How to Crack Complex RC Passages in CAT 2025 Exam

Aindrila

Updated On: October 06, 2025 11:20 AM

The secret to cracking complex RC passages in CAT VARC is to skim through the passage carefully, grasp the main idea, identify keywords, and understand the structure and flow of the content. Here are some quick tips to crack complex RC passages in the CAT 2025 exam.

How to Crack Complex RC Passages in the CAT 2025 Exam

Reading Comprehension passages are an important part of the VARC section in CAT exam. Around 16 questions out of 24 are typically based on RC passages which contributes to a great weightage. While most of the RC passages are easy to solve and scoring, some may seem tricky or complex. These complex RC passages are designed to test an aspirant's ability to understand, assess, and reason with abstract, difficult content. However, there's no need not panic; you can solve such RC questions if you keep in mind some strategies - read articles from different sources, understand the main point, and do not fear such complex passages. Read this article to get the tips on how to crack complex RC passages in the CAT 2025 exam.

Also Check - Effective Tips to Build a Strong Vocabulary for CAT 2025 VARC Section

Quick Links:

CAT 2025 exam pattern CAT 2025 preparation tips
CAT previous year question papers CAT sample papers

What Makes CAT RC Passages Challenging?

Before we move to discuss how to crack complex RC passages in the CAT 2025 exam , let's identify the major challenges that students often face while solving the reading comprehension part.

  • Complex Passages: The CAT RC passages cover difficult passages like economics, literature, philosophy and sociology, which can be quite difficult for students to understand.

  • Inference-Based Questions: Sometimes, the CAT RC questions are often difficult because they ask you to think more deeply, like figuring out what the author really means, how they feel, or what they are trying to say. This can be confusing for the test-takers.

  • Time Management: The RC passages are typically lengthy, so students must read extensive passages and answer multiple questions within a limited time frame. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between speed and accuracy.

  • Diverse Subjects: To answer a diverse range of topics and subjects, you need a strong vocabulary and the ability to understand the topics quickly.

Also Check - Tackling Grammar-Based Questions Effectively in CAT VARC

Quick Links:

CAT 2025 syllabus Best books for CAT 2025
CAT mock test 2025 CAT practice test

Most Effective Tips to Crack Complex RC Passages in the CAT 2025 Exam

Almost 70% of the questions in the VARC section are RC-based, so your ability to comprehend and analyse the complex passages will directly impact your CAT percentile. You can expect inference-based CAT questions in the upcoming exam, so to tackle them, we have provided some tips below:

  • Understand the Passage Structure: Most RC passages follow a certain pattern, which is an introduction, a body and a conclusion. You need to comprehend whether the topic is an abstract one or based on a current event.

  • Identify Keywords: Each RC passage will have certain keywords that will be present in the sentences. Identify such keywords, continue reading the passages and improve your CAT preparation. This will help you to answer the questions in the exam. You can also strengthen your understanding of the passage if you can predict what the author might say in the next line.

  • Focus on the Central Idea: Concentrate on the main idea of the RC passage, not just the small details. Ignoring each minute detail will save you a lot of time and also help answer the questions quickly.

  • Build your Vocabulary: While practising RC passages, try to remember the difficult words when you come across them. You can learn the root words to know the meaning and gradually learn the antonyms and synonyms of such complex words. This will make your vocabulary stronger.

  • Don’t Fear Unfamiliar Topics: CAT intentionally includes passages from diverse and unfamiliar fields to test the candidates. So, you should not panic if you see a passage on quantum physics or African tribal rituals. Focus on what the author is saying, not how much you know about the topic.

  • Read Articles from Best Sources: Prepare for CAT 2025 RC passages from the best and reputable sources. Some of the sources are The Hindu editorials, Aeon Essays, New Yorker or The Atlantic articles, The Indian Express, GMAT OG and RC99 passages etc.

A student can improve their CAT 2025 RC passages preparation through diverse reading. We hope the above tips prove useful and helps boost confidence as you prepare to ace the CAT RC questions.

