CAT Books 2023: Top CAT Preparation Books Recommended

Hafsha Qureshi
Hafsha Qureshi

Updated on - Dec 11, 2023

CAT books 2023 by Arun Sharma, Sarvesh Verma and other authors can be covered while preparing for the exam. Candidates should start their preparation NCERT Books for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. On the other hand, A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by Aggarwal is one of the most recommended books for CAT Verbal Ability section. 

The candidates can solve questions from the CAT previous year's paper book PDF that will be easily available online. The best books for CAT preparation 2023 and online material like ArunSharma CAT books PDF are recommended for aspirants.

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Table of Contents

Best Books for CAT 2023 Preparation

The top CAT books include those by RS Aggarwal, Nishit Sinha, and Arun Sharma. The following are some of the best CAT exam preparation books, organized by section, that candidates should read when studying for the exam.

CAT 2023 exam reference books are the finest resource of study guides for exam preparation. Those planning to take the CAT 2023 exam should read the suggested exam preparation materials. The commonly regarded CAT exam books provide full explanations of each topic as well as practice problems.

Best Books for CAT 2023 Preparation
Book Author / Publication
How To Prepare For Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT Arun Sharma
How To Prepare For the Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension CAT Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
How To Prepare For Quantitative Ability For CAT Arun Sharma
CAT Previous Year Papers (Solved) Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

Practice Previous Papers Now

CAT 2021 Question Paper with Solution CAT 2020 Question Paper with Solution
CAT 2019 Question Paper with Solution CAT 2018 Question Paper with Solution
CAT 2017 Question Paper with Solutions

Books for CAT Preparation CAT Syllabus 2023

The recent CAT exam syllabus 2023 advised candidates to choose and purchase best CAT preparation books for beginners. There aren't many changes in the CAT 2023 syllabus compared to previous trends. Candidates might therefore consult the most recent CAT syllabus that is accessible.

In the CAT 2023, there will be three sections in total. Verbal ability, reading comprehension, quantitative ability, and data interpretation & logical thinking are the elements that make up this test. Candidates who submitted an application for CAT 2023 must now begin preparing.

Read More: CAT Syllabus 2023

What Factors to Consider While Selecting the Best Books for CAT Preparation?

Latest Version

Choosing CAT books with the most recent editions can be advantageous because they contain the most recent additions of newly added topics for the exam. While purchasing some of the greatest books for CAT preparation, candidates do not need to always hunt for the most recent addition.

Full of Content

If the author's content is thorough and gives the reader the necessary information, they will become well-known. The ideal books for CAT preparation books would be those that cover the majority of themes or assist you in precisely and simply comprehending the CAT exam syllabus.

Authentic Author

Many authors have published CAT books that are available in stores. Some are debut authors who attempt to write a quality novel. In comparison, some have established names and are known throughout the country. Candidates should look up the author before choosing a CAT book and limit their purchases to works by well-known authors for the CAT exam.

Best Time for CAT 2023 Preparation How to Prepare for CAT 2023 Exam in 3 Months
Is CAT Exam Tough? How to Crack CAT Exam?

There is no denying the reality that over 12 billion CAT books have been published so far. What will be the best books? Is the query that enters the candidate's thoughts.

The market is overflowing with options, but GetMyUni will assist you in making the best choice of publications that are high quality and rich in content rather than quantity. The following list includes some of the best books for CAT preparation and can be used as a resource:

CAT Books for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Section

In this stage, the candidate's aptitude is evaluated. This section's questions may take the shape of puzzles and evaluate applicants' understanding of math, structure, and logic.

Candidates must practise this subject a lot after the Quantitative Aptitude exam because it might be difficult at times, especially for beginners who are preparing for the CAT 2023 for the first time.

This article lists a few of the best books for CAT preparation.

CAT Books for DILR

Books

Author

Details

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma

Composed in accordance with the most recent CAT exam syllabus

Useful for additional competitive examinations

It provides quick and precise problem-solving

Exercises that improve logical reasoning

There are new chapters included

For a better understanding, practise exams and sample papers are provided.

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT

Nishit K. Sinha 

Basic and advanced subjects

Examples to help with clarification

This book's three stages of preparation are foundation, moderate, and advanced. Useful for other competitive exams as well.

