Best Books for CAT Preparation: CAT Preparation Strategy
Preparing for CAT 2025? Choosing the right books is half the battle. This SEO-friendly guide lists section-wise best books for CAT (QA, DILR, VARC), explains how to use them in a practical CAT preparation strategy, and links to authoritative sources and expert roundups so you can buy/read the right material with confidence.
Quick takeaway — the short list
CAT DILR books, CAT VARC books, CAT Quant books :
- Quant (QA): Arun Sharma — How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT (and Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Agarwal / Sarvesh K. Verma for basics).
- DILR (DI & LR): Nishit Sinha — Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CAT and Arun Sharma DILR books.
- VARC (Verbal & RC): Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay VARC book, Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis), and Wren & Martin / grammar references.
- Mocks & Test Series: IMS / TIME / CareerLauncher / Cracku / 2IIM—use their test series in the later phases of prep.
These are said to be the best CAT DILR books, CAT VARC books, CAT Quant books verified by experts in this field.
Section-Wise Best Books for CAT 2025 (with why & how to use)
1) Quantitative Ability (QA)- CAT Quant books
Top picks– best books for CAT 2025
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT — Arun Sharma (comprehensive, topic-wise practice from easy → hard).
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations — R.S. Agarwal (for basics and speed).
- Quantum CAT — Sarvesh K. Verma (alternate practice book often recommended for targeted CAT questions).
How to use (strategy):
Start with R.S. Agarwal / NCERT → build concepts with Arun Sharma’s topic chapters → daily practice (20–40 QA questions) → timed sectional mocks. Focus on Arithmetic, Algebra, Number Theory, Geometry (high yield).
2) Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)- CAT DILR books
Top picks– best books for CAT 2025
- Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CAT — Nishit Sinha (sectional sets & CAT-style puzzles).
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT — Arun Sharma (systematic approach + mocks).
How to use (strategy):
Practice sets in increasing difficulty. Maintain an error log for pattern recognition (which puzzle types you keep failing). Time yourself and learn to skip high-time/low-yield sets during the actual CAT.
3) Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)- CAT VARC books
Top picks– best books for CAT preparation
- How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT — Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay (CAT-specific question types).
- The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension — Nishit Sinha (grammar + RC practice).
- Word Power Made Easy — Norman Lewis (vocabulary builder).
- High School Grammar & Composition — Wren & Martin (for core grammar).
How to use (strategy):
Daily reading habit (editorials, long-form articles); weekly RC sets (increase length gradually); learn vocab from Norman Lewis but prioritise comprehension practice. Build para-jumble and summary skills from Arun Sharma’s exercises.
Complementary & Foundation Books (best books for CAT)
- NCERT Maths (Class 6–10): Great to shore up basics for QA.
- RS Agarwal (Reasoning): For non-verbal reasoning basics.
Mocks, Test Series & Study Material (must-haves)
Books alone won’t do it—mocks and high-quality test series are essential. Use TIME / IMS / CareerLauncher / 2IIM / Hitbullseye mocks in the mock phase. Early phase: concept books + topic tests; middle phase: sectional mocks; late phase: full CAT mocks under exam conditions.
Complete CAT Preparation Strategy 2025— Book-centric plan
Months 1–3: Foundation & Concept Building
- QA: R.S. Agarwal + NCERT basics → start Arun Sharma QA.
- DILR: Basic puzzles from Nishit Sinha / Arun Sharma.
- VARC: Read daily; Word Power Made Easy; Arun Sharma VARC chapters.
- Start 1 short mock/week for discipline.
Months 4–5: Practice & Accuracy
- Finish Arun Sharma books; daily mixed topic practice.
- DILR: timed sets (30–45 minutes daily).
- VARC: 2–3 RCs/day + para-jumbles.
- Increase mocks to 2/week; detailed review after each.
Month 6: Mock Intensive & Revision
- Take full CAT-pattern mocks (10–12 realistic mocks). Use IMS/TIME/2IIM.
- Error log + revision: revisit weak topics from books.
- Simulate exam day (timing, no interruptions).
Evidence & Expert Recommendations (sources)
- InsideIIM and TopRankers list Arun Sharma and Nishit Sinha as the most recommended CAT books (section-wise).
- MBAUniverse and Careers360 highlight Arun Sharma series and NCERT + Word Power for strong fundamentals and vocabulary.
- TIME / IMS study material & mocks are widely used by CAT aspirants—use those test series in the mock-phase.
Common mistakes when choosing books (and how to avoid them)
- Buying too many books at once — stick to 2–3 core titles per section (e.g., Arun Sharma + NCERT + one alternate).
- Ignoring mocks — tests are learning tools, not just assessment. Invest time in quality mock analysis.
- Overemphasis on vocabulary only — VARC is RC-heavy; prioritize comprehension over flashcards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which single book should I buy first for CAT 2025?
If you must pick one, Arun Sharma’s Quant / DILR / VARC books are the most recommended starter set—use them section-wise and supplement with NCERTs and Word Power Made Easy.
Are Arun Sharma and Nishit Sinha enough to crack CAT?
Yes—many toppers use Arun Sharma and Nishit Sinha plus rigorous mocks. But real success depends on disciplined practice, timed mocks, and analyzing mistakes.
Should I use coaching material or just books?
Both. Use books for concepts and coaching/test series for exam simulation and targeted strategies. TIME/IMS/CL/2IIM mocks are particularly useful.
What is the best way to study VARC books?
Daily reading + targeted practice from Arun Sharma’s VARC book and Nishit Sinha’s RC sets. Learn to prioritize comprehension and inference over rote vocab.
How many mocks should I take before CAT 2025?
Aim for 30–50 full CAT-pattern mocks across your preparation cycle, with the majority in the last 2–3 months (start 1/week and ramp up). Use mocks from reputed providers (IMS, TIME, 2IIM, Hitbullseye).
Final checklist — buy/borrow these first
- Arun Sharma (QA, DILR, VARC).
- Nishit Sinha (DILR/VARC).
- Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis) + Wren & Martin (grammar).
- NCERT Maths (6–10) for basics.
- Enrol in 1 good mock/test series (IMS/TIME/2IIM/Hitbullseye).