CAT 2023 VARC Analysis: Slot 3 Breakdown & Strategy
📋 Table of Contents
🔍 Introduction
The CAT 2023 VARC Slot 3 section was notably denser and more interpretative than Slot 1 or 2. With RCs demanding cognitive stamina and Verbal Ability questions testing subtle transitions, the section leaned toward the upper end of moderate. However, there was no mandatory question this time, allowing greater flexibility in strategy. Here's the full breakdown to help you prepare or reflect.
📊 CAT 2023 VARC Slot 3 Structure
| Section | Questions | MCQ | TITA | Notes |
|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 16 (4+4+4+4) | 16 | 0 | RCs ~400–450 words each |
| Para-jumbles | 2 | 0 | 2 | Both Moderate |
| Summary | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 Moderate, 1 Difficult |
| Para-completion | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 Easy, 1 Moderate |
| Odd Sentence Out | 2 | 0 | 2 | Both Difficult |
| Total | 24 | 20 | 4 | No flagged mandatory question |
📘 Reading Comprehension Breakdown
RC Topics and Difficulty
| Topic | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|
| Romantic Aesthetics and Philosophy | Difficult | 3 doable, 1 very abstract |
| Cultural Patrimony and Exploration Rights | Moderate | Legal-philosophical, 2 easier, 2 tougher |
| Nutmeg’s Curse & Colonialism | Moderate | Interdisciplinary, accessible tone |
| Rationality by Steven Pinker | Moderate–Difficult | Inferential depth, logical analysis |
Insights
- RCs were conceptually heavier than Slot 1 and Slot 2
- Ideal order: Start with Nutmeg or Cultural Law passages
- Romantic Aesthetics best left for later or skipped if abstract reasoning isn’t a strength
🧠 Verbal Ability Analysis: TITA Challenge Without Mandatory Flag
Para-jumbles (2 TITA Questions)
- Both moderate
- Careful attention to flow and contrast signals required
- Risk-free attempts—should not be skipped
Summary Questions (2 MCQs)
- 1 moderate, 1 difficult
- Confusing option phrasing—many aspirants faced elimination dilemmas
- Strong summarizing skills needed to separate scope from supporting info
Para-completion (2 MCQs)
- 1 Easy, 1 Moderate
- Contextual placement and structural continuity essential
- Practice helps identify “linking logic” and natural paragraph closings
Odd Sentence Out (2 TITA Questions)
- Both difficult
- Extremely close thematic matches
- Time-consuming unless paragraph structure is immediately clear
⏱️ Ideal Attempt Strategy
| Target Percentile | Attempt Range | Accuracy Goal | Score Estimate |
|---|
| 99%ile | 16–18 | 75–80% | 40–42 marks |
| 95%ile | 14–16 | 70–75% | 34–36 marks |
| 90%ile | 12–13 | 70% | 30–32 marks |
Time Allocation
- RCs: 26–28 minutes (prefer easier topics)
- VA: 12–14 minutes (TITA first, then MCQ)
- Avoid over-investing time in Romantic or Rationality RCs unless confident
📌 How to Approach Abstract RCs and Odd Sentence Questions
Abstract RC Strategy
- Read for structure, not just content
- Mark author’s argument, contrast markers, and implied conclusions
- Avoid answer options that reframe the argument in extreme terms
Odd Sentence Elimination
- Look for abrupt changes in:
- Subject matter
- Tone
- Logical sequence
- Build a 4-sentence mini-paragraph; if it flows, the 5th is likely odd
❓ FAQs
- Was CAT 2023 VARC Slot 3 the toughest among the three slots? Yes, due to the abstract nature of two RCs and the difficult VA set.
- Were there any mandatory questions in Slot 3? No. Unlike Slot 2, Slot 3 had no mandatory/flagged questions.
- Should I skip Romantic Aesthetics or Rationality RCs? If short on time or uncomfortable with dense reading, skip one and prioritize Nutmeg and Cultural Law passages.
✅ Conclusion
The CAT 2023 VARC Slot 3 section demanded a strategic blend of patience, logic, and inference. Abstract RCs and tricky verbal questions made the section time-sensitive. A 99+ percentile was achievable by prioritizing scoring RCs, attempting TITA questions first, and approaching summary and para-completion with a logic-first mindset.
