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CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 13 Sep' 25
Books for CAT remain one of the most reliable resources for serious aspirants. Unlike scattered study material, the best CAT books provide clear explanations of core concepts along with structured practice. Many of them also include exam-level problems that help pinpoint weak areas. Candidates should select books that balance theory with application. Opting for trusted titles, whether in print or PDF, across Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning ensures complete coverage. Pairing these books with mock tests and additional resources creates a stronger, well-rounded CAT 2025 preparation strategy.
The important topics in CAT 2025 VARC section as per previous years' trends are as follows:
Fill in the Blanks | Reading Comprehension |
Subject-Verb Agreement | Verbal Logic |
Sentence Completion | Paracompletion and Inference |
Verbal Reasoning | Article Usage |
Different Usages of the Same Word | Grammar |
Idioms | Analogies |
Errors in Tenses | Antonyms |
Foreign Language Words Used in English | Syllogisms |
Sentence Correction | One Word Substitution |
Prepositions | Types of Clauses |
Parts of Speech | Phrase Modifiers |
This Story also Contains
In this article, we will discuss,
Best books for QA, VARC and DILR
Mistakes to avoid while choosing CAT preparation books
CAT 2025 preparation tips
The CAT exam needs proper planning with the right top CAT books by toppers, so selecting high-quality preparation materials for the CAT, especially the CAT exam books latest edition is vital for effective preparation. The right resources, recommended best books for cat preparation, significantly impact performance by providing comprehensive coverage. Don’t constrain yourself to only books; try all resources to get a holistic development in all the segments to cover the entire CAT Syllabus 2025.
A few of the best books for cat preparation under the Quantitative Aptitude section are listed below for the reference of the candidates. These CAT preparation books for 2025 were designed after proper research and the current examination requirements. Since QA is generally considered to be one of the most difficult sections of the CAT examination, it demands extensive preparation using the best CAT preparation books 2025. The list of selected Best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude is listed below.
Book Title | Details |
"Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal | The book gives insight into detailed coverage of quantitative topics, with a focus on fundamental principles. The chapters cover topics like Ratios, Percentages, Time and Work, and Mensuration. |
"Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT" by Sarvesh Verma | The best part is the structure to build concepts from basic to advanced levels. The topics include Progressions, Permutations and Combinations, and Trigonometry. |
NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10) | NCERT Mathematics books for Class 9 and 10 cover fundamental topics like algebra, geometry, number systems, and statistics. They are ideal for building strong conceptual clarity, especially for beginners or non-maths background. |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | This CAT book is specifically designed for CAT and covers all major quantitative topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. It includes theory, solved examples, practice exercises, and previous year CAT questions for thorough preparation. |
VARC preparation books for CAT are another great addition to the best books for cat preparation. Preparing for the VARC section of CAT 2025 can be challenging, so candidates should use top CAT VARC books recommended by toppers. You can also practice the CAT VARC sample question to strengthen reading comprehension and verbal ability skills.
Book Title | Details |
"How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT" by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay | This comprehensive guide to verbal ability and reading comprehension covers RCs from a variety of topics. It also covers topics like Vocabulary, Grammar, and Sentence Correction. |
"Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis | This book focuses on vocabulary building through structured exercises. The chapters are organised to progressively enhance vocabulary. |
PSC for VA for CAT | This book focuses on all key areas of Verbal Ability for CAT, including reading comprehension, para jumbles, sentence correction, and vocabulary. It provides detailed explanations, solved examples, and practice exercises aligned with the CAT pattern. |
"High School English Grammar & Composition" by Wren & Martin | This book gives a detailed grammar and composition guide. It covers important topics like parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, and comprehension. |
The best books for cat preparation for the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section are essential for candidates aiming to boost their scores. Using the top CAT DILR books helps strengthen problem-solving skills, improve speed, and enhance accuracy. Below, we have listed some of the most recommended CAT DILR books 2025 for reference.
Book Title | Details |
"How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT" by Arun Sharma | One of the trustworthy books that gives comprehensive coverage of data interpretation topics. It includes Data Analysis, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, and Logical Puzzles. |
“Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT" by Nishit K. Sinha | For CAT aspirants, this is one of the best books because of its in-depth analysis of logical reasoning and data interpretation. Topics include Tables, Pie Charts, Caselets, and Logical Games. |
"A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal | This book covers a wide range of logical reasoning topics like coding-decoding, blood relations, puzzles, and syllogisms. It’s widely used for various competitive exams and offers a large number of practice questions with explanations. |
"Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency" by Ananta Ashisha | Very well structured to build skills from basic to advanced levels. Chapters covered extensively are Graphs, Charts, Tables, and Logical Deductions. |
While appearing for any exam, it is imperative to practice its previous years’ question papers. The same holds for CAT as well. During the preparation of the CAT 2025 exam, candidates must practice CAT Previous Years’ Question papers as well, for a better understanding of the difficulty level of questions asked. Given below is a list of dedicated best books for cat preparation, previous years’ question papers and sample questions.
