CAT 2022 VARC Analysis: Slot 3 Breakdown & Strategy
📋 Table of Contents
🔍 Introduction
The CAT 2022 VARC Slot 3 section was slightly easier than Slot 1 and Slot 2. Featuring balanced RCs and moderate verbal questions, this slot introduced the para-completion format and leaned on inference-based questioning. With smart choices, 99 percentile was well within reach. Here's a detailed breakdown to inform your preparation or analysis.
📊 CAT 2022 VARC Slot 3 Structure
| Section | Questions | MCQ | TITA | Ideal Attempts |
|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 | 16 | 0 | 12–13 |
| Para-jumbles | 3 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
| Summary | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Para-completion | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1–2 |
| Total | 24 | 21 | 3 | 17–18 |
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Inference-based framing across RC and summary questions
- Para-completion was included again after appearing in previous slots
📘 Reading Comprehension Breakdown
RC Topics and Difficulty
| Topic | Word Count | Difficulty | Comments |
|---|
| Impact of Oriental Literature | ~500 | Difficult | Dense vocabulary, layered context |
| Social Disorganisation and Crime | ~500 | Easy | Straightforward, factual and logical |
| Log of Bios and Technos | ~500 | Medium | Thematic with moderate interpretation |
| Effect of Active vs Passive Software | ~500 | Easy | Easy to comprehend and answer |
Insights
- Two passages were scoring: Crime & Software
- Oriental Literature RC required deep reading—ideal to attempt last or skip if tight on time
- Aim for 3 RCs with high accuracy instead of forcing all 4
🧠 Verbal Ability Strategy (TITA, Para-Completion, Summary)
Para-jumbles (3 TITA Questions)
- 2 Easy, 1 Medium
- Required standard connector logic and paragraph structure awareness
- No negative marking = attempt all 3
Summary Questions (3 MCQs)
- 2 Easy, 1 Medium
- Options required careful elimination—watch out for partial scope or incorrect tone
- Stick to the main idea, not illustrative points
Para-completion (2 MCQs)
- 1 Easy, 1 Medium
- Sentence had to be logically placed in the paragraph
- Clarity in paragraph flow and connector use helped find correct blanks
⏱️ Ideal Attempts for 99+ Percentile
| Target Percentile | Attempt Range | Accuracy | Expected Score |
|---|
| 99%ile | 17–18 | 85–90% | 40–42 marks |
| 95%ile | 15–16 | 80–85% | 35–37 marks |
| 90%ile | 13–14 | 75–80% | 30–33 marks |
Time Management Tip
- RCs: 26–28 minutes
- VA: 12–14 minutes
- Attempt all 3 TITA questions—they’re risk-free and scoring
📌 How to Approach Para-Completion Questions
Step-by-Step Approach
- Read the Key Sentence First – Understand its tone and logical flow
- Skim the Paragraph Structure – Identify natural transition points
- Eliminate Disruptive Options – Avoid blanks where insertion causes repetition or grammar breaks
- Check for Pronoun Agreement – A backward/forward reference mismatch is a red flag
- Insert & Read Aloud – Does the paragraph now sound cohesive and logical?
❓ FAQs
- Was Slot 3 VARC easier than Slot 1 and 2? Yes. With two easy RCs and manageable VA, Slot 3 was perceived as the most accessible.
- Were there any surprises? Yes—Para-completion remained, confirming its growing importance in the exam.
- Should all VA questions be attempted? Yes, especially TITA questions (para-jumbles), which carry no negative marking. Prioritize summary and para-completion next.
✅ Conclusion
The CAT 2022 VARC Slot 3 section was a strategic opportunity for aspirants. With an inference-heavy structure, logical VA types, and an approachable RC set, success depended on selective attempts and structured thinking. Practice para-completion, strengthen RC elimination, and simulate TITA solving for optimal results.
