For CAT 2025 Preparation, a proper strategy with the best CAT books, which includes section-wise concept building and exam-level preparation.
As more than 3 lakh candidates are expected to appear in CAT 2025, it is important to choose the top CAT Books that are important to achieve accuracy in each section: Quants, VARC and DILR.
- To prepare for the QA Section, 3 books are most important: How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma, Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Gupta, and Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma.
- For preparing the VARC Section: How to prepare for the verbal ability by Arun Sharma, and reading comprehension for the CAT by Meenakshi Upadhayay, for proper RC coverage, sentence correction and para jumbling of words.
- The DILR is the trickiest section for the CAT Candidates. So, CAT books like CAT Data Interpretation and logical reasoning for Gautam Puri and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit Sinha are recommended for high-level practice.
For more conceptual and logical improvement puzzle books, NCERT Books and sets from coaching institutes like TIME, IMS, and Career Launcher can enhance candidates’ practice for CAT 2025.
By using the required CAT books and solving the previous year's CAT Papers, candidates can enhance their speed, improve accuracy and gain the confidence required to give India’s top MBA Entrance Exam.
Candidates can check:
Key Summary
To prepare for the CAT, books are an important resource. In this Article, we have discussed the CAT 2025 Books.
- Candidates should use different section-wise CAT books for effective preparation and score more than 97% marks.
- Different coaching institutes also provide their set of books, which can be solved by candidates along with Previous year papers.
- Arun Sharma, Abhijit Gupta and Sarvesh Verma are among the top authors who have written for CAT.
- CAT Books PDF
- Best Books for CAT Preparation 2025
- CAT Section-Wise Best Books
- Arun Sharma CAT Books 2025
- Nishit K. Sinha, CAT Books 2025
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- CAT Previous Year Question Paper with Answer Key
- CAT Books Reddit Recommendations
- CAT 2025 Study Material
- FAQs for CAT Books 2025
CAT Books PDF
Best Books for CAT Preparation 2025
By choosing the right CAT books 2025, candidates can start proper preparation for CAT 2025.
If candidates want to build strong basics along with problem-solving skills, top resources include the subject-based books and guides, which include overall coverage and practice questions.
| Section | Book Title & Author | Price (Approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| QA | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT – Arun Sharma | ₹850 – ₹970 | LOD-based structure, exhaustive topic-wise practice |
| QA | Quantum CAT – Sarvesh Verma | ₹800 – ₹950 | Shortcut techniques, 3000+ QA questions for advanced prep |
| VARC | How to Prepare for VARC CAT – Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay | ₹750 – ₹900 | RC, para-jumbles, odd-one-out, and grammar drills |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis | ₹125 – ₹300 | Vocabulary builder with etymology and quizzes |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning & DI for CAT – Nishit K. Sinha | ₹750 – ₹850 | Progressive sets, puzzles, caselets, and DI chart sets |
| DILR | CAT DI & LR – Gautam Puri | ₹800 – ₹900 | Structured DI + LR sets with exam-type problems |
CAT Section-Wise Best Books
To prepare for CAT 2025, candidates require concept clarity, practice and knowledge about exam patterns.
Candidates should use section-wise CAT Books for each section: Quantitative aptitude, verbal ability & reading comprehension and data interpretation & logical reasoning for scoring more than 97% marks.
- These CAT Books are recommended by the toppers and according to the current CAT Exam Pattern.
- It includes resources for beginners, along with advanced problem-solving skills as well.
CAT Best Books for Quantitative Aptitude
- The Quantitative Aptitude is among the most scoring and competitive sections of CAT.
- To prepare for CAT QA, Arun Sharma and Sarvesh Verma are given 80% preference to score more than 95 percentile.
| Book Title & Author | Price (Approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT – Arun Sharma | ₹850 – ₹970 | Topic-wise theory and practice sets |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations – Abhijit Guha | ₹600 – ₹700 | Beginner-friendly, strong arithmetic focus |
| Quantum CAT – Sarvesh Verma | ₹800 – ₹950 | 3000+ questions, shortcut techniques, and advanced practice |
| NCERT Mathematics (Class 9–10) | ₹300 – ₹400 (set) | Basics of algebra, geometry, and arithmetic |
CAT Best books for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- The VARC tests the candidates' comprehension skills, vocabulary and verbal logic.