Book Title | Author/Publisher |
Past Years’ CAT Questions | GK Publications |
OSWAAL CAT (Common Admission Test) | OSWAAL |
Arihant Face To Face CAT 25 Years (1999–2023) Chapterwise & Topicwise Solved Paper | BS Sijwalii and Indu Sijwalii |
Disha 40 Topic-wise CAT QA, DILR & VARC Previous Year Solved Papers (2024–1994) (18th Edition) | Shipra Agarwal and Deepak Agarwal |
Choosing the right books can make or break your CAT preparation. Many aspirants unknowingly waste time on outdated, irrelevant, or poorly structured materials. Avoid these common mistakes to stay on track with the top best books for cat preparation:
Ensure you're referring to the latest editions of the CAT preparation books section-wise. Older books may not align with the current pattern.
Trust only recommended books for the CAT exam written by reputed authors and coaching experts.
Always select CAT books that provide clear, step-by-step solutions to practice questions.
Stick to 1–2 trusted best books for cat preparation per section instead of jumping between multiple guides.
Check topper reviews and expert suggestions before purchasing.
Combining best books for cat preparation with the right online platform for CAT preparation gives you the best of both worlds: solid conceptual understanding from books and real-time guidance, doubt-solving, and updated strategies from online classes. This approach helps you manage time efficiently, retain concepts better, and perform confidently in CAT 2025 through live practice sessions and mock tests.
Use books to build concepts chapter-wise and follow the online coaching schedule to stay on track with a daily or weekly CAT 2025 study plan. This structured mix keeps your preparation consistent and organised.
If a concept in a best books for cat preparation confuses you, online classes or doubt forums help clarify it instantly. You don’t stay stuck and can move forward confidently.
While books provide practice sets, online platforms offer full-length CAT mock tests with live or recorded analysis. This helps identify weak areas and understand exam strategy better.
Books like Arun Sharma’s QA or Norman Lewis for VARC give deep knowledge, while online courses offer shortcuts, tricks, and time-saving tips. This dual focus enhances section-wise efficiency.
Unlike books, online platforms allow performance tracking over time. You can check scores, speed, and accuracy and adjust your preparation accordingly.
CAT aspirants often struggle between sticking to one trusted book or exploring multiple sources. Both methods have distinct benefits and drawbacks. The right choice depends on preparation stage, strengths, and time left. A balanced approach maximises concept clarity while ensuring exposure to diverse problem-solving patterns.
Begin with One Reliable Core Book Per Section
Choose one standard book for each section—Quant, VARC, and DILR. This avoids early confusion and builds strong basics. For example, Arun Sharma’s How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude is enough to understand concepts before diversifying.
Sticking to one source initially ensures you don’t waste time comparing approaches when your fundamentals are still weak.
Prioritise Conceptual Clarity Over Quantity of Books
A single book, studied thoroughly, provides far more value than collecting many without completing any.
Before moving to another source, ensure you can solve at least 80% of the exercises confidently from your core book.
Add a Secondary Book for Question Variety
Once the basics are solid, bring in a supplementary book for exposure to different problem styles. For example, Nishit Sinha’s books or past coaching material often introduce unique twists not found in standard texts.
This broadens adaptability, an essential skill since CAT questions are rarely repetitive.
Balance Between Speed and Accuracy Using Multi-Source Practice
One book might help you understand methods, but another might train you on shortcuts or faster approaches.
Multi-book exposure helps you experiment with alternative solving techniques and select the most efficient for the exam hall.
Leverage Previous Year Papers as a Reality Check
After completing a book, test yourself with actual CAT papers. If you still find unfamiliar problem types, that’s the signal to diversify into another source.
Past papers also help you filter out irrelevant practice from books that go beyond CAT’s difficulty level.
Integrate Sectional Tests Alongside Books
Books build knowledge, but only timed tests build exam temperament.
Combine one-book study with sectional tests to measure application under pressure. If your accuracy drops despite knowing concepts, additional sources may provide alternative explanations or better practice patterns.
