CAT VARC Previous Year Question Papers with Solutions

Download CAT VARC Solved Question Papers with Solutions

CAT Year	Slot 1	Slot 2	Slot 3
2025	Download CAT 2025 VARC Slot 1 PDF	Download CAT 2025 VARC Slot 2 PDF	Download CAT 2025 VARC Slot 3 PDF
2024	Download CAT 2024 VARC Slot 1 PDF	Download CAT 2024 VARC Slot 2 PDF	Download CAT 2024 VARC Slot 3 PDF
2023	Download CAT 2023 VARC Slot 1 PDF	Download CAT 2023 VARC Slot 2 PDF	Download CAT 2023 VARC Slot 3 PDF
2022	Download CAT 2022 VARC Slot 1 PDF	Download CAT 2022 VARC Slot 2 PDF	Download CAT 2022 VARC Slot 3 PDF
2021	Download CAT 2021 VARC Slot 1 PDF	Download CAT 2021 VARC Slot 2 PDF	Download CAT 2021 VARC Slot 3 PDF
2020	Download CAT 2020 VARC Slot 1 PDF	Download CAT 2020 VARC Slot 2 PDF	Download CAT 2020 VARC Slot 3 PDF

CAT VARC Exam Pattern

The following table presents the recent CAT 2025 VARC examination structure.

Exam Parameter	CAT VARC Pattern
Section Name	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Questions	24
Maximum Marks	72
Sectional Time Limit	40 minutes
Marks for Each Correct Answer	3 marks
Negative Marking for Incorrect MCQs	-1 mark
Negative Marking for TITA Questions	No negative marking
Question Formats	Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) and Type in the Answer (TITA)

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CAT VARC Topic-Wise Priority

Topic Area	Skills Tested	Preparation Priority
Reading Comprehension	Main idea, inference, author’s view, tone, detail, application	High
Para Summary	Identifying the central idea and removing details	High
Para Jumbles	Logical flow, pronoun reference, chronology and cause-effect	High
Odd Sentence Out	Identifying the sentence that breaks the paragraph’s theme	Medium to High
Para Completion	Identifying the logical conclusion or continuation	Medium to High

CAT Reading Comprehension Questions with Solutions

Reading Comprehension passages in CAT are usually argumentative, analytical or explanatory. Aspirants must support the correct answer directly or logically with the passage; outside knowledge should not replace textual evidence.

Question 1: Main Idea

Question: Read the passage and answer the question.

Cities often present themselves as centres of innovation, yet their infrastructure frequently reflects decisions made decades earlier. Transport networks, drainage systems and housing policies shape daily life long after the officials who approved them have left office. As a result, urban planning is not merely a technical exercise; it is a negotiation between present needs and inherited constraints.

What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Cities should replace all old infrastructure immediately.
B. Urban planning is shaped by both current needs and past decisions.
C. Transport networks are more important than drainage systems.
D. Officials should remain in office for longer periods.

Solution:

The passage states that infrastructure reflects earlier decisions and that urban planning must balance present needs with inherited constraints.

• Option A is too extreme; the passage does not say all old infrastructure should be replaced.
• Option C compares transport and drainage, but the passage does not rank their importance.
• Option D introduces an idea not mentioned in the passage.
• Option B accurately captures the relationship between present needs and past decisions.

Final Answer: B. Urban planning is shaped by both current needs and past decisions.

Question 2: Inference

Question: Read the passage and answer the question.

Remote work reduced the daily commute for many employees, but it also blurred the boundary between professional and personal time. Some workers reported greater flexibility, while others found it difficult to disconnect after office hours. The impact of remote work therefore depends not only on job type but also on household responsibilities and individual work habits.

Which of the following can aspirants infer from the passage?

A. Remote work is beneficial for every employee.
B. Remote work has a uniform impact on all employees.
C. The effect of remote work varies across employees.
D. Employees should avoid working from home.

Solution:

The passage says that some employees experienced greater flexibility, while others struggled to disconnect. It also states that the impact depends on job type, household responsibilities and work habits.

