CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025, Check Topics

CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025 includes key topics from Section 1 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC). The section contains 24 questions, all to be solved within a 40-minute sectional limit. It divides into Reading Comprehension (RC) and Verbal Ability (VA), both contributing directly to the overall percentile. Based on past year paper reviews, RC accounts for 16 questions, while VA features 8, including both MCQs with negative marking and TITA questions without penalty. Though IIMs do not officially release a detailed syllabus, the structure reflects patterns repeated across recent CAT Exam. For full section-wise coverage, refer to the CAT Syllabus 2025.

CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025: Sectional Overview

The CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025 is divided into two segments. The section contains 24 questions to be solved in 40 minutes under a single time cap. Reading Comprehension comprises 16 questions (≈ 66 %), while Verbal Ability comprises 8 questions (≈ 34 %). This distribution mirrors recent CAT patterns. Reading Comprehension features both long and short passages. Verbal Ability focuses on para-jumbles, para-summary, and odd-sentence identification, with identical weightage across all slots

CAT Reading Comprehension Topics 2025

The CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025 includes a wide range of Reading Comprehension (RC) passage types based on trends from previous CAT exams, including CAT 2023 and CAT 2024. The RC section usually has 4 passages, each followed by 3 to 4 questions. This section makes up about 66% of the total VARC weight. These passages assess the ability to infer, interpret, and evaluate information from various academic and real-world sources.

RC Passages

• Argumentative
• Analytical
• Descriptive
• Narrative
• Abstract

Common RC Genres

• Economics & Business
• Science & Technology
• Philosophy & Sociology
• History & Politics
• Literature & Art

CAT Verbal Ability Topics 2025

Analysis of CAT 2024 shows that the Verbal Ability section has 8 questions. It includes MCQs (with a -1 penalty) and TITA (no penalty) under the +3/−1 framework. The CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025 emphasizes paragraph logic, concise summarization, and vocabulary use. These areas reflect trends from the last three exam cycles. Mastering these question types helps meet IIM’s changing standards and supports focused preparation.

VA question types:

• Para-Jumbles
• Para-Summary
• Odd Sentence Out
• Vocabulary in Context

CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025: Topic-Wise Weightage

Analysis of CAT 2024 reveals that the VARC section maintains 24 questions but redistributes the Verbal Ability subsections in light of Para-Jumbles being omitted. The following table reflects the CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025 with exact question counts and approximate weightage.

CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025: Marking Scheme & Timing

The CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025 follows the sectional format set by the IIM. It has specific timing and scoring rules outlined in the notification on July 27, 2025. Candidates need to answer 24 questions in 40 minutes. They must balance speed and accuracy within this time limit. For multiple-choice questions, there is a penalty of −1 for incorrect answers. However, Type-in-the-Answer (TITA) questions have no negative marking, which helps assess subject knowledge fairly.

CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025: Preparation Strategy

Analysis of CAT 2024 performance shows that targeted, timed practice provides the best improvement in VARC scores. The CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025 suggests a structured approach that covers all key components under exam-like conditions.

• RC practice requires timed passage drills. Candidates should solve full RC passages within strict time limits to build speed and comprehension.
• VA drills focus on para-jumbles and sentence correction. Concentrated exercises on paragraph sequencing and spotting errors sharpen logical flow and improve grammar accuracy.
• Building vocabulary involves a daily word list. Regularly reviewing high-frequency CAT words strengthens understanding of nuanced meanings in passages.
• Mock tests should be taken under exam conditions. Full-length sectional mocks help candidates deal with time pressure and identify weak areas for targeted revision.

Candidates can improve their preparation for the CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension Syllabus 2025 by consulting authoritative textbooks that reflect IIM’s exam pattern.