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Verbal Ability for CAT is mainly parajumble, para summary and odd sentence. In other MBA entrance exams, it includes English grammar and vocabulary. So MBA aspirants need to have an overall focus on all the aspects of VA â Vocabulary, English Grammar and Verbal Reasoning.
MBA aspirants who are good in English Comprehension, find it relatively easy to crack the Verbal Ability questions of CAT and other MBA entrance exams, with ample practice.
However, only having a good command over English is not enough. Consistent practice is the key. The VA questions can be confusing or from a completely unfamiliar set. Thus, the need for expanding vocabulary and practicing sample questions. Let's understand the Verbal Ability section of MBA entrance exams and preparation strategy.Â
- Verbal Ability for CAT and other MBA Exams
- Verbal Ability Syllabus for CAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability?
- VARC Questions with Solution for Practice
- Best Books for Verbal Ability Preparation
- FAQs on Verbal Ability Preparation
Verbal Ability for CAT and other MBA Exams
Letâs look at weightage of Verbal Ability in the top MBA entrance exams of India. The number of questions presented in the table below is basis the latest question papers. This should be seen as reference as in the upcoming exams, the number of Verbal Ability questions could be higher or lower.
| MBA Entrance Exams |
Verbal Ability Weightage |
|---|---|
| 8/24 questions |
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| 14/26 questions |
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| 14/30 questions |
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| 19/25 questions |
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| 4/15 questions |
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| 36/36 questions |
Also Read: Best books for CAT and recommended readings for MBA preparation
A key aspect that one needs to keep in mind for Verbal Ability preparation is that in CAT, the questions on verbal reasoning are less than English comprehension questions but in other top MBA entrance exams, it is vice versa. You may have also heard many aspirants say that CATâs English section is tougher than other exams. Which is true and hence, if you can crack RC passages of CAT, then you can crack RC passages of every other MBA entrance exam.
Commonly asked questions
CAT is a speed-based test of analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, data interpretation and English comprehension. Now, it may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at advanced level. If you are an average student but have studied Science or Commerce in Class-12 and graduation, you will find a lot of familiar topics in Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning. All you will need is brush up the basics and practice the concepts on advanced-level problems.
However, since the competition is so high in CAT and less than 95 percentile can break your dream of joining a top college like IIM, the preparation for CAT requires a lot of focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the CAT exam.
Hope it was helpful!!!
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.
Verbal Ability Syllabus for CAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams
Verbal Ability syllabus of all MBA entrance exams includes the following topics. These topics are not unfamiliar as all of us have studied them is school but do need revision of nuances. The best method of studying for these topics is practice sessions. Get hold of English Grammar and Vocabulary practice books having questions of all types. You will need to practice on a daily basis.Â
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Also Read:
- Pronouns with exercises
- Parajumbles with exercises
- Prepositions with exercises
- Subject-Verb Agreement exercises
- Types of Clauses with exercises
- Types of Articles with exercises
- Phrases Modifiers with exercises
- English Tenses with exercises
- VARC syllabus for MBA exams and important books
Commonly asked questions
Yes, CMAT is much easier that CAT exam. Despite the fact that CMAT and CAT syllabus are same and that CMAT has two more sections than CAT the former is much easier than the latter. The CAT exam is usually of moderate to high difficulty level, whereas the CMAT exam is of easy to moderate difficulty level.
There are key differences between CMAT and CAT which make the former easier. There is no sectional time limit in CMAT so candidates do not face the pressure of completing a given section within certain time limit. In CAT there are 4-5 Reading Comprehension passages which are 500-600 words, and 12-14 question.
In CMAT there is usually, only one Reading Comprehension passage, having 4 questions. The Quantitative Aptitude questions of CMAT are also easier than CAT and so are Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions. It is easier to score high percentile in CMAT as the number of applicants is more than one Lacs less in CAT.
CAT exam is a national level MBA entrance exam conducted by the IIM. Every year, over 2.3 lakh candidates apply for it. Since the last two years, the competition has increased further with oveer 3 lakh candidates applying for the exam.
