How to Improve VARC, DILR and QA Scores in CAT 2026: Section-Wise Preparation Tips

CAT 2026 is scheduled on November 29, 2026, and only a few days are left for the final examination. At this stage, many candidates may be focusing heavily on mock tests, but a lot of you might still be struggling to improve your scores despite taking multiple mock tests. But simply increasing the number of mocks may not be enough to improve your CAT scores. It is equally important to identify section wise weaknesses and work on VARC, DILR and QA through targeted practice, revision and question selection. Since each section requires a different approach, a focused strategy can help candidates improve accuracy and overall performance. Scroll the article to get complete details on how to improve VARC, DILR and QA Scores in CAT 2026.

How to Improve CAT 2026 VARC Score

VARC rewards a reading habit and calm nerves. Accuracy matters far more than attempts here. 

• Improve Reading Comprehension Accuracy: Read one editorial or one long article every day. Practise old CAT RC passages and check why each wrong option is wrong.
• Build Vocabulary and Verbal Ability: Learn ten new words daily with their usage. Revise para jumbles and para summary rules weekly.
• Manage VARC Time Effectively: Give each RC passage a fixed reading window and Skip any passage that feels too dense in the first reading.
• Attempt Easy Passages First: Start with the passage you understand best. Do not waste time on one stubborn question.
• Review Every Mock Passage: Spend more time on analysis than on the test itself.

Also Read: CAT 2026 Cutoff for IIMs: Check Expected Percentile, Sectional and Category Wise

How to Improve CAT 2026 DILR Score

Candidates struggle a lot with the DILR and is considered to be the hardest section in the CAT exam.

• Practice Different Types of DILR Sets: Cover arrangements, games, routes, graphs tables and Venn diagrams. Solve two to three sets every day.
• Improve Set Selection and Accuracy: Scan all sets in the first two minutes. Pick the set you can crack fastest. Do not chase a set just because it looks familiar.
• Develop DILR Time Management: Cap each set with a time limit. Move on the moment that limit crosses.
• Maintain a Set Log: Note the set type, the time taken and the mistakes. Patterns will show up within a week.
• Build Calculation Support: Strong tables and approximation help you finish DILR sets faster.

Also Read: CAT 2026: Institute-Wise and Category-Wise IIM Seat Matrix

How to Improve Quantitative Aptitude Score in CAT 2026 

QA is considered to be the most scoring section for a prepared CAT student. Concept clarity along with speed calculation can help your score 99 percentile in QA section.

• Strengthen Important QA Concepts: Revise arithmetic, algebra, geometry and modern maths basics. Keep a formula sheet and read it every morning.
• Practice CAT-Level Questions: Solve previous year questions topic by topic. Then attempt mixed question sets.
• Improve Calculation Speed and Accuracy: Practice tables, squares, cubes and percentages, fractions, decimals, square root daily. Learn to use options and approximation.
• Keep a Mistake Notebook: Write down every repeated error and revise it weekly.
• Attempt Questions in Two Rounds: Take the easy ones first and return to the tough ones later.

Also Read: Top MBA Colleges in India Accepting CAT Scores 2026: Check Fee, Cutoff, Selection Process 

CAT 2026 Section-Wise Time Management Strategy

• Give each section its full allotted time and do not look back.
• Attempt your strongest section first in practice so the habit builds for example if you find arithmetic easy solve it first and then move to algebra and geometry 
• Keep the last five minutes of every section for review.
• Never leave a TITA question blank if you have a fair idea as they don't have any negative marking
• Read the clock after every ten minutes only.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for CAT 2026

• Do not take mocks simply without analysing them
• Do not start learning a new topic in the final week, focus more on revision
• Do not compare your speed with others
• Do not ignore your weakest section, focus more to strengthen it by practicing and revising 
• Do not study without a fixed daily plan
• Take sufficient amount of sleep before the final day of CAT exam to feel fresh and energetic

CAT 2026 Score Improvement: Last-Minute Preparation Tips things 

The last few days can still change your score if you use them well. Stop collecting new material. Go back to what you have already read. Revise your formula sheet and your mistake notebook. Take two or three full mocks at the exact exam slot time so your body learns the rhythm. Analyse each mock within the same day. Fix one small habit after every mock. Keep your reading habit alive because VARC improves with fresh reading. Solve a few DILR sets daily to keep your thinking sharp. Do a short QA drill on tables and percentages. Eat light and sleep well. Keep your admit card and ID ready. Reach the centre early. On exam day stay calm and trust your preparation. Attempt what you know first. Every mark counts in CAT 2026.

Also Read: If not CAT, then What? Top MBA Colleges in India Without CAT