When you start preparing for CAT, the first question that comes to mind is which books should you study from? With hundreds of titles available, it’s easy to feel lost.
To make your journey simpler, we’ve handpicked the most trusted and best books for CAT preparation used by toppers and mentors across India. These resources not only explain concepts clearly but also help you master accuracy and time management.
In this guide, we have shared the best books for CAT exam preparation section-wise, covering Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability, so you can focus on what truly matters for CAT 2025 and CAT 2026.
Best CAT Preparation Books 2025-26
Find the list of books for CAT 2025-2026:
| Section | Book Title | Author / Publication |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | |
| RC 99: Reading Comprehension for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
| The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
| A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | |
| Puzzle Book | George J. Summers | |
| CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri (Career Launcher) | |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K. Verma | |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. Aggarwal | |
| NCERT Mathematics (Class 6–10) | NCERT |
Syllabus Covered With Best CAT Books
Below is the overview of CAT exam syllabus and pattern covered in the books we have covered:
| Section Name | Number of Questions (Approx.) | Time Allotted | Key Topics Covered | Skills Tested |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | 24 | 40 Minutes | Reading Comprehension, Parajumbles, Odd Sentence Out, Sentence Completion, Summary Writing | Comprehension, Vocabulary, Critical Reading |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | 20 | 40 Minutes | Graphs, Charts, Tables, Caselets, Logical Puzzles, Arrangements | Analytical Thinking, Pattern Recognition, Data Analysis |
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | 22 | 40 Minutes | Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number System, Modern Math | Numerical Ability, Logical Application, Accuracy & Speed |
| Total | 66 Questions (Approx.) | 120 Minutes (2 Hours) | — | — |
More important resources for CAT exam:
| CAT 2025 Admit Card | CAT Answer Key 2025 |
| CAT Score vs Percentile 2025 | CAT Eligibility Criteria |
| CAT Practice Questions | CAT Quant Questions |
| CAT 2025 Exam Analysis | CAT Study Material |
Books for CAT VARC
The VARC section of the CAT exam evaluates your command over the English language — including comprehension, reasoning, and grammar. It is designed to test how well you understand written passages, identify arguments, and interpret meaning in context.
These are the top CAT prep books for verbal ability and reading comprehension:
| Book Title | Author / Publication | Key Highlights |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay | Comprehensive guide covering all CAT-level RCs and VA topics with difficulty gradation. |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Excellent for vocabulary, grammar, and contextual word usage. |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Strengthens verbal logic and reasoning concepts. |
| RC 99: Reading Comprehension for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Focused book with RC practice sets and detailed explanations. |
| The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Balanced coverage of both VA and RC with practice tests. |
CAT VARC syllabus focuses on parajumbles, sentence completion, summary writing, and odd one out. The key focus areas are vocabulary building, critical reading, logical structuring of ideas, and speed reading.
To score well, you must develop reading habits, analyze RCs from diverse topics, and regularly practice verbal reasoning questions.
Books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the CAT exam assesses your mathematical and analytical ability — not just your calculation skills but also how efficiently you apply logic under pressure.
These are the most recommended books for CAT quants section:
| Book Title | Author / Publication | Key Highlights |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma | The most recommended book with topic-wise theory, solved examples, and three levels of difficulty. |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh K. Verma | Advanced-level practice questions and shortcuts for complex topics. |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Ideal for structured learning with concept explanations and chapter-end exercises. |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. Aggarwal | Excellent for revising basic arithmetic and algebra before moving to advanced concepts. |
| NCERT Mathematics (Class 6–10) | NCERT | Builds the foundational clarity required to understand higher-level CAT problems. |
The CAT quants syllabus covers topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Number System, and Modern Math. The questions are concept-based and application-driven, requiring both accuracy and speed.
This section often becomes the game-changer for many aspirants, as it carries significant weightage in the overall percentile. Building a strong foundation with the right conceptual books, followed by ample practice and sectional tests, is essential for mastering the CAT Quantitative Aptitude section.
Explore additional free resources for CAT Exam:
Books for CAT DILR
The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) section of the CAT exam evaluates how well you can interpret data, recognize patterns, and solve problems using logic and reasoning. It involves analyzing tables, charts, graphs, caselets, and puzzles — combining multiple reasoning types within one set.
These are the best CAT prep books for DILR section:
| Book Title | Author / Publication | Key Highlights |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma | Comprehensive coverage of all DI topics with graded difficulty levels. |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Combines logical reasoning and data-based questions with clear explanations. |
| A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Excellent for beginners to build logical reasoning fundamentals. |
| Puzzle Book | George J. Summers | Sharpens logical deduction and analytical thinking through varied puzzles. |
| CAT Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri (Career Launcher) | Practice-oriented guide aligned with recent CAT patterns. |
The CAT DILR syllabus tests your analytical thinking, decision-making, and time management skills. The questions are designed to be tricky and require consistent practice rather than memorization.
