Best Books for CAT Preparation 2025 Recommended by MBA Experts
Common Admission Test 2024 ( CAT )
Looking for best books for CAT 2025? Here are the top 32 CAT books for preparation recommended by MBA experts. These include CAT books by Arun Sharma, Sarvesh Verma and other authors.
Best books for CAT preparation are available online and offline but choosing the right ones can be a challenge. There are a plethora of books in the market but not all of them can be useful. CAT 2025 aspirants must refer to only those CAT preparation books which have detailed explanation of every topic included in the CAT 2025 syllabus as well as sample questions for practice. Study from CAT books recommended by experts only. To help candidates choose the best books for exam preparation, we have prepared section-wise lists of best CAT books. But before shortlisting the books, we suggest that you have a CAT preparation strategy 2025.
Best Books for CAT Preparation and Other Study Material
Your CAT exam preparation should include a comprehensive study plan, relevant books and study material, a workable timetable and CAT mock test series. Some students opt for self-study with the help of CAT preparation books whereas others choose to study at coaching centres which provide complete guidance and best study material. Whichever approach you choose, the most important thing is to refer to study material which inlcudes previous years CAT question papers, sample test papers and practice sets.
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There is a 90% more chance of getting best college recommendations by sharing preferences.CAT 2025 will be held on the last Sunday of November 2025. Equipped with a well-planned strategy and best books for CAT, candidates can crack the exam with high scores. Apart from coaching classes, focus on self-study to crack the CAT 2025 exam. Check out the lists of best books for CAT preparation 2025 in this article.
Q: Which are the best books to prepare for CAT?
Q: What type of Reading Comprehension passages are there in CAT?
Reading Comprehension passages in CAT exam are usually inference based. The topics are usually based on Economy, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences and Current Affairs. There are several types of questions, such as:
- Central theme based questions
- Vocabulary based questions
- Inference based questions
- Title based questions
- Paragraph and Structure based questions
- Tone based questions
The approach to every type of question has to be different depending on their theme. To master this skill, you will need to start preparing for English section of any entrance exam early on. Firstly, you will need to develop reading comprehension speed and skill, secondly, you will have to practice sample RC passages of different types to understand the difference in approach.
Q: What are the best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?
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Best CAT Books for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) is an analytical section that require candidates to have a keen eye for detail and the skill of reading complicated graphs or unravelling jumbled patterns. Strong base in Mathematics is essential for cracking CAT DILR. Check below the list of best books for CAT DILR:
| CAT Books for DILR |
Author/Publisher Name |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
Gautam Puri |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT |
Nishit K. Sinha |
| Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency |
Ananta Ashisha |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT |
Arun Sharma |
Best CAT Books for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) often turns out to be a tough section with dense RC passages and confusing para jumbles. There are no grammar and vocabulary questions in CAT so keep your focus on Reading Comprehension. Check the list of best books for CAT VARC:
| CAT Books for VARC |
Author/Publisher Name |
|---|---|
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT |
Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay/Arihant |
| 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback |
Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/ Simon & Schuster |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT |
Sharma and Upadhyay |
| PSC for VA for CAT |
Nishit Sinha |
Q: What are the best books for CAT Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension preparation?
Q: What are the topics on which I should read books for RC preparation?
Candidates must read books on economy, philosophy, science, astronomy, psychology, sociology, history, geography, psychoanalysis, economics, astronomy, art & culture, literature, fiction novels, auto-biographies and biographies. Most of the passages that appear in any MBA entrance exam are based on these topics. The RC passages length may vary but most of the times the language is tough with foreign words and expressions or a good amount of data.
It is also recommended to candidates to read research papers, survey reports, etc. to have the practice of understanding and relating data in a quick read. Always refer to dictionary for word meanings while reading books.
Q: What are the best section-wise books to prepare for the CAT?
Best CAT Books for Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is the last section of the CAT question paper and if requires mental stamina to go through calculation intensive questions. The more you practice Quants questions, the better it is. You need to have conceptual clarity of Algebra, Mensuration, Arithmetic and Geometry. Check the list of CAT books for Quantitative Aptitude:
| CAT Books for Quantitative Aptitude |
Author/Publisher Name |
|---|---|
| NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10) |
NCERT |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT |
Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT |
Sarvesh Verma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT |
Nishit Sinha |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
RS Aggarwal |
Download:
- CAT 2024 Question Paper: Doenload Free PDF with Answer Key & Solutions
- CAT 2023 Question Paper: Download Free PDF with Answer Key & Solutions
- CAT 2022 Question Paper: Download Free PDF with Answer Key & Solutions
- CAT 2021 Question Paper: Download Free PDF with Answer Key & Solutions
- CAT 2020 Question Paper: Download Free PDF with Answer Key & Solutions
- CAT 2019 Question Paper: Download Free PDF with Answer Key & Solutions
- CAT 2018 Question Paper: Download Free PDF with Answer Key & Solutions
- CAT 2017 Question Paper: Download Free PDF with Answer Key & Solutions
Shiksha spoke to a few experts from top MBA coaching institutes across the country to know which are the best books for CAT 2024 preparation. They shared with Shiksha their list of highly recommended CAT books:
Tarun Malik
So, the very first thing the CAT takers need to make sure is that their fundamentals should be in place. The next very important aspect to crack CAT is 'test taking strategy'. An aspirant must understand the importance of taking tests because only by testing, one can create a strategy to crack CAT. The strategy will include 'selection of questions', 'sequence of questions to attempt', 'Speed with accuracy' and most importantly 'pressure handling'.
