Best Books for CAT Preparation 2025 - To tackle CAT, one must come up with a balanced strategy, while picking appropriate study material should be seen as a start of successful preparation. Choosing the Best Books for CAT 2025 is one of the first major steps towards a successful CAT 2025 preparation. There are various CAT preparation books 2025 available in the market, and it is essential for the candidates to choose the best. As there are various section-wise books for CAT available, selecting the most appropriate ones for each section—Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)—can become a dilemma. The best books for CAT 2025 for performing well in the subject of your choice not only cover the basics but also give you enough questions to practice and give you the strategies that you will need to excel.
This article gives a carefully chosen list of recommended CAT books 2025, which will be helpful in every area of CAT preparation. These resources have been highly praised for their comprehensive content, high-quality practice exercises, and alignment with the exam pattern. If you are starting your CAT journey or are going over the key concepts again, these books will help you master every section and improve your overall performance in CAT 2025.
The CAT exam needs proper planning with the correct top CAT books by toppers, so selecting high-quality preparation materials for the CAT, especially CAT exam books latest edition is vital for effective preparation. The right resources, i.e., recommended CAT books 2025, can significantly impact performance by providing comprehensive coverage, extensive practice questions, and realistic mock tests. Don’t constrain yourself to books only, so it is best to try all resources to get a holistic development in all the segments. Feel free to modify this plan to suit your needs.
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The target is to test the student's communication, logical reasoning, comprehension skills and their ability to work with numbers. The CAT exam consists of three major sections:
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
A few of the Best books for CAT 2025 under the Quantitative Aptitude section are listed below for the reference of the candidates. These CAT preparation books for 2025 were designed after proper research and the current examination requirements. Since QA is generally considered to be one of the most difficult sections of the CAT examination,l it demands extensive preparation using the best CAT preparation books 2025. The list of selected Best books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude is listed below.
| Book Title | Details | How to Use Effectively |
| "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal | The book gives insight into detailed coverage of quantitative topics, with a focus on fundamental principles. The chapters cover topics like Ratios, Percentages, Time and Work, and Mensuration. | Most interesting and helpful is the large number of practice questions, detailed solutions, and varied difficulty levels. Try to focus on understanding concepts, regular practice, and timed quizzes. |
| "Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT" by Sarvesh Verma | The best part is the structure to build concepts from basic to advanced levels. The topics include Progressions, Permutations and Combinations, and Trigonometry. | One can get a clear understanding from its step-by-step explanations, practice sets, and model papers. One must use in-depth practice, follow the progression from basic to advanced, and take regular mock tests. |
| NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10) | NCERT Mathematics books for Class 9 and 10 cover fundamental topics like algebra, geometry, number systems, and statistics. They are ideal for building strong conceptual clarity, especially for beginners or non-maths background candidates. | Start by reading each chapter thoroughly and solving all examples and exercises to strengthen your basics. Focus on understanding concepts clearly before moving on to CAT-level questions from other advanced preparation books. |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | This book is specifically designed for CAT and covers all major quantitative topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and number systems. It includes theory, solved examples, practice exercises, and previous year CAT questions for thorough preparation. | Begin with the theory to understand concepts, then solve the level-wise practice questions to build speed and accuracy. Regularly revise chapters and take topic-wise tests to track your improvement and identify weak areas. |
VARC preparation books for CAT are another great addition into the best books for CAT 2025. Since at times, the VARC section can be quite confusing and challenging, getting ready for the VARC section of the CAT 2025 examination with the help of top CAT books by toppers is necessary for the candidates. A set of best books for CAT 2025 under the VARC section is given below.
| Book Title | Details | How to Use Effectively |
| "How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT" by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay | This comprehensive guide to verbal ability and reading comprehension covers RCs from a variety of topics. It also covers topics like Vocabulary, Grammar, and Sentence Correction. | It gives valuable extensive practice questions, mock tests, and strategies for each section. Try to set clear goals with an integrated study schedule, and don’t forget to practice reading comprehension daily. |
| "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis | This book focuses on vocabulary building through structured exercises. The chapters are organized to progressively enhance vocabulary. | The most interesting facts are the practical exercises, etymology-based learning, and progress tracking. So, remember to practice your daily vocabulary and incorporate exercises into your study routine. |
PSC for VA for CAT | This book focuses on all key areas of Verbal Ability for CAT, including reading comprehension, para jumbles, sentence correction, and vocabulary. It provides detailed explanations, solved examples, and practice exercises aligned with the CAT pattern. | Start with one section at a time, understanding the concepts and solving practice sets regularly. Focus on reading comprehension daily and use the book’s strategies to improve accuracy and time management in verbal sections. |
| "High School English Grammar & Composition" by Wren & Martin | This book gives a detailed grammar and composition guide. It covers important topics like parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, and comprehension. | The wonderful part is the exercises for practice, clear explanations, and usage tips. Remember to practice grammar regularly, use it to clarify any doubts, and integrate it with other VARC study materials. |
The CAT preparation books 2025 under the Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning domain are also important for the candidates. Top DILR CAT books would help to enhance the preparation of the candidates and help them to gain good CAT 2025 scores. A few of the recommended CAT books 2025 under the DILR section are listed below for the reference of the candidates.
