
CAT 2026 VARC carries a weightage of 72 marks. It includes 3 sections, with 3 marks per correct answer and -1 mark for each incorrect answer.
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Key Summary
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VARC section in CAT has the highest weightage with a total of 24 questions. You can score a maximum of 72 marks in CAT VARC. Verbal ability is likely to include a total of 8 questions. However, reading comprehension is likely to carry around 16 questions.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions (Expected) | 24 |
| Section Duration | 40 minutes |
| Total Marks (Expected) | 72 |
| Question Format | MCQ (RC) + TITA (VA) |
| Marking Scheme — MCQ | +3 for correct, –1 for wrong |
| Marking Scheme — TITA | +3 for correct, no negative marking |
| RC Sub-section | 16 questions |
| VA Sub-section | 8 questions |
CAT VARC section has been allotted a duration of 40 minutes. Students will have to solve a total of 24 questions and can secure a maximum of 72 marks in the section.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| VARC | 24 | 72 | 40 minutes |
| DILR | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes |
| QA | 22 | 66 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 68 | 204 | 120 minutes |

Source: Official PDF
In CAT 2026 VARC, maximum weight is given to Reading Comprehension, with a total of 16 questions. Other topics like Para Summary, Para Jumbles, and odd one out will have 8-12% weightage each.
| Core Topic Area | Approximate Weightage |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 65% - 75% |
| Para Summary | 8% - 12% |
| Para Jumbles | 8% - 12% |
| Odd One Out / Sentence Placement | 8% - 12% |

Source: YouTube
CAT VARC section will include passages in the RC section. Passages are likely to be asked from topics like Philosophy, Social Science/Economics, Science/Technology, History/Culture/Literature, etc.
| RC Passage Genre | Expected Passages | Approximate Questions | Weightage in RC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract / Philosophy | 1 | 4 | 25% |
| Social Science / Economics | 1 | 4 | 25% |
| Science / Technology | 1 | 4 | 25% |
| History / Culture / Literature | 1 | 4 | 25% |

CAT VARC section is likely to include around 3 questions each from Para Jumbles and Para Summary. 2 questions are likely to be expected from odd sentence.
| VA Topic | Expected Questions (CAT 2026) | Weightage in VA | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Para Jumbles | 3 | 37.5% | TITA |
| Para Summary | 3 | 37.5% | TITA |
| Odd Sentence | 2 | 25% | TITA |

Ques. What is the maximum marks in CAT 2026 VARC?
Ans. The maximum marks in CAT 2026 VARC are 72, with 24 questions and 3 marks for all correct answers and -1 for wrong answers. The time is 40 minutes and is the last section, needing good focus and accuracy.
Ques. What is the maximum marks in CAT 2026?
Ans. The maximum marks in CAT 2026 are 204, with 68 questions and 3 marks for all correct answers and -1 for wrong answers. VARC has 72 marks, and DILR has 66 marks, with CAT 2026 VARC also having 72 marks. You need to have a structured study plan to get good marks in all sections.
Ques. What are the most important chapters in CAT 2026 VARC?
Ans. There are 2 important sections in CAT 2026 VARC. The highest is reading comprehension with 67% weight, followed by non-verbal with 33% weight. The topics like Para Summary, Para Jumbles, and odd one out will have 8-12% weightage each.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.