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

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

Team Careers360Updated on 14 Dec 2025, 11:28 PM IST

As aspirants begin their preparation for CAT 2026, choosing the right study material becomes one of the most important steps. Quality resources help build strong concepts, improve speed, and guide practice in the right direction. The top-rated CAT study material for 2026 includes updated books, sectional practice sets, online lectures, and full-length mock tests that match the latest exam pattern. Using a balanced mix of these materials ensures smarter preparation and better performance across VARC, DILR, and QA.

This Story also Contains

  1. Best Study Materials for CAT 2026
  2. Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation
  3. CAT 2 Month Study Plan 2025 Using Study Material
  4. Other Study Materials for CAT Preparation 2025
  5. Benefits of Studying With Toppers' Approved CAT Study Material
  6. How to Choose Study Materials for CAT 2026?
  7. How to Audit and Upgrade Your CAT 2026 Study Material Every Quarter
  8. CAT 2026 Preparation E-books
Top-Rated CAT Study Material 2025: Must-Have Books and Resources
CAT Study Material 2025

In this article, you’ll find how to choose the most useful CAT 2026 study material for Quant, DILR, and VARC, and how to use it smartly for better results.

Best Study Materials for CAT 2026

Best Study Materials for CAT are carefully selected resources designed to help aspirants learn efficiently and focus on high-priority topics. They provide guidance, clarify concepts, and offer resources for targeted practice. It enables candidates to plan their preparation smartly and cover all sections effectively using the right study material for CAT.

CAT 2026 Mock Test

CAT Mock Tests are a crucial part of the study material for CAT, allowing aspirants to practise full-length exams in real-time conditions. They cover all sections, Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and Logical Reasoning, resembling the actual CAT 2026 Exam Pattern and difficulty. Attempting CAT mock tests improves time management, accuracy, and exam strategy. Candidates should attempt them regularly, analyse errors carefully, and focus on weak areas. Consistent

BIMTECH PGDM Admissions 2026

AACSB Accredited | Highest CTC: 22 LPA | Last Date: 7th January 2026

The Vedica Scholars Programme for Women 2026

Assured Placements and Career Support

CAT 2026 Mock Test

Click Here

CAT Previous Year Papers

CAT Previous Year Papers are a valuable component of study material for CAT, offering real questions from past exams for Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and Logical Reasoning. They help aspirants understand question patterns, difficulty levels, and topic-wise weightage. Practising CAT past 10 previous year papers improves speed, accuracy, and problem-solving strategy.

CAT Past 10 Previous Year Papers

Click Here

CAT 2026 Sample Paper

CAT 2026 Sample Papers are an essential part of the study material for CAT, helping aspirants simulate the actual exam experience. They contain section-wise questions for Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and Logical Reasoning, reflecting the latest CAT 2026 syllabus and difficulty level. Using sample papers improves time management, accuracy, and exam strategy.

CAT 2026 Ebooks

CAT 2026 Ebooks are a flexible and convenient part of study material for CAT, allowing aspirants to study anytime, anywhere. They contain topic-wise theory, solved examples, practice questions, and tips for Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and Logical Reasoning. Ebooks help strengthen concepts, and provide quick revisions.

CAT 2026 Formula Sheets PDF

A CAT 2026 Formula Sheet comes in handy, which helps aspirants revise key concepts quickly. It contains all important formulas from Quantitative Aptitude, shortcuts, algebraic identities, geometry rules, and arithmetic tricks. Using a formula sheet saves time during last-minute revision and strengthens problem-solving speed. Candidates should regularly study this study material for CAT. One should also apply formulas in questions, and update it with new shortcuts to ensure effective and focused CAT preparation.

CAT 2026 Formula Sheet PDF

Download Link

Best Books for CAT 2026 Preparation

Selecting the right study material for CAT is essential for effective preparation. The best books for CAT 2026 provide clear explanations, topic-wise learning, and a variety of practice questions. They help aspirants build strong fundamentals, develop problem-solving speed, improve accuracy, and practice consistently. Refer to the section below to know about the best books for CAT 2026 preparation.

