VARC section is one of the most important sections for MBA entrance exams. It will test you on how well you know your English rules. Your entire percentile depends on this crucial section. However, this section is considered to be one of the toughest to crack. Mainly because this section does not have a specific syllabus or topics like in the case of Quantitative Aptitude. You need to read well and understand the content.
Here is when the need for the appropriate study materials becomes clear. However, given the abundance of courses now on offer, choosing the correct one might seem challenging. There are lots of books, online classes, and practice tests to choose from, and there is still a lot more to think about. Having the right study tools can help you plan your time better and more efficiently. This will help you deal with and do well on this part.
Through this blog we will aim to ace the VARC section by providing the right set of resources. We will tell you about the best books, online resources, coaching institutes and also some phone applications. By the time you are done reading this blog, you will have the right understanding of preparing for this section.
Understanding the VARC Section
When it comes to MBA entrance tests, the VARC section is very important. It tests you on your grammar understanding, and reading capacity. Broadly speaking, the section is divided into two main parts: Reading comprehension and Vocabulary.
Some question types include correcting sentences, answering questions after reading passages, finding synonyms etc. You may also be asked to rearrange sentences to form a meaningful paragraph.
The process of reading comprehension includes answering questions based on what you read. What you know about the passages' ideas, themes, and facts is tested by these questions. Meanings, results, and sometimes even arguments will need to be interpreted.
In many exams VARC is one of the most important sections. In general the VARC section is 1/3rd of the total exam of CAT. Hence, it is imperative to do well in this section. It will also make it easier for you to get into your dream school. Now that we know the base, let’s explore the best study materials that will help you clear this section with flying colors.
Different kinds of VARC Study guides
The right study material can greatly impact your score. Let’s look at some of the best ones that you can consider, across categories.
1. Important Books for CAT VARC Section
While books may not be the ideal way to study since the exam is online, it can still help you with the base. Given below are some of the best ones to consider:
Book | Author | Why is it good? |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma, Meenakshi Upadhyay | Comprehensive guide covering all VARC topics. Perfect for practice questions and mock tests. |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Excellent for vocabulary building and improving word usage. |
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Great for verbal reasoning, analytical ability, and logical thinking questions in VARC |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | Perfect for brushing up on grammar rules, sentence correction, and comprehension skills. |
The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Covers verbal ability with in-depth practice questions and tips for logical reasoning. |
Trishna’s Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT and Other MBA Examinations | TIME | Best for practice material and detailed explanations for verbal reasoning and comprehension. |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Wilfred Funk, Norman Lewis | A quick and effective resource for enhancing vocabulary in a short period. |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Ajay Singh | Focuses on detailed reading comprehension techniques and verbal ability exercises. |
MBA Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Disha Experts | It is helpful for mock tests and a comprehensive understanding of critical VARC concepts. |
2. Resources on the Web
Online you can find multiple resources that can help in your preparation, we recommend using the following:
| Name | Why is it good? |
Gradeup (BYJU'S Exam Prep) | Provides free practice tests, quizzes, daily questions, and video lectures tailored for VARC preparation. |
Pagalguy Forums | Great for peer discussions, tips, and strategies for VARC and other MBA entrance exam sections. |
Wordpandit | Offers vocabulary-building tools, reading comprehension exercises, and detailed explanations for VARC. |
Hitbullseye | Provides free mock tests, video tutorials, and eBooks focused on verbal ability and reading comprehension. |
Arun Sharma YouTube Channel | Features lectures on VARC strategies, question-solving techniques, and tips for improving accuracy. |
Cracku | Offers online practice tests, papers from previous years, and detailed VARC section solutions. |
Handa Ka Funda | Focuses on video lessons and strategies for improving performance in verbal ability and reading comprehension. |
MBAUniverse.com | Provides expert articles, preparation strategies, and mock tests specifically for CAT VARC preparation. |
TCY Online | Extensive collection of mock tests, practice questions, and detailed performance analytics for VARC. |
3. Coaching Institute Material
A lot of students prefer to opt for guidance of coaching institutes. We consider this an excellent option to prepare for the exam. Here’s sharing a list of coaching institutes and why they are good for you.
| Name | Why is it good? |
| TIME | Comprehensive study material, practice questions, and mock tests covering all topics in VARC. |
| IMS | Offers well-structured content, vocabulary exercises, grammar practice, and reading comprehension techniques. |
| Career Launcher | Detailed coverage of VARC concepts, with sectional tests, topic-wise exercises, and full-length mocks. |
| BYJU'S | Simplified and interactive study material, video lessons, and VARC-specific tests for concept clarity. |
| Alchemist | Personalized material focusing on weak areas in verbal ability and comprehension with adaptive learning tools. |
| Unacademy | Extensive video lessons, live sessions, and mock tests for thorough VARC practice and time management tips. |
| iQuanta | Focuses on shortcut techniques, video explanations, and strategies for tackling tough VARC questions. |
4. Phone Apps
These days, phone apps make it simple to study while you're moving around. These are some of the best ones to consider.
| Application | Why is it good? |
| BYJU'S – The Learning App | Provides interactive video lessons, quizzes, and mock tests tailored for the VARC section. |
| Gradeup | Offers daily quizzes, practice questions, live classes, and performance analysis specifically for VARC. |
| Wordpandit | Excellent for vocabulary building through daily word lists, quizzes, and reading comprehension exercises. |
| Unacademy Learning App | Live classes, mock tests, and detailed explanations for VARC topics by top educators. |
| Cracku MBA Exam Preparation | Offers previous years' papers, practice tests, and detailed solutions for the VARC section |
| Testbook | Features quizzes, sectional tests, and topic-wise practice questions with detailed analysis for VARC. |
| Magoosh Vocabulary Builder | Offers word-learning games and exercises to improve vocabulary, helpful for verbal ability questions. |
| CATKing | Provides video lectures, topic-wise practice sets, and expert tips specifically for VARC preparation. |