To excel in DILR, you need to focus on improving accuracy, learning to select the right sets under pressure, and practicing real CAT-level problem sets regularly.
Additional Study Material for CAT Preparation
Along with the best books for CAT preparation, the following study material is also recommended:
| Resource Type | Material / Source | Purpose |
| Previous Year Papers of CAT | CAT 2019–2025 Papers (Slot-wise) | Understand actual exam pattern, question framing, and difficulty trend. |
| Full-Length CAT Mock Tests | By LPT Edtech. | Simulate real exam environment and improve time management. |
| Sectional Tests | Available in CAT mocks by LPT | Focused practice on individual sections — VARC, DILR, and Quant. |
| Topic-Wise Practice Sets | Coaching materials & online platforms | Strengthen weak areas with targeted practice. |
| CAT Practice Questions | Arun Sharma Practice Sets / Coaching Institutes | Refine accuracy through level-wise problem solving. |
| Daily Reading Material | The Hindu, Aeon Essays, The Economist | Build comprehension, vocabulary, and analytical reading for VARC. |
| Quant Formula Notes | Self-made or Coaching Handouts | Quick revision of formulas, concepts, and tricks. |
| Data Interpretation Sheets | Graphs, Tables, Caselets from mock series | Enhance speed and logical interpretation. |
How to Choose the Right CAT Preparation Books?
These are the characteristics or qualities of the best books for CAT exam preparation:
- Updated as per Latest CAT Pattern: Ensure the book reflects the current CAT Exam Pattern with section-wise questions, difficulty levels, and non-MCQ (TITA) types.
- Concept Clarity Over Volume: Choose books that explain topics simply and clearly instead of overloading you with hundreds of unsolved questions.
- Balanced Mix of Theory and Practice: The ideal CAT book offers concept-building chapters followed by graded practice sets.
- Level of Difficulty: Pick beginner-friendly books (like Arun Sharma) if you’re starting out; shift to advanced ones (like Sarvesh Verma) as you progress.
- Solved Examples with Explanations: Ensure every concept has worked-out examples to help you learn the logic behind each question.
- Variety of Question Types: The book should include RCs, puzzles, DI sets, and quantitative problems of all types found in the actual CAT.
- Author Credibility: Prefer books written by reputed CAT experts such as Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, or Sarvesh Verma who align with real exam standards.
- Practice Papers and Mock Integration: Books that include chapter-wise tests or mock papers help track your progress effectively.
- Consistency with Coaching Material: Cross-check your chosen books with reliable coaching notes or online test series to maintain alignment with current trends.
- Reviews and Recommendations: Check feedback from toppers, mentors, or reputed CAT forums before finalizing your booklist.
Practice with CAT PYQs:
| CAT Previous Year Papers | CAT 2025 Question Paper |
| CAT 2024 Question Paper | CAT 2023 Question Paper |
| CAT 2022 Question Paper | CAT 2021 Question Paper |
| CAT 2020 Question Paper | CAT 2019 Question Paper |
Section-Wise Preparation Strategy Using CAT Books
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
- Start small: Begin by reading editorials, opinion pieces, and long-form articles daily to build comprehension speed.
- Use the right books: Practice RCs from Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay and RC 99 by Nishit Sinha for CAT-level passages.
- Focus on accuracy: Solve parajumbles, sentence rearrangements, and summary-based questions regularly.
- Revision tip: Maintain a vocabulary notebook using Word Power Made Easy and review 10–15 words daily.
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)
- Build fundamentals first: Use R.S. Aggarwal or George Summers Puzzle Book to get comfortable with logic and pattern recognition.
- Practice variety: Move on to Arun Sharma’s DI book and Nishit Sinha’s DILR for diverse caselets and chart-based sets.
- Timed practice: Attempt one complete DILR set daily within 25–30 minutes to simulate real test pressure.
- Mock integration: Analyze every mock’s DILR section to identify your strong and weak set types.
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
- Build basics: Start with NCERT Mathematics (Class 6–10) to strengthen arithmetic and algebra foundations.
- Concept mastery: Move to Arun Sharma for step-wise learning through Levels of Difficulty (LOD 1–3).
- Advance your practice: Use Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma for challenging problems once fundamentals are strong.
- Formula revision: Maintain short notes of key formulas and shortcuts for quick daily revision.
FAQs About CAT Preparation Books
The top-recommended books are Arun Sharma’s series for Quant, VARC, and DI, Sarvesh Verma’s Quantum CAT, and Nishit Sinha’s guides for all sections.
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma and Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma are the most trusted.
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.
Arun Sharma’s How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha.
Extremely important for beginners — they build strong arithmetic and algebra foundations.
Coaching materials save time by being exam-focused, but books provide deeper conceptual clarity. Use both strategically.
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis and 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk & Norman Lewis.
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