Choosing the right and best CAT books for exam preparation is important. Since the CAT examination is one of the most competitive examinations till date, you need to sincerely prepare for the exam and score well.
As we all know, more than lakhs of students appear for the CAT exam, and finding the right CAT Preparation Books is very important to kickstart your exam preparation.
Here we have mentioned the section-wise best books that make your CAT preparation easy for subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, Logical Reasoning, and Data Interpretation.
So let’s get started!
What Is CAT Exam?
CAT or The Common Admission Test is an examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) for getting admissions into the best b-schools. However, the CAT scores are accepted by IIMs and other 100 colleges across India like XLRI, TAPMI, MDI for PGDM admissions. This examination is one of the best ways to kickstart your career in management and business.
Importance Of CAT Examination
After completing our undergraduate, most of us want to get admissions into the post-graduate management program from the best colleges. However, to get into the best institutions like IIMs, you need to have a little more than just an undergraduate degree.
Taking up the CAT examination is one of the best ways to add value to your college admission form. Moreover, CAT results will also make it easy to choose the right college.
Your dream to get into a business school becomes real when you clear the examination with good grades.
Best Books For CAT Preparation
One of the most important CAT preparation tips is choosing the right study material. Here are some of the best subject-wise books for CAT exam preparation.
CAT Preparation Books For Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude has gained importance among students and aspirants who are appearing for different competitive examinations. With the changes in exam trends, many books have been reinvented that will offer a great helping hand for people preparing for the quantitative aptitude examination.
Here are the five best quantitative aptitude books for CAT recommended by toppers:
1. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations
Author: Dr. R.S. Aggarwal
Latest Edition: 21 February 2017 (Revised Edition)
Publisher: S.Chand Publishing
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal is one of the best books for CAT preparations. It is a highly-comprehensive guide with 5500+ quantitative aptitude questions that are fully solved.
Moreover, this book is very easy to follow. The chapters in this book begin with easy-to-remember theories with formulas and a few solved questions. The questions in the book are from examinations up to 2016 and follow the latest exam pattern.
This book is divided into two sections, namely arithmetical ability and data interpretation. Another advantage is that, apart from the CAT examination, it is also a helpful guide for other examinations like Bank PO, SBI-PO, IBPS, RBI Exams, MBA, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, IIFT, IGNOU, Railway Recruitment Board Exams, Campus Recruitment Tests, SSC combined preliminary exam, hotel management, and more.
You can buy this book here.
2. Fast Track Objective Arithmetic
Author: Rajesh Verma
Latest Edition: 1 January 2018 (4th Edition)
Publisher: Arihant Publications
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma is the bestseller book from the time the book was published. It covers all the basic concepts required to master arithmetic concepts. Moreover, all the chapters in this book are graded: base and higher skill levels.
This book is a perfect combination of basic concepts and short tricks that helps to solve various aptitude questions. The new edition of the book covers all the examination questions.
It is the best book that helps to improve the quantitative aptitude skills of many aspirants across the country. It covers the syllabus for competitive exams such as RBI, SBI, IBPS PO, SSC, LIC, CDS, UPSC, Management, and all other Entrance Recruitment and Aptitude Test.
The updated version of the book includes new questions, is completely error-free, and has a good command over the subject.
You can buy this book here.
3. A Modern Approach To Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning (2 Colour Edition)
Author: Dr. R.S. Aggarwal
Latest Edition: 1 January 2018 (2nd edition)
Publisher: S. Chand Publishing
The latest edition of Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning is more effective than the previous edition of the same. Moreover, the latest edition of the book includes additional questions from various competitive examinations and is based on the latest exam patterns and trends. This book is suitable for various competitive examinations like SSC, SBI, CGL Tier 1, AFCAT, RBI Grade B, and more.
Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning helps the candidates solve the problems effectively and efficiently. Here is how:
- The author offers questions that are based on the latest exam pattern.
- The book also includes many questions for practice with answers which helps the candidates to learn concepts with the right approach.
You can buy this book here.
4. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into IIMs(Old Edition)
Author: Sarvesh K Verma
Latest Edition: 1 January 2017 (7th Edition)
Publisher: Arihant Publication
Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma is another best book for quantitative Aptitude and is an all-inclusive book for students who want to get into the IIMs. This book is tailor-made for those who are appearing for the CAT examination. It is suitable for those who are from a non-maths background trying to learn the basics.
