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CAT Books: Best Books for CAT Preparation 2024 (QA, VARC, & DILR)

CAT Books: Best Books for CAT Preparation 2024 (QA, VARC, & DILR)

Edited By Himanshu Shekhar | Updated on Mar 13, 2024 04:32 PM IST | #CAT

CAT books and study material that are recommended by experts and toppers are listed here. Best books for CAT preparation 2024 include NCERT textbooks and books by Arun Sharma, R S Aggarwal, Nishit K. Sinha, Wren & Martin, and Sarvesh K Verma. To ace the Quant section, CAT 2024 can pick Quantum CAT which has beginner to expert-level concept clarity and over 5000 fully solved hand-crafted problems. Find the latest CAT study material 2024 and list of best books for CAT 2024 preparation for Quant, VARC, and DILR here.

Best Books for CAT Preparation 2024

The best books for CAT preparation are those that cover all the essential concepts in a clear and concise manner, offer ample practice questions, and provide effective strategies for taking the exam. The best book for CAT preparation is among the resources suggested by toppers for CAT preparation. Clearing CAT with a good percentile will open the door to the top B-schools in India.

And the selection of the right CAT exam preparation books will play a great role in how well your preparation for the CAT exam goes. After reading this article, you will not only be able to choose the best books to prepare for CAT exam but will also be equipped with tips to excel in the IIM CAT 2024. This article on Careers360 brings you a well-curated list of books that will help you crack the CAT exam with a significantly good score.

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How to pick best CAT preparation books for 2024 exam

Candidates are advised to keep in mind the CAT syllabus while selecting the best book for CAT preparation 2024. Going by the trends, the syllabus for the CAT 2024 is as usual. There are to be three sections consisting of multiple-choice questions. These sections are: verbal ability and reading comprehension; quantitative ability; and data interpretation & logical reasoning. However, the number of questions across CAT important topics may vary. So instead of waiting for the CAT application form to open, you should now start preparing with the best CAT exam books.

  • Latest Edition: Selecting books with the latest edition can be beneficial, as those CAT exam preparation books will include the latest add-ons to the new topics that are added. However, it is not mandatory for the candidates to always look for the latest addition while buying some of the best books for CAT preparation.
  • Rich in content: The author becomes renowned if his content is rich and provides data according to the reader’s needs. Those books that cover most of the topics or help you understand the CAT exam syllabus easily and accurately will be called the best books for CAT preparation.
  • Credible Author: CAT preparation books for beginners available on the market belong to many authors. Some are new authors that try writing a good book. While some are nationally recognized and have established names. While selecting a book, candidates must check the author and try buying CAT exam books from well-known authors only.
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No doubt about the fact that more than 12 crore books have been published till date. The question that arises in the candidate’s mind is “what will be the best books?”. The market is flooded with a number of CAT book series and here Careers360 will help you with the correct selection of books that are rich in content and quality, not quantity. Some of the best books for CAT exam preparation recommended by toppers are given below and can be referred for preparation:

CAT Books for Quant Preparation (Quantitative Aptitude) 2024

Scoring well in this section is important as this section of quantitative ability carries the maximum weightage as per the exam pattern of CAT. Considered to be one of the toughest sections out of the three, the quantitative ability section needs well-versed preparation. Some of the best books for CAT QA section are given below.

QA Books for CAT Preparation 2024:

CAT Preparation Books

Author

Details

How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT

Arun Sharma

  • Covers all necessary topics as per CAT exam syllabus 2024
  • Good and elaborative examples are given
  • The book is divided into three levels of difficulty

Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT

Nishit K. Sinha

  • Practice tests with difficulty levels
  • Questions with solutions are provided
  • Divided into 5 modules

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT

Sarvesh K Verma

  • Topic-wise division along with practice tests
  • More than one solution for the question are given

Note - Apart from the above books candidates can also study from NCERT Books from class 6th to 10th as these will help to solve candidate's concepts. To know about the section-wise preparation strategy, read How to prepare for CAT 2024?

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Best CAT exam books for DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning) 2024

The candidate’s aptitude is tested in this section. Questions in this section can be in the form of puzzles and may test candidates on the basis of logic, structure, and calculation. After the Quantitative Aptitude section, candidates are required to practice this section a lot as it can be challenging at times, especially for beginners who are preparing for CAT 2024 for the first time. Some of the best books for CAT preparation are provided here in this article.

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Books for CAT Preparation:

CAT Books

Author

Details

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma

  • Written according to the latest CAT exam syllabus
  • Can be used for other competitive exams
  • Quick and accurate problem solving is given
  • Exercises to boost thinking in a logical manner
  • New chapters are included
  • Mock tests and sample papers are given for a better understanding
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT

K. Sinha Nishit
  • Fundamental and advanced topics
  • Examples for a better explanation
  • Foundation, moderate, and advance are the three levels for preparation in this book
  • Helpful for other competitive exams as well

Quick Links -

Best books for CAT Preparation of VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) 2024

More commonly known as the VARC section, this section is divided into two parts. The first section is Reading Comprehension and the other is Verbal Ability. Understanding of a candidate’s ability to draw inferences, and passages, and answer questions is tested in reading comprehension.

