Top-Rated CAT Study Material 2025: Must-Have Books and Resources

Top-Rated CAT Study Material 2025: Must-Have Books and Resources

Ongoing Event

CAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 20 Sep' 25

Team Careers360Updated on 09 Sep 2025, 11:41 AM IST

Best study material for CAT 2025 is the foundation for achieving a high percentile in the exam. With a combination of classic books, online CAT study resources, and carefully designed practice material, aspirants can access quality content from anywhere. Whether you follow CAT preparation material for self study or coaching, the right resources enhance accuracy, speed, and confidence.

This Story also Contains

  1. Best Study Material for CAT 2025
  2. Topic-Wise CAT Notes PDFs
  3. Section-Wise Study Material for CAT
  4. Tips to Choose CAT Study Material Effectively
  5. CAT 2025 Study Material
  6. How to Prioritise CAT 2025 Books Based on Your Sectional Strengths and Weaknesses
  7. Best Resources to Improve Speed and Time Management for CAT Preparation
  8. CAT 2025 Ebooks by Careers360
Top-Rated CAT Study Material 2025: Must-Have Books and Resources
CAT Study Material 2025

In this guide, we’ll explore the best study material for CAT exam and:

  • CAT Topic Wise Notes
  • Tips to Choose CAT Study Materials
  • Best Resources for CAT 2025 exam

Best Study Material for CAT 2025

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 utilise 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 CAT Notes PDFs

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 resources form the core of CAT preparation material for self study.

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.

Section-Wise 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 2025. Let’s look at the ideal resources for Quant, VARC, and DILR to boost your preparation.

Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

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, making them an essential part of the best study material for CAT.

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

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 2025 also includes past year RC passages with detailed explanations, which help improve accuracy and reading speed.

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

DILR demands regular practice over theory. Use Arun Sharma’s DILR book and TIME/IMS DILR handouts. Try puzzles and caselets from the 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 form the best study material for CAT and help aspirants achieve top scores.

Tips to Choose CAT Study Material Effectively

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. Using the best study material for CAT 2025 ensures that every hour of preparation counts.

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 resources 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. Selecting the best study material for CAT helps avoid this pitfall.

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 explains logic-based problems step-by-step. In VARC, look for resources that improve grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension through a structured method. These form the foundation of cat preparation material for self study and help you build strong fundamentals.

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. This is a key part of the best study material for CAT 2025.

4. Use Verified Online Platforms

Online study material can be extremely helpful if chosen wisely. These resources include CAT preparation PDFs, video lectures, and sectional quizzes. Many also feature performance tracking to measure progress. Using verified platforms ensures content is created by experts and stays aligned with the evolving CAT exam format, forming another essential piece of the best study material for CAT 2025.

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. Trusted recommendations often lead you to hidden gems that aren’t popular but highly effective. Incorporating these insights completes your best study material for CAT 2025 kit.

CAT Syllabus: Subjects & Chapters
Select your preferred subject to view the chapters

CAT 2025 Study Material

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.

Best Study Material for CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)

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:

Books for VARC

  • 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.’

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Books to Build Vocabulary

  • 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.

CAT 2025: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages
Comprehensive CAT prep guide with focused practice on Verbal Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude.
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Best Study Material for CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

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.

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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

Best Study Material for CAT Quantitative Ability (QA)

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.

Best Study Materials for CAT 2025 - Sample Papers and E-books

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!

How to Prioritise CAT 2025 Books Based on Your Sectional Strengths and Weaknesses

Understanding your sectional strengths and weaknesses is key to effective CAT preparation. Selecting the best study material for CAT 2025 tailored to your needs can save time and improve scores.

Use cat preparation material for self study and online CAT study resources to create a focused strategy.

  • Take a diagnostic mock or sectional test to identify which areas need more attention. Focus on materials that improve weak sections while maintaining strong ones.

  • For weak areas, choose concept-building books and practice sets. For strong sections, use the best study material for CAT 2025 to refine speed and accuracy.

  • Leverage video lessons, PDFs, and quizzes from online CAT study resources to strengthen weak topics efficiently.

  • Use cat preparation material for self study like topic-wise PDFs and mock tests alongside your main books.

  • Track performance in mocks and practice tests to reprioritise books and resources. Focus on gaps using the best study material for CAT exam.

Best Resources to Improve Speed and Time Management for CAT Preparation

Understanding your strong and weak areas is essential for targeted preparation. Use your mock test performance to decide which sections need more focus. Strengthen weak sections first while maintaining accuracy in your strong areas. This approach ensures you get the most out of resources, while also adding cat preparation material for self study. Strategically selecting what to focus on daily helps you follow a practical plan and make the best study material for CAT exam more effective.

1. CAT Preparation Apps with Daily Quizzes and Analytics
Many apps provide daily quizzes covering QA, VARC, and DILR. They offer instant feedback and performance analytics, helping aspirants monitor improvement and adjust their study plan. Incorporating these apps as part of your cat preparation material for self study ensures you can practise consistently, even during short breaks.

2. Flashcards for Formulas, Vocabulary, and Shortcuts
Flashcards are an excellent way to revise key concepts quickly. Create digital or physical cards for mathematical formulas, logical reasoning tricks, and vocabulary terms. Using flashcards regularly with the best study material for CAT exam helps reinforce memory, improve recall speed, and save time during the actual exam.