Yes, you can do CAT self-study with books, provided you choose the right resources and build a disciplined plan. Books alone won’t guarantee success unless you approach them strategically—focusing on concepts, practice, timed tests, and analysis. The key is not the number of books but how effectively you use them to bridge gaps and simulate exam conditions.
Avoid multiple books; it creates confusion. For QA, use Arun Sharma or Nishit Sinha. For VARC, Norman Lewis + RC practice books. For DILR, Arun Sharma DILR. Stick to one trusted source.
First clear basics from books, then directly attempt sectional tests to apply. Reading passively is useless.
Solve CAT-level or higher difficulty questions. Avoid outdated or too-easy exercises.
Books can’t replicate adaptive exam stress. Take mocks after 2–3 months of book study, and link weak areas back to book chapters.
Revisit only those chapters where mock errors repeat. This ensures targeted book usage instead of random reading.
Supplement with previous year CAT papers, AIMCATs, and online practice sets.
While the recommended books for the CAT exam form the foundation, aspirants must also use mock tests, sample papers, and previous year papers. These CAT preparation books section wise are great, but additional resource improve time management, accuracy, and exam temperament.
Practising CAT mock tests replicates the real exam scenario. These are crucial for understanding paper patterns and refining strategies. Combine these with the top books for CAT preparation to simulate actual testing environments. Mock tests also highlight weak areas, helping you revise specific topics using the CAT preparation books section wise.
Solving previous year CAT question papers helps you track trends, difficulty levels, and frequently asked topics. These papers, when paired with best books for cat preparation, give aspirants insight into what to expect and how to prepare accordingly. Many CAT preparation books section wise include solved question papers, making practice convenient and contextual. Toppers often solve the last 5–10 years’ papers to strengthen their preparation.
Going through the CAT exam analysis after each year’s test helps you align your preparation strategy with current trends. Analysis reveals sectional difficulty, expected cutoffs, and topic weightage. Use this data to update your study plan and focus more on high-weightage areas. Combine such insights with recommended books for the CAT exam to close preparation gaps. Many best books for cat preparation section wise revise their content based on this analysis, so always check for the latest editions that incorporate real-exam insights from past years.
CAT sample papers offer structured practice for all three sections, QA, VARC, and DILR. These mimic actual exam patterns and include a mix of easy, moderate, and tough questions. Pairing sample papers with top books for CAT preparation gives you clarity on how to apply concepts.
These resources bridge the gap between theory and application. Many publishers of CAT preparation books section wise include topic-wise and full-length sample tests, making them ideal for revision. Sample papers also reduce anxiety by familiarising you with the test format.
Preparation for the CAT examination completely depends on choosing the right CAT preparation books for 2025. So, it's important to consider various factors to ensure that your best books for cat preparation are effective and comprehensive. Here are the detailed considerations to keep in mind:
Be dependent on books authored by individuals with a strong track record in CAT preparation. Look for authors who have expertise in a particular subject and have been teaching and mentoring students for the CAT.
Make sure that the book covers all major sections of the CAT exam: Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. The best books for cat preparation should provide an in-depth analysis of each topic, including foundational concepts. It should also include advanced techniques and guidance on when and how to start CAT preparation to tackle complex problems effectively.
The CAT preparation books 2025 should offer a wide range of practice questions, from basic to advanced levels. The CAT 2025 books must comprise quality practice questions that are crucial for better understanding and application of concepts. Additionally, the questions should resemble the style and difficulty level of the actual CAT exam to give you a realistic practice experience.
The best books for cat preparation are the ones with a CAT mock test 2025 that help prepare you for the actual exam environment. The mock tests should be such that is similar to the actual interface and difficulty level of the CAT exam.
The detailed solution in best books for cat preparation which help in understanding each wrong option with clarity. It help in understanding the rationale behind each answer, along with step-by-step explanations, are crucial for learning the correct approach to solving different types of problems.
Preparing for CAT 2025 requires a clear understanding of the exam’s demands. The candidates must have ample time to build conceptual clarity with the best books for cat preparation. They must also adhere to proper CAT preparation tips to ace the exam with high marks.
CAT consists of three sections: Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Aptitude (QA). Each section has a fixed time limit. Familiarity with the pattern helps you understand what’s expected and build a focused preparation plan accordingly.
CAT questions often test your grasp of basic concepts through tricky applications. Focus on clearing fundamentals in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, reading comprehension, and logical reasoning. A strong foundation helps in both accuracy and speed, two crucial elements for cracking the CAT with a high percentile.