CAT Books for VARC

VARC Study Material for CAT

Book Title

Author / Publisher

How to Prepare for the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT

Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay (Tata McGraw-Hill)

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

GMAT Official Guide

GMAC

Manhattan Verbal

Manhattan Prep

Barron’s Pocket Guide to Vocabulary

Barron’s

The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning

Nishit Sinha (Pearson)

CAT Books for DILR

DILR Study Material for CAT

Book Title

Author / Publisher

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT

Arun Sharma (Tata McGraw-Hill)

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT

Arun Sharma (Tata McGraw-Hill)

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT

Arun Sharma

The Pearson Guide to Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation

Nishit Sinha

The Great Book of Puzzles & Teasers

George J Summers

Puzzles to Puzzle You

Shakuntala Devi

CAT Books for Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude Study Material for CAT

Book Name

Author

Why It’s Recommended

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Arun Sharma

Comprehensive coverage with graded difficulty levels

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT

Sarvesh Kumar Verma

Detailed theory + 4,000+ questions

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

R.S. Aggarwal

Basic concepts with lots of solved examples

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Nishit Sinha

Concept clarity + shortcut techniques

Fast Track Objective Arithmetic

Rajesh Verma

Shortcuts, tricks, and time-saving methods

NCERT Mathematics (Class 9 & 10)

NCERT

Strengthens basics and clears concepts

Online Resources for CAT 2026 Preparation

Online resources are an essential part of study material for CAT 2026, offering structured, topic-wise guidance for aspirants. Candidates can go through the topic wise pages for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT and Logical Reasoning for CA. Using these topic-wise CAT preparation resources helps build accuracy and strengthen fundamentals for better performance in the CAT exam. Refer to the section below to get the topic wise online resources for CAT 2026.

CAT 2 Month Study Plan 2025 Using Study Material

Preparing for CAT in just two months is tough, but the right study material for CAT makes it possible. With a structured plan, aspirants can cover high-weightage topics, practise with authentic resources, and attempt mocks to strengthen exam temperament. Smart use of books, coaching notes, and online study resources ensures maximum results.

Week 1–2: Building a Strong Base

  • Quantitative Aptitude: Use NCERT basics and Arun Sharma’s How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT. This study material for CAT Quant helps build arithmetic foundations like ratios, percentages, and averages.

  • VARC: Rely on editorials and How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & RC for strengthening comprehension.

  • DILR: Begin with simple CAT Data Interpretation sets from Sarvesh Verma.

  • Take 1 CAT mock at the end of Week 2 and analyse mistakes.

CAT 2025 College Predictor
Use CAT 2025 College Predictor to check your chances for IIM and top MBA calls based on CAT percentile, profile, work experience and cut-off trends.
Use Now

Week 3–4: Strengthening Concepts

  • Quant: Use Nishit Sinha and Arun Sharma for Algebra and Number Systems.

  • VARC: Practise para jumbles and summaries with section-wise study material for CAT VARC.

  • DILR: Work on caselets and puzzles using coaching notes.

  • Attempt 2 CAT mock test weekly; analyse to identify weak areas.

Great Lakes - PGDM & PGPM Admissions 2026

Last Date to Apply: 10th Jan | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.8 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2025

K J Somaiya Institute of Management MBA Admissions 2026

Highest Package 27.25 LPA | Top 100 Average package 16.65 LPA | AACSB Accredited | Ranked 52 by QS International

Week 5–6: Advanced Practice

  • Quant: Cover Geometry and Modern Math with advanced study material for CAT, like Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma.

  • VARC: Daily practice of 4 RCs from past papers and mock sources.

  • DILR: Focus on challenging sets from previous CAT papers.

  • Take 2–3 CAT mock tests each week; refine attempt strategy.

Week 7–8: Revision & Mock Tests

  • Revise all study material for CAT used so far, formula notebooks, RC notes, and mock error logs.

  • Practise only strong areas in Quant, regular RCs in VARC, and mixed DILR sets.

  • Take 3–4 mocks in exam conditions and finalise time allocation.

Other Study Materials for CAT Preparation 2025

Topic-wise notes and shortcuts are key elements of the best study material for CAT 2026. 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 2026 Topic-Wise Notes

Topic-wise notes break down the CAT 2026 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 Quantitative Aptitude, RC strategies in VARC, or puzzle types in DILR, structured notes are considered the best study material for CAT 2026. 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 2026 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 2026. 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.

Benefits of Studying With Toppers' Approved CAT Study Material

Using CAT toppers’ recommended study material can make your preparation more focused and effective. These resources are carefully chosen after real exam experience, helping you understand what truly matters for CAT 2026. Instead of wasting time on random books or notes, you study smarter and stay aligned with the actual CAT exam pattern and difficulty level.

