15 Best Books For CAT Preparation (Topper's Choice)

CAT i.e. the Common Admission Test is one of the most popular management entrance exams for individuals seeking a management degree. Conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIM), CAT is also one of the toughest entrance examinations in India. Each year, a different IIM conducts the CAT exam.  

Preparing for the CAT exam is no small feat—it's a significant step towards new career prospects and opportunities. To ensure success, you will need the right study materials, a well-thought-out preparation strategy, and a plan to navigate the competitive landscape effectively. Getting familiar with question patterns, solving sample tests, and revisiting core concepts are all crucial aspects of CAT preparation.

Let's get you familiarized with some invaluable resources for this journey. These are some of the best books for CAT preparation that offer a comprehensive review of fundamental and advanced topics from the CAT syllabus related to all three sections of the exam - Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA).

Additionally, they provide mock tests, sample papers, and practice questions to assess your progress and enhance your understanding. With the help of these CAT books, you will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the CAT exam and achieve your goals. Let's take a look. 

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15 Best Books For CAT Preparation - In a Glance!

Here's a summary of the best 15 books for CAT preparation, categorized into the three sections of the CAT exam:

Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

These books are highly recommended by experts and are widely used by CAT aspirants for comprehensive preparation across all sections of the exam. 

Understanding CAT Preparation Books In Detail

For those of you undertaking CAT preparation without coaching, finding the best self-preparation books becomes crucial. Before making any purchase, you need to understand the content of the book. We will make it easier for you. Here is an overview of some of the best books for CAT self-preparation:

1. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

The quantitative aptitude section of the CAT exam tests your ability to use numbers and mathematics to provide fast, accurate results. In Arun Sharma's book How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT, you'll have access to all the information you need to ace this section of the test, along with practice tests to improve your skill level. The paperback version of the book is currently in its tenth edition. 

This CAT book by Arun Sharma covers all topics under the CAT syllabus and offers solid and elaborative examples for each problem presented in the book. Plus, the book is divided into sections with progressive levels of difficulty. This means that the difficulty level of each section increases as you go on so that you can keep challenging yourself to do better each time you practice.

2. Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Another great book to help you prepare for the quantitative ability section of the CAT exam is Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha. This book is divided into five modules that help you prepare for the exam and get ready to take and ace the test. 

Throughout the book, you'll be presented with practice tests that increase in difficulty. That means you can try pushing yourself harder each time you study. Plus, the solutions to all sample questions are provided in the book, enabling you to check your work, understand your mistakes, and find the right answers. It also helps in identifying topics where you require additional help or practice. 

3. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT 

Another handy book to help you ace the quantitative ability section of the CAT exam and get into the best MBA programs is Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT. This book was written by Sarvesh K Verma and is a great resource for anyone wanting to take the CAT test. 

What makes this book unique is that it offers more than one solution for each question posed in the book. That means that you can learn to think outside the box and look at different ways of solving potential questions on the exam. Additionally, the book also includes a wide variety of examples that provide much-needed conceptual clarity on important topics. Over its many editions, Verma's book has become a crowd favourite for the multiple solutions and examples it provides. 

4. How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

To ace the logical reasoning and data interpretation section of the CAT exam, which focuses on puzzles and logic, you should be sure to check out How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma. The latest edition of the book, i.e. the seventh edition, was written according to the latest CAT syllabus. New chapters have been added to adhere to the latest test release and thus, are ideal for students preparing for the CAT exam this year. 

On top of the fact that the exercises in the book improve your logical ability, this book can be used to help study for other competitive exams. The mock tests and additional papers included in the book not only prepare readers for the CAT exam but can also offer support in getting good marks on other tests. 

5. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha is another must-have when studying for this section of the CAT. That's because this book not only covers fundamental topics but also touches on more advanced topics that could appear on the exam. 

The book has numerous examples to make it easy for readers to understand the concepts that are being taught and tested. Such examples aid learning, especially for a section like data interpretation and logical reasoning in CAT, which relies on analytics skills and not grammar rules or mathematical formulas and theories. Moreover, much like Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT, this book is an appropriate study tool for other competitive exams as well. 