This quantitative aptitude study material is divided into 21 chapters- Fundamentals, Averages, Allegations, Ratio, Proportion and Variation, Percentages, Profit, Loss and Discount, CI/SI/Instalments, Time and Work, Time, Speed and Distance, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Geometry, Elements of Algebra, Theory of Equations, Set Theory, Logarithm, Functions and Graph, Sequence, Series and Progressions, Permutations and Combinations, Probability and Co-ordinate Geometry.
Every chapter of the book starts with a summary and ends with three leveled practical exercises, including the final revision and some self-analysis. All the practical sums come with detailed hints and solutions.
You can buy this book here.
5. Magical Book on Quicker Maths
Author: M Tyra & K Kundan
Latest Edition: 1 January 2018 (5th Edition)
Publisher: BSC Publishing Co Pvt Ltd
Magical Book On Quicker Maths is another best maths book that helps to improve quantitative aptitude skills while preparing for quantitative examinations like SSC, UTI, GIC, LIC, UPSC, etc.
This book’s main aim is to provide the students with various problems and teach them how to solve these problems most effectively. Moreover, clearing a competitive examination is not just about writing the correct answer; it is about time management.
The author also explains each concept in a simple way that even a student from a non-mathematical background can understand. It has been divided into clearly explainable chapters containing a clear introduction, important formulas and derivations, and practical questions that help ace a concept.
You can buy this book here.
CAT Preparation Books For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension
Verbal Ability is another important section of the competitive examination, especially for those exams that rely on communication, like government jobs and higher education examinations. To clear the examination, you need to have knowledge about word, sentence, and grammar usage. The verbal ability section has over 20-30 questions in the CAT examination.
Here are some of the best books for Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension for CAT preparation:
6. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | 9th Edition
Author: Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
Latest Edition: 15 July 2020 (9th Edition)
Publisher: McGraw Hill
How To Prepare For Verbal Ability And Reading Comprehension For CAT is one of the best-selling Arun Sharma CAT Books for aspirants preparing for the VARC section for CAT and other MBA entrance exams.
This book also gives a clear idea of how to attempt different types of questions and some of the time-saving tips and tricks which will help you clear the examination.
Here are some of the features of this book:
- Revamped reading comprehension section with detailed solutions.
- Newly updated questions in the summary of passage questions that are based on the latest CAT exam pattern.
- The book also includes a new TITA question type without options in the para jumbles and odd man out a chapter.
- It includes tips and tricks for solving grammar-related questions.
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT includes previous years’ question paper for CAT 2018 and 2019 with solutions.
You can buy this book here.
7. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT| Fourth Edition
Author: Nishit K. Sinha
Latest Edition: 12 June 2020 (4th Edition)
Publisher: Pearson
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT 4th edition offers a detailed guide to verbal ability, verbal reasoning, and reading comprehension. It is written based on the latest CAT exam pattern and other competitive exams like SNAP, XAT, IIFT, etc. The book has been presented in the clearest and most comprehensive manner that helps the students to understand each and every concept easily.
The latest edition of this book also includes “odd one out” and “the best summary of the passage” and some of the new exercises in the VARC section. Moreover, some of the passages have also been replaced in the comprehension section that is updated according to the latest exam trends.
You can buy this book here.
8. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension(with 3 Free AIMCATs) | CAT | First Edition | By Pearson
Author: Trishna Knowledge Systems
Latest Edition: 17 August 2017 (1st Edition)
Publisher: Pearson Education
To build a successful career in management, you need to stand out from others and possess good skills, perform well in the examination, and start being proficient in the English language.
This book offers various questions that will be asked in the VARC section of the CAT question paper. The content is mentioned in a way that makes it easy for the readers to gain clarity in each concept.
Moreover, it offers detailed inputs and practical exercises in topics like grammar and sentence correction, vocabulary and usage, general verbal ability and reading comprehension, etc.
This book also comes with three free AIMCATs which allow the students to analyze their learning and prepare for the actual CAT exam.
You can buy this book here.
9. Arihant Publications Approach to REASONING Verbal, Non-Verbal & Analytical
Author: BS Sijwali & Indu Sijwali
Latest Edition: 1 June 2021 (3rd Edition)
Publisher: Arihant Publication
A New Approach to Reasoning is the best reference book for reasoning and is divided into three sections namely verbal, non-verbal, and analytical.