Divide your CAT preparation by sections and assign realistic time blocks each week. For example, dedicate alternate days to QA and DILR, and set daily reading time for VARC. Include topic-wise goals and ensure balance across all three sections, keeping in mind the sectional timing in the exam.
Mock tests simulate the real CAT experience and are essential to building speed and time management. Start taking mocks at least 3–4 months before the exam. Focus on detailed analysis, track accuracy, time per question, and weak topics, and refine your strategy accordingly.
In the final months, switch to revision mode. Revisit frequently asked question types and practice solving them under timed conditions. Develop strategies for question selection and time allocation. Stay calm, avoid panic, and trust your preparation to perform your best on exam day.
Using best books for cat preparation strategically helps aspirants manage time effectively in each section. By practising sectional exercises, timed mocks, and topic-wise question sets from trusted study material for CAT, candidates can enhance speed, accuracy, and prioritisation. Books provide structured approaches to allocate time efficiently and attempt maximum questions.
Solve sectional exercises in best books for cat preparation to simulate real exam timing.
Use topic-wise questions from top CAT preparation books to prioritise high-yield areas.
Track time spent per question using quantitative, DILR, and VARC books.
Analyse mistakes in practice sets from recommended CAT books to adjust pacing.
Alternate between easy and challenging questions in books to optimise sectional scoring.
Careers360 offers a wide range of preparation resources for CAT 2025. These resources include topic-wise study material, mock tests, and expert tips. Candidates can use the best books for cat preparation along with the ebooks for conceptual clarity. Get the download links for the CAT ebooks 2025 in the section below.
eBook Title | Download Links |
3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder | |
500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases | |
300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material | |
Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions | |
Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Arun Sharma’s “How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT” is one of the most recommended books. It covers basics to advanced levels with practice questions. Nishit Sinha’s Quant book is also a good alternative for varied problem styles.
“How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT” by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay is widely used. For vocabulary, “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis is a classic resource.
Nishit K. Sinha’s “Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT” is very effective. Arun Sharma’s DILR book is also popular for its structured progression from easy to tough problems.
Start with one standard book for concept clarity, then add one more for extra practice and exposure. Too many books create confusion, so stick to 1–2 good ones per section.
Yes, with the best books for CAT preparation and regular practice, the CAT exam can be cracked through self-study only. You can refer to the CAT books recommended by experts, newspapers, and other online and offline sources.
Books are essential for learning concepts, but previous year papers show the actual exam pattern and difficulty. Ideally, combine both—books for learning and CAT papers for practice and strategy.
For the CAT exam in 2025, "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT" by Arun Sharma is highly recommended. It's comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics in detail. Additionally, "CAT 2025: Preparation Guide" by Gautam Puri is also a good choice for a well-rounded approach.
Start by understanding the CAT exam pattern and syllabus. Make a study plan that covers all the sections, and focus on practicing with sample papers and mock tests. Building a strong foundation in each subject and reviewing your performance regularly will help you stay on track.
The best CAT preparation combines top books for CAT preparation, regular mock tests, and online coaching or self-study plans. Focus on all three sections—QA, VARC, and DILR—with section-wise CAT preparation books.
Yes, Arun Sharma books are considered excellent for CAT. They offer comprehensive theory, graded difficulty levels, and ample practice questions, making them ideal for both beginners and advanced learners.
On Question asked by student community
Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.
Eligibility Criteria:
Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.
Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.
Admission Process:
Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.
Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.
Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.
Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.
Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.
Course Details:
Duration: 2 years (full-time).
Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.
Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.
For more details and to apply, visit the official BBAU MBA admission page
Hello Amgothu
With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects
Hello
As you said you by mistakenly done that, you don't need to get worry regarding that ,
Just inform the help desk and carry the correct certifications , the state certificate will not disqualify you .
The steps you can follow is -
1. You can check if the correction window is available or not
2. Contact the CAT desk immediately.
Hope this helps
In CAT registration, you cannot create a new user ID with the same mobile number, even if you use a different email ID. Each mobile number and email can be linked to only one account. If you already registered once, the system will not accept a duplicate with that number. To register again, you must use a new mobile number and new email ID. If you lost your old login, you can recover it through the forgot password/user ID option on the CAT portal.
Yes, you can fill the CAT form even if you currently have a backlog. CAT eligibility requires you to be in your final year of graduation or already graduated backlogs don’t stop you from applying.
While filling the form:
Enter the aggregate percentage/CGPA of marks you have obtained up to the latest semester for which results are declared (in your case till 4th semester).
There will be an option to mention that you have a backlog.
If you clear the backlog later, you’ll just need to show the updated marks during admission.
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