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Preparing for CAT 2025? Choosing the best study material for CAT 2025 is the first step toward a high percentile. With a mix of traditional books, online CAT study resources, and expert-designed content, aspirants can now access powerful tools from anywhere. Whether you rely on CAT preparation material for self study or coaching, the right resources boost accuracy, speed, and confidence. In this guide, we’ll explore the best study material for CAT exam to help you prepare smartly and effectively.
The market is flooded with a plethora of books and study material for the CAT exam for MBA, and it is obvious that aspirants will get baffled in their attempt to pick the best ones. In other words, one must utilize the books and study materials for CAT recommended by toppers and experts. First, let us take a glimpse at the exam pattern for CAT 2025.
Topic-wise notes, PDFs, and shortcuts are key elements of the best study material for CAT 2025. They simplify complex concepts, support quick revision, and boost speed. Whether you're solving Quant, DILR, or VARC, these tools form the core of the best study material for CAT, helping maximise accuracy and performance.
CAT Topic-Wise Notes
Topic-wise notes break down the CAT syllabus into smaller, manageable parts for each subject. They allow aspirants to study concepts in depth—one at a time—ensuring clarity and retention. Whether it’s Arithmetic in Quant, RC strategies in VARC, or puzzle types in DILR, structured notes are considered the best study material for CAT 2025. These notes help you track progress, revise quickly, and build mastery over time, making them an essential part of the best study material for CAT.
CAT Shortcuts
CAT is all about time management and accuracy, this is where shortcuts become crucial. Math tricks, logic patterns, and RC scanning techniques can save valuable time during the test. These shortcuts are built through regular practice and are often included in the best study material for CAT 2025. They’re not a substitute for concepts but a complement to smart strategy. If you want to improve your speed and score, mastering shortcuts is a must and part of the best study material for CAT.
Choosing the right section-wise CAT preparation material for self-study is key to scoring well. With the rise of online CAT study resources, aspirants can now access the best study material for CAT exam easily. Let’s look at the ideal resources for Quant, VARC, and DILR to boost your preparation.
For Quant, start with Arun Sharma's How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude—a trusted book for concept clarity and practice. Supplement this with online CAT study resources like 2IIM and Cracku for video lessons and quizzes. For CAT preparation material for self-study, focus on topic-wise PDFs and formula sheets that cover Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry thoroughly. These tools make it easier to master concepts and practice smartly.
Improve VARC using Word Power Made Easy for vocabulary and Norman Lewis for grammar basics. Practise RCs from IMS VARC 100 and daily editorials from The Hindu, Aeon, or The Guardian. For CAT preparation material for self-study, explore online CAT study resources like RC practice portals and parajumbles apps. The best study material for CAT exam also includes past year RC passages with detailed explanations.
DILR demands regular practice over theory. Use Arun Sharma’s DILR book and TIME/IMS DILR handouts. Try puzzles and caselets from CAT previous year papers. Online CAT study resources like YouTube channels and apps offer daily DILR sets. For CAT preparation material for self-study, focus on variety—tables, graphs, seating arrangements—to sharpen accuracy. These collectively make up the best study material for CAT exam success.
Choosing the right CAT study material is crucial for smart preparation. With so many resources available, it’s important to pick those that match the latest CAT exam pattern 2025, cover core topics, and suit your learning style.
1. Align with the Latest CAT Syllabus
Start by checking whether the study material covers the complete CAT 2025 syllabus. It should include all the major topics from Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC). Updated study material will also reflect changes in exam trends, such as question formats and difficulty levels. Using outdated books or resources can lead to wasted effort on irrelevant topics.
2. Prefer Concept-Building Books for Beginners
If you're new to CAT prep, choose books that focus on strengthening your basics. For Quant, Arun Sharma’s Quantitative Aptitude is widely recommended for its gradual approach from basic to advanced problems. For Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, Nishit Sinha’s book is known for explaining logic-based problems step-by-step. In VARC, look for books that improve grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension through a structured method. Building strong fundamentals is the foundation for scoring well.
3. Include Practice Sets and Mock Tests
It’s not just about theory, practice is equally important. Look for study material that includes topic-wise practice sets, CAT sample papers, and full-length mock tests. Solving different types of questions under timed conditions helps you develop speed and accuracy. Books or eBooks that come with answer explanations and strategy tips give you an added advantage by helping you learn from your mistakes and refine your approach.