| Book Title | Details | How to Use Effectively |
| "How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT" by Arun Sharma | One of the trustworthy books which gives comprehensive coverage of data interpretation topics. It includes Data Analysis, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, and Logical Puzzles. | The highlighted features are the practice sets, mock tests, and detailed solutions. The strategy should be to focus on different types of data sets, along with regular practice, and simulate test conditions. |
| “Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT" by Nishit K. Sinha | For CAT aspirants, this is one of the best books because of its in-depth analysis of logical reasoning and data interpretation. Topics include Tables, Pie Charts, Caselets, and Logical Games. | The book comprises varied practice questions, mock tests, and strategy tips. Try to set specific goals, follow the structured approach, and practice extensively. |
"A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal | This book covers a wide range of logical reasoning topics like coding-decoding, blood relations, puzzles, and syllogisms. It’s widely used for various competitive exams and offers a large number of practice questions with explanations. | Use it to build reasoning basics and improve problem-solving speed by practicing different question types. Focus on solving a few topics daily and revisiting tougher ones regularly to strengthen your logical thinking for CAT. |
| "Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency" by Ananta Ashisha | Very well structured to build skills from basic to advanced levels. Chapters covered extensively are Graphs, Charts, Tables, and Logical Deductions. | Elaborated, detailed explanations, ample practice questions, and model papers. So, use progressively, focus on time management, and regular assessments. |
As the countdown to the CAT exam begins, it's time to devise a strategy and start preparing earnestly to stay ahead of the curve. One of the important points to keep in mind is that, in addition to top CAT books by toppers, other valuable sources have to be included. Read online and offline materials. The most helpful resources are Newspapers, blogs, and Articles. Reading newspapers like The Hindu and Economic Times, and articles from various journals, enhances reading comprehension and keeps you updated with current affairs.
Preparation for the CAT examination completely depends on choosing the right CAT preparation books 2025. So, it's important to consider various factors to ensure that your section-wise books for CAT are effective and comprehensive. Here are the detailed considerations to keep in mind:
Always look for Renowned Experts- Be dependent on books authored by individuals with a strong track record in CAT preparation. Especially the authors who are known for their expertise in the field often have years of experience in coaching and mentoring students for the CAT.
Complete and In-depth Coverage should be there- Make sure that the book covers all major sections of the CAT exam: Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning. The book should provide an in-depth analysis of each topic, including foundational concepts, advanced techniques, and CAT preparation strategies for tackling complex problems.
Wide variety with High-quality matters- The CAT preparation books 2025 should offer a wide range of practice questions, from basic to advanced levels. Must comprise quality practice questions that are crucial for better understanding and application of concepts. And most importantly, the questions should mimic the style and difficulty level of the actual CAT exam to give you a realistic practice experience.
Actual and Realistic Mock Tests- The Best books for CAT 2025 are the ones with realistic mock tests that help prepare you for the actual exam environment. The Mock tests should be designed to simulate the timing, format, and difficulty level of the CAT exam.
Comprehensive Solutions are a must- The detailed solutions, which help in understanding each wrong option with clarity actually help in understanding the rationale behind each answer, along with step-by-step explanations, are crucial for learning the correct approach to solving different types of problems. Every Solution should highlight common pitfalls and provide tips to avoid them.
Up-to-date Content: The CAT exam always comes with minute and surprising changes every time so it is always better to opt for the latest edition of the book to ensure that the content is up-to-date with the current exam pattern and syllabus, which typically includes updated practice questions, new strategies, and recent changes in the exam format.
Best books for CAT recommended by toppers - Revise the concepts and practice different sets from some books recommended by successful CAT candidates and coaching experts often prove more beneficial. All these recommendations indicate that the book has been tested and found effective by those who have succeeded in the exam.
Interactive and Additional Practice: Interactive study always makes the process interesting and connects with our memory so, always practice from additional online resources to provide interactive learning and additional practice, which include video lectures, practice quizzes, e-books, and doubt-clearing forums. This easy access to these resources can enhance and diversify your learning experience and provide extra support where needed.
When preparing for the CAT exam, using the right books is essential. The best books help you understand concepts clearly and offer plenty of practice questions to build your skills. They also include questions from previous years and detailed solutions to help you learn from your mistakes. Additionally, these books often provide tips and strategies to manage your time effectively during the exam. The most reputed and important CAT preparation books are given below.
