How to Read Editorials for CAT 2026: Step-by-Step Strategy to Improve VARC and Reading Comprehension

Why Should CAT Aspirants Read Editorials?

One of the biggest advantages of editorial reading is that it improves analytical reading instead of passive reading. While reading a novel, you mainly follow the story. In an editorial, you continually assess the author's assertions, evidence, assumptions, and counterarguments. This is exactly what CAT expects candidates to do while solving RC questions.

CAT Reading Comprehension passages are rarely based on simple news reports. They talk about things such as behavioral economics, climate policies, cognitive psychology, artificial intelligence, and scientific breakthroughs.

The second advantage that comes to mind is vocabulary building. Vocabulary-related questions are not asked by CAT anymore, but some tough words can be seen in RC passages. With editorial reading, you come across such words.

For example, words like nuance, paradigm, empirical, consensus, and plausible become easier to understand when you get it repeatedly in different articles.

Which Editorials Should You Read for CAT 2026?

Not every newspaper article is useful for the CAT VARC syllabus. You must choose publications that feature more analytical and opinion-based articles.

The Hindu

The Hindu Editorial is one of the best starting points because its editorials have a balanced language and an argument structure. Additionally, they help in developing your reading skills and vocabulary.

The Indian Express

The Indian Express offers excellent editorials on public policy, economy, governance, education, and international affairs. Its articles are more abstract and often discuss economics, technology, science, and global politics in the style frequently seen in CAT RC passages.

How to Read Editorials for CAT Preparation

Reading an editorial from beginning to end is not enough. The objective is to understand how the author builds an argument. Since IIMs frame questions in a way that it test your ability to identify the central idea, infer hidden meanings, evaluate arguments, and distinguish facts from opinions.

Step 1: Read the Editorial Without Stopping

Complete the article once without using a dictionary. Many CAT aspirants pause their reading whenever they find an unfamiliar word. This breaks concentration, and candidates find it difficult to understand the overall flow of the argument.

Instead, try to guess the meaning of unfamiliar words from the sentences. If the word is not essential for understanding the paragraph, move ahead and check its meaning after finishing the article.

Step 2: Identify the Main Argument

Every editorial is written to convince readers about a particular viewpoint. Answer these questions before analysing the article further:

1. What issue is the author discussing?

2. What is the author's opinion?

3. What conclusion does the author reach?

If you cannot summarise the editorial in one or two sentences, you probably have not understood its central idea.

Step 3: Analyse the Structure Instead of the Content

Most of the editorials adhere to the following structure:

Step 4: Separate Facts from Opinions

Most of the CAT RC questions are based on assumptions, arguments, or even the author's opinion.

For example:

1. Fact: India's inflation rate increased during the quarter.

2. Opinion: The current monetary policy may not be sufficient to control inflation.

Step 5: Observe the Author's Tone

When you solve inference-based questions, you should look for the author’s tone. Your main focus should be to identify the tone of the following:

1. Analytical

2. Critical

3. Balanced

4. Optimistic

5. Skeptical

6. Persuasive

7. Objective

Step 6: Write a Short Summary

Write a summary of around 50-70 words without referring to the article once you finish reading the editorial. It should consist of the topic, central argument by the author, two ot three supporting details and a conclusion.

How Much Time Should You Spend Reading Editorials Daily?

Well, if you are a beginner, then you should start with one CAT RC editorial every day. Once you become comfortable, you can go with 2 to 3 pieces and keep increasing the difficulty levels. Here is a breakdown of the activity and time you should take.

Editorial Topics You Should Prioritise for CAT Preparation

The Reading Comprehension passages in the CAT exam are chosen from magazines and academic journals. Unlike others, these are not based on breaking news or factual current affairs. Therefore, students should prioritise topics that improve their ability to understand the unfamiliar. Here are the list of topics that are asked frequently in the CAT exam.

How to Make Editorial Notes for CAT

Editorial notes in CAT VARC should help you revise your learning in a few minutes. Avoid copying paragraphs from the article, as this turns note-making into a writing exercise rather than a comprehension exercise.

Use a simple format like this:

Best Resources to Ace Editorial for CAT 2026 Exam

Candidates looking to qualify for CAT 2026 with a high score in VARC can refer to the following ebooks to aid their exam preparations.