Therefore, the impact is not uniform; it varies across employees.

• Option A is incorrect because the passage acknowledges difficulties as well.
• Option B contradicts the passage.
• Option D is too extreme; the passage does not recommend avoiding remote work.
• Option C follows directly from the passage.

Final Answer: C. The effect of remote work varies across employees.

Question 3: Author’s View

Question: Read the passage and answer the question.

Critics argue that digital platforms merely provide a neutral space for public discussion. However, recommendation systems influence which posts users see, how often they see them and whom they encounter online. These systems are not neutral mirrors of public opinion; they actively shape the information environment.

Which statement best reflects the author’s view?

A. Digital platforms have no influence over public discussion.
B. Recommendation systems actively shape online information environments.
C. Public opinion cannot be studied scientifically.
D. Users should stop using digital platforms.

Solution:

The author challenges the claim that platforms are neutral. The phrase actively shape the information environment directly expresses the author’s position.

• Option A contradicts the author’s argument.
• Option C is unrelated to the passage.
• Option D is an extreme recommendation not made by the author.
• Option B accurately reflects the author’s view.

Final Answer: B. Recommendation systems actively shape online information environments.

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CAT Para Summary Questions with Solutions

Para Summary questions require aspirants to identify the option that best captures the central idea of a short passage. The correct option must retain the passage’s meaning without adding new claims or overstating its scope.

Question 1: Para Summary

Question: Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

Many companies treat employee training as an expense to be minimised during difficult periods. However, cutting training budgets may reduce short-term costs while weakening the organisation’s ability to adapt. Employees who do not receive regular training may struggle to use new tools, understand changing market conditions and respond to competitive pressure.

A. Companies should eliminate employee training to reduce costs.
B. Employee training is necessary only during economic growth.
C. Reducing training may save money but can weaken organisational adaptability.
D. Employees must learn new tools without company support.

Solution:

The passage acknowledges that cutting training reduces short-term costs but argues that it can weaken an organisation’s ability to adapt.

• Option A contradicts the passage.
• Option B adds a condition not stated in the passage.
• Option D changes the passage’s focus from organisational training to unsupported employee responsibility.
• Option C accurately captures both the cost-saving benefit and the long-term risk.

Final Answer: C. Reducing training may save money but can weaken organisational adaptability.

Question 2: Para Summary

Question: Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.

Historical monuments are often preserved because they connect present communities with earlier generations. Preservation, however, requires continuous funding and careful maintenance. Without sustained support, monuments may deteriorate, losing both their physical structure and their cultural value.

A. Historical monuments should be demolished after a certain period.
B. Preserving monuments requires sustained financial and physical maintenance.
C. Cultural value is more important than physical structure.
D. Communities should avoid visiting historical monuments.

Solution:

The passage explains that preservation requires continuous funding and maintenance; without it, monuments may deteriorate.

• Option A is not supported.
• Option C creates a comparison not made in the passage.
• Option D is irrelevant.
• Option B accurately captures the central requirement of preservation.

Final Answer: B. Preserving monuments requires sustained financial and physical maintenance.

CAT Para Jumbles Questions with Solutions

Para Jumble questions require aspirants to arrange sentences into a coherent paragraph. Aspirants should look for a mandatory pair, a logical opening sentence, pronoun references and cause-effect relationships.

Question 1: Para Jumble

Question: Arrange the following sentences in the correct order.

1. It also increases the risk of accidents during peak traffic hours.
2. Traffic congestion is a major problem in many large cities.
3. This delay affects productivity and increases fuel consumption.
4. It causes long delays for commuters and businesses.

Options:
A. 2-4-3-1
B. 2-3-4-1
C. 4-2-3-1
D. 3-2-4-1

Solution:

Sentence 2 introduces the subject: traffic congestion.

Sentence 4 explains the first consequence: long delays.

Sentence 3 explains what this delay causes: reduced productivity and higher fuel consumption.

Sentence 1 adds another consequence: a higher risk of accidents.

Therefore, the correct order is 2-4-3-1.