Some of the other best books for CAT 2025, other than the section-wise books for CAT, which are mentioned already in the article, are given below.
| Book Title | Description |
| The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha | A very well-known expert in CAT preparation. In-depth analysis of Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning. Varied practice questions with detailed explanations. Up-to-date content and strategies. |
| CAT 2025: Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning by Gautam Puri | Detailed coverage of Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. Realistic mock tests and practice questions. Comprehensive solutions and explanations. Recommendations from successful candidates. |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha | Covers all major quantitative topics clearly with easy language and step-by-step solutions. Ideal for building strong basics with varied practice for CAT and other exams. |
For preparing for CAT 2025, a combination of books that cover all sections of the exam is usually the best approach. For Quantitative Ability, "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT" by Arun Sharma is highly recommended for its comprehensive coverage and practice questions. For Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, "How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for the CAT" by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay is a good choice. For Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis is excellent for vocabulary, while "The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT" by Nishit K. Sinha provides a thorough overview of the section. Combining these books with regular practice using mock tests and online resources can give you a well-rounded preparation.
Preparing for the CAT exam in 2025 involves a structured approach. Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly. Create a study plan that covers all sections: Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension. Allocate specific times each day to study, ensuring you cover theory, practice problems, and mock tests.
If you're aiming for a 99 percentile in CAT 2025, studying 6 to 7 hours a day can be a good target. This extended study time allows for a deeper dive into complex topics, thorough practice with mock tests, and adequate review of your performance. Break your study sessions into focused blocks with short breaks in between to keep your mind fresh and productive. Balance your study routine with regular practice, revisiting weaker areas, and staying updated with test patterns.
Response- It is possible. Follow the methodology and clear goal set. Follow the pointers as discussed in the above article.
To start CAT preparation at home, first understand the exam format and syllabus. Gather study materials, make a study plan, and set aside dedicated study hours each day. Begin with basic concepts and use mock tests and previous papers to practice. Regularly review your performance and adjust your plan as needed. Stay consistent and seek help if needed.
For the CAT exam in 2025, "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT" by Arun Sharma is highly recommended. It's comprehensive and covers a wide range of topics in detail. Additionally, "CAT 2025: Preparation Guide" by Gautam Puri is also a good choice for a well-rounded approach.
Start by understanding the CAT exam pattern and syllabus. Make a study plan that covers all the sections, and focus on practicing with sample papers and mock tests. Building a strong foundation in each subject and reviewing your performance regularly will help you stay on track.
Hi aspirant,
You can refer to the link attached above for more information on the same.
All the best!
Hi aspirant,
You can refer to the link given above for more information on the same.
All the best!
Hello dear,
The CAT exam requires a significant amount of time for preparation, including brushing up on basic concepts and practicing advanced problem-solving. Starting too early can feel overwhelming and may not be sustainable with other academic commitments.
The CAT exam requires a level of focus and maturity that is not always present in class 9. Starting preparation at this stage can be challenging to maintain. At class 9, you're primarily focused on learning foundational concepts. So you just need to boost your fundamentals by practicing more and more at class 9 because the Quantitative Aptitude section of CAT syllabus includes all the topics of Mathematics from Class 9 to 10 such as Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra, Trigonometry and Mensuration.
Start Preparation 12 Months Prior:
Identify Weak Sections:
I hope you got your answer, That's all Thank you.
IIFT CAT Cutoff 2024
IIFT Delhi
General: 95–98 percentile
OBC: 90+
SC: 85–95
ST/PwD: 75–93
IIFT Kolkata
General: 85–95 percentile
OBC/SC/ST: 50–95 (varies)
Note: Final selection also includes WAT, GD, PI, academics, and work experience.
To prepare for CDS, CGL, and CAT during graduation, create a clear study schedule focusing on basics, reasoning, and aptitude. Practice daily mocks, improve time management, and stay consistent. Balance college and preparation with discipline and regular revision.
Directions for question :
M/s Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, one of the top four audit and accounting firms in the world with headquarters at London, UK, and with an operational presence in 153 countries, hires Management Trainees (MT) from all the premier management institutes of India thrice every year, in the months of January, May and September.
Each new group of Management Trainees (MT) have to go through a four month rigorous training schedule, after which they have to pass through a test consisting of a written assessment and a case-analysis. The top hundred ranked Management Trainees (MT) based on the performance in the test are confirmed as Management Executives (ME). The rest are given the opportunity of undergoing the training for four months one more time along with the next batch of Management Trainees (MT) and then passing through the subsequent test consisting of the written assessment and case-analysis. The Management Trainee (MT) who fails to get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the second time is fired.
The scatter-graph below depicts the number of Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte taking the tests from January 2020 till May 2022, and the vis-à-vis hired Management Trainees (MT) at Deloitte who were fired :
It is also known that for the month of September 2019 at Deloitte, 96 hired Management Trainees (MT) failed to be confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) the first time, and that 36 hired Management Trainees (MT) were fired.
Question :
In which test did the minimum number of Management Trainees (MT) get confirmed as a Management Executive (ME) in the second attempt ?
September 2020
May 2021
January 2021
January 2022
Directions for question:
The bar-graph given below shows the foreign exchange reserves of Nepal (in million Rupees) from 2014 to 2021. Answer the following questions based on the graph :
Question:
What was the percentage increase (rounded to the nearest integer, if deemed necessary) in the foreign exchange reserves in 2020 over 2016 ?
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