Although the study material and CAT mocks distributed by coaching institutes are more than sufficient. We can recommend these CAT books if a student has finished all the course material given by the institute.
Best Books for CAT Preparation Recommended by Tarun Malik
| CAT Books |
Author/Publisher Name |
|---|---|
| Quantum CAT |
Arihant Publications |
| High School English Grammar and Composition Book |
Wren and Martin |
| Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
| Past Years' CAT Questions |
G.K. Publications |
Newspapers and magazines recommended by Tarun Malik for CAT preparation:
- The Hindu
- Time
- Business Week
- Newsweek
- The Economist
- National Geographic
- Fortune
- Business World
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Pratik Gour
CAT preparation 2024 will not be complete without going through a few CAT books like the IMS Theoretical Books of Verbal & Quant. This is a set of books that would not only clear concepts but would also consist of questions to solve which helps to practice.
CAT 500 is another special book from IMS consisting of '500 Must Solve Questions'. If you can solve these questions correctly and in the target time (average 2.5 minutes) then you can be assured that you are on the right path.
Acing the CAT exam and getting the GD-PI calls from targeted B-Schools is just the first step. Beyond that every student needs to build their skills on communication for acing further rounds. There are a few CAT books that we would recommend in different areas which could be a good read like:
CAT Books Recommended by Pratik Gour
| CAT Books |
Author |
Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Seven Habits of Highly Effective People |
Stephen Covey |
Management |
| A Brief History of time |
Stephen Hawking |
Science |
| Cosmos |
Carl Sagan |
Science |
| An Illustrated Retelling of Mahabharta – Jaya |
Devdutt Patnaik |
Mythology & Management |
| India in Slow Motions |
Mark Tully |
Politics |
| Capitalism & Freedom |
Milton Friedman |
Economics |
| Maximum City |
Suketu Mehta |
City Life - Mumbai |
| Long Walk to Freedom |
Nelson Mandela |
Autobiography - Politics |
| Wings of Fire |
APJ Abdul Kalam |
Autobiography |
| Shantaram |
David Gregory Roberts |
Autobiography – City Life |
Other Books Recommends for CAT Preparation by Pratik Gour
Pratik suggests that CAT aspirants must also read non-fiction novels so that they have an incentive to keep reading. Some of them are listed below:
| CAT Books |
Author |
Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Around the world in Eighty Days |
Jules Verne |
Adventure |
| The Time Machine |
H G Wells |
Science Fiction |
| Caves of Steel |
Isaac Asimov |
Science Fiction |
| The Hunger Games |
Suzanne Collins |
Dystopian Fiction |
| Three Men in a Boat |
Jerome K Jerome |
Humour |
| Something Fresh |
P G Wodehouse |
Humour |
| Where Eagles Dare |
Alistair McLean |
Fiction |
Best Books for CAT Preparation Recommended by Deekshant Sehrawat
Deekshant Sehrawat, MBAguru, recommends the following books for CAT preparation 2024:
• Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Kumar Verma
• Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit Sinha
• RS Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations
• Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
Free: DILR Questions with Answers for Practice |
Free: QA Questions with Answers for Practice | Free: VARC Questions with Answers for Practice |
Read most popular articles on Shiksha for CAT Preparation 2025:
| CAT Preparation 2025 |
|
|---|---|
| CAT: Preparation Plan for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning |
|
| CAT preparation: Your love for reading can get you the desired result |
|
CAT Topper Interviews: Exam Tips and Strategy for 2025
Know which CAT books previous year's CAT toppers studied to crack the exam. Also get key exam day tips from CAT toppers to optimise your performance.