CAT Exam Books for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension Section

This section is split into two parts and is most frequently referred to as the VARC section. Reading Comprehension is the first section, and Verbal Ability is the second. Reading comprehension measures a candidate's capacity to comprehend materials, draw conclusions from them, and provide answers to questions.

While questions about vocabulary, grammar, sentence completion, and other topics are asked throughout the verbal ability part, In the following table, some of the best CAT english book for preparation are listed.

CAT Books for VARC

Books

Author

Details

Word Power made easy

Norman Lewis

Increase in vocabulary.

Explains how to use words properly.

A review exercise follows each chapter.

Sectioned apart into oriented groups

Mastering the Verbal Ability for CAT

Ajay Singh

A total of 200 passages for improved training.

Additionally, test papers for additional B-School exams are offered.

Extensively specified subjects in accordance with the CAT curriculum

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

Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

There are mock exams available.

Examination of previous papers.

Written clearly, with topics divided according to their importance.

CAT Books for Quantitative Aptitude Section

This section tests the problem-solving approach of the aspirants. With a high difficulty level, the QA section covers topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number systems, and Modern Mathematics and also has questions based on higher-level Maths.

CAT Maths book must be purchased, keeping in mind that the book should have solved questions. Most of the students and the candidates use Arun Sharma CAT books PDF available online.

There is no best book for quantitative aptitude for CAT out there so the candidates have to refer to several books. The best CAT quantitative aptitude book are mentioned below.

CAT Books for Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Book Name Author Features
How To Prepare For Quantitative Ability For CAT Arun Sharma

Simple language and detailed explanation follows a proximodistal approach (Simple to Difficult) and is useful for all MBA exams

The Complete CAT Digest Arun Sharma

Written in simple and understandable language and covers all significant topics.

How to Prepare for the CAT Common Admissions Test Muhamed Muneer

Contains good questions to assess one's preparation

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations Abhijit Guha

Useful for various other MBA exams and contains some tips and strategies along with an analysis of each problem.

Best Books for CAT Preparation and Other Study Material

Sometimes the study materials provided by coaching centres are insufficient. Students look for secondary sources to study for diverse themes in verbal ability and reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and data interpretation, and quantitative aptitude.

The CAT 2023 question set is impossible to predict. However, you can practice through CAT previous year papers book to understand the typical questions asked throughout the test. Aspirants must also consult supplementary study materials and publications recommended by professionals to cover the extensive CAT syllabus. The best CAT books are listed here.

How to Prepare for CAT without Coaching? Advantages of CAT Exam

CAT Preparation Books for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) analytical portion tests candidates' ability to comprehend complex graphs, decipher chaotic patterns, and have a keen eye for detail.

See the following great logical reasoning books for CAT:

CAT DILR Books

CAT Exam Books for DILR

Author/Publisher Name

Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Gautam Puri

Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency

Ananta Ashisha

CAT Preparation Books for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) test component is frequently challenging because of the lengthy RC sections and perplexing paraphrases.

The CAT's verbal ability questions are comparably simpler. See the best books for CAT VARC list:

 CAT VARC Books

CAT Exam Books for VARC

Author/Publisher Name

30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary Mass Market Paperback

Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis/ Simon & Schuster

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

Sharma and Upadhyay

PSC for VA for CAT

Nishit Sinha

CAT Preparation Books for Quantitative Aptitude

The final portion of the CAT exam, Quantitative Aptitude (QA), calls for mental endurance to get through the problems' calculating demands.

The better it becomes, the more you practise. Verify the CAT aptitude book list:

CAT QA Books

CAT Exam Books for QA

Author/Publisher Name

CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Gautam Puri

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT

Nishit K. Sinha

Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency

Ananta Ashisha

Also Read: 

Best Books for CAT Preparation Recommended by Toppers

GetMyUni contacted a few professionals from prestigious MBA coaching programs nationwide to find out best MBA CAT books. They provided GetMyUni with their list of the best books for CAT preparation:

 CAT Books by Pratik Gour

CAT Books by Pratik Gour

Author

Genre

Around the world in Eighty Days

Jules Verne

Adventure

The Time Machine

H G Wells

Science Fiction

Caves of Steel

Isaac Asimov

Science Fiction

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

Dystopian Fiction

Three Men in a Boat

Jerome K Jerome

Humour

Something Fresh

P G Wodehouse

Humour

Where Eagles Dare

Alistair McLean

Fiction

Therefore, the first thing CAT test candidates should check is that their fundamentals are in order. The next crucial element to passing the CAT is the "test-taking strategy." Therefore, a candidate must comprehend the value of testing because only via testing can a plan be developed to pass the CAT.