4. Use Verified Online Platforms
Online study material can be extremely helpful if you choose it wisely. These resources include CAT preparation PDFs, video lectures, and sectional quizzes. Many of these also include performance tracking, which helps you measure your progress. Using verified platforms ensures that the content is created by experts and stays in tune with the evolving CAT exam format.
5. Read Reviews and Ask for Peer Recommendations
Before purchasing any study material, take time to read reviews on platforms like Quora and MBA forums. Ask peers or mentors which books or resources worked best for them. Real experiences from other aspirants can help you avoid wasting time and money on low-quality content. Trusted recommendations often lead you to hidden books or guides that aren't as popular but are incredibly effective.
With the help of the best books for section-wise preparation of CAT, one can crack CAT 2025 with a good score. Let us have a look at the best study material for all three sections for CAT 2025.
A good percentile is achievable in this section if one utilises the following strategy and refers to the following VARC study material for IIM CAT 2025:
How to Prepare for the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay (Tata McGraw-Hill) is a workbook with practice questions and tips based on previous CAT papers.
Norman Lewis’ Word Power Made Easy.
CAT toppers recommend ‘GMAT Official Guide’ and ‘Manhattan Verbal.’
Barron’s Pocket Guide to Vocabulary
Nishit Sinha’s The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning (Pearson) covers a wide range of topics explained in an easy-to-understand manner.
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Regular Reading is the key - Reading quality newspapers such as ‘The Economist’, magazines like ‘India Today’, editorials, journals, and novels is proven to be one of the best study materials for the VARC section. Mark difficult words as you read and learn their meaning from the dictionary. Also, solving word puzzles and crosswords in the daily newspaper can be a game-changer for those whose forte does not lie in VARC.
From the level of basic to advanced preparation, aspirants can take aid from the following study material for DILR:
Books for DILR-
How to prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT by Arun Sharma (Tata McGraw-Hill)
How to prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Arun Sharma (Tata McGraw-Hill)
How to prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
Nishit Sinha's The Pearson Guide to Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation
The Great Book of Puzzles & Teasers by George J Summers
Additionally, Manek Daruvala, Director of T.I.M.E., vouches for the book ‘Puzzles to Puzzle You' by Shakuntala Devi to boost LR and DI preparation.
Newspapers and Business Magazines - Study pie charts and graphs from business magazines and newspapers, like:
The Economist
The Economic Times
Business Standard
Financial Chronicle
Financial Express
The Hindu Business Line
Brainstorming activities - After you are done with your daily preparation, take some time and indulge in brainstorming sessions.
The following CAT study material for QA is highly recommended by toppers and experts to master the problem-solving approach:
Arun Sharma’s ‘How to Prepare for Quantitative Ability for CAT’, published by Tata McGraw-Hill. |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (Tata McGraw-Hill) has a comprehensive step-by-step problem-solving guide. |
How to Prepare for the CAT Common Admissions Test by Muhamed Muneer, published by Om Books, is another book that is simple and easy to understand. |
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit Sinha, published by Pearson. |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams by Trishna Knowledge Systems (Pearson) has many practice exercises of increasing difficulty for a gradual transition. |
Arun Sharma’s The Complete CAT Digest, by Tata McGraw-Hill, is a must-have for any CAT aspirant. |
CAT Topper Rahul, who scored 100 percentile, recommends T.I.M.E. material to learn the basics of QA. He suggests referring to LOD-2 and 3 of Arun Sharma’s book for a little more advanced difficulty. |
We have provided below the direct links to access sectionwise, topic specific MCQs, to add a boost in your preparation journey. These MCQs help students in analyzing their preparation across different sections such as VARC, QA and DILR.
Once a strong foothold has been established in all the topics under each section, the next step would be to solve the CAT 2025 sample papers. Practice past years’ CAT question papers, and if possible, purchase a dedicated book that contains a question bank of all the past years' CAT question papers. Solving sample papers for CAT 2025 will help in quickly learning the important words and formulae in terms of the examination.
One of the top choices of study materials for the CAT exam is the book ‘Face to Face CAT Common Admission Test’ by Arihant Publishers. It consists of previous years' solved papers for thorough and final practice. The book also comes with a CD of CAT sample papers.
Further, CAT preparation e-books are a great source of wholesome information. The best part is that most of them are available online and don’t cost a penny!
CAT mock tests will be the backbone of one’s CAT 2025 preparation. Topper Sukumar, who secured the 99+ percentile in the CAT exam, says, “Taking mock tests and analyzing them played a very crucial role in my performance. It helped me create a strategy for the D-day and gave me an idea about my weak and strong areas.”
