0 Introduction to VARC PYQ (Solutions)

VARC Section Overview

This provides an overview of the VARC section—its pattern, changes, and key features.

Section Structure (Official Data):

• Split: VARC has been split into RC and VA since 2015.
• CAT 2017–2019: 34 questions (24 RC, 10 VA), 60-minute sectional timing.
• CAT 2020: 26 questions (18 RC, 8 VA), duration cut to 40 min.
• CAT 2021–2023: 24 questions (16 RC, 8 VA), 40 min.
• CAT 2024: Slight increase in some slots (e.g., 22 VARC questions if total went to 68).

Key Changes & Observations:

• No grammar or direct vocabulary questions; focus is on comprehension and reasoning.
• CAT 2022: Paracompletion introduced; odd-sentence-out removed.
• CAT 2023: Balanced both paracompletion and odd-sentence-out.
• Difficulty varies: e.g., CAT 2019 VARC relatively tough, CAT 2021 VARC easier in some slots.

Insights for Candidates:

• RC dominates VARC; VA includes limited, specific question types.
• Section requires strong reading and reasoning under time pressure: ~40 min for ~24 Q (~1.6 min per question on average).