Whereas the verbal ability section seeks a candidate’s answer to questions related to vocabulary, grammar, sentence completion, etc., Some of the best books for CAT VARC are provided in the following table.

VARC Books for CAT Preparation 2024:

CAT Books

Author

Details

Word Power made easy

Norman Lewis

  • Improves Vocabulary
  • Explains correct usage of words
  • Review exercises at the end of chapters
  • Divided into oriented sections

Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT

Ajay Singh

  • More than 200 passages for better preparation
  • Test papers of other B-School exams are also provided
  • Extensively defined topics as per the syllabus of CAT
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT

Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

  • Mock tests are provided
  • Analysis of past years papers
  • Written in a lucid manner
  • Topic-wise segregation is provided

Quick Link - CAT Exam - Enhance Your Reading and Comprehension Ability

Note - Apart from the book for CAT preparation mentioned above candidates can also follow the below-mentioned tips to become adept in this section of CAT 2024:

  • Read as much as possible. Newspapers, novels, journals, blogs anything that has quality content is good for candidates who are preparing for CAT 2024
  • Refer to junior-grade English books for a better understanding of grammar

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. Which books are best for CAT exam?

Some of the best books for CAT preparation 2024 are " How to prepare for CAT" by Arun Sharma for Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, for Verbal Ability, one must have a look at  "High School Grammer" by Wren and Martin. Apart from these two mentioned books, one can refer to the given article for other study material.

2. Is study material provided by the coaching necessary while preparing for CAT?

No...study material provided by the coaching is not necessary for the preparation. It can be helpful but it is not necessary. While preparing one should focus on the topics he needs to cover and the books or material he required while preparing for the topic instead of coaching study material or best books. One should opt for the mock test series by any coaching or any test provided as mock test are very helpful in preparing for CAT exam.

3. What are the other sources from which one can prepare for CAT?

There are various sources apart from books from which one can prepare for CAT, various sources are can be online study material available which can be free also. Test series provided by various coaching is very helpful. Various online sources(blogs  and website) and online courses (free or paid) are available which can be very helpful.

4. What to read for CAT VARC?

While preparing for CAT VARC section, candidates can refer to Word Power Made Easy- by Norman Lewis and High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin.

5. Which book should I refer for English grammar?

Wren and Martin is highly recommended for strengthening English grammar.  

6. Where can I buy CAT books?

CAT books are available at book shops as well as at online stores such as Amazon, etc. Coaching institutes also provide CAT books and study material to registered candidates.

7. Is studying from recommended CAT books enough?

Apart from CAT books, aspirants should refer to mock tests, sample papers, previous years CAT question papers and secondary study material for complete preparation.


8. How many CAT mock tests should I attempt?

About 25-30 CAT mock tests should be enough to prepare you for cracking CAT with 99 plus percentile. However, some 100 percentilers have practiced 50-60 mock tests.

9. How do I start my CAT preparation for 2024?

One can start CAT preparation 2024 by having a proper study plan, and analysing the CAT exam pattern. Good time management requires the implementation of good preparation tips. 

10. Which books should I prefer for CAT exam?

There are many CAT preparation books that can be a good guide to candidates aspiring to appear for CAT 2024. Such books include " How to prepare for CAT" by Arun Sharma for Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, for Verbal Ability and "High School Grammer" by Wren and Martin.

11. Is 2 months preparation enough for CAT?

Many previous toppers have conveyed in thier interviews that 2 months can be a sufficient time period if the candidate put correct strategy and study plan to utilise those remaining time wisely. 

12. Which book is best for CAT quants?

The best books for CAT Quants are- How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma; Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha and Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma. 

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Questions related to CAT

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The Common Admission Test, is a computer based standardized test conducted in India. It is one of the most prestigious and competitive entrance exams for admission into postgraduate management programs, Including MBA, in various Indian Institutes of Management and other top business schools across the country.

To know more about CAT 2024 like exam date, eligibility, syllabus and more, click on the below link.

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-2024


Both GMAT and CAT exams are considered to be highly competitive. Therefore, it is difficult to measure which one is harder than the other as it depends on the individual strengths ,weaknesses, and personal preferences.

GMAT quant section is often considered to be easier, however, its verbal section is tougher for non-native English speakers. Whereas, CAT quant section is considered to be trickier in comparison to the verbal section. Therefore, students are advised to analyse both CAT and GMAT exam pattern carefully before opting for one.

Hello

Generally admissions are given based on your rank. So based on your overall percentile in JEE your rank could be between 56470 - 63480 approximately.

Unfortunately, Based on the marks you scored, it will be difficult to get admitted into NIT Trichy under OBC category. However there is also a second chance for you to attend for JEE, so I recommend you to take that chance and score better.