The plan will focus on "question selection," "question sequencing," "speed with accuracy," and, most significantly, "pressure handling." 

There are a few CAT exam books that we would suggest on various topics that would be interesting to read, including:

CAT Books by Pratik Gour

CAT Books by Pratik Gour

Author

Genre

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Stephen Covey

Management

A Brief History of time

Stephen Hawking

Science

Cosmos

Carl Sagan

Science

An Illustrated Retelling of Mahabharata – Jaya

Devdutt Patnaik

Mythology & Management

India in Slow Motions

Mark Tully

Politics

Capitalism & Freedom

Milton Friedman

Economics

Maximum City

Suketu Mehta

City Life - Mumbai

Long Walk to Freedom

Nelson Mandela

Autobiography - Politics

Wings of Fire

APJ Abdul Kalam

Autobiography

Shantaram

David Gregory Roberts

Autobiography – City Life

Even so, the materials and sample exams provided by coaching centres are more than enough. If a student has finished all the course material provided by the institute, we can suggest these CAT books.

CAT Books by Tarun Malik

CAT Books by Tarun Malik

Author/Publisher Name

Quantum CAT

Arihant Publications

High School English Grammar and Composition Book

Wren and Martin

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

Past Years' CAT Questions

G.K. Publications

Newspapers and Magazines recommended by GetMyUni for CAT Preparation

  • The Hindu
  • Time
  • Business Week
  • Newsweek
  • The Economist
  • National Geographic
  • Fortune
  • Business World

Also ReadCAT Exam Analysis 2021

CAT Topper Exam Tips and Strategy

CAT 2021 - 2020 toppers have mentioned their tips for CAT 2023 preparation and which CAT books to refer.

CAT Topper Exam Tips

CAT Toppers

CAT Topper Interviews

Chirag Gupta

CAT 2021, 100 percentile

I started preparing in March. I focused mainly on giving mock tests and analyzing them. I used to work on my weaknesses by watching various CAT preparation YouTube videos on various topics.

 

Bir Anmol Singh

CAT 2021, 99.94 percentile

I started preparing in April. I solved Arun Sharma sir's CAT books for VARC, LR, DI and Quant. I attempted as many past year CAT questions papers (timed attempt) as I could attempt, on weekends.

 

Mohit Babu

CAT 2021, 99.85 percentile

I started my preparations in April. My strategy mostly involved solving the previous years' mock papers from different coaching institutes. After that, I analyzed my weak areas and then focused on improving them.

 

Vinayak Prabhu

CAT 2021, 99.82 percentile

If you are dedicated, self-motivated and can stick to sincere practice, you don't need any coaching. But coaching will give you a competitive edge because they will share their years of experience, which you can't have on your own.

 

Mayank Kapoor

CAT 2021, 99.69 percentile

A coaching institute gives you a routine, which is a big factor. Most of us have other things that we are busy with, but if we have a schedule, it will nudge us to be regular with the prep.

 

Sagar Sengar

CAT 2021, 99.48 percentile

I started preparing around the end of June this year and went into full-throttle mode by the end of August. My overall strategy was to complete the theory end to end and then practice different kinds of problems across all the sections. 

 

Vinay Kotwal

CAT 2021, 99.40 percentile

As a mathematics background, I had a hold over the Quant section. I mainly focused on the VARC section. I referred to Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. I also used to read the newspaper daily to improve my English.

 

Ved Vineet

CAT 2021, 99.40 percentile

Along with the CAT preparation, I have limited time on weekdays. I devoted two hours on all the weekdays. However, I had to stretch during the weekends; thus, 4-5 hours of weekend preparation helped me score well.

 

Sareen Shah

CAT 2021, 99.35 percentile

I knew that Quant and DILR was my strong point. Had to attempt the most there. VARC was unpredictable and hence focused majorly on RCs rather than other questions.

 

Shreshth Khare

CAT 2021, 99.28 percentile

I began preparing in August. I joined the All India Test series offered by TIME and IMS. My strategy was to take the mock in the designated window and analyze it thoroughly. 

