ICFAI Business School-IBSAT 2024
9 IBS Campuses | Scholarships Worth Rs 10 CR
Search Colleges, Exams, Schools & more
CAT Study Material 2024 - Best Material for CAT Exam Preparation
Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 16, 2024 05:44 AM IST | #CAT
Best Study Material for CAT 2024: Preparing the right set of study materials is imperative to crack highly competitive exams like CAT. A vital parameter in choosing the best CAT study material is to go for tried-and-tested resources. Having understood the significance of the MBA entrance test and MBA learning material, Careers360 brings to you the best study material for the upcoming CAT exam.
This Story also Contains
Best Study Material for CAT 2024
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 2024.
CAT Study Material for Preparation 2024
With the help of the best books for section-wise preparation of CAT, one can crack CAT 2024 with a good score. Let us look at the best MBA learning material for each section in CAT 2024.
Best study material for CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
A good percentile is achievable in this section if one utilizes the following strategy and refers to the following VARC study material for IIM CAT 2024:
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.’
- How to prepare for CAT VARC (Verbal and Reading Comprehension)
- CAT- Enhance your reading and comprehension ability
CAT 2024 Most Scoring Concepts- VARC, DILR & QUANT
Start your CAT journey today and download CAT 2024 most scoring concepts PDF, including study materials based on CAT previous year papers, CAT question papers, and CAT exam sample questions.
Download EBookBooks 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.
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. Additionally, solving word puzzles and crosswords in the daily newspaper can be a game-changer for those whose forte does not lie in VARC.
CAT Exam Pattern 2024
Before starting the CAT 2024 preparation, candidates must be well aware of the exam pattern of CAT 2024. Complete details related to the number of questions asked, marking scheme, duration, and mode of the CAT exam are mentioned in the CAT 2024 exam pattern. Given below is a gist of the revised CAT exam pattern.
Exam Pattern of CAT 2024
Section | No. of Questions | Duration |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 minutes |
Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 minutes |
Quantitative Ability (QA) | 22 | 40 minutes |
Total | 66 | 120 |
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.
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.
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.
Get CAT Exam 2024 MCQs (Section-Wise)
Quick Links-
- How to Prepare for CAT Quantitative Ability
- CAT - Check tips to crack quantitative ability questions
- Download eBooks for CAT
Best Study Materials for CAT - 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 CAT 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 2024 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 year's 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 and Test Series: CAT mock tests will be the backbone of one’s CAT 2024 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: Coaching study materials of reputed institutes especially tailored for CAT exam aspirants are updated each year to keep up with the latest CAT exam pattern 2024 and trends. Those who have enrolled in a coaching institute must be thorough with the CAT 2024 study material given to them by their institute. However, those who do not have access to the coaching study material for the CAT exam may purchase second-hand versions of it or find handed-down books. They need not worry about missing out on any topic, as the CAT 2024 syllabus remains the same each year with hardly any change in the content.
Section-wise CAT exam material
CAT study materials are inevitable for the CAT exam success of any candidate. CAT materials do 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 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, solved examples |
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Sinha | Quantitative Aptitude | Detailed explanations, practice questions, 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, 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, strategies for quick solving |
CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Detailed explanations, practice questions, CAT-specific strategies |
PSC for VA for CAT | Nishit Sinha | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Practice exercises, tips for RC and verbal ability, 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, CAT-specific strategies |
Go beyond books with Online Blogs and Apps on CAT for best study materials
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 2024 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 2024 preparation.
Browse Top MBA Colleges Accepting CAT Score: Location-Wise
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
1. Which is the best material for CAT preparation?
The best material for CAT preparation has been provided in this article.
2. Can CAT preparation be done at home?
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.
3. How do I start preparing my CAT?
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.
4. Is 1 month enough for CAT preparation?
Yes, there are many previous toppers of the CAT exam who have aced this MBA entrance exam with only 1 month of preparation.
5. Name the books for CAT preparation 2024
Some of the books for CAT preparation 2024 are:
Arun Sharma’s ‘How to prepare for Quantitative Ability for CAT’;
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (Tata McGraw-Hill);
How to Prepare for the CAT Common Admissions Test by Muhamed Muneer.
6. Name some of the CAT preparation books for beginners?
Some of the CAT preparation books for beginners are:
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit Sinha;
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT and Other MBA Entrance Exams by Trishna Knowledge Systems (Pearson);
Arun Sharma’s The Complete CAT Digest.
Articles
Jul 26, 2024
Certifications By Top Providers
Digital Skills Artificial Intelligence
Via Accenture Management of Commercial Banking
Via Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Digital Banking Business Model
Via State Bank of India Business Analytics Foundations
Via PW Skills Principles of Finance
Via Saylor Academy Communication Skills
Via TCS iON Digital Learning Hub Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQQueen Mary University of London, London
Mile End Road, London E1 4NSUniversity of Strathclyde, Glasgow
16 Richmond St, Glasgow G1 1XQOxford Brookes University, Oxford
Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UKNorthumbria University, Newcastle City Campus
Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE1 8STCardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff
Llandaff Campus, Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YBStudent Visa for USA From India 2024: Cost, Requirements, Types, Process
12 min ⋆ Jul 26, 2024 09:07 AM ISTMBA Colleges in Germany Without Work Experience 2024
7 min ⋆ Jul 26, 2024 09:07 AM ISTTop Countries for MBA Abroad For Indian Students 2024
8 min ⋆ Jul 26, 2024 08:07 AM ISTMBA in Australia Without Work Experience 2024: Low Fees, Scholarships
7 min ⋆ Jul 26, 2024 08:07 AM ISTOET 2024 (Occupational English Test): Exam Dates, Fees, Registration
10 min ⋆ Jul 26, 2024 08:07 AM ISTIELTS Registration 2024 - How to Register, Test Booking, Process, Form
10 min ⋆ Jul 26, 2024 08:07 AM ISTPopular Courses and Specializations
List of colleges accepting CAT
Browse Bschool Colleges by State
Questions related to CAT
Have a question related to CAT ?
