Only 15 VARC questions carry 20 points in the IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam. This section is often underestimated, but it is your secret weapon for a top score.
Tl;dr: your VARC score blueprint
- Weightage: VARC has 15 questions, but they contribute 20 points to your total score, making it a high-yield section.
- Target Score: Aim for 20+ marks from VARC to significantly boost your overall raw score towards the 39+ mark.
- Time Allocation: Dedicate around 35-37 minutes to VARC, focusing 15 minutes per RC passage and 5-7 minutes for Verbal Ability.
- Strategy: Master main idea, inference, and tone questions in RC. For VA, focus on grammar rules, contextual vocabulary, and para jumble logic.
Why VARC matters for your IIM bangalore UG dream
Many future IIMers focus solely on Quantitative Ability (QA) or Data Interpretation (DI). This is a mistake. The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) section is critical for the IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam. It is not just about clearing a cutoff; it is about maximizing your raw score to get that interview call.
VARC accounts for a significant portion of your potential score. With 15 questions contributing 20 points, every correct answer in this section gives you a competitive edge. Think of it as a scoring powerhouse that can elevate your overall performance, especially when other sections might be trickier.
Iim bangalore UG entrance exam: VARC at a glance
The IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam is a challenging test, but a structured approach to VARC can make all the difference. Understanding the exam pattern and setting clear targets is your first step towards success. Here is a breakdown of the VARC section and what you need to aim for.
| Section | Questions | Points Allotted | Target Attempts | Target Marks | Time Allotment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 10 (2 passages) | 20 (2 points/Q) | 6-7 correct | 12-14 | 30 mins |
| Verbal Ability | 5 | N/A (Part of RC points) | 3-4 correct | 6-8 | 5-7 mins |
| Total VARC | 15 | 20 | 9-11 correct | 18-22 | 35-37 mins |
The exam has a total of 60 questions to be completed in 135 minutes. Your goal for VARC should be to secure at least 20 marks. This target is not just ambitious, it is achievable with the right strategy and consistent practice. Remember, every point counts towards that overall raw score of 39+, which is approximately what you need to clear for the Personal Interview stage.
Mastering reading comprehension (RC) for high scores
Reading Comprehension (RC) forms the bulk of your VARC score, with 10 questions from two passages. Each correct answer here can fetch you 2 points, making it a high-stakes area. Your approach to RC needs to be precise and efficient.
Start by reading the entire passage first. Do not jump straight to the questions. Skim through the passage quickly to grasp the main idea and the author's tone. Understand the overall flow before diving into the details. This initial read helps you build a mental map of the content.
Once you have read the passage, move to the questions. Identify keywords in the questions and scan the passage for those terms. This helps you locate relevant sections quickly. The key is to understand what the question is truly asking, not just matching words.
Common RC question types include:
- Main Idea: What is the central theme of the passage? Look for the overarching argument.
- Inference: What can be logically concluded from the passage, even if not explicitly stated? This requires critical thinking.
- Tone & Attitude: What is the author's perspective? Is it critical, descriptive, analytical, or sarcastic? We have a dedicated video on this that can help you gain 2-3 marks and improve accuracy.
- Specific Detail: Locate exact information mentioned in the passage. These are usually straightforward if you know where to look.
- Vocabulary-in-Context: Understand the meaning of a word as used in the passage, not just its dictionary definition.
Practice reading diverse articles from sources like The Hindu, Indian Express, or The Economist. This improves your reading speed and comprehension. Remember, consistent practice is the only way to master RC.
Acing verbal ability (VA) and test strategy
Verbal Ability (VA) comprises the remaining 5 questions in the VARC section. While fewer in number, these questions are equally important for boosting your score. They often test your grasp of grammar, vocabulary, and logical sentence construction.
For grammar, focus on fundamental rules. Topics like subject-verb agreement, tenses, parallelism, articles, and prepositions are frequently tested. Many errors stem from a weak understanding of these basics. Practice identifying errors in sentences and correcting them.
Vocabulary questions usually test contextual usage. Do not just memorise words; understand how they function in different sentences. Reading widely helps build a strong vocabulary naturally. Pay attention to synonyms, antonyms, and analogies.
Para Jumbles require you to arrange jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph. Look for introductory and concluding sentences. Identify linking words or phrases that create a logical flow. Practice different types of para jumbles to improve your ability to spot connections quickly.
Your overall test strategy for VARC involves consistent practice and meticulous analysis. Start by taking 2-3 mock tests per week. As the exam approaches, increase this to 4-5 mocks. Taking mocks is only half the battle; the other half is analyzing your performance.
Maintain an error log or a journal where you note down every mistake you make. Why did you get it wrong? Was it a conceptual error, a silly mistake, or a time management issue? Before taking your next mock, review this error log. This ensures you do not repeat the same mistakes, leading to continuous improvement.
Ready to dive deeper into VARC strategies? Watch the full discussion here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phI3FZ4itGQ
Cracking the IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam requires a strategic approach, not just hard work. Master your VARC section, and you will be one step closer to your IIM dream. For personalized guidance and to gauge your readiness, connect with IPM Careers.
Need help with your IIM Bangalore UG prep? Get expert guidance and resources. Call us on 82994 70392 or WhatsApp us for direct support.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good VARC score for the IIM bangalore UG entrance exam?
A good VARC score for the IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam is typically 18-22 marks. This is from a total of 20 points available in the VARC section. Achieving this score significantly boosts your overall raw score and helps you clear the sectional cutoffs.
How many questions are in the VARC section of IIM bangalore UG entrance?
The VARC section of the IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam has 15 questions. These questions are divided into Reading Comprehension (10 questions, from 2 passages) and Verbal Ability (5 questions). Each question carries varying points, contributing to a total of 20 marks for the section.
What topics are important for VARC in IIM bangalore UG entrance?
For Reading Comprehension, focus on Main Idea, Inference, Tone & Attitude, Specific Detail, and Vocabulary-in-Context questions. For Verbal Ability, key topics include grammar rules (subject-verb agreement, tenses, parallelism), contextual vocabulary, and para jumbles.
FAQs
What is a good VARC score for the IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam?+
A good VARC score for the IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam is typically 18-22 marks. This is from a total of 20 points available in the VARC section. Achieving this score significantly boosts your overall raw score and helps you clear the sectional cutoffs.
How many questions are in the VARC section of IIM Bangalore UG Entrance?+
The VARC section of the IIM Bangalore UG Entrance Exam has 15 questions. These questions are divided into Reading Comprehension (10 questions, from 2 passages) and Verbal Ability (5 questions). Each question carries varying points, contributing to a total of 20 marks for the section.
What topics are important for VARC in IIM Bangalore UG Entrance?+
For Reading Comprehension, focus on Main Idea, Inference, Tone & Attitude, Specific Detail, and Vocabulary-in-Context questions. For Verbal Ability, key topics include grammar rules (subject-verb agreement, tenses, parallelism), contextual vocabulary, and para jumbles.