Final Answer: A. 2-4-3-1

Question 2: Para Jumble

Question: Arrange the following sentences in the correct order.

1. These measures can reduce electricity consumption significantly.
2. Households can lower energy use by using efficient appliances.
3. Governments can support this change through awareness campaigns and subsidies.
4. Energy conservation requires action at both household and policy levels.

Options:
A. 4-2-1-3
B. 2-4-1-3
C. 4-3-2-1
D. 2-1-3-4

Solution:

Sentence 4 introduces the broad idea that energy conservation needs action at the household and policy levels.

Sentence 2 gives the household-level action.

Sentence 1 states the result of that action.

Sentence 3 adds the policy-level support.

Therefore, the correct order is 4-2-1-3.

Final Answer: A. 4-2-1-3

Check the CAT Answer Key and calculate your expected score.

CAT Odd Sentence Out Questions with Solutions

Odd Sentence Out questions require aspirants to identify the sentence that does not belong to the paragraph’s central theme or logical flow.

Question 1: Odd Sentence Out

Question: Identify the sentence that does not fit in the context of the paragraph.

1. Urban farming can improve access to fresh vegetables in densely populated areas.
2. Rooftop gardens and community plots use limited space productively.
3. These initiatives can also reduce the distance food travels before reaching consumers.
4. Ancient civilisations built large monuments to honour their rulers.

Options:
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Solution:

Sentences 1, 2 and 3 discuss urban farming, efficient land use and reduced food transportation.

Sentence 4 shifts to ancient monuments and rulers, which is unrelated to the paragraph’s theme.

Final Answer: D. 4

Question 2: Odd Sentence Out

Question: Identify the sentence that does not fit in the context of the paragraph.

1. Sleep is essential for memory consolidation and physical recovery.
2. Irregular sleep schedules can affect concentration and mood.
3. Regular exercise may improve sleep quality for many people.
4. Companies should advertise products during prime-time television.

Options:
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4

Solution:

Sentences 1, 2 and 3 discuss sleep, its effects and factors that may improve sleep quality.

Sentence 4 introduces television advertising, which is unrelated to the paragraph.

Final Answer: D. 4

CAT Para Completion Questions with Solutions

Para Completion questions require aspirants to choose the sentence that logically continues or concludes the passage. The correct option must match the paragraph’s tone, direction and scope.

Question 1: Para Completion

Question: There is a sentence missing in the paragraph. From the given options, choose the one that completes the paragraph in the most appropriate way.

Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserves raw materials. However, recycling alone cannot solve the problem of excessive consumption.

A. Therefore, reducing consumption must accompany recycling efforts.
B. Therefore, landfills should be expanded in every city.
C. Therefore, recycling should be discontinued.
D. Therefore, consumption has no environmental impact.

Solution:

The passage says that recycling helps but cannot solve excessive consumption. The logical conclusion is that reducing consumption must also be part of the solution.

• Option B contradicts the environmental concern.
• Option C contradicts the passage.
• Option D contradicts the idea of excessive consumption.
• Option A logically completes the argument.

Final Answer: A. Therefore, reducing consumption must accompany recycling efforts.

Question 2: Para Completion

Question: There is a sentence missing in the paragraph. From the given options, choose the one that completes the paragraph in the most appropriate way.

Public libraries provide free access to books, internet services and learning spaces. They also host community programmes that support literacy and digital skills.

A. Libraries therefore remain important public institutions beyond their role as book repositories.
B. Libraries should charge high fees for all public services.
C. Books are no longer useful in the digital age.
D. Community programmes should be banned in public spaces.

Solution: The passage highlights libraries’ free access, learning spaces and community programmes. The logical conclusion is that their importance extends beyond lending books.

• Option B contradicts the idea of free access.
• Option C is unsupported and extreme.
• Option D is irrelevant and extreme.
• Option A logically completes the passage.

Final Answer: A. Libraries therefore remain important public institutions beyond their role as book repositories.

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CAT VARC Formula Sheet for Accuracy

VARC does not depend on mathematical formulas, but a checklist improves accuracy.