3. Online Forums for Doubt Clearing and Strategy Insights
Forums like Quora, Pagalguy, and MBAUniverse are invaluable for CAT aspirants. You can clarify doubts, discuss question-solving strategies, and gain tips from toppers. Engaging with these communities alongside your online CAT study resources ensures you stay updated with exam trends and leverage insights from peers who have successfully used the best study material for CAT.

CAT Mock Tests and Test Series

CAT mock tests will be the backbone of one’s best study material for CAT 2025 preparation. Topper Sukumar, who secured the 99+ percentile in the CAT exam, says, “Taking mock tests and analysing 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 analyse the tests properly.” This demonstrates why taking mocks is indispensable in any cat preparation material for self study strategy.

CAT Coaching Study Material

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 resources for structured best study material for CAT 2025 preparation.

1. Structured Learning Path
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. Using this as cat preparation material for self study ensures you follow a clear roadmap.

2. High-Quality Practice Questions
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 most likely to appear in the exam using the best study material for CAT exam.

3. Full-Length and Sectional Mock Tests
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, making it an essential part of best study material for CAT 2025.

4. Expert-Curated Shortcuts and Tricks
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, forming a core part of best study material for CAT.

5. Inbuilt Doubt Support and Mentoring
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, completing a well-rounded preparation strategy.

CAT 2025 Ebooks by Careers360

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

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CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT

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CAT 2025 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material

Download Now

CAT 2025 Important Formulas

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Past 10 years CAT Question Papers with Answers

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CAT 2025 preparation tips with 30-day study material by Experts

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CAT 2025 Quantitative Aptitude Study Material PDF - Geometry and Mensuration

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CAT 2025 Complete Revision Kit

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CAT 2025 GD PI Preparation: Experts and Toppers Tips

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CAT 2025 Syllabus & High-Weightage Topics Guide

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CAT 2024 Official Question Paper with Solutions

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CAT 2023 Official Question Paper with Solutions

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CAT 2025 Number System - Important Concepts & Practice Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best study material for CAT 2025?
A:

The best study material for CAT 2025 includes books like Arun Sharma for Quant, Nishit Sinha for DILR, Word Power Made Easy for VARC, topic-wise notes, practice PDFs, and mock tests from reputed institutes.

Q: Can I prepare for CAT with self-study material only?
A:

Begin by understanding the CAT syllabus, analysing previous year papers, and creating a timetable that balances Quant, LRDI, and VARC preparation.

Q: How much time should I dedicate daily in a 1-year CAT plan?
A:

Yes, using CAT preparation material for self study is enough if it includes concept-building books, sectional practice sets, mock tests, and revision notes. Regular practice and analysis are key.

Q: Are online CAT study resources useful?
A:

Online CAT study resources provide video lessons, daily quizzes, sectional tests, and performance analytics, which help aspirants track improvement and revise effectively.

Q: Do I need coaching material for CAT?
A:

You can succeed using the best study material for CAT exam through self-study, but coaching material can provide structured guidance, shortcuts, and mock tests for faster preparation.

Q: How important are mock tests in a 1-year CAT study plan?
A:

Regular CAT mock tests help track progress, improve time management, identify weak areas, and boost confidence for the actual exam.

Q: Is taking mock tests important during 4-month CAT prep?
A:

Mock tests help you improve speed, accuracy, and time management. They also show your strengths and weaknesses.

Q: Is it enough to prepare using just one book per section?
A:

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.

Q: Can I rely on online CAT study material instead of books?
A:

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.

Q: How do I choose the right CAT material for my level?
A:

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.

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Questions related to CAT

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Have a question related to CAT ?

Hello Aspirant,

Since your payment status shows "S" , it means your payment is successful. The "payment unsuccessful" message on the form is likely a temporary system error or a delay in updating.

Do not make another payment.

Making a second payment could cause a double debit, which is difficult to get a refund for. You should:

  1. Wait 24-48 hours for the status to update automatically.

  2. Download and save a copy of your form and a screenshot of the "S" payment status as proof.

  3. Check your bank statement to confirm the money has been debited.

  4. If the issue is not fixed after 48 hours, contact the official CAT helpdesk immediately with your transaction details.

Hello

The CAT 2025 exam is a national-level MBA entrance test for IIMs and top B-schools in India. It will be held on 30th November 2025 in computer-based mode across ~170 cities.
The registration is open from 1st August to 13th September 2025 on iimcat.ac.in .
Admit cards will be available from 5th November 2025 onward.
Graduates with at least 50 marks (45 for SC/ST/PwD) are eligible to apply.
The exam tests English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude in three timed sections.

Yes, you can pursue an MBA at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, through the CAT exam.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Educational Qualification: A bachelor's degree with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST/PwD candidates) from a recognized university.

  • Entrance Exam: A valid CAT score is required for admission.

Admission Process:

  1. Application: Register online through the BBAU admission portal.

  2. Entrance Exam: Appear for the CAT exam and obtain a valid score.

  3. Counseling: Shortlisted candidates will be called for counseling based on their CAT scores.

  4. Document Verification: Submit necessary documents for verification.

  5. Fee Payment: Complete the fee payment to confirm admission.

Course Details:

  • Duration: 2 years (full-time).

  • Specializations: Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, among others.

Placement Opportunities:
BBAU has a strong placement record, with top companies recruiting MBA graduates.

For more details and to apply, visit the  official BBAU MBA admission page

Hello Amgothu

With 305 marks in ICAR PG and being from ST category, your chances of getting an AIEEA (CAT) seat is good, especially in plant sciences and less competitive subjects