6. Word Power Made Easy

If you're worried about the verbal ability section of the CAT exam, don't panic. Norman Lewis will help you crack the CAT with his book Word Power Made Easy. The 700-page-long book has long been a favorite for not just CAT aspirants, but also individuals preparing for other English-language exams like the TOEFL, and IELTS, or for exams with a component of verbal ability, like GRE, GMAT, etc. The book was first published in 1949 and has naturally, gone through several editions over the years. 

This book helps you to expand your vocabulary and explains the correct usage of various words. It also offers exercises at the end of each chapter. The exercises help you review what you learned and put your new vocab into practice. This is a great book to bring conceptual clarity about the English language and its correct usage. The book's expansive coverage can sometimes deter students from picking it up. But if studied carefully and gradually, the book will help solidify your learning and basic concepts better than most others. 

7. Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT

Ajay Singh's book, Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT, is a great book to add to your collection if you're nervous about the verbal ability portion of the test. This book offers over 200 passages that are designed to mimic those of the CAT exam. These passages are graded in the order of rising complexity. This helps students prepare for the test by gradually processing from the very basic level in English to a higher one. 

On top of that, the book shows test papers from other B-school exams. This helps you get a clearer picture of what the exam will look like not just in theory, but in practice too. Plus, you can get a sense of what the graders are looking for on the CAT exam.

8. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT

This list of books for CAT preparation will be incomplete without How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay. This book provides topic-wise segregation that is easy to follow and helps you develop a solid study plan for acing verbal reasoning and reading comprehension. 

Probably the most beneficial aspect of this book is that it offers an in-depth analysis of papers from past years. Plus, the mock tests in the book give you a good sense of what you can expect to see on exam day.

9. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination by R.S. Aggarwal was originally published in 1989 and is a great resource to prepare for the quant section in the CAT exam. The book covers multiple theories, all supported by examples and proper practice questions that offer much-needed conceptual clarity. One of the most comprehensive books on the list, it includes over 5,000 sample questions and answers.

NOTE: As per experts' advice, this book is great for most exams having a quantitative aptitude section. However, solely for CAT exam preparation, Arun Sharma's book on Quantitative Aptitude is considered slightly better. 

Selecting the Right Study Material for CAT

Here are some quick tips to help you choose the right books for CAT preparation:

1. Understand Your Needs: Assess your strengths and weaknesses in each CAT section (Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude) to determine which areas you need to focus on.
2. Research: Look for books that are recommended by experts or have positive reviews from CAT toppers. Online forums and social media groups can be valuable sources of recommendations.
3. Content Coverage: Ensure that the book covers all the topics and concepts included in the CAT syllabus. It should provide comprehensive coverage of each section with ample practice questions and exercises.
4. Author's Expertise: Choose books authored by renowned experts in CAT preparation, such as Arun Sharma, Nishit K. Sinha, Sarvesh K. Verma, etc. Their expertise and experience can greatly enhance the quality of the study material.
5. Practice Material: Look for books that offer plenty of practice questions, sample papers, and mock tests. Practice is key to mastering CAT concepts and improving your performance.
6. Clarity and Understandability: The book should be written in clear and easy-to-understand language, with explanations that are concise and effective in conveying the concepts.
7. Previous Year Papers: Books that include previous years' CAT papers along with detailed solutions can be extremely helpful in understanding the exam pattern and practicing real exam-level questions.
8. Supplementary Resources: Consider books that come with additional online resources such as video lectures, interactive quizzes, or mobile apps for on-the-go practice.

Additionally, it's important that MBA aspirants gather information about the CAT exam syllabus, understand the CAT exam pattern and examination guidelines, and attempt past CAT question papers to prepare. Candidates can also sign up for CAT mock tests offered on various platforms. Many of these test series are also available online on different digital platforms. Ultimately, the more you practice, the better prepared you will be to attempt the CAT examination. All the best!

CAT Preparation Books: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which is the best book for CAT preparation?