Question Type	What to Check
Main Idea	Does the option cover the entire passage without exaggeration?
Inference	Does the passage directly support or logically necessitate the statement?
Author’s View	Does the option match the author’s position, not merely a fact mentioned?
Para Summary	Does the option retain the central idea without adding claims?
Para Jumble	Do pronouns, connectors and logical sequence support the order?
Odd Sentence Out	Does removing the sentence make the paragraph more coherent?
Para Completion	Does the option continue the argument in the same direction?

Important CAT VARC Techniques

• Read the question before the passage: For detail-based questions, identify the specific information required.
• Read the first and last sentences carefully: They often reveal the passage’s scope and conclusion.
• Track transition words: However, therefore, although and in contrast signal changes in argument.
• Eliminate extreme options: Avoid choices with always, never, only or all unless the passage clearly supports them.
• Separate fact from opinion: Do not treat the author’s opinion as an objective fact.
• Use paragraph structure in Para Jumbles: Identify the opening idea, mandatory pairs and concluding sentence.
• Do not overthink TITA questions: Since TITA questions have no negative marking, aspirants should make a reasoned attempt rather than leave them blank.
• Manage RC time: Aspirants should allocate a fixed time per passage and move on if a question becomes excessively time-consuming.

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How to Practise CAT VARC Previous Year Questions

1. Practise Reading Comprehension Daily

Aspirants should read one or two CAT-level passages every day. After solving the questions, they should identify why each incorrect option is wrong, not merely why the correct option is right.

For each passage, record:

• Main idea in one sentence.
• Author’s tone: neutral, critical, supportive or cautious.
• Structure: problem-solution, cause-effect, comparison or argument-counterargument.
• Incorrect options eliminated and the reason for elimination.

2. Practise Verbal Ability Separately

Aspirants should solve Para Summary, Para Jumbles, Odd Sentence Out and Para Completion questions in separate practice sets. This helps develop the specific skill required for each question type.

For Para Jumbles, aspirants should practise identifying:

• The opening sentence.
• Pronoun references.
• Cause-and-effect links.
• Chronological order.
• Mandatory sentence pairs.

3. Attempt Complete VARC Sections

After topic-wise practice, aspirants should solve full 24-question VARC sections in 40 minutes. They should not check solutions during the attempt.

Record the following after every sectional test:

• Number of questions attempted.
• Number of correct and incorrect answers.
• Accuracy percentage.
• Time spent on each RC passage.
• Questions skipped due to difficulty.
• Question types causing repeated errors.

4. Maintain a VARC Error Log

An error log helps aspirants track recurring mistakes and plan revision sessions. Use the following format:

Column	Purpose
Topic	Identifies weak areas
Question Type	Shows recurring question patterns
Incorrect Option Chosen	Reveals the trap selected
Reason for Error	Identifies misreading, inference gap or time pressure
Correct Approach	Records the reliable solving method
Revision Date	Supports planned revision

Common Mistakes to Avoid in CAT VARC

• Reading the passage without a purpose.
• Choosing an option because it sounds sophisticated.
• Treating outside knowledge as more important than the passage.
• Selecting an option that is factually true but not asked in the question.
• Ignoring qualifying words such as some, may, often and primarily.
• Choosing extreme options without textual support.
• Spending too much time on one difficult RC question.
• Leaving TITA questions blank despite no negative marking.
• Attempting every question without assessing confidence and time cost.
• Comparing raw VARC scores across slots without considering normalisation.

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CAT VARC Preparation Strategy

Use CAT VARC previous year questions with solutions as a core part of preparation. Begin with Reading Comprehension, then practise Para Summary, Para Jumbles, Odd Sentence Out, and Para Completion.

A practical preparation sequence is:

• Revise the approach for each VARC question type.
• Solve topic-wise CAT VARC PYQs.
• Review incorrect answers and identify the exact reason for each error.
• Practise timed RC passages to improve reading speed and accuracy.
• Attempt complete 40-minute VARC sections.
• Analyse mock tests for question selection and time management.
• Revisit difficult passages and practise alternative elimination methods.

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