| CAT Toppers |
CAT Topper Interviews |
|---|---|
| Kartik Bhageria CAT 2023, 99.99 percentile |
" I began my CAT preparation around July 2023. I spent most of my time giving mocks to practice and try to increase my attempted questions with better accuracy in each attempt." |
| Riddhi Dugar CAT 2023, 99.91 percentile |
"From July, I focused entirely on taking mock tests and sectional tests to maximise my score and have a strategy for D-Day. I completed around 70 mocks from July until the CAT exam day." |
| Rounak Tikmani CAT 2023, 99.90 percentile |
" gave around 110 mocks and made sure I spent enough time analyzing them properly. Taking a mock is not as important as analyzing the mocks and improving on your mistakes. |
| Nisakar Kumar CAT 2023, 99.83 percentile |
"Quant emerged as my strength, whereas DILR presented a challenge. I dedicated time to revising and practising Quant to maintain a solid grasp. I considered myself decent in VARC." |
| Risshi Agrawal CAT 2022, 99.99 percentile
|
"Mocks play a crucial role while preparing for CAT. It helps you determine the strategy which suits you the best." |
| Parul Arora CAT 2022, 99.93 percentile |
"I started preparing for CAT in April. My preparation strategy for CAT was to clear my basic concepts in all topics and then maximum practice." |
| Aditya Singh CAT 2022, 99.90 percentile |
"For my first attempt I attended offline coaching classes, post which I only took the online test series. This year I took the test series from two of the most renowned coaching institutes. Coaching really helps a lot." |
| Atish Naskar CAT 2022, 99.81 percentile |
"I started my CAT preparation back in January 2022. I set a daily target for all 3 sections that included daily 3-4 RCs daily 3-4 LRDI sets 20-30 QA questions or some QA concept understanding. The last 2-3 Months gave mocks and analyzed them properly." |
| Tushar Sarkar CAT 2022, 99.80 percentile |
"My serious preparation started in the month of June 2022. My overall strategy had three parts: Diagnosing my problems, guiding policy for improving and actions." |
| Chirag Gupta CAT 2021, 100 percentile |
"I started preparing in March 2021. I focused mainly on giving mock tests and analysing them. I used to work on my weaknesses by watching various CAT preparation YouTube videos on various topics." Read: Chirag's full interview |
| Bir Anmol Singh |
"I started preparing in April 2021. I solved Arun Sharma sir's CAT books for VARC, LR, DI and Quant. I attempted as many past year CAT questions papers (timed attempt) that I could attempt, on weekends. I used to analyse my shortcomings to improve further." |
| Sagar Sengar CAT 2021, 99.48 percentile |
"I started preparing around the end of June this year and went into the full-throttle mode by end of August. My overall strategy was to first complete the theory end to end and then practice different kinds of problems across all the sections." Read: Sagar's full interview |
| Ved Vineet CAT 2021, 99.40 percentile |
"It is not at all important to join a coaching institute for CAT preparation. You just need to prepare in a disciplined manner." Read: Ved's full interview |
| Sareen Shah |
"Don't delay your prep. Start as early as possible. Solve as many questions as you can. Understand RCs and DILR sets properly. Quality over Quantity should be your aim." Read: Sareen's full interview |
FAQs Related to CAT Books and Study Material
Q: Which are the best books for CAT preparation?
A: For CAT 2025 preparation, books by Arun Sharma, Sarvesh Varma, Nishit K Sinha, Wren & Martin and Word Power Made Easy are highly recommended. They are very helpful in building a strong base in Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning and Verbal Ability as they have large number and large variety of sample questions for practice.
Q: What should be the CAT preparation strategy for freshers?
A: Freshers should start CAT preparation with brushing up basics of Maths and English grammar. Then, move to studying topics of each CAT section. They must also keep solving sample questions to know if they have understood the topic or not. Once, they have completed the CAT syllabus and gained confidence, they must move to solving full length CAT mock tests.
Q: Is studying from recommended CAT books enough to score well in exam?
A: Apart from CAT books, aspirants should practice CAT mock tests, sample papers, previous years CAT question papers and secondary study material for complete preparation. It is very important to understand and practice the application of concepts to be able to solve questions quickly in a speed-based test. For VARC, reading newspapers, books and magazines are a must. for DILR and QA candidates must practice mathematical and pattern based puzzles to develop reasoning and analytical skills. They should also practice mental math for faster calculation.
Q: Can I prepare for CAT 2025 exam in six months?
A: Yes, many previous CAT toppers prepared for the exam in six or less months. However, mostly candidates from Science and Technology background stand a chance of successfully preparing for CAT in six months as they do not have to study Maths topics from the scratch, unlike candidates from Arts background. So, those who have not studied Maths in HSc or Graduation must start CAT preparation much earlier, preferably by March-April.
Q: Which book should I refer for English grammar section of CAT?
A: High School English Grammar by Wren and Martin is highly recommended for strengthening English grammar. Candidates must refer to this book for strengthening fundamentals of English Grammar. It is quite helpful in understanding the rules of English language and usage of words in different context. Sample questions and practice exercises also help in understanding rules of English grammar better.