In fact, Topper Somansh shares that he did not buy any study material for CAT apart from a test series by a reputed institute. “The test series provided me with enough sectional tests, full tests, etc. I went through Arun Sharma's books for all three sections, but I feel all the concepts, logic, and techniques required will be encountered if you give the full-time tests of a test series and analyze the tests properly.”
CAT coaching study material is specially curated by top institutes like TIME, IMS, and Career Launcher, based on the latest exam trends. It includes concept theory, sectional tests, mocks, and strategy guides. These resources form a strong base for aspirants aiming for 99+ percentile and are among the most trusted tools for structured CAT preparation.
CAT coaching material is organised in a progressive manner—from basic to advanced level. This structure helps aspirants build concepts gradually, reducing overwhelm and ensuring no topic is skipped. Each subject is divided into modules, making self-paced or guided learning much easier.
The questions included in coaching material are designed by CAT experts and often reflect the latest exam trends. They cover different levels of difficulty and question types, from concept-building to exam-level challenges. This ensures you’re practising the kind of questions that are most likely to appear in the exam.
Coaching institutes provide regular mock tests—both full-length and sectional. These simulate the actual CAT environment and help improve time management, stamina, and exam temperament. Detailed analysis after each test allows students to identify weak areas and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Study material from top coaching centres includes proven shortcuts and problem-solving techniques that save time during the exam. These tricks are the result of years of analysis by CAT mentors and can significantly improve your solving speed and accuracy in Quant and DILR.
Many coaching materials come with the option of mentor-led doubt sessions or digital doubt-clearing platforms. This ensures that students don’t stay stuck on concepts and receive timely guidance. It’s especially useful when preparing through online CAT study resources.
CAT study materials are inevitable for the CAT exam success of any candidate. CAT materials not only provide guidance on attempting the CAT exam but also remain the go-to guide for candidates throughout their CAT preparation journey. Careers360 has compiled a collection of the most reputed CAT exam study materials for the reference of the candidates. Referring to these study materials for the CAT can definitely sharpen the skills of the candidates.
CAT Exam Material | Authors | Category | Key Features |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma | Quantitative Aptitude | Comprehensive coverage, various difficulty levels, practice questions, and solved examples |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Sinha | Quantitative Aptitude | Detailed explanations, practice questions, and CAT-specific strategies |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma | Quantitative Aptitude | Conceptual clarity, practice questions, tips, and tricks for quick problem-solving |
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Meenakshi Upadhyay, Arun Sharma | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Comprehensive coverage, practice exercises, tips for RC and verbal ability |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Detailed explanations, practice questions, and strategies for solving DI and LR problems |
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Extensive practice questions and step-by-step solutions cover a variety of logical reasoning topics |
Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Verbal Ability | Vocabulary building, easy-to-follow exercises, and practical usage of words |
High School English Grammar & Composition | Wren & Martin | Verbal Ability | Grammar rules, practice exercises, composition tips |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Abhijit Guha | Quantitative Aptitude | Extensive practice questions and detailed solutions, suitable for various competitive exams |
Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashish | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Comprehensive coverage of DI and DS topics, practice questions, and strategies for quick solving |
CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Detailed explanations, practice questions, and CAT-specific strategies |
PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Practice exercises, tips for RC and verbal ability, and CAT-specific strategies |
30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary | Dr. Wilfred Funk, Norman Lewis | Verbal Ability | Vocabulary-building exercises, practical usage of words, easy-to-follow format |
The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Nishit Sinha | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Comprehensive coverage, practice exercises, and CAT-specific strategies |
Kaushik Kapoor, Director at Erudite, also shares his expert tips on the best study material for CAT preparation. In addition to books and coaching material for basic study, mocks, and advanced sectional tests, he recommends using applications (Apps) for CAT test training and practice questions. These apps are available on the Android and iOS platforms.
“Online blogs like the LRDI of the Day series by learningroots.com are very good. Also, 2iim's question bank is very good for advanced concepts,” says Hitesh Lohani.
Furthermore, public discussion forums can prove useful in solving queries, exchanging preparation material, and giving tips. According to Hitesh, “the best way to keep calm and confident during this process is to interact with your fellow CAT exam 2025 aspirants. I had a WhatsApp group of people who were also preparing for the CAT exam, and together we used to discuss our queries, mocks, ups and downs, and share jokes, and it made my preparation memorable,” he says. Other platforms, like Careers360’s Q&A, also welcome queries and discussions related to CAT 2025 preparation.
