Best Books for CAT Preparation: A Comprehensive Guide

Preparing for the Common Admission Test (CAT) can be a daunting task, but with the right resources, it can be a fruitful journey. In this article, we will discuss the best books for CAT preparation and where they are available. Whether you are a seasoned student or a beginner, these books will help you excel in the test.

Quantitative Ability (QA)

The quantitative ability section of the CAT is crucial for your overall performance. Here are some highly recommended books for tackling this section:

Arun Sharma for Quantitative Ability

Arun Sharma's book is a must-have for all CAT aspirants. It offers a structured approach to understanding and solving quantitative problems. The book is available in three levels, catering to different levels of difficulty. Each chapter includes chapter-wise hints and detailed techniques and explanations to help you master the concepts. This book is invaluable for building a strong foundation in QA.

Nishit Sinha for Geometry and Mensuration

For those who need to strengthen their skills in geometry and mensuration, Nishit Sinha is a highly recommended resource. The book offers excellent problem-solving techniques and is a great choice for students who want to excel in these topics. If you are looking to improve your problem-solving skills in these areas, this book is a great investment.

Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning (DI LR)

The DI LR section requires a different set of skills. Below are the books that can help you prepare effectively:

Arun Sharma for DI LR

Arun Sharma's book is a comprehensive resource that includes topic-wise questions and sets followed by two exercises per chapter. This book is designed to provide ample practice and help you build your reasoning skills. It is a valuable resource for students looking to ace the DI LR section.

Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension (VARC)

The VARC section can be challenging, but with the right preparation, you can master it. Here are our recommendations:

For practicing Verbal Ability: Instead of buying books, I would recommend reading newspapers like the Hindu or Economic Times to stay updated and enhance your reading and comprehension skills. Additionally, practicing mocks and joining a test series can help you strengthen your skills in reading comprehension and parajumbles. These topics form the crux of the VARC section.

Practice ARIHANT's CAT: FDP with previous 25 years' CAT tests. This book is a valuable resource that offers real test scenarios and helps you understand the patterns of the questions. Once you have covered the ARIHANT book, it's essential to give mocks and analyze your performance to identify your weaknesses and work on them.

Additional Resources

For those who are enrolled in an institute, diligently follow your institute's workbook. Additionally, online resources like Cracku or IMS provide valuable content for CAT preparation. Their coaching material and online study rooms can be a significant help, especially when it comes to staying updated with the latest trends in CAT preparation.

Note: If your institute provides modules from TIME or Career Launcher, they are more than sufficient for the CAT. However, for those who need additional resources, the above recommendations are highly beneficial.

Conclusion

The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a gateway to doing an MBA in India, and it is indeed one of the toughest exams in the country. However, with the right preparation and resources, you can crack it. By following the above recommendations, you can build a strong foundation in QA, DI LR, and VARC. Good luck with your CAT preparation!