 

Kshitiz Singhal

CAT 2020, 99.99 percentile

My suggestion for the aspirants is to work on their fundamentals, speed, and accuracy.

 

Ekansh Agarwal

CAT 2020, 99.98 percentile

I would say that mock tests are the most important part of CAT preparation. Attempt as many mock tests as possible.

 

Naval Mittal

CAT 2020, 99.97 percentile

Solve as many types of questions as you can from each section. Secondly, focus on your accuracy.

 

Swarnadeep Ghosh

CAT 2020, 99.92 percentile

Attempt all kinds of mock tests, difficult and easy. Maximize your strengths, and do not stress about the weaker areas.

 

Sabyasachi Mishra

CAT 2020, 99.90 percentile

Focus more on concepts than mock tests. I would say that mocks do not matter much. What you learn from the mock tests is what matters.

 

Ravi Prinshu

CAT 2020, 99.78 percentile

Be self-disciplined, take mock tests regularly, and decide your preparation strategy by identifying your strengths and weaknesses.

 

Aruneet Dutta

CAT 2020, 99.52 percentile

You have to decide your own preparation and test-taking strategy through the trial and error method. You are the best person to decide which preparation method works best for you. 

 

Deepanshu Arora

CAT 2020, 99.49 percentile

Take as many mock tests as possible and analyze your performance. This would improve your exposure to the various question types.

 

Gahana Agarwal

CAT 2020, 99.30 percentile

It is necessary to keep yourself motivated by any means possible through the entire preparation phase and not to let mock scores and percentiles affect your mindset.

 

Arijit Kumar

CAT 2020, 99.10 percentile

Work on your strengths. Refer to the CAT preparation books like Arun Sharma and take ample mock tests and practice various question types.

 

CAT Books by Nishit K. Sinha

Books by Nishit K. Sinha are likewise very well-liked among CAT hopefuls. Each of the three parts of the book is available. It also includes current CAT questions and patterns.There are questions from previous years and thorough responses.

Each book by Nishit K. Sinha emphasizes conceptual clarity, which is their unique selling point. The questions and their answers are thoroughly, and explained in-depth. Numerous practice questions are available for students, which may aid in their knowledge of a range of problems.

CAT Books by Nishit K Sinha

CAT Section

CAT Books

Author

Publication

VARC

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT

Nishit K. Sinha

Pearson Publication

DILR

Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CAT

Nishit K. Sinha

Pearson Publication

Quant

Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Nishit K. Sinha

Pearson Publication

Arun Sharma CAT Books

Arun Sharma CAT books 2023 are among the top ones on the market, largely because they cover all three of the components included in the CAT exam format. Candidates can find Arun Sharma CAT books 2023 pdf online as well tp prepare better for the upcoming exams. 

Here are some of the main reasons that Arun Sharma's book are considered to be the best book for CAT exam :

  • The significant changes are noted together with the historical and contemporary CAT patterns in Arun Sharma's CAT books.
  • New chapters, subjects, exercises, and replica questions are added to the book on a regular basis, along with guidance on how to respond to these questions.
  • Each topic includes an explanation of the basics and conceptual clarity. Arun Sharma includes topic-specific quizzes and practise questions in all of his publications.
  • For each VARC, DILR, and Quant, separate books are given so students can concentrate on the weaker subjects separately.
  • For practice and greater comprehension, all the volumes include topic-specific CAT questions from prior years.
CAT Books by Arun Sharma

CAT Section

CAT Books

Author

Publication

VARC

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT

Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay

McGraw Hill Publication

DILR

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma

McGraw Hill Publication

DILR

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT

Arun Sharma

McGraw Hill Publication

Quant

How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Arun Sharma

McGraw Hill Publication

CAT Book VARC Analysis 

  • This book is a one-stop resource for various MBA exams, including XAT, IIFT, CMAT, etc., in addition to aiding with VARC preparation for the CAT.
  • The most recent CAT pattern is used, and it is continually updated.
  • The book is jam-packed with practice exams and their in-depth solutions.
  • The publications from the prior year have undergone proper analysis.
  • It is written and divided into sections according to topics.
CAT Book VARC Analysis