You can check the colleges you are eligible for using the below link.

https://engineering.careers360.com/jee-main-college-predictor?utm_source=qna&utm_medium=jee_cp


Hello Aspirant

Congratulations on your score, There are many good B schools at 80-85%ile in CAT and XAT
1)Great Lakes, Chennai
2)IRMA
3) Goa Institute of Management
4) NIBM
5) TAPMI
Do your research about these colleges as to what is their average package, the roles offered.

Colleges like NIBM specialize in Finance, and IRMA has a lot of sales marketing Roles. So ultimately the choice is yours which specialization you want to pursue.

View All

1-radian measures 600. (True/False)

Option: 1

True


Option: 2

False


$111111^2$ = 

Option: 1

123456654321


Option: 2

123454321


Option: 3

123454321


Option: 4

12345654321


1111112 =___________ 

Option: 1

 123456654321


Option: 2

1234554321


Option: 3

123454321


Option: 4

12345654321


159702 is divisible by

Option: 1

7


Option: 2

9


Option: 3

11


Option: 4

6


1600 satellites were sent up by a country for several purposes. The purposes are classified as broadcasting (B), communication (C), surveillance (S), and others (O). A satellite can serve multiple purposes; however a satellite serving either B, or C, or S does not serve O. 

The following facts are known about the satellites: 

1. The numbers of satellites serving B, C, and S (though may be not exclusively) are in the ratio 2: 1:1. 

2. The number of satellites serving all three of B, C, and S is 100. 

3. The number of satellites exclusively serving C is the same as the number of satellites exclusively serving S. This number is 30% of the number of satellites exclusively serving B. 

4. The number of satellites serving O is the same as the number of satellites serving both C and S but not B. 

Question:

What best can be said about the number of satellites serving C? 

Option: 1

Must be between 450 and 725 

 


Option: 2

Cannot be more than 800 
 


Option: 3

Must be between 400 and 800 

 


Option: 4

Must be at least 100 


1600 satellites were sent up by a country for several purposes. The purposes are classified as broadcasting (B), communication (C), surveillance (S), and others (O). A satellite can serve multiple purposes; however a satellite serving either B, or C, or S does not serve O. 

The following facts are known about the satellites: 

1. The numbers of satellites serving B, C, and S (though may be not exclusively) are in the ratio 2: 1:1. 

2. The number of satellites serving all three of B, C, and S is 100. 

3. The number of satellites exclusively serving C is the same as the number of satellites exclusively serving S. This number is 30% of the number of satellites exclusively serving B. 

4. The number of satellites serving O is the same as the number of satellites serving both C and S but not B. 

Question:

What is the minimum possible number of satellites serving B exclusively? 

Option: 1

100


Option: 2

200


Option: 3

500


Option: 4

250


1600 satellites were sent up by a country for several purposes. The purposes are classified as broadcasting (B), communication (C), surveillance (S), and others (O). A satellite can serve multiple purposes; however a satellite serving either B, or C, or S does not serve O. 

The following facts are known about the satellites: 

1. The numbers of satellites serving B, C, and S (though may be not exclusively) are in the ratio 2: 1:1. 

2. The number of satellites serving all three of B, C, and S is 100. 

3. The number of satellites exclusively serving C is the same as the number of satellites exclusively serving S. This number is 30% of the number of satellites exclusively serving B. 

4. The number of satellites serving O is the same as the number of satellites serving both C and S but not B. 

Question:

If at least 100 of the 1600 satellites were serving O, what can be said about the number of satellites serving S? 

Option: 1

At most 475 

 


Option: 2

Exactly 475 
 


Option: 3

At least 475 

 


Option: 4

No conclusion is possible based on the given information 


1600 satellites were sent up by a country for several purposes. The purposes are classified as broadcasting (B), communication (C), surveillance (S), and others (O). A satellite can serve multiple purposes; however a satellite serving either B, or C, or S does not serve O. 

The following facts are known about the satellites: 

1. The numbers of satellites serving B, C, and S (though may be not exclusively) are in the ratio 2: 1:1. 

2. The number of satellites serving all three of B, C, and S is 100. 

3. The number of satellites exclusively serving C is the same as the number of satellites exclusively serving S. This number is 30% of the number of satellites exclusively serving B. 

4. The number of satellites serving O is the same as the number of satellites serving both C and S but not B. 

Question:

 If the number of satellites serving at least two among B, C, and S is 1200, which of the following MUST be FALSE? 

Option: 1

The number of satellites serving C cannot be uniquely determined 

 


Option: 2

The number of satellites serving B is more than 1000 
 


Option: 3

All 1600 satellites serve B or C or S 

 


Option: 4

The number of satellites serving B exclusively is exactly 250 


2839155 is divisible by

Option: 1

2


Option: 2

7


Option: 3

55


Option: 4

None of the above


'a' for which x^{2}-ax+9= 0 can be written as square of a linear factor is

Option: 1

6


Option: 2

-6,6


Option: 3

\left ( 6,\infty \right )


Option: 4

\left ( -\infty,-6 \right )


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