CAT 2022 VARC Analysis: Detailed Slot 1 Breakdown and Strategy
📋 Table of Contents
🔍 Introduction
The CAT 2022 VARC Slot 1 section introduced a twist with the reappearance of para-completion and the absence of odd-one-out questions. Combined with medium-difficulty reading comprehension passages and summary questions with close options, aspirants were challenged to think quickly and strategically. This analysis unpacks question patterns, passage insights, and the best ways to attempt the section.
📊 CAT 2022 VARC Slot 1 Structure
| Section | Questions | MCQ | TITA | Ideal Attempts |
|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 (4+4+4+4) | 16 | 0 | 12–13 |
| Para-jumbles | 3 | 0 | 3 | 2–3 |
| Summary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Para-completion | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1–2 |
| Total | 24 | 21 | 3 | 16–17 |
- Time: 40 minutes
- Introduction of para-completion required precise logical inference
- Fewer TITA questions than previous years
📘 Reading Comprehension Analysis
Passage Topics & Difficulty
| Topic | Difficulty | Comments |
|---|
| Supernatural Figures | Medium | Narrative and thematic |
| Chinese vs Western Views on Imitation | Medium–Difficult | Dense with comparative logic |
| Stoicism | Medium | Philosophical, but readable |
| Political Philosophy | Difficult | Abstract and complex transitions |
Insights
- All passages were around 300–350 words
- Passages were concise but often dense in idea flow
- Political Philosophy passage should be attempted last unless confident in abstract topics
- Supernatural Figures and Stoicism were ideal starting points
🧠 Verbal Ability Overview (New Question Types)
Para-jumbles (3 TITA Questions)
- 2 easy, 1 medium
- Relied on connectors, mandatory pairs, and paragraph flow
- All should have been attempted (TITA = no negative marking)
Summary Questions (3 MCQs)
- 2 easy, 1 medium
- Options were very close in meaning and tone
- Success depended on identifying the main idea and eliminating distractors
Para-completion (2 MCQs)
- New introduction in 2022
- One question was easy; one was more nuanced
- Task: Identify the correct blank in a paragraph for a given sentence
⏱️ Ideal Attempt & Accuracy Plan
| Target Percentile | Ideal Attempts | Accuracy Target | Score Estimate |
|---|
| 99%ile | 16–17 | 85–90% | 38–40 marks |
| 95%ile | 14–15 | 80–85% | 32–34 marks |
| 85%ile | 12–13 | 75–80% | 27–30 marks |
Time Management Tips
- RCs: 24–26 minutes
- VA: 14–16 minutes
- Start with RCs that have clear, narrative structure
- Save para-completion and summary for focused thinking
📌 How to Approach Para-Completion Questions
Strategy for Success
- Read the key sentence first – Understand its tone, purpose, and subject
- Skim the paragraph quickly – Focus on logical progression between sentences
- Check for connectors or repetition – Blank must not break logical cohesion
- Test the fit – Mentally insert the sentence into each blank and eliminate awkward fits
- Look for grammar cues – Pronouns or verb tenses can indicate logical breaks
❓ FAQs
- What was the biggest surprise in CAT 2022 Slot 1 VARC? The reintroduction of para-completion and the removal of odd-sentence-out were the main changes.
- How many TITA questions were there in this slot? There were 3 TITA questions, all from para-jumbles.
- Was the section easier than CAT 2021 VARC? Yes, slightly. RCs were shorter and more approachable; VA was medium with more straightforward questions.
✅ Conclusion
The CAT 2022 VARC Slot 1 section blended familiar formats with a new challenge in para-completion. With concise RCs and strategic verbal ability questions, it rewarded calm, logic-driven decision-making. This review equips you with the framework to approach similar patterns in upcoming mocks or exam slots.