The CAT score is accepted by the Iims and all top MBA colleges in India. To select the best candidates from over 3 lakh test takers there is a need for stringent criteria. That's why, the CAT exam is tougher than other MBA entrance exams. Even though the syllabus of CAT is same as that of other MBA entrance exams, the question paper set by the IIM faculty always has tough questions. Moreover, CAT has sectional time limit for each section which is not there in any other exam except XAT. Having a time limit for each section adds pressure on candidates to complete solving adequate number of questions in a section within the time limit. If a student is weak in a particular subject, they can't use the time as per their need. CAT's Reading Comprehension passages are long and dense unlike other MBA exams. This is one more reason why most candidates feel CAT is tougher than any other MBA entrance exam.
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.
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability?
- The best source of preparation for Verbal Ability are books - Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis and High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren and Martin.
- The most important aspect of Verbal Ability preparation for MBA exams is reading. So start early and develop the habit of reading. In the beginning, read at least 20 pages of a novel every day. Note down words you donât know and check their meanings and usage.
- The Vocabulary section of Verbal Ability normally comprises Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Spellings, Odd Words, One Word Different Meanings, Same Word Different Spellings, Sentence Completion and Cloze Tests. Thus, the key is to not only learn the word meaning but also understand its etymology and translation.
- Idioms are another area in Verbal Ability that many find confusing. The way to understand the usage of an idiom is to understand its origin. Idioms donât translate literally but their meaning is well understood on if theyâre used correctly. For example, in the idiom, 'Youâve got another think coming', many confuse 'think' with 'thing'.
- Understanding fundamentals of English Grammar helps in solving other Verbal Ability questions like Para-jumbles, Logical Continuation, Summary and even Reading Comprehension questions to a great extent.
- The most basic way of preparing for Verbal Ability is by reading. Read books, novels, newspapers, online blogs. The more you read the better command you will have on English Language.
- However, only reading will not help you enough. Practice a range of questions on verbal reasoning topics as well as non-verbal reasoning topics of easy, moderate and high difficulty levels. Practice will prepare you for a speed based test.Â
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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.
VARC Questions with Solution for Practice
1. The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Adiyogi is generally worshipped in the country as Shiva. As per various iconographic proofs, he is said to have walked this land over 15,000 years ago. If we did not forget him for 15,000 years, he must have done something significant. Though it has largely turned into worship and rituals, you must understand that when Adiyogi came, the human intellect was generally not in a shape for human well-being and subjectivity to be handled in a scientific manner. So, not knowing how to use this technology for well-being that he offered, most people worshipped him. Only a few people made use of it.
(A) If we did not forget Adiyoga for 15,000 years ago he might have achieved something significant in his life apart from constantly being worshiped for one or another reason.
(B) Adiyogi who was worshipped as Shiva, became a prominent person who was worshipped for his gigantic personality though he could never expand the scientific knowledge in the nation.
(C) Being worshipped as Shiva, Adiyogi came over 15,000 years ago at the time when scientific knowledge was not flourishing.
(D) When Adiyogi arrived, the human intellect was not in a state that allowed human well-being and subjectivity to be dealt with scientifically, though he really wanted to do something significant.
Solution: (D) The important keywords are â Adiyogi, human well-being, scientific, significant. All these words together build a key concept. Only D option makes sense. Other options are close but they are misrepresented.
2. The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and choose the correct option.
1. Exposure to pet cats also appeared to cut down the risk of developing food allergies, especially egg, wheat and soybean allergies.
2. Besides this, the researchers found that allergy rates were not significantly different among the kids who grew up with dogs kept outside.
3. The study showed that kids who grew up with indoor dogs were significantly less likely to develop food allergies than those who did not, particularly egg, milk and nut allergies.