- The VARC was among the most difficult sections in CAT 2023; proper practice for reading comprehension is important for CAT 2025.
| Book Title & Author | Price (Approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| How to Prepare for VARC for CAT: Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay | ₹750 – ₹900 | RCs, para jumbles, summary questions |
| Verbal Ability & RC for CAT: Nishit K. Sinha | ₹700 – ₹850 | Grammar strategies, vocabulary drills |
| Word Power Made Easy: Norman Lewis | ₹125 – ₹300 | Root-based word learning, vocabulary builder |
| High School English Grammar & Composition: Wren & Martin | ₹200 – ₹300 | Grammar rules, sentence correction practice |
CAT Best Books for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- The DILR is the trickiest section; its books focus on DI Sets, Logical puzzles, caselets and data sufficiency.
- In CAT 2024, the DILR Section included 2-3 time-consuming sets; the books of Sharma and Sinha include a proper exam pattern.
| Book Title & Author | Price (Approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Logical Reasoning & DI for CAT: Nishit K. Sinha | ₹750 – ₹850 | Puzzle sets, caselets, DI tables & charts |
| CAT DI & LR: Gautam Puri | ₹800 – ₹900 | Beginner-friendly, progressive difficulty |
| Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency: Ananta Ashisha | ₹500 – ₹650 | Focus on DI formats and data sufficiency |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT: Arun Sharma | ₹700 – ₹850 | LOD 1–3 DI sets, reasoning-based data problems |
Arun Sharma CAT Books 2025
Arun Sharma is among the most trusted authors for the preparation of CAT. The books of Arun Sharma are recommended by the toppers and coaching institutes and follow a structured approach, moderate difficulty level and practice papers as well.
If a candidate is a beginner or targeting the 99+ percentile, Arun Sharma's books offer a proper journey to master QA, VARC and DILR.
| Section | Book Title | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| QA | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | ₹850 – ₹970 |
| VARC | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT (with Meenakshi Upadhyay) | ₹750 – ₹900 |
| DILR | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT | ₹700 – ₹850 |
Arun Sharma CAT Books PDF
| Book | Check Here |
|---|---|
| How to Prepare for the Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Download pdf |
| How to prepare for Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning for CAT | Download pdf |
| How to prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Download pdf |
*These PDFs have been taken from PDFcoffee; candidates can check it for downloading other books as well.
Nishit K. Sinha, CAT Books 2025
Nishit K. Sinha, an IIM Lucknow alumnus who is a sponsored CAT Mentor, is known for authoring books that include clarity of concepts, with CAT problem-solving skills.
- Books by Nishit K. Sinha are useful for self-learners who want to prepare theory and practice questions.
- These books are used to prepare for DILR and VARC, offering strong QA skills as well.
Nishit K. Sinha, CAT Book Series 2025
| Section | Book Title | Price (Approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| QA | Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | ₹750 – ₹850 | Concept-first approach with CAT-level LODs, solved examples, practice sets |
| VARC | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT | ₹700 – ₹850 | Focused on RCs, para-jumbles, grammar, and time-saving strategies |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning & Data Interpretation for CAT | ₹750 – ₹850 | Caselets, charts, puzzles; difficulty aligned with recent CAT DILR trends |
Also Read
Nishit K. Sinha CAT Books PDF
| Books | Check Here |
|---|---|
| The Pearson Guide To Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation | Download pdf |
| Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Download pdf |
CAT Books 2025 for Time Management Practice
Managing time properly is one of the most important skills for CAT 2025, in which candidates have to solve 68 questions in 120 minutes.
If a candidate practices with books that include the sectional tests, mock tests and time-based tests to increase the speed and accuracy of the candidates.
These Books are made to give candidates a proper exam-based condition and improve their time-management skills.