Focus on Important Topics

Toppers’ materials highlight high-weightage CAT topics such as Arithmetic, Algebra, and Reading Comprehension. This ensures your effort goes toward areas that carry the most marks. Studying from these resources helps you quickly identify essential concepts, making your CAT 2026 preparation more organised and goal-oriented.

Real Exam-Level Practice

These materials include CAT-style questions that reflect real exam logic, tone, and time pressure. Regular practice from such sets builds familiarity with question formats and improves problem-solving speed. It also boosts confidence since you’re consistently working with authentic CAT 2026 difficulty levels.

Builds the Right Exam Strategy

Toppers’ resources help you think like a high scorer. They show you how to select questions, manage time, and maintain accuracy. This strategy-focused approach helps improve your sectional timing and overall percentile. With steady use, you’ll learn to make quick, smart decisions under pressure during the CAT exam.

Reduces Confusion and Saves Time

Using a limited set of trusted CAT study materials prevents information overload. Instead of switching between multiple sources, you focus deeply on one reliable set. This improves concentration and helps you finish your syllabus on time, while leaving enough room for mock tests and revisions.

Improves Accuracy and Confidence

Consistent practice with topper-approved CAT questions builds both accuracy and confidence. You start recognising patterns, improving calculation speed, and reducing errors. This makes your performance more stable across all three sections, Quant, DILR, and VARC, ensuring steady progress toward your CAT 2026 percentile goals.

How to Choose Study Materials for CAT 2026?

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 2026 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 2026 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 2026.

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 2026.

How to Audit and Upgrade Your CAT 2026 Study Material Every Quarter

A smart CAT 2026 preparation strategy isn’t just about studying—it’s about regularly updating your study materials to match your growth and the exam’s evolving pattern. Reviewing your books, online resources, and mock tests every quarter helps identify outdated or less effective content. This ensures your CAT preparation remains focused, adaptive, and aligned with your percentile goals.

Evaluate Section-Wise Progress and Learning Gaps

At the end of each quarter, analyse your Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Verbal Ability (VARC) performance. Use mock test analytics to spot weak areas and concepts needing deeper study. Upgrade your CAT 2026 study material by adding topic-specific question sets or reference books that address these performance gaps effectively.

Replace Outdated CAT Books and Notes

CAT’s question trends change slightly every year. Review whether your CAT books and coaching notes still match the latest CAT 2026 syllabus and difficulty level. Replace old resources with newer editions or books recommended by recent toppers. Updated study material reflects the latest exam pattern, topic weightage, and question styles, giving you a competitive advantage.

Refresh Your CAT Mock Test and Practice Set Collection

Mock tests and practice papers must mirror real exam difficulty. Every quarter, evaluate whether your CAT mock tests are challenging enough. Introducing fresh question banks helps you test adaptability and keeps your CAT 2026 preparation aligned with actual exam conditions.

Add Digital Tools and Online Learning Resources

Use CAT online resources such as learning apps, YouTube lectures, and adaptive test platforms. These provide updated practice materials and concept explanations. Include AI-based performance trackers or CAT percentile predictors to assess progress quarterly. Using digital tools enhances your efficiency and helps personalise your CAT 2026 study plan based on live analytics.

Realign Study Material with Target Percentile Goals

Each quarter, set sectional percentile goals and match your materials to meet them. For instance, if VARC scores lag, include new RC practice sets or editorial reading lists. Align your CAT 2026 preparation resources with your target percentile (95+, 99+). Constantly upgrading your study material ensures steady improvement and focused preparation till exam day.

CAT 2026 Preparation E-books

Candidates should use them alongside regular practice, highlight key points, and revise frequently to strengthen understanding and enhance speed and accuracy in CAT preparation.