Related Articles

Tips to Improve Concentration and Stamina for CAT VARC 2025 Strategies to Avoid Negative Marking in CAT VARC Questions
Decoding Abstract and Complex RC Passages for CAT 2025 Tips to Reduce Exam Anxiety in CAT VARC Section

For any query, head to our QnA Zone or fill out our Common Application Form . Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for more such updates!

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

news_cta

FAQs

How should one approach reading the RC passage in CAT?

For dense and abstract RC passages in the CAT 2025 exam, read carefully in full. For straightforward informational ones, efficiently comprehending, particularly the opening and closing lines, can work well. 

Is reading speed more important than comprehension in CAT?

Accuracy will always beat speed. Rushing through passages can hurt understanding. Many aspirants improve performance by slowing down initial reading, focusing on comprehension; speed naturally follows.

How to improve my accuracy in CAT RC passages?

You should sequence the questions based on the time you take to solve each question. Try to solve the easy ones first and then go for the difficult questions. After every attempt at a mock, analyse the way you have solved the questions. 

How should I prepare for CAT 2025?

You need to read articles from The Hindu, The New Yorker or The Atlantic, practice questions from mock tests, previous years’ question papers, plan and follow a routine. 

How to solve RC passages in CAT 2025?

To solve RC questions for the CAT 2025 exam, develop a strong reading habit, focus on understanding the main idea and the author's tone, and use a structured approach to answer questions.

/articles/how-to-crack-complex-rc-passages-in-cat-2025-exam/
View All Questions

Related Questions

I am recently passed out in B.com .If there any seat

-SHYAMCUpdated on November 03, 2025 11:09 AM
  • 4 Answers
P sidhu, Student / Alumni

Lovely Professional University (LPU) offers admission to the M.Sc. Mathematics program based on specific eligibility criteria. To get admission, a student must have a bachelor’s degree with Mathematics as one of the subjects or an equivalent qualification such as B.Tech, B.E., or B.Sc. with Mathematics. Since you have completed a B.Com, your eligibility will depend on whether Mathematics was included as one of your core subjects during graduation. If Mathematics was not part of your course, you may not be eligible for M.Sc. Mathematics. However, LPU provides various postgraduate options for commerce graduates such as M.Com, MBA, and other management-related …

READ MORE...

I want to study MBA at JECRC? Is there any scholarship for MBA?

-Sandeep SarkarUpdated on October 29, 2025 02:37 PM
  • 3 Answers
P sidhu, Student / Alumni

Yes, you can definitely study MBA at Lovely Professional University (LPU), and the university offers several scholarships to support deserving students. Scholarships are provided based on performance in the LPUNEST exam, national-level entrance tests like CAT, MAT, XAT, or NMAT, and previous academic achievements. Students with exceptional scores in these exams can receive substantial fee concessions. LPU also offers scholarships for students with significant work experience, outstanding extracurricular achievements, or financial need. Additionally, there are special scholarships for top performers in academics and sports. These scholarships make quality education more accessible while motivating students to excel in their academic journey …

READ MORE...

What is the fee structure of mba in human resource management at Galgotias Institute of Management and Technology?

-Tabbasum fatmaUpdated on November 03, 2025 11:10 AM
  • 3 Answers
P sidhu, Student / Alumni

Lovely Professional University (LPU) offers an MBA in Human Resource Management (HRM) with a well-structured and affordable fee plan. The total program fee generally ranges around ₹1.60 to ₹2 lakh per semester, depending on the scholarship a student qualifies for through the LPU NEST exam or academic performance. The complete two-year MBA program cost may range between ₹4 to ₹6 lakh. LPU also provides financial aid, installment options, and merit-based scholarships to deserving candidates, which can significantly reduce the overall fee. The MBA in HRM at LPU combines theoretical knowledge and practical learning, preparing students for managerial roles in leading …

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent Articles

Recent News

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Top 10 Management Colleges in India

View All