Top 15 MBA CAT Books to Ace Your Entrance Exam

Better preparation for the CAT can play an important role in the smooth MBA journey. The proper study material indeed helps upgrade the preparation so all the important topics and types of questions can be practiced more effectively.

Now, we are going to discuss the top 15 CAT books you can use to ace the CAT exam. We shortlisted each one of these books due to comprehensive matter, unique features, and their effectiveness for CAT preparation. Now, take a glance at the list and find out which one best suits your requirements:
 

Top 15 MBA CAT Books to Score Excellence in Your Entrance Exam 

The right books are required to strengthen their base in all sections of CAT-Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and Verbal Ability. Be it for those newcomers to the preparations or those who have been preparing for some time now, the books in this compilation offer something valuable for their preparation.

The listing of the Top 15 CAT Books for MBA is the most comprehensive and will draw you closer to your goal-the most prestigious MBA program.
 

1. “Quantitative Aptitude for CAT” by Arun Sharma

Overview:
This book is a staple for CAT aspirants targeting the Quantitative Aptitude section. Divided into difficulty levels, it gradually builds your confidence with concept explanations, examples, and practice problems. 

Key Features: 

• Concept-building through beginner to advanced-level exercises. 

• Solved examples of CAT questions for practice. 

• Includes time-saving techniques and tricks to solve problems efficiently. 

• Regularly updated with the latest CAT trends. 

Who Should Use It:
This book is ideal for students who want a strong foundation in mathematics and need progressive difficulty levels to master Quantitative Aptitude. 

Where to Buy:
You can purchase it from Amazon here. 

2. “How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension” by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay

Overview:
Focusing on two key CAT sections – Verbal Ability (VA) and Reading Comprehension (RC) – this book offers effective preparation with targeted questions and in-depth explanations. 

Key Features: 

• Past CAT questions to analyze patterns. 

• Multiple practice sets for RC, grammar, and verbal logic. 

• Tips to improve reading speed and comprehension skills. 

• Detailed analysis of verbal logic questions like para-jumbles. 

Who Should Use It:
This book is recommended for students who struggle with VA-RC and need focused practice with comprehension strategies. 

Where to Buy:
Find it on McGrawHill here. 

3.  “Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT” by Nishit K. Sinha

Overview:
This book offers detailed preparation for the LR-DI section, considered the trickiest part of CAT. With a mix of theory and practical problems, it helps students improve their reasoning and analytical skills. 

Key Features: 

• Covers DI sets, caselets, logic puzzles, and arrangements. 

• Provides mock tests and sample CAT papers for practice. 

• Includes shortcuts and tricks for faster solving. 

• Helpful for non-math background students to master LR-DI concepts. 

Who Should Use It:
Ideal for students seeking in-depth preparation for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, especially those looking to enhance their speed and accuracy. 

Where to Buy:
You can buy it on Flipkart here. 

4. “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis

Overview:
This book is a classic vocabulary builder that offers not just words but also their origins and proper usage, making it perfect for improving verbal ability. 

Key Features: 

• Engaging exercises to improve word recall and retention. 

• Focuses on etymology and root-based learning. 

• Useful for non-native speakers aiming to enhance their English skills. 

• Breaks down complex words into simple forms for better understanding. 

Who Should Use It:
This is ideal for students aiming to improve their vocabulary for CAT’s verbal section and beyond, including MBA interviews. 

Where to Buy:
It is available on Amazon here. 

5. “Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT” by Sarvesh K. Verma

Overview:
Quantum CAT is known for its extensive question bank and advanced-level practice exercises. It’s designed for students aiming for 99+ percentile and who are ready for challenges beyond basics. 

Key Features: 

• Covers all Quant sections in great detail with 400+ practice problems. 

• Explains shortcuts and methods to solve complex questions. 

• Includes topic-wise solved examples from past exams. 

• Great for those targeting top-tier B-schools through CAT. 

Who Should Use It:
Students with good mathematical ability who need intensive practice for achieving top percentiles. 

Where to Buy:
You can find it on Google here. 

6. “A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal

Overview:
This book offers a wide range of logical reasoning questions and explanations, making it a favorite for students preparing not just for CAT but also for other MBA entrance exams. 