Ebook TitleDownload Link

3000+ Most Important Words - Vocabulary Builder

Download Now

500+ Most Important Idioms and Phrases

Download Now

300+ Most Important Phrasal Verbs

Download Now

Mastering CAT Exam: VARC, DILR, and Quant MCQs & Weightages

Download Now

CAT 2026 Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) Study Material

Download Now

CAT 2026 Exam's High Scoring Chapters and Topics

Download Now

CAT Mock Test Series - 20 Sets, Questions with Solutions By Experts

Download Now

Permutation & Combination - Video Lectures and Practice Questions

Download Now

Boost your CAT preparation with a comprehensive 60-day study material by Experts

Download Now

Mastering DILR Questions with Expert Solutions

Download Now

CAT 2026 Mastery: Chapter-wise MCQs for Success for VARC, DILR, Quant

Download Now

CAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers

Download Now

CAT DILR Questions with Solution, Download LRDI Questions for CAT

Download Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How to Choose the Best Study Material for CAT VARC Section?
A:

Choose CAT VARC study material that includes dense RC passages, summary-based questions, and para-completion exercises. Choose CAT study material with vocabulary context analysis and timer-based reading drills improves RC accuracy.

Q: Should I Use Previous Year CAT Papers as Study Material?
A:

Previous year CAT papers are one of the best study materials to understand topic weightage and difficulty trends. Solving them helps identify repetitive question formats and improve question selection strategy.

Q: Can Coaching Material alone be considered the best study material for CAT?
A:

CAT Coaching material helps with structured concept learning but may not cover all CAT-level variations. Combine it with high-quality question banks and previous year papers for complete preparation.

Q: Which is the Best Study Material for CAT Quant Preparation?
A:

The best study material for CAT Quant includes books that focus on Arithmetic, Algebra, and Geometry with topic-wise question sets. Choose CAT resources that offer CAT-level problem difficulty and solutions.

Q: Is Online CAT Study Material Better than books for CAT 2025?
A:

Online CAT study material provides updated question patterns and adaptive mock tests. It helps aspirants analyse accuracy and speed with performance dashboards. Digital resources also include video solutions, making concept revision faster and more efficient.

Q: How can online resources help for CAT?
A:

CAT Online resources give topic-wise lessons and examples. They help you learn faster and revise important points easily.

Q: Should I practice CAT previous year papers?
A:

Yes, the CAT previous year papers show the type of questions and difficulty. Practising them improves speed and accuracy.

Q: Are mock tests important for CAT?
A:

CAT Mock tests help you get used to the exam pattern and timing. They also show which areas need more practice.

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.

Articles
|
Upcoming Bschool Exams
Ongoing Dates
ACAT Application Date

7 Oct'25 - 26 Jan'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
VITBEE Application Date

31 Oct'25 - 12 Apr'26 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
B-MAT Application Date

19 Nov'25 - 8 Feb'26 (Online)

Certifications By Top Providers
Online MBA
Via Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida
Corporate Law
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Strategic Management
Via Indian Institute of Management Bangalore
Online BBA
Via Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida
Management of Commercial Banking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Management of Inventory Systems
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Udemy
 703 courses
Edx
 467 courses
Swayam
 236 courses
Emeritus
 231 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
Oxford Brookes University, Oxford
Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UK
Northumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB
University of Reading, Reading
Whiteknights PO Box 217 Reading Berkshire RG6 6AH
Bristol Baptist College, Bristol
The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NJ

Questions related to CAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CAT ?

Hi there,

The minimum eligibility criteria for a general candidate to receive a call from IIM Sambalpur are as follows:
VARC: 65%ile
QUANTS: 65%ile
LRDI: 65%ile
Overall: 90%tile
Keep practising and aim to improve your score. You can also focus on other management exams where you may secure a strong

Hi there,

With a B.tech in industrial engineering from IIT Roorkee and a CAT 2025 score of 98.89 percentile and strong sectionals your profile is solid for top B-schools. For the top IIMs like Ahmedabad and Bangalore, calls for engineers usually go to candidates with near perfect percentiles. Your score

Hello,
The IIT Guwahati cutoff for SC and EWS categories depends on the branch, year, and JoSAA counselling round, but you can get a general idea from recent trends.

For the SC category, closing ranks usually range from 4,000 to 9,000 for popular branches like CSE, ECE, and Mechanical, while

with this percentile, you can get into tier 2 or tier 3 college, the list of the few notable college is given below-

1) FLAME university, Pune

2) AIMS institute, Bangalore

3) Doon business school, Dehradun

4) Christ university, Bangalore

5) NIT Trichy

6) KIIT school of management, Bhuvneshwar






A CAT percentile of 99.64 is an excellent score and definitely places you in a strong position for top IIM calls, including IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, and IIM Calcutta. However, admission to these institutes is not based on CAT score alone. Each of these IIMs follows a holistic selection process