Every chapter in the book begins with an introduction and covers every concept. Each concept is supported with detailed examples and practical exercises with examples. This book includes many solved previous year question papers.
It is suitable for every management book like XAT, CAT, MAT, CMAT, SNAP, IIFT, and others, Banking examinations like PO & Clerk, SSC exams like CGL, 10+2, FCI, CPO, LIC exam like ADO & AAO, and other state PSC exams.
You can buy this book here.
10. Wiley’s Verbal Ability and Reasoning for Competitive Examinations
Author: P.A Anand & Lalit Singh
Latest Edition: 1 January 2016
Publisher: Wiley
Wiley’s Verbal Ability And Reasoning for Competitive Examinations helps to test the aptitude and logical skills of the aspirants. The main aim of this book is to guide the students to understand and master verbal ability and reading questions. The book is designed in a way that helps to develop both verbal and non-verbal skills effectively.
It is one of the most useful books that cover almost all the reasoning topics. The contents of the book include- important tips that help to clear such competitive examinations, 138+ detailed illustrations, 275+ solved practical examples with well-explained solutions, 1700+ practice questions with solutions, and over 10 mock tests with completed solutions.
You can buy this book here.
CAT Preparation Books For Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning and data interpretation is a form of psychometric testing that analyzes the mental ability of the candidates. These tests are designed to test the non-verbal skills of the aspirants.
The sections of the DILR section include Tables, graphical representation, charts and any diagrammatic representation, cubes, Venn Diagrams, Logical Sequence, Logical Matching, Syllogism, Seating Arrangements, Time, Binary Logic, and much more.
Here are the best Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning books for CAT exam preparation.
11. How to Prepare for DATA INTERPRETATION for CAT
Author: Arun Sharma
Latest Edition: 6 June 2019 (6th Edition)
Publisher: McGraw Hill Education
How to prepare for data interpretation for CAT is written by the most popular CAT trainer Arun Sharma. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning is an important skill every CAT aspirant should possess.
The book also offers clear guidance on how to attempt these questions effectively and efficiently and is written keeping in mind the latest CAT exam pattern.
The major features of this book are:
- It is based on the latest CAT examination pattern.
- It includes a separate section that deals with traditional and logical data interpretation.
- This book is completely dedicated to the data interpretation section.
- The book focuses on the basics of the advanced concepts of data interpretation making the readers familiar with all the concepts.
- The book also consists of extensive practice papers that are asked in the CAT and XAT examinations.
You can buy this book here.
12. Analytical Reasoning (2018-2019) Session By Mk Panday
Author: M.K. Pandey
Latest Edition: 1 January 2009 (3rd Edition)
Publisher: Bsc Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd
Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey is another best data interpretation and logical reasoning book for CAT preparation. This book is known for the simple-to-understand language and explains all the important concepts in detail.
The author focuses on helping students to build a strong foundation for concepts of analytical reasoning. The book is very detailed and informative that helps the students to delve into all the DILR topics.
Moreover, it also has different types of practical questions under each topic. Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey is useful for banking examinations, GMAT, and CAT.
You can buy this book here.
13. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT| Seventh Edition| By Pearson
Author: Nishit K. Sinha
Latest Edition: 25 April 2020 (7th Edition)
Publisher: Pearson Education
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT provides strong and relevant concept building and different ways to apply them in practical problems. The practical problems mentioned in this book are fully solved and the questions are based on the recent examination pattern.
The exercises mentioned in this book are divided into three levels- foundation, moderate, and advanced. Students can also evaluate their understanding and knowledge with the previous year’s question papers available.
This book allows you to prepare for the other competitive examinations as well such as XAT, IIFT, SNAP, MAT, IRMA, NMAT, and more with the help of model papers and mock tests.
You can buy this book here.
Conclusion
Most of us want to study further after graduation and the most preferred post-graduate course is MBA. However, to get into a business school and pursue MBA you need to clear the CAT examination. The CAT examination question paper is divided into 3 different sections: QA, VARC, and DILR.
You need to score well in these subjects to clear the examination and get into the best business and management school. As we all know, the best way to study for the examination is to choose the right book.
To make your work easy, here we have mentioned some of the Best CAT books which will make the exam preparation easier.
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