Best Books for CAT Preparation, Recommended by MBA Experts
Discover the best books for CAT preparation, recommended by MBA experts. These books cover all important topics, offer useful strategies, and include practice questions to help you succeed in the CAT exam.
Anil Solonki8 Feb, 2025
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Best Books for CAT Preparation: Choosing the right books for CAT (Common Admission Test) preparation is very important for students who want to get into top MBA programs . As competition gets tougher, it's necessary to pick study materials that not only cover the entire syllabus but also offer good strategies and practice questions.
Understanding the CAT Exam
Before diving into book recommendations, it's essential to understand the structure and requirements of the CAT exam:| Understanding the CAT Exam | |
|---|---|
| CAT Exam Highlights | Details |
| Total Questions | 64-76 questions |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Sections | VARC, DILR, and QA |
| Courses Offered | MBA & PGDM |
| Exam Format | Computer-based |
| Registration Fees | INR 2,300 (General), INR 1,150 (Reserved) |
| Eligibility | Minimum 50% in graduation; 45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates |
| Question Types | MCQs and Non-MCQs |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers, no penalty for unattempted questions |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Books for CAT Preparation
Selecting the right books is crucial for effective preparation. Here are some factors to consider:- Up-to-Date Content: Ensure that the books cover all relevant topics in the CAT syllabus.
- Practice Questions: Look for books that offer a variety of practice questions with detailed explanations.
- Previous Year’s Questions: Books should include questions from past CAT exams to familiarize you with the exam format.
- Exam-Like Questions: The difficulty level of practice questions should reflect that of the actual CAT exam.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Reading reviews can provide insights into how effective a book is for preparation.
Recommended Books by Subject Area
To simplify your selection process, we have categorized the best CAT preparation books by subject area.Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Books focused on enhancing verbal skills are crucial for success in the VARC section. Here are some highly recommended titles:| Best Books for CAT Preparation | |
|---|---|
| Book Title | Author/Publisher |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay/Arihant |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Ajay Singh |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR is often considered one of the most challenging sections. The following books can help you master this area:| Best Books for CAT Preparation | |
|---|---|
| Book Title | Author/Publisher |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation | Nishit K. Sinha |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Quantitative Aptitude is fundamental to scoring well in CAT. Here are some essential books:| Best Books for CAT Preparation | |
|---|---|
| Book Title | Author/Publisher |
| Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Kumar Verma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Nishit Sinha |
| R.S. Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude | R.S. Aggarwal |
Additional Resources
Besides core textbooks, certain resources can further enhance your preparation:Mock Tests and Sample Papers
- CAT Mock Test Series: Various coaching institutes like PW offer mock test series that simulate actual exam conditions.
- Previous Year Papers: Solving past year papers can give you a better understanding of question patterns.
Online Resources
In addition to physical books, online platforms also provide valuable resources:- Websites like PW (Physics Wallah) offer video lectures and online courses tailored for CAT preparation.
- Mobile apps dedicated to CAT prep can provide quizzes and flashcards.
Study Plan Recommendations
Creating a structured study plan is vital for effective preparation. Here’s a suggested timeline:- Initial Assessment (1 Week):
- Take a diagnostic test to assess your current level.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Conceptual Understanding (6 Weeks):
- Dedicate two weeks per subject area (VARC, DILR, QA).
- Focus on understanding concepts through recommended books.
- Practice Phase (4 Weeks):
- Solve practice questions from each book.
- Start taking sectional mock tests.
- Revision and Mock Tests (2 Weeks):
- Revise key concepts.
- Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
- Final Touch-Up (1 Week):
- Focus on weaker areas identified in mock tests.
- Ensure you are familiar with exam day protocols.
List of Recommended Books
Here’s a consolidated list of all recommended books:Also Read: CAT Percentile Predictor
Achieve your MBA target with strategic preparation offered by PW MBA Online Coaching . Join now for comprehensive syllabus coverage, doubt support, access to relevant study materials, and weekly test series provided by India’s best MBA faculties.Best Books for CAT Exam FAQs
How can these recommended books enhance CAT preparation?
These books offer comprehensive theory and practice, which are essential for a well-rounded CAT preparation.
Can I find section-specific books in the list of recommendations?
Certainly, the list includes section-wise books for VARC, DILR, and QA tailored to CAT 2023.
Where can I access these recommended books?
You can find these CAT preparation books both online and in physical stores.
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