. We cannot see through translucent materials, but light can pass through __.

A. (a) them (b) it (c) their (d) them

Q26. Choose__book you like.

A: (a) Which (b) That (c) Whichever

Q27. On way to office, he felt hungry and told__that he should have eaten before leaving home.

A: (a) Himself (b) Themselves (c) Him

Q28. The cabinet gave __ consent for revising tax rules.

A: (a) Its (b) Their (c) Theirs

Q29. We cannot understand the language of dogs, but we can understand __emotions.

A. (a) them (b) it (c) their

Q30. You can eat __ice-cream you like.

A: (a) Which (b) That (c) Whichever

Q31. While reading a book, he was reminded of __own village.

A: (a) Himself (b) Their (c) His

Q32. The examination authority changed __ rules regarding late entry.

A: (a) Their (b) Its (c) Theirs

Q33. Soham sold __ car at a very low price.

A: (a) His (b) Him (c) Their

Q34. The students were asked to choose the game __ they like.

A: (a) any (b) whoever (c) whichever

Q35. At the airport, we were asked to keep __ belongings away.

A: (a) Mine (b) theirs (c) our

Q36. Vinney and Max repaired the wall__.

A: (a) himself (b) themselves (c) their

Q37. Simmi will be arriving today but __will get a bit late.

A: (a) she (b) I (c) her

Q38. Anthony had a fight with John. __went out of control within minutes.

A: (a) they (b) he (c) it

Q39: Rohan has got a job in Calcutta. __ will be moving there soon.

A: (a) she (b) he (c) they

Q40: Arjun fell from the tree and broke his hand. He went to the hopsital by __.

A: (a) himself (b) themself (c) themselves

Q41. Meeta and Neela went to visit __ school teacher.

A. (a) they (b) their (c) her (d) his

Q 42. I will pick grocery by__.

A: (a) Myself (b) my (c) mine (d) themselves

Q 43. Tom took __ dog for a walk in the park.

A: (a) them (b) it (c) his (d) him

Q 44. How can I check _ and Tina’s result?

A: (a) my (b) mine (c) her (d) our

Q 45. There is a cat hiding under my bed. How should I drive _ away.

A: (a) her (b) him (c) it (d) them

Answers:

Q1. (b) Q2. (c) Q3. (c) Q4. (a) Q5. (a) Q6. (a) Q7. (b) Q8. (c) Q9. (a) Q10. (d) Q11. (c) Q12. (b) Q13. (a) Q14. (b) Q15. (b) Q16. (d) Q17. (d) Q18. (a) Q19. (b) Q20. (b) Q21. (c) Q22. (d) Q23. (c) Q24. (c) Q25. (d) Q26. (c) Q27. (a) Q28. (b) Q29. (c) Q30. (c) Q31. (c) Q32. (b) Q33. (a) Q34. (c) Q35. (c) Q36. (c) Q37. (a) Q38. (c) Q39. (b) Q40. (a) Q41. (b) Q42. (a) Q43. (c) Q44. (b) Q45. (c)

Download Free VARC Question Bank for Practice

Click to Download

CAT VARC Sample Questions with Answers for Practice

Get below free PDFs of VARC sample questions for practice with solution.

CAT Easy Test Set 1	CAT Easy Test Set 1 Solutions
CAT Medium Test Set 1	CAT Medium Test Set 1 Solutions
CAT Difficult Test Set 1	CAT Difficult Test Set 1 Solutions

CAT Easy Test Set 2	CAT Easy Test Set 2 Solutions
CAT Medium Test Set 2	CAT Medium Test Set 2 Solutions
CAT Difficult Test Set 2	CAT Difficult Test Set 2 Solutions

CAT Easy Test Set 3	CAT Easy Test Set 3 Solutions
CAT Medium Test Set 3	CAT Medium Test Set 3 Solutions
CAT Difficult Test Set 3	CAT Difficult Test Set 3 Solutions

CAT Easy Test Set 4	CAT Easy Test Set 4 Solutions
CAT Medium Test Set 4	CAT Medium Test Set 4 Solutions
CAT Difficult Test Set 4	CAT Difficult Test Set 4 Solutions

CAT Easy Test Set 5	CAT Easy Test Set 5 Solutions
CAT Medium Test Set 5	CAT Medium Test Set 5 Solutions
CAT Difficult Test Set 5	CAT Difficult Test Set 5 Solutions

CAT Easy Test Set 6	CAT Easy Test Set 6 Solutions
CAT Medium Test Set 6	CAT Medium Test Set 6 Solutions
CAT Difficult Test Set 6	CAT Difficult Test Set 6 Solutions

Download Free VARC Question Bank for Practice

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Pronouns: Definition, Rules, Examples, Practice Questions with Answers PDFs for MBA Preparation

What is Pronoun?

Types of Pronouns

Personal Pronoun

Relative Pronoun

Possessive Pronoun

Reflexive Pronoun

Intensive Pronoun

Demonstrative Pronouns

Interrogative Pronouns

Indefinite Pronouns

Pronouns Exercises with Answers

Download Free VARC Question Bank for Practice

CAT VARC Sample Questions with Answers for Practice

Download Free VARC Question Bank for Practice

Explore exams which ask questions on VARC Prep Tips for MBA

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