Author

Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

Publisher

McGraw Hill Education

Latest Edition

Eighth Edition

ISBN

9789353160197

CAT Book DILR Analysis 

Candidates' problem-solving skills are tested in the logical reasoning and data interpretation sections. CAT Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning Preparation is a must-read

CAT Book DILR Analysis

Author

Arun Sharma

Publisher

McGraw Hill Education

Latest Edition

Sixth Edition

ISBN

9353167140

  • The book was developed using the most recent CAT curriculum and pattern.
  • It is a one-stop shop for all MBA admission exams, including XAT, IIFT, SNAP, and others.
  • The exercises are created in a way that encourages logical thinking.
  • There are all of the new chapters present. For comprehensive practise, it also includes the most recent mock test papers.
  • There are shortcuts, methods, and recommendations for each type of inquiry.
  • One of the greatest explanations in this book is for the question of data sufficiency. There are many different questions in this field.

CAT Book QA Analysis 

  • This book is the finest for Quantitative Aptitude out of all Arun Sharma's CAT prep materials, and toppers and experts highly recommend it.
  • The book explains fundamentals and offers advice on approaching topics of greater complexity. The thorough explanation is simple to comprehend.
  • It contains the most recent question trends helpful for all MBA entrance exams.
  • One of the greatest parts is the author's explanation of how to use the elimination process to get a quick answer and save time.
  • There are mock test papers available with in-depth solutions.
CAT Book QA Analysis

Author

Arun Sharma

Publisher

McGraw Hill Education

Latest Edition

Eighth Edition

ISBN

9353160180

NCERT Books to Refer for CAT Preparation

NCERT books are a fantastic place to start the CAT preparation if candidates need to clarify the fundamental concepts. Students might learn some helpful fundamentals from the NCERT maths class 6 - 10 books. But keep in mind that they should only begin studying from NCERT books if they have a lot of time before the exam. In order to move on to the more difficult issues, it could be helpful to review some principles. It is advised to continue with the other publications and books as specified if you only have a limited amount of time to study

CAT Preparation Tips 2023

Regardless of whether they are working professionals or students preparing for their graduation, candidates often spend three to six months preparing for the CAT exam. This timeline needs to be broken down into phases, from studying the fundamentals to comprehending advanced strategies and developing an exam strategy.

  • Regularly read the newspaper's editorials and articles. Your RC talents will advance as a result.
  • To strengthen your time management skills, solve more practice questions and mocks.
  • Clarify the essentials and focus on your weak points.
  • The books by Arun Sharma and Nishit K. Sinha are suggested reading for CAT preparation. Always choose the most recent edition of a CAT prep book.
  • The DILR part is based on practice. To prepare for this area, answer lots of practice questions.
  • Use the CAT preparation materials provided by the institute if you are undergoing the coaching.
  • Avoid wasting time on a book's topic if you are fixated on it. Continue and address further issues.

FAQs

Which CAT books are the best for beginners?

Beginners should start CAT preparation with NCERT Maths (Class 9-10) for Quantitative Ability and Wren & Martin for Verbal Ability. Once they have completed the fundamentals, they should move to advance level books.

Do CAT books contain solved sample questions?

Yes, most of the CAT books by Arun Sharma, Sarvesh Verma, Nishit Sinha and RS Aggarwal contain a large number of sample questions with answers. CAT aspirants must refer to these books for maximum benefit.

How many mock tests should I attempt for CAT preparation?

A candidate should attempt at least 25-30 full-length CAT mock tests as recommended by the experts. If you reach a point in solving mock tests where you score 99+ percentile and maintain good time-speed ration, you should stop practicing more.

Is self-study with the help of recommended CAT books enough to crack the exam?

Yes, there are many candidates who score well in CAT by relying on self-preparation. Candidate should have a good knowledge of syllabus and exam patterns, gather the relevant study material, prepare a timetable, utilize the online sources available and test your preparation by giving mock tests.

Can I start preparing for CAT 2023 now?

Yes, around 2 months are left for CAT 2023 to take place, candidates should gear up their preparation. Make a preparation plan and start working on it. There is still plenty of time left to score well.

How much time is required to complete CAT syllabus?

Typically, one needs three to four months to complete CAT syllabus. However, those who have attempted CAT before can complete it faster. So, start CAT preparation latest by June-July and complete the syllabus by September.

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