Introduction
The key to cracking IPMAT 2026 is not about solving tough mathematics questions or unraveling data. There is only one section you must not ignore, one underrated and yet very strong section, this is Reading Comprehension (RC). Most aspirants fall victim to Quant or LRDI, RC is secretly turning out to be a game changer.
Why RC is More Than Just a Section
Comprehension does not mean that you can read through a passage of text and then answer several questions. It is about reading, understanding and deriving conclusions, the abilities that are required to make a career in management and business leadership.
Exam Weightage: How Important is RC in IPMAT 2026?
Here’s a quick overview to show you how much RC matters in the IPMAT 2026 exam:
| Aspect | Details |
| Exam Sections | Verbal Ability (includes RC, Grammar, Vocabulary) |
| RC Weightage in Verbal | Significant – a large portion of Verbal Ability is based on RC |
| IIM Indore RC Difficulty | Moderate to High complexity |
| IIM Rohtak RC Difficulty | More straightforward but still critical |
| Skills Tested | Comprehension, Inference, Vocabulary, Analytical Thinking |
So yes, if you master RC, you’re already halfway to acing the Verbal section.
Core Skills Assessed Through RC
RC does not belong to the store of usual memory games. It evaluates skills that are important both in examinations and life.
Comprehension
This refers to minimal skills of comprehending the key idea of the passage, its tone, and information.
Inference
Are you able to read between the lines? Questions based on inferring mean that you can reason beyond what is on paper.
Critical Thinking
You will encounter many argumentative paragraphs or paragraphs with opinions. In this case, you have to consider reasoning, presumptions as well as prejudices.
Contextual Vocabulary
Can you tell what a word means only based on how it is used in a sentence? Even when you know the vocab, you are good at it?
RC in IIM Indore vs IIM Rohtak
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | IIM Indore | IIM Rohtak |
| Passage Complexity | Moderately Complex | Relatively Straightforward |
| Number of Questions | 30 (VA section) | 40 (VA section) |
| Type of Questions | Mix of direct, inference & vocab-based | Mostly direct and vocabulary |
| Strategy Required | Strong comprehension & inference skills | Speed reading and accuracy |
Types of RC Questions in IPMAT
Understanding the question types can help you plan better:
| Type | Description |
| Direct Questions | Based on facts mentioned in the passage. Easy to locate and answer. |
| Inferential Questions | Require you to derive meaning not directly stated. Tricky but rewarding. |
| Contextual Vocabulary | Guess meanings of words using surrounding clues in the passage. |
Real-World Applications of RC Skills
Comprehension in reading is not only done during exams. In the actual business situations you will have to:
- Read market trends and reports
- Learn business cases studies
- Review policies, suggestions and studies
Therefore, this is to say that RC does not end at IPMAT.
RC as a Foundation for GD-PI
Getting ready to Group Discussions (GD) and Personal Interviews (PI)? RC will assist you to:
- Organise your thinking coherently
- Communicate with facts
- Learn business and abstract material
Simply put, you can only speak intelligently during GD-PI in case you are good at RC as well.
Common Challenges Faced in RC
Yes, RC may be hard. Here’s why:
- Time Pressure: Lengthy passages and shortage of time. Performance has the ability to die in panic.
- Dense: Many are not able to follow complicated grammar and sentence structure.
- Inference Confusion: Inference based tricky questions almost always include close choices.
- Vocabulary Trappings: Vocab questions are also tricky, especially when you do not know the context.
Effective Strategies to Master RC
Learning to tackle RC does not mean reading more, it is rather about learning to read wisely.
- Read editorials and journals: The Hindu, Economic, Harvard business review are treasure troves.
- Timed Practice: Try time-pressure just like during a real exam.
- Analyze: not just correct or incorrect. Learn what and why you did wrong.
Understanding Different Passage Types
Each passage requires a different strategy:
| Passage Type | Strategy |
| Narrative | Focus on sequence, characters, and plot. |
| Expository | Look for definitions, structure, and explanations. |
| Argumentative | Identify the author’s stance and supporting arguments. |
Reading Techniques to Boost Speed
- Skimming: Scan the initial and final lines of every paragraph to have an idea.
- Scanning: Search for key words to the question.
- Mind Mapping: Think over and make a concise outline of every paragraph.
Mock Tests & Analysis
Mock tests are important keys to success. This is what you are supposed to do after each:
- Check answers
- Review errors
- Label error (Comprehension, vocab, inference)
- Write down flash cards or notes
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
| Step | Details |
| Understand the Format | Know question types, time limit, and section rules |
| Build Reading Habit | Read from various sources daily |
| Take Mock Tests | Weekly tests under timed conditions |
| Analyze Performance | Focus on weaknesses—be it inference or vocabulary |
| Seek Feedback | Get inputs from teachers or peers |
Conclusion
Reading Comprehension is not an arbitrary part in IPMAT 2026- it is the key to high score and getting into GD-PI and making a career as a future manager. When you devote your time to learning how to master RC you are not preparing for an exam, but rather developing a lifetime skill.
Thus, read broadly, solve intelligently and initiate early. RC may be your superpower!
FAQs
Q1. How many RC questions come in IPMAT 2026?
The number of questions in the Verbal Ability section is normally 10-12 questions depending upon the pattern of the IIM Indore or IIM Rohtak paper.
Q2. How can I improve my inference-based questions?
Use high-quality passages, especially the articles of opinion. Communicate with colleagues in order to know other opinions.
Q3. Do I need coaching classes to study RC?
It is not required but it is recommended that a guidance session and mock feedback should enable you to stay out of your unproductive habits and give you the edge in speed.
Q4. Which sources are the most suitable to practice RC?
Editorials of famous newspapers, journals, IPMAT mock papers and previous year papers.
Q5. Does it matter to enhance vocabulary in RC?
Absolutely! The good point about a good vocabulary is that it can de-code the meanings quicker and variations in meanings.
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