If you are taking the CAT entrance exam, it should be your top priority to keep an eye out for the best CAT books for exam preparation. This article will deal with the books you should refer for CAT 2024.
Why Selecting the Right Books is Important for CAT Exam Preparation
The CAT exam is of utmost importance in the student’s academic and professional career. Due to the significance of this test in the student’s life, CAT is one of the toughest exams that provides a gateway into the top B-schools in the country. Scoring well in this exam enables you to be a part of the highly revered IIMs of the country, offering prestigious MBA programs.
To find success in the CAT exam, the examinee needs appropriate study material that covers the challenging and diverse topics of the exam without missing out on any aspect of the CAT Exam syllabus, providing a fundamental understanding. The right books and study materials provide comprehensive theory, practice questions, and detailed solutions for an effective strategy to crack this exam. Therefore, selecting the best possible books that are appropriate to your understanding ensures a structured and effective study strategy, leading to confidence on the exam day.
Section Vise Books for CAT Preparation
Choosing the right study material and the best books for CAT preparation is the first step towards success. However, MBA aspirants are often confused about the books to study while preparing for the exam. However, to crack the CAT 2024 exam, you need to not only choose the right books but also understand how to study them.
This article is aimed to clear your confusion about choosing the best books for CAT, as we have mentioned the books to study according to the subjects.
Quantitative Aptitude books for CAT
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is a crucial section of the CAT exam, comprising the remaining 22 questions out of the total 66 questions, accounting for approximately 33% of the exam. QA evaluates candidates’ mathematical proficiency and problem-solving skills in topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Strong quantitative abilities and familiarity with mathematical concepts and formulas are essential for success in the QA section.
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K Verma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit K Sinha |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha |
1. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT — Arun Sharma
This book by Arun Sharma is one of the most popular among the students preparing for CAT. The topics in the book are explained in a manner that students find easy to understand. Moreover, every topic has multiple difficulty levels. Aspirants can refer to this book for not only CAT but also for other competitive management exams like NMAT, XAT, IIFT, etc.
2. Quantum CAT — Sarvesh K Verma
A comprehensive book by Sarvesh Verma, the Quantum CAT covers all aspects of QA. CAT aspirants who don’t have a mathematical background can also study and understand the concepts easily. The author has included custom content to help students learn the concepts on their own.
3. Quantitative Aptitude for CAT — Nishit K Sinha
Especially meant for the CAT exam, the Quantitative Aptitude book by Nishit Sinha is one of the most preferred books by students. It covers all the essential topics from basic to advanced. Written by an IIM Lucknow alumnus and published by Pearson, this book is great for scoring good marks in quantitative aptitude.
4. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations — Abhijit Guha
This Quantitative Aptitude book by Abhijit Guha is meant for multiple competitive examinations. For the CAT exam, this is another comprehensive book that is also recommended by online CAT coaching institutes.
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension books for CAT
The VARC section of the CAT exam is meant to test your English language skills. It consists of reading comprehension passages followed by questions that test comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. This section comprises 24 out of the total 66 questions in the CAT exam, accounting for approximately 36% of the exam. Strong reading habits, vocabulary, and grammar skills are essential to excel in VARC.
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension For The CAT | Nishit Sinha |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| High School Grammar and Composition | Wren and Martin |
1. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT — Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
For brushing up verbal and reading comprehension skills, this book by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay is among the best sources out there. Covering all the crucial topics, breadth of reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and verbal ability, this book offers enough practice papers and mock quizzes to test the preparation level.
2. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension For The CAT — Nishit Sinha
Nishit Sinha has done a great job in this book for verbal ability and reading comprehension in the CAT exam. Published by Pearson, this book also comes with various mock tests, important techniques to solve problems quickly, and covers all the important topics.
3. Word Power Made Easy — Norman Lewis
For improving vocabulary for the CAT exam, Word Power Made Easy is one of the best books out there. But for better preparation, you must spend some time on it regularly. The role of this book is to enrich your vocab which will indirectly help in improving verbal ability.