Top CAT Books for Time Management Practice
- Mock-Test Practice: The Face to Face CAT and IMS/TIME books offer real-time based time, which helps in improving the decision making skills of candidates.
- Performance Tracking: Time based exams with the analysis of solutions, which helps in identifying the strong and weak areas according to the response time and accuracy.
- 30-Day Modules: The QA, DILR and VARC practice planners can help the candidates to practice daily in short time sets which is perfect for the working professionals.
| Book Title & Author | Price (Approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Face To Face CAT (Latest Edition): Arihant Experts | ₹500 – ₹650 | Includes 10+ full-length tests with solutions, including time evaluation as well. |
| CAT Solved Papers (Past 24 Years): Arihant | ₹550 – ₹700 | Candidates can read CAT Papers for Speed analysis and get familiar with exam patterns. |
| Mock CATs + Sectional Tests Booklet: IMS or TIME (institute-specific) | ₹900 – ₹1200 | Institute based mock test and section-wise under the CAT Timings as well. |
| Quantitative Aptitude 30-Day Module: Arun Sharma Practice Planner | ₹500 – ₹650 | Day-wise timed schedule in QA, so candidates can do topic-wise practice. |
| DILR Challenge Sets: Nishit Sinha Practice Series | ₹600 – ₹750 | Top DILR SETS with time-management and accuracy skills |
Also Read
CAT Books for Previous Years’ Papers 2025
By solving the previous year's CAT papers, candidates can improve their strategy to increase their understanding of real exam patterns, difficulty level and time division.
As the pattern of CAT 2025 is similar to previous years, including 3 sections to solve in 120 minutes.
These books include memory-based CAT Papers with proper solutions and are essential in the final months of preparation.
Best CAT Books for Previous Year Papers Practice
| Book Title & Publisher | Price (Approx.) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Face to Face CAT (Latest Edition) : Arihant | ₹500 – ₹650 | Topic-wise & year-wise solved papers with model mocks |
| CAT 24 Years Solved Papers: Arihant | ₹550 – ₹700 | Chronological full papers with detailed explanations |
| Previous Years CAT Questions with Solutions: Career Launcher | ₹700 – ₹850 | Memory-based actual papers and sectional questions |
| Past CAT Papers with Analysis: IMS or TIME (internal material) | ₹800 – ₹1000 | Institute-curated CAT questions with difficulty & time analysis |
| Quantitative Aptitude Question Bank (PYQs): Arun Sharma | ₹600 – ₹750 | Chapter-wise QA questions from CAT exams with solutions |
CAT Toppers Strategy to score 99%
CAT Previous Year Question Paper with Answer Key
| CAT Question Paper Year | Check Question Paper with Answer key |
|---|---|
| CAT 2024 Question Paper | Check Here |
| CAT 2023 Question Paper | Check Here |
| CAT 2022 Question Paper | Check Here |
| CAT 2021 Question Paper | Check Here |
Also Read
CAT Books Reddit Recommendations
Reddit is a platform where the CAT Aspirants and toppers share their opinion, do group discussions, post book reviews and suggestions.
The Reddit recommendations show real-time analysis, difficulty level and actual preparation.
Most Recommended CAT Books on Reddit
| Section | Book Title | Reddit Recommendations | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| QA | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude – Arun Sharma | Highly Recommended | It is used for the difficulty level based on practice. |
| QA | Quantum CAT – Sarvesh Verma | Mixed | Useful for advanced-level preparation. |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis | Highly Recommended | Strongly advised for vocabulary building, especially for beginners |
| VARC | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay’s VARC | Moderate | Good for structure, but less effective for reading skill development |
| DILR | Nishit K. Sinha’s DILR | Trusted | Known for relevant and well-structured CAT-style puzzles |
| DILR | Gautam Puri’s DI & LR | Reliable | Beginner-friendly and solid for foundational practice |
| Mocks | IMS SimCAT / TIME AIMCAT | Must-have | Toppers agree that mocks and analyses are more important |
| PYPs | Face to Face CAT – Arihant | Recommended | Commonly used for solving previous year CAT-level questions |
CAT 2025 Study