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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.
Free Study Material: VARC | DILR | Quant | Chapter-wise Practice MCQs
CAT 2024: CAT'23 Official Question with Solutions (Slot 1, 2, 3)
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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.
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.
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
CAT toppers recommend ‘GMAT Official Guide’ and ‘Manhattan Verbal.’
Books to Build Vocabulary
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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. Additionally, solving word puzzles and crosswords in the daily newspaper can be a game-changer for those whose forte does not lie in VARC.
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.
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 |
From the level of basic to advanced preparation, aspirants can take aid from the following study material for DILR:
Books for DILR-
Newspapers and Business Magazines - Study pie charts and graphs from business magazines and newspapers, like:
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:
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.
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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.
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 |
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
The best material for CAT preparation has been provided in this article.
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.
Yes, there are many previous toppers of the CAT exam who have aced this MBA entrance exam with only 1 month of preparation.
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.
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.
The student cannot join the postgraduate MA program directly in the second year of the MA after completing the MBA.
Universities generally expect students to begin the first year of a masters' program even though they had qualifications at the level of a bachelor's degree. The university's curriculum along with the courses are planned to give an in-depth knowledge of the subjects.
But you could opt for:
Postgraduate Studies:
Research Career: In case research interests you, then you can pursue a Ph.D. in your specific interest.
Specialized Master's Programs: Find any specific master's course that supports the career goal.
Professional Certifications:
Make a professional certification in CFA, CA, or FRM to enhance the professional skills and better opportunities in the career field.
Job Entry via MBA
After gaining an MBA from a renowned institution, it's possible to get entry into the corporate world where the diversity in the career field is assured.
In the end, it would depend on what you would like and what you are particularly interested in. It will be better if you take a suggestion from your academic advisor or career counselor.
Hello Pratik,
If your family income exceeds 8 LPA, it will affect your eligibility for the NC-OBC category under the CAT reservation rules. The NC-OBC category requires that the family income should be below 8 LPA to qualify. If you anticipate that your income will exceed this threshold, you should update your status and notify the CAT authorities .
Here's what you can do:
Email the CAT authorities
: Inform them about the potential change in your income status and request to be considered under the
General
category, if applicable. You should do this before the examination or any further processing, as your eligibility for the OBC category depends on the income criteria.
Documents and Proof
: Make sure you have a valid
OBC certificate
and any relevant documentation regarding your family income, in case they require verification. Also, be aware that if your income exceeds 8 LPA, you might need to apply under the
General
category, as the OBC-NC reservation is no longer applicable.
General Category Consideration : If your application is accepted as General, you will be evaluated based on the General category criteria, including cutoffs and ranking.
To summarize, notifying the CAT authorities is the correct approach to avoid discrepancies later, and if your income is above the threshold, you will be treated as a General candidate for the admissions process.
For more details about CAT exam you can check out an article by Careers360 whose link is given below:
Link: https://bschool.careers360.com/exams/cat
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
Hi Shreya ,
Having a tattoo on your wrist should not create a problem during the CAT exam as long as it does not contain any content that violates exam rules , such as communication-related symbols , unauthorised messages or any text resembling formulas or answers .
For a safe side , it is recommended :
1. Inform the Invigilators : Let them know about your tattoo during the identification check , so there are no misunderstandings .
2. Follow the Guidelines : Ensure you follow all instructions regarding permissible items and dress code on the exam day .
Hope this helps you .
ALL THE BEST .
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Hello,
Yes, you can also join IIMs two years after graduation, depending upon the justification in interviews and your performance in entrance exams. If you are not sure about CAT, try those other management exams less hard:
Common Management Admission Test: Easier than CAT; 4-5 months of continuous preparation will suffice.
MAT : Much easier and takes place thrice a year.
SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test): A bit easier than CAT, apt for Symbiosis Institutes.
Xavier Aptitude Test or XAT : Hence, easier than CAT but the unique decision-making section.
Use exams like CMAT and MAT as a challenge to be competitively prepared. This can be given about 4-5 months, along with a few rounds of mock tests and smart studying.
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A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
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.
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The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
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In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
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.
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.
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