Different books on CAT preparation have different advantages and disadvantages. But books by Arun Sharma, Nishit K. Sinha, and Sarvesh Verma are a good place to start. Here's a list of the top books that you can refer to for each section of the CAT exam: 

For Quantitative Aptitude: 

• How To Prepare For Quantitative Aptitude For The CAT by Arun Sharma
• Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit K Sinha
• Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma
• Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha

For Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation

• How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
• Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
• Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri

For Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

• Word Power Made Easy by Normal Lewis
• Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT by Ajay Singh
• How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

Additionally, NCERT books are great for beginners who require help in strengthening the fundamentals of mathematical topics or English grammar. 

Q2. How do you select the best book for CAT preparation?

There is no fixed strategy for selecting books for cat preparation. However, here are certain points to keep in mind when buying books for CAT preparation:

• Always buy the latest edition: This is likely to include updated questions that take into account the changes in the exam pattern, if any. 
• Focus on your weaknesses: Analyze the areas you require the most help in, and buy books that can help you improve your skill in that particular area. 
• Refer to experts: There are a vast variety of books and online material available for exam prep. Thus, it's important to refer to experts' advice and pick books accordingly. 

Q3. How can CAT books help in entrance examination preparation?

CAT books are a great tool for preparing for entrance examinations. These CAT books include example-backed explanations of topics and theories included in the CAT syllabus. They also include several practice questions, mock tests, and at times, even past papers to help candidates test their knowledge and understanding of the subject. At the same time, they help familiarize students with the exam pattern. 

Additionally, these books are not just important for those opting for self-study but also important for those who undertaking classes at a coaching center. In fact, most coaching centers recommend one or more of these books. It's because studying these books and practicing their exercises improves your chances of clearing the CAT exam. 

Q4. Are CAT exam books enough for self-study?

No. While CAT exam books are a great way to start your prep, you need to also focus on other material. Here's a look at the materials that candidates opting to self-study for the CAT examination should use: 

• Newspapers: Staying abreast of current affairs is crucial for MBA entrance prep. CAT may not have a section on general knowledge, but other management entrance exams do. Like XAT or MICAT. Additionally, candidates can also be asked questions about current affairs during the personal interview round. Regularly reading newspapers also improves reading ability i.e. speed and comprehension. 
• Novels: Books on reading comprehension, grammar, and verbal ability are not enough. It's important to inculcate a reading ability that can enable candidates to quickly understand the written word. Thus, novels are a great way to improve your reading level. 
• Online Resources: There are several free, online resources available on different digital platforms, like YouTube. Individuals can use these resources to better understand topics or sections they need additional help in. 
• Mock Tests: It goes without saying that mock tests play a major role in CAT exam prep. It's because mock tests allow you to balance accuracy with time. In an exam like CAT, which has sectional time limits and negative markings, it's even more important to maximize your chances of achieving a high score by familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern. And attempting mock tests is a great way to do this. 
• Sticking to a schedule/Preparing a timetable: When you're self-studying, you are the master of your own time and resources. Thus, sticking to a schedule is paramount to achieving success in the exam. While self-studying, prepare a timetable, and gradually increase the scope and time spent on studying for the exam. 

Studying at coaching centers is certainly not a necessity for CAT prep. But, self-study requires even greater discipline and focus. Ultimately, it's all about putting your best foot forward. 

Q5. Can the CAT entrance exam books be used for preparing for other exams?

Yes. CAT entrance exam books often cover topics that are included in the syllabus for other entrance exams. Most other management entrance exams, like XAT, SNAP, IIFT, MAT, etc. cover topics similar to those covered in the CAT syllabus and books for CAT entrance prep can be used to prepare for these examinations as well. 

Suggested Reads: 

• How To Prepare For CAT Exam 2024? CAT Preparation Timetable, Guidance, Tips, And More!
• CAT vs XAT: Which Is A Tougher Nut to Crack?
• Tips To Score Well In Logical Reasoning And Data Interpretation (LRDI) Section
• How My Internship Gave Me An Answer To Why MBA
• Scoring 98.99 Percentile: XLRI Student Divya Shah Shares Her MBA Admission Experience