Definitive Reading List For CAT Preparation

This is what a typical Starbucks setting looks like- young guns firmly seated with either a book, Kindle, or a laptop. Scouring information, chewing words, retaining a few, and skipping the rest. That's what their reading process looks like. In fact, this process is common for most of us. We all read but are not readers (really). That is, we all consume content with no intention of using the newly acquired information in a meaningful manner.  Maybe it's not our disinterest but a lack of ability to identify information unless found between the musty pages of an old book!

With the CAT exam approaching, most MBA aspirants will need to start working on their reading skills, and now! So if your answer to the question- "How is your CAT preparation going?" is reading comprehension trouble, then you are in the right place! You’ll find ideas of the must-read books on various sites. But not everybody talks about blogs and websites which help you work on your reading ability. We are in an era where people prefer Kindle over old-school books, and read the news on cell phones instead of newspapers. So we went ahead and dug deep into the web for you, and have brought to you a list of blogs and websites that are a must-read for all MBA aspirants. 

Business Blogs

To begin with, you must get a hang of the essentials. These include business blogs and websites which lay focus on giving an idea about the latest trends in and around the globe. We have listed a few of these below:

• Octane Blog

This blog though discontinued in 2017, still has an archive of blogs that will give you an insight into the world of entrepreneurs. It connected over 1200 entrepreneurs while it was live, and is an excellent source to read about excerpts from the best business books and posts from reputed businessmen. The blog also consists of reports and gives readers a basic understanding of the life of entrepreneurs worldwide. Think about #lifegoals and keeping the target in sight.  

• Editorials from The Hindu

Editorials work wonders in tuning mindsets and keeping you informed about what’s happening in the world. Reading articles from some of the best journalists and writers helps in building your vocabulary. In addition, being aware of global incidents and opinionated articles will also shape your approach to looking at things. Make this a staple if you want to develop facts-backed opinions, and crack the ever-elusive Group Discussion and/or Personal Interview. Most B-Schools have either or both of these as a part of their selection process, which is above and beyond the CAT percentile. 

• Project Syndicate

Project Syndicate consists of articles ranging from sectors like economics, development, politics, and innovation, this is one place you should definitely visit. This will not only enhance your knowledge but will also help in opinion-building. 

Also read: How to Prepare for CAT Exam 2022? CAT Preparation Timetable, Guidance, Tips, And More!

Blogs for Reading Comprehension for CAT Preparation

Once you start getting into worldly affairs, you’ll expand your knowledge pool and will also improve your comprehension skills. You’ll also become accustomed to comprehending passages better and in lesser time. Here are a few websites to facilitate CAT RC practice:

• Wordpandit

This website is the one-stop destination to help build on your vocabulary and gain top-notch skills to solve RC passages for CAT. The portal has a multitude of paragraphs and passages to test how far you’ve reached in your preparation. A few mocks here and there will give you a clearer picture of the spices you need to add to your preparation.

• Bfactory

Established by IIM A alum, this portal also gives passages to help you work on reading comprehension (RC) abilities. Go through a few and you’ll know what is missing!

• QSLEAP

QS has a prominent existence in the education and prep sector. You will find some of the best lectures, videos, and prep classes to help you prepare for reading comprehension for CAT, on this website. Get to practicing at least 2-3 passages with questions a day, you will notice an improvement in your CAT preparation level for sure. 

Also read: Reading Comprehension For CAT Exam- Intro, Questions, Tips, Resources, And More!

Motivational Blogs

Now that we have talked shop, let's talk about how to stay motivated and keep working towards the end goal- scoring well in CAT. It is only natural if your motivation level waivers here and there when you are on your CAT preparation journey. Many aspirants get demotivated and stop working on their weaknesses. Are you too feeling unfocused and demotivated? Don't worry, read these blogs that'll definitely help you overcome such a situation and stay on track.  

• Success

This website comprises of lessons from famous business tycoons like Bill Gates, Richard Branson, and others whose journey and life experience is the best place to learn from. In short, this is the place where your demotivation comes to an end. This website has everything you need to stay optimistic. It features articles on the thought process of some of the top market leaders and entrepreneurs. These will, in turn, help you make the required changes to your timetable, and working mechanism to reach the optimum work-life balance. 

• Lifehack

As the name suggests, this website is the place to be at, if you want to get the best life hacks to make your life easier. The portal compiles numerous articles filled with tips and tricks to help you stay motivated, and listicles of tools to improve performance, and live a fuller life.

Literary Blog

With on-ground motivation and everything else in check, let's come to the list of blogs and websites for entertainment purposes. Haven't you hear- all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. This is to make your reading experience more fun and less like a chore.  

• Medium

This is the perfect medium to read anything your heart desires be it art, beauty, comics to fiction, food, gaming, or anything else. Explore the stories and articles on this website, dig into the section you like the most, and have fun reading!

With this, we have come to an end of the reading list for CAT preparation. A quick glance through these resources every day will give you miraculous results. Wishing you all the best with CAT preparation! We hope you bell the CAT!

Here are some other articles that will make your CAT preparation journey a little sweeter:

1. How To Prepare For MBA Entrance Exam- Preparation Tips From 99 Percentiler Minkesh Devani (SNAP 2020), IIM Shillong
2. Best Way To Prepare For CAT While Juggling Placements And College Exams- By Roshan Kumar, 99.8 percentile CAT 2019
3. How To Prepare For CAT Exam? Devise The Best CAT Preparation Strategy -By Nitish P Nair, 99.67 percentile, IIM Bangalore
4. Why get an MBA? Why should you appear for CAT exam?
5. CAT 2021 Preparation Tips: Past year CAT toppers share their hacks to ace the exam