The CAT 2025 eBooks by Careers360 are a handy resource for anyone serious about cracking the exam. These free PDF downloads cover everything from the latest CAT syllabus and section-wise strategies to past question trends and formula sheets. Whether you're working on Quantitative Ability, VARC, or DILR, these eBooks help simplify complex topics. They’re perfect for focused revision and are easily accessible for students studying on the go.
eBook Title | Download Links |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers | |
CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT | |
CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material | |
CAT 2025 Important Formulas | |
Past 10 years CAT Question Papers with Answers | |
CAT 2025 preparation tips with 30-day study material by Experts | |
CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Study Material PDF - Geometry and Mensuration | |
CAT 2025 Complete Revision Kit | |
CAT 2025 GD PI Preparation: Experts and Toppers Tips | |
CAT 2025 Syllabus & High-Weightage Topics Guide | |
CAT 2024 Official Question Paper with Solutions | |
CAT 2023 Official Question Paper with Solutions | |
CAT 2025 Number System - Important Concepts & Practice Questions |
The Guardian and Project Syndicate are among the most recommended for reading articles of global and national economic importance. Other than these, candidates can refer to newspapers as well.
Yes, CAT preparation can be done at home if the candidate executes the correct strategy and practice mock tests to know their weaknesses and fill the gaps.
Candidates shall start preparing for the CAT exam by getting a proper idea of the syllabus and exam pattern. Then analyzing your strong and weak points and working upon them according.
Start with building concepts in the first month, then gradually shift to practice and mocks. By the third and fourth months, focus more on revision and test strategy.
Yes, with a focused study plan and regular practice, many candidates have cracked CAT in 4 months through self-study. Consistency and smart time management are key.
The Hindu, Economic Times, and The Business Standard are generally considered to be the most useful newspapers for CAT aspirants.
Some of the most recommended books include How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma and Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Nishit Sinha. These books cover all key topics with detailed explanations and practice questions suited for every level.
Aim for 3–5 hours of focused study daily. Increase time on weekends or holidays to revise and take full-length mock tests.
Not always. One book is a good starting point, but combining it with sectional tests, mock papers, and CAT eBooks or PDFs from platforms like Careers360 gives you a more rounded preparation.
Yes, if it’s from trusted sources like Careers360. These platforms offer updated CAT PDFs, video lessons, and topic-wise tests that are often as good or better than printed books.
Start with basic concept-building books if you're new to CAT. If you've already taken the exam or are confident in the basics, move to advanced problem sets and full-length mocks to strengthen exam strategy and speed.
Mock tests help you improve speed, accuracy, and time management. They also show your strengths and weaknesses.
Hello aspirant,
The CUSAT CAT 2025 inaugural real-time spot admission will take place at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) from August 4–6. For admission to a variety of undergraduate (B.Tech) and graduate (MSc) programs, the Common Admission Test, or CUSAT CAT, is an entrance exam. Every year, it features sections in mathematics/biology, chemistry, and physics.
For complete information, you can visit our site through following link:
https://www.careers360.com/exams/cusat-cat
Thank you
Hello Aspirant,
Yes, if your caste is listed under Central OBC and you come under the category of Non-Creamy Layer, then you shall be eligible for the OBC-NCL reservation in the CAT exam and IIM admissions, irrespective of its being categorized as OEC in Kerala. Remember to get a valid OBC-NCL certificate obtained as per the format prescribed by the Government of India.
Hey Vijay:)
Thanks for reaching out!
OEC,(Other Eligible Communities) is a state-specific reservation category used in Kerala,and it is not recognised as a separate category in central-level exams like the CAT.
For Central govt exams candidates must choose from the recognised categories: General,SC,ST,OBC-NCL,EWS or PwD.If your community is listed under OEC-SC or OEC-ST in Kerala,you should check whether it falls under SC or ST in the central list and apply accordingly.
Similarly,If your OEC community is in the central OBC list and you meet the non-creamy layer(NCL)rules,you can apply as OBC-NCL, otherwise you need to apply under the general category.
You can verify caste's status in the central list on the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) website.
Hope this clears your doubt!
You can easily get CAT previous year question papers online in PDF format, with solutions too. Websites like CollegeDunia, Careers360, SelfStudys, Cracku, and Aglasem have papers from CAT 2024, 2023, 2022… even back to the 1990s.
Hi dear candidate,
The score of your CAT exam is valid for one year from the date of exam.
For example: If your CAT exam was held on 24th November 2024 then your score is valid till 31st December 2025 meaning that you can take admission in the academic year 2025 - 27.
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