Q: Are Arun Sharma’s books enough for CAT preparation?
A: Books by Arun Sharma are comprehensive and explains concepts in a simple manner, which is easy to understand. The books also contain test papers having questions of low to high difficulty level which can be immensely helpful in preparing for CAT 2025. However, candidates must refer to other books as well so that they have the experience of a larger pool of practice questions.
Q: Do CAT preparation books that are available in the market have sample questions?
A: Yes, CAT preparation books have sample questions with solutions for candidates to prepare well. Most of the CAT books have 100s of sample questions of a wide variety and different difficulty levels - easy, moderate and high. These sample questions are for practice purpose and highly helpful in mastering application of theorems and formulas.
Q: How many CAT mock tests should I attempt?
A: About 35-40 CAT mock tests should be enough to prepare you for cracking CAT with 99 plus percentile. However, some 100 percentilers of previous years have practiced more than 50-60 mock tests. Candidates must solve mock tests as per their preparation level, because it is quality not quantity that matters in CAT. If they have started scoring 99 percentile in their mock tests, then they must stop and focus on keeping the preparation level high with revision.
Q: From where can I buy CAT books?
A: CAT books are available at bookshops as well as at online stores such as Amazon, Flipkart, etc. Coaching institutes also provide CAT books and study material to registered candidates. Candidates can buy hardcopies as well as get PDFs from various offline and online platforms.
Q: Is study material provided by coaching centres enough for CAT preparation?
A: Coaching centres provide comprehensive study material for CAT preparation such as notes, sample tests, problem solving notes, video explanations, etc. and many students have cracked CAT with high percentile by studying that study material only. However, if one feels they need to look at a few more reference books on CAT, they should do that.
Q: What should be my last month CAT preparation strategy?
A: In the last month of CAT preparation, focus on practicing mock tests and working on your weakness. Keep revising important topics and your strong areas. Once you've achieved maximum score in the mock test stop practicing more questions. Focus more on revision.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 20 hours ago
UNIRAJ MBA is a 2 year programme, offered in PG level. The University offers MBA based on the minimum aggregate of 45% to 50% secured in graduation. along with valid scores obtained in accepted entrance exam. Therefore, candidates have a list of entrance exams that the candidates can pick from. UNIR
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 days ago
Yes. The candidates are advised to check the CDAC C-CAT dates regularly so that they stay updated with the timeline of the examination and admission-related events. It is important for the candidates to be updated with the CDAC C-CAT dates to avoid missing out on important events. The official CDAC
S
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 days ago
CDAC C-CAT 2025 dates have been announced online at cdac.in. Candidates can check the details on when the various exam and admission-related events will be held through the CDAC C-CAT dates 2025. The authorities will not inform the students about the schedule through any other mode. All candidates a
J
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, the CAT 2025 exam will be conducted in three shifts. Until 2019, CAT was conducted in two shifts and the exam duration used to be 180 minutes. However, in 2020, the number of shifts were increased to three and exam duration was reduced to 120 minutes in order to follow the social distancing gui
C
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, candidates can get into the Vidyasagar University MBA course with the CAT percentile. As per the admission guidelines of the university, candidates are shortlisted for the MBA course based on multiple national-level exams such as MAT/XAT/ ATMA/ CMAT. Candidates must make sure to apply for the e
P
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 days ago
No, CAT is not compulsory for admission to AIMS Mumbai. Aspirants with a valid score in any of the accepted entrance exam such as XAT, CMAT, ATMA, MAH CET, etc. can get admission provided they also fulfil the eligibility requirements. Candidates need to provide the entrance exam score in the applica
N
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 5 days ago
Mewar University MBA course admission is entrance-based. Candidates must participate in national-level exams such as CUET-PG, MAT, CMAT, CUET, and MUEE. Therefore, candidates can get admission to the MBA course without a CAT score since candidates can opt for any on of the entrance exams mentioned a
T
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 6 days ago
During CDAC C-CAT counselling process, the candidates will be allotted as per their obtained rank, preferences, category and seat availability. It is important for the candidates to select the correct order of preferences for allotment. The authorities will prepare the allotment list carefully after
S
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 6 days ago
No. The authorities will not allow fresh choice filling for the second round of CDAC C-CAT counselling. Candidates will have to make their selection during the first round of CDAC C-CAT counselling. No changes can be done once the choices are submitted. Fresh choice filling can be done only during t
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 6 days ago
During the CDAC C-CAT counselling process, the candidates will have to select their choice of courses before the final date. It is to be noted that the selection of courses has to be done in the order of preference. This is important as the order of preference will be considered for allotment of sea
J
Beginner-Level 4