4. This study is based on the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that pet exposure is effective in preventing allergic disease
(A) 3214
(B) 1234
(C) 1243
(D) 4312
Solution: (A) The use of the conjunction besides in 2 hints that it will follow another sentence in sequence. 3 states a study about pet dogs, and 1 and 2 further elaborate that study. 4 defines the basis of that study in the end. 3214 is the most logical sequence here
3.The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
We have almost completely substituted all previous forms of communication, transportation, and other aspects of our society with the creation of newer, more industrial methods and apparatuses. Before the invention of motorized vehicles, people rode horse-drawn carriages to get from one place to another. Before the creation of mobile cellular devices, people sent handwritten letters and postcards in the mail. Before the establishment of the internet, most leisure activities and social interactions were conducted outdoors and in person.
(A) Before motorised vehicles, people rode horse-drawn carriages and mainly engaged in leisure and social contacts both outside and in person.
(B) All traditional modes of communication, transportation, and other facets of society have been supplanted with newer, more industrial ways and devices.
(C) Past modes of communication must be modified if the tradition of mail and handwritten letters is to be maintained.
(D) Many forms of communication, transportation, and other aspects are replaced with newer industrial methods but still some require immediate attention.
Solution: (B) Only B statement captures the main idea given in the paragraph without changing the facts. D captures the idea but in the end it alters the given fact. A and C are fart-fetched as per the given paragraph.
4. Choose the correct order of the given parts to create a meaningful sentence.
The life of a
P. goldfish isnât always filled with joys that are worth
Q. remembering; countless numbers of these small fish have
R. bag before being flushed down a toilet
S. little to look back on other than a short trip in a tinyÂ
(A) SQRPÂ
(B) QPRS
(C) SRQP
(D) PQSR
Solution: 4. (D) : The given hint ends with an article âaâ which means the next part should start with a noun. Either P or R can follow this article. Only (d) option starts with P. So, the correct sequence has to be PQSR.
5. Choose the correct order of the given parts to create a meaningful paragraph.
P. While the spiritual awakening process can feel painful and disturbing at first, it ultimately helps you to live a more meaningful life.
Q. The sensation that your life doesnât make sense anymore is the product of having all of your former beliefs, desires, and paradigms challenged and often disproven.Â
R. This is traumatic, but a necessary part of your expansion.
S. Spiritual awakenings happen as a natural product of your soul evolving, expanding, and maturing.
(A) SRPQÂ
(B) PRSQ
(C) SPQR
(D) PQSR
Solution: 5. (C) : S starts the topic of spiritual awakening by defining it. P further elaborates it by stating a fact related to it and Q supports it by giving examples. The most logical sequence here is SPQR.
6. The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and choose the correct option.
- Teacher Unions have welcomed this campaign and the opportunity has already come and gone for the Indian Government additionally to think on comparable lines and find a way to lift up the sinking assurance of the teaching profession.
- An amount of $100 million has been put aside to battle the shortage of candidates for the teacher training.
- They have additionally requested that the campaign ought to be coordinated by improved compensation scales, the workload and confidence in order to steer clear of enrolment issues with an intent to raise the picture of the teaching profession.
- A progression of notices is presently being screened demonstrating well-known individuals talking about teachers they remember and appreciate.
(A) 4123
(B) 2341
(C) 2431
(D) 3412
Sol 6: (C) Â 2nd sentence introduces the problem and 4th sentence further extends the solution for that problem. In the 3rd sentence, âtheyâ refers to the notices and the word âcampaignâ connects with the 1st sentence.
7. The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and choose the correct option.
- They discharge carbon-rich excrement and bodily fluid that microbes prefer to use for respiration, transforming these microscopic organisms into carbon dioxide processing plants.
- Simultaneously, jellyfish additionally devour immense amounts of plankton, which is a significant method for removing carbon dioxide from the environment and seas.
- Jellyfish are more ready than other marine life creature for the changing sea condition, for example, hotter temperatures, salinity changes, sea acidification and contamination.
- Not exclusively would jellyfish be able to withstand the effect of environmental change, yet they likewise have the ability to quicken it.