4. High School Grammar and Composition — Wren and Martin
This is a gem book for English Grammar and Verbal Ability in all sorts of competitive exams. Preferred by even the CAT toppers, you can rely on Wren and Martin’s High School Grammar and Composition book for improving your grammar.
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation books for CAT
The DILR section evaluates candidates’ logical and analytical abilities. It involves interpreting data presented in various forms such as tables, charts, and graphs, and answering logical reasoning questions. DILR comprises 20 out of the total 66 questions in the CAT exam, contributing approximately 30% of the exam. Candidates must practice different types of reasoning puzzles and data interpretation techniques to perform well in DILR.
| How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit Sinha |
1. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT book by Arun Sharma
Arun Sharma has again done a great job for CAT aspirants with his book covering all the important logical reasoning chapters and topics thoroughly. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT book also has examples and solved problems of several difficulty levels.
2. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha
Nishit Sinha’s CAT logical reasoning book comprises topics from basic to advanced level under several chapters. You will find detailed topics with solved problems and examples, exercises etc. A handy book for the CAT exam.
Arun Sharma and Nishit Sinha are two of the top players when it comes to providing the best books for CAT preparation. There are also several more books available in the market, but you can go with the books we mentioned above to study with the best content and material.
Also Read :
Why Cat Exam is Tough | Complete Analysis
Factors to Consider When Selecting CAT Exam Preparation Books
Before purchasing CAT preparation books, candidates should consider several factors to ensure effective and efficient preparation:
1. Alignment with Exam Pattern:
Ensure that the CAT books cover all sections (quantitative aptitude, data interpretation and logical reasoning, verbal ability, and reading comprehension) as per the latest exam pattern and syllabus.
2. Author and Publisher Reputation:
Choose books authored by renowned experts or published by reputable publishers known for their quality study material. This ensures reliability and accuracy in content presentation.
3. Latest Editions:
Opt for the latest editions of CAT preparation books to access updated content, new practice questions, and revised strategies based on recent exam trends and changes.
4. Reviews and Recommendations:
Seek reviews and recommendations from successful CAT aspirants, mentors, or coaching institutes to identify books that have proven effective in helping candidates crack the CAT exam.
5. Practice Material:
Evaluate the availability and quality of practice questions, mock tests, and solved examples provided in the books. Adequate practice material is crucial for honing problem-solving skills and familiarizing oneself with the exam format.
By considering these pointers, candidates can make informed choices while selecting CAT books and study material, ensuring comprehensive and effective preparation for the CAT exam in 2024. These considerations ensure that the chosen books align with the exam requirements and contribute significantly to CAT preparation success.
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Must Read :
Things to Carry for the CAT Exam
Is CAT EXAM Compulsory for MBA
FAQs about CAT Exam Preparation Books
-Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma
-NCERTs
-Arihant past year papers.
-Topic tests and videos on Percentilers app
-Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit Sinha
-Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma
Q2: Which books are recommended for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning?
-100 LDRI challenge series
-Word power made easy
-1000RCs pdf
-Wren and Martin
-Reading List- Guardian, Economic Times, Philosophy Now,
-History18, Wall Street Journal
Solving past year question papers is extremely important for CAT preparation. The CAT exam does not have a well-defined syllabus or fixed pattern, making it crucial to understand the exam through previous years’ papers. Past papers provide insights into the level of difficulty, types of questions, and overall exam structure. By solving these papers, candidates can familiarize themselves with the exam format, identify important topics, and practice time management. Moreover, analyzing past year’s papers helps in understanding trends and patterns, enabling effective preparation and boosting confidence for the actual exam.
The answer depends on the individual’s needs and circumstances. It’s important to consider whether they require assistance in managing the vast amount of exam-related information from various sources and what specific challenges they are encountering. If they need mentorship or structured coaching, CAT coaching can be helpful. At times, coaching also provides insights into personal interviews and tips and tricks that only experienced professionals can share. Therefore, one must assess their requirements and make an informed decision accordingly.