Hello aspirant,
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning make up the majority of the CAT exam 2024 syllabus. The CAT Math, English, and CAT Geometry syllabuses make up the majority of the CAT 2024 syllabus.
To know complete syllabus in detail, you can visit our website by clicking on the link given below
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cat-2024
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Sajal Trivedi 25 July,2024
Hello,
In the context of Karnataka's reservation categories, Vishwakarma is classified under Category 2A . Specifically:
- Category 2A : This category includes communities that are identified as Vishwakarma , along with others such as Panchamasali , Nayaka , Goud , and others.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 24 July,2024
Hello aspirant,
A bachelor's degree from an accredited university with a CGPA of at least 50% (or an aggregate of 45% for the SC, ST, and PwD/DA categories) is required in order to appear in the CAT exam in 2024. Duration and manner of degree: The course needs to last three years. The mode might be online, distant, or regular.
To know complete information you can visit our website by clicking on the link given below.
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Sajal Trivedi 23 July,2024
Hello student
As a self-employed individual with your own cafe, you'll need to provide documents that establish your business and work experience. Here are some documents you can prepare for your CAT application:
1. *Business Registration Documents*:
- Partnership Deed (already have)
- Business PAN Card (already have)
- FSSAI License (already have, though it's in your partner's name)
2. *Proof of Business Ownership*:
- Affidavit or declaration stating your ownership and role in the cafe
- Business registration certificate (if you have one)
3. *Proof of Work Experience*:
- A letter or certificate from your partner or co-owner confirming your work experience and role in the cafe
- A detailed resume highlighting your entrepreneurial journey and responsibilities
4. *Financial Documents*:
- Income Tax Returns (ITRs) for the last 2-3 years (if applicable)
- Balance Sheets and Profit & Loss statements for your cafe (if audited)
5. *Rental Agreement*:
- Already have, but ensure it's updated and signed
Additional tips:
- Ensure all documents are scanned and uploaded in the required format (usually PDF or JPEG)
- Keep your documents organized and easily accessible for the application process
- Be prepared to provide additional information or clarification if requested by the admission authorities
Remember to check the specific requirements for each B-school you're applying to, as they may vary. Good luck with your CAT application!
Vaibhavi 23 July,2024
Hello aspirant,
The CAT exam syllabus is not officially prescribed, but it generally includes topics from the following sections:
1. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
2. Data interpretation and logical reasoning
3. Quantitative ability
-
Arithmetic
-
Algebra
-
Geometry and Mensuration
-
Number System
- Modern Math
kanishkakaushikii2004 20 July,2024
Popular CAT Questions
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
Option: 2
Option: 3
Option: 4
'a' for which can be written as square of a linear factor is
Option: 1
Option: 2
Option: 3
Option: 4
Explore Career Options (By Industry)
Marketing Director
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
4 Jobs Available
Business Development Executive
Business development executives strive to achieve maximum output with minimum input. If you are good at understanding and convincing people, the career as a business development executive can be enjoyable for you. Business development executives are candidates who have been transferred to the sales from other departments. In general, Business development executives are promoted to a management position. There are plenty of work openings throughout the profession because every company requires Business development executives.
3 Jobs Available
Content Marketing Specialist
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
3 Jobs Available
Business Analyst
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes. Students can visit the Great Lakes Institute of Management, Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies to study Business Analytics courses. Business analyst jobs are usually done to help the company make more money, solve existing business problems and achieve its goals.
2 Jobs Available
SEO Analyst
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
2 Jobs Available
Digital Marketing Executive
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
2 Jobs Available
MBA/PGDM Admissions OPEN
Thakur Global Business School PGDM Admissions 2024
ApplyApproved by AICTE | 500+ Recruiters | Cross Industry Placement Opportunities
ICFAI Business School-IBSAT 2024
Apply9 IBS Campuses | Scholarships Worth Rs 10 CR
JSS University Noida Admissions 2024
Apply160+ Recruiters Including Samsung, Zomato, LG, Adobe and many more | Highest CTC 21 LPA
TAPMI Jaipur MBA Admissions 2024
Apply67 Years of Established Legacy | Ranked #79 in India by NIRF | Among the only few top 100 B-Schools currently accepting applications
MET, Mumbai- PGDM/PGP Admissions 2024
ApplyInternship Embedded program | Highest CTC 15.5 LPA | 15th Top West B-School
Amity University Noida MBA Admissions 2024
ApplyRanked as India’s #1 Not for profit pvt. University by India Today
News and Notifications
16 hours ago :
1 days ago :
4 days ago :
July 26, 2024 - 12:45 PM IST
July 22, 2024 - 04:51 PM IST
June 26, 2024 - 05:45 PM IST
June 21, 2024 - 12:51 PM IST
June 19, 2024 - 11:37 AM IST
February 26, 2024 - 02:33 PM IST
February 16, 2024 - 03:57 PM IST
Stay up-to date with CAT News
Download Careers360 App's
Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile
300M+
Students
36,000+
Colleges
550+
Exams
1500+
E-Books
16000+
Certifications
We Appeared in
Back to top