(A) 4213
(B) 2341
(C) 2314
(D) 3412
Sol 7: (D) Both sentence 1 and sentence 2 substantiate the point made by sentence 4 about jellyfish having the capacity to accelerate climate change. 1 comes before 2, as 2 starts with âsimultaneouslyâ. The first part of sentence 4 reiterates the point made by sentence 3, about how jellyfish are well prepared to withstand climate change. So, sentence 3 precedes 4.
8: The four sentences (labelled 1, 2, 3 and 4) below, when properly sequenced, would yield a coherent paragraph. Decide on the proper sequencing of the order of the sentences and choose the correct option.
1.All baked goods are made from a few basic ingredients.
2. As an artist, the baker uses scientific knowledge of the chemistry of baking to create unique yet familiar dishes.
3. Their experience and personal philosophies play a large role in the way they work.
4. Bakers use flavor, texture, and visual appeal to produce an edible art piece.
(A) 4213
(B) 1234
(C) 2314
(D) 3124
Sol 8: (B) Considering the flow of information, 1234 is the most logical sequence here.
9. Four jumbled up sentences, related to a topic, are given below. Three of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd one out.
- Insulin resistance is an important factor in non-insulin-dependent diabetes, and scientists are researching the causes of insulin resistance.
- People with diabetes can consume 150-200 gm watermelon at one time.
- A gland called the pancreas, found just behind the stomach, makes insulin.
- People with non-insulin-dependent diabetes usually produce some insulin in their pancreas.
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
Sol 9: (B) Second sentence talks about watermelon consumption for a diabetic patient whereas other sentences majorly talk about insulin and non-insulin-dependent diabetes and about the research work on the same.
10. Four jumbled up sentences, related to a topic, are given below. Three of them can be put together to form a coherent paragraph. Identify the odd one out.
- The mall is also the product of the creation of suburbs.
- Although villages outside of cities have existed since antiquity, it was the technological and transportation advances of the 19th century that gave rise to a conscious exodus of the population away from crowded, industrialized cities toward quieter, more rural towns.
- While these community-anchoring, catch-all stores are less common, family-owned businesses are still out there.
- The suburbs are spread out geographically, shoppers drive to the mall, which means that parking areas must be an integral part of a mallâs design.
(A) Option 1
(B) Option 2
(C) Option 3
(D) Option 4
Sol 10: (C) The main idea of the passage is to define the emergence of malls and its basic design. All the sentences except the 3rd one rightly states all the points related to suburbs and malls. Third sentence forms no link as it talks about the stores owned by the family.
Download Free VARC Question Bank for Practice |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
I am preparing for CAT 2026. Do I have to SNAP 2026 separately?
You should not rely on CAT preparation only as SNAP requires different approach. While you can cover the CAT syllabus for both, you should practice SNAP specific mock tests and sample questions to score well.
Best Books for Verbal Ability Preparation
Some of the most recommended books for Verbal Ability preparation are mentioned below:
- How To Prepare For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension For CAT by Arun Sharma, Meenakshi Upadhyay
- The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations by Sujit Kumar
- The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
Commonly asked questions
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 youâll need to study at least 6-8 hours daily from start until the end. Give ample time to yourself to complete the XAT syllabus.
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.
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.
FAQs on Verbal Ability Preparation
Check below some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Verbal Ability preparation:
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.
Yes, XAT is slightly tougher for candidates with non-Engineering background as the Quantitative Aptitude section is of higher difficulty level. However, they can crack it if they work on the fundamentals of Math and practice questions of all difficulty levels. It will take time but they will be able to crack XAT's quant section if they dedicate extra hours to it. Aspirants can find XAT study material online in various online study groups. Students’ groups on Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. share study material with each other. One can also download MBA exam preparation apps to get relevant and useful study material.
The good part about XAT is that, it has different cut offs for candidates belonging to different academic backgrounds. As part of its commitment to academic diversity, the institute has lower cut offs for candidates from non-engineering background than candidates from engineering background.
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.
VARC Prep Tips for MBA Exam
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