Key Features: 

• Comprehensive coverage of verbal and non-verbal reasoning. 

• Step-by-step solutions to complex problems. 

• Includes practice questions with varied difficulty levels. 

• Effective for mastering logical puzzles, seating arrangements, and coding-decoding. 

Who Should Use It:
This book is highly recommended for students who need practice in reasoning-based questions, especially for exams beyond CAT. 

Where to Buy:
Available on Amazon here. 

7. “Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT” by Ajay Singh

Overview:
Ajay Singh’s book offers focused preparation for VA-RC with practical techniques to improve accuracy and comprehension skills. It covers para-jumbles, sentence correction, and summary questions with easy-to-understand explanations. 

Key Features: 

• Provides section-wise question banks. 

• Tips to improve reading speed and comprehension accuracy. 

• Contains full-length practice papers for exam preparation. 

• Emphasizes CAT-level verbal logic and RC techniques. 

Who Should Use It:
This is perfect for students who want strategic preparation for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. 

Where to Buy:
You can buy it from Amazon here. 

8. “The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for CAT” by Nishit K. Sinha

Overview:
This book provides comprehensive coverage of Quantitative Aptitude with conceptual clarity and practical problems. It is great for building strong fundamentals and improving problem-solving speed. 

Key Features: 

• Includes solved examples and practice questions. 

• Focuses on shortcut techniques for faster problem-solving. 

• Features mock tests to simulate real CAT conditions. 

• Ideal for both beginners and advanced learners. 

Who Should Use It:
Recommended for students who need conceptual clarity along with extensive practice in Quant. 

Where to Buy:
Available on Flipkart here. 

9. “How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT” by Arun Sharma 

Overview:
This book provides in-depth coverage of Data Interpretation, focusing on problem-solving strategies for graphs, tables, and charts. It is structured for CAT aspirants who need help mastering DI techniques. 

Key Features: 

• Covers all types of data interpretation sets commonly seen in CAT. 

• Includes time-bound practice tests to improve speed and accuracy. 

• Provides problem-solving techniques and tips for tricky questions. 

• Features mock papers for exam-like practice. 

Who Should Use It:
Students looking to improve their performance in Data Interpretation and master complex calculations. 

Where to Buy:
Available on McGrawHill: Buy Here 

10. “CAT 2024: Complete Study Pack” by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay

Overview:
This comprehensive study pack covers all three core areas—Quantitative Aptitude, Verbal Ability, and Data Interpretation. It’s an all-in-one guide for serious CAT aspirants. 

Key Features: 

• A combination of theory, solved examples, and practice sets. 

• Includes test papers modeled on recent CAT exams. 

• Offers time-management tips to handle CAT’s pressure. 

• Updated content to match the latest exam trends. 

Who Should Use It:
Ideal for students seeking a single resource to prepare for all CAT sections. 

Where to Buy:
Available on Amazon: Buy Here 

11. “MBA Entrance Exams: Strategy Guide” by Gautam Puri

Overview:
This book focuses on preparing for all MBA entrance exams, including CAT. It offers strategies to tackle exam pressure and provides insights into question patterns. 

Key Features: 

• Comprehensive strategies for CAT, XAT, SNAP, and other exams. 

• Includes detailed analysis of previous years’ papers. 

• Focus on time-management and accuracy enhancement techniques. 

• Mock tests and solutions for better self-assessment. 

Who Should Use It:
Students preparing for multiple MBA entrance exams beyond CAT. 

Where to Buy:
Available on Amazon: Buy Here 

12. “The Art of Reading Comprehension for CAT” by Sujit Kumar

Overview:
This book focuses exclusively on mastering reading comprehension, a vital component of the CAT Verbal Ability section. 

Key Features: 

• Techniques to quickly understand and analyze long passages. 

• Practice questions with detailed solutions. 

• Includes mock tests to improve reading speed. 

• Special section on grammar-based comprehension questions. 

Who Should Use It:
Students struggling with the reading comprehension section and aiming to enhance speed and accuracy. 

13. “500+ Verbal Ability Questions for CAT” by Arihant Experts

Overview:
This book is perfect for practicing verbal ability questions across various topics, helping students build confidence for the CAT exam. 

Key Features: 

• Covers vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction, and reading comprehension. 

• Provides chapter-wise practice questions with answers. 

• Offers tips for quick problem-solving and test-taking strategies. 

• Includes mock papers for real-time experience. 

Who Should Use It:
Aimed at students who need extra practice in verbal ability topics. 

Where to Buy:
Available on Amazon: Buy Here 

14. “Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT” by K. Sinha Nishit

Overview:
This book provides a balanced focus on both logical reasoning and data interpretation, helping students ace these sections of CAT. 

Key Features: 

• Detailed explanations of common question types. 

• Step-by-step solutions to complex reasoning problems. 

• Practice tests with various difficulty levels. 

• Time-saving techniques to enhance speed during the exam. 

Who Should Use It:
Students aiming to strengthen their logical reasoning and data interpretation skills for CAT. 

Where to Buy:
Available on Amazon: Buy Here 

15. “Ace the Quant: A CAT Study Guide” by Nishit Sinha

Overview:
This book delves deep into Quantitative Aptitude with clear conceptual explanations and plenty of practice questions, making it a reliable companion for CAT preparation. 

Key Features: 

• Provides a strong foundation in core mathematical concepts. 

• Features 500+ practice questions with detailed solutions. 

• Offers multiple methods to solve tricky problems. 

• Includes mock tests to track progress and build confidence. 

Who Should Use It:
Recommended for students seeking an advanced guide to crack the Quantitative Aptitude section with confidence. 

Where to Buy:
Available on Amazon: Buy Here 

Tips for Choosing the Right Book According to Your Needs 
 

Choosing the right CAT preparation book can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to guide you: 

• Identify your weak areas: Select texts that concentrate on the parts that you are performing badly in. 

• Books with Practice Tests: Select a book that has practice tests to enable you to work through the actual CAT experience. 

• Select Books from Reputed Authors: Well-known authors like Arun Sharma or Nishit K. Sinha offer comprehensive and reliable content. 

• Books with Solutions: Select the books which provide detailed explanations and solutions for every question.  

• Consider Multi-Use Books: Some of the books, like R.S. Aggarwal, can be used for other competitive exams as well. 

How to Do CAT Exam Preparation for MBA With Help of These Books? 

To make the most from these books, here is just a preparation to go through: 

• Prepare a Study Plan: Equate hours for each topic, and then strictly follow the schedule. 

• Solve Mock Tests Regularly: Practice mock tests to track your progress and adjust your strategy accordingly. 

• Emphasis on Concepts: Understanding the concept rather than memorizing an answer to enable the variation in questions. 

• Review Your Mistakes: After solving the exercises, carefully go through the mistakes and find out where you went wrong.  

• Revise Regularly: Set aside time for periodic revision, especially for difficult topics. 

FAQs about MBA CAT Books 

Q1. Can I crack the CAT exam with self-study using these books? 

Yes, with discipline and dedication, you can crack CAT using self-study. These books provide comprehensive coverage of all sections, along with practice questions and solutions.

Q2. How many practice tests should I take before the CAT exam?
Aim to take at least 20-25 mock tests before the exam. Practice tests help you understand your strengths and weaknesses, while also improving your time management skills. 

Q3. Should I invest in coaching or rely solely on these books?
It depends on your learning style. If you are comfortable with self-study, these books are enough. However, coaching can provide additional guidance and peer support. 

Q4. Which book is best for Quantitative Aptitude if I’m a beginner?
For beginners, “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal is an excellent choice. 

Q5. What are the best online platforms to buy these CAT preparation books?
Popular platforms include Amazon, Flipkart, and official publisher websites where you can buy these books at competitive prices.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right books is the first step toward cracking the CAT exam. With the right combination of practice, revision, and perseverance, these books will serve as an invaluable resource throughout your preparation journey. 

Start Your MBA Journey with ASM IBMR’s Comprehensive MBA Program 

Cracking CAT is just the beginning of your MBA journey. At ASM IBMR, we offer a comprehensive MBA program designed to prepare you for a successful career in management. With our industry-oriented curriculum and experienced faculty, you can take your career to the next level. 

Are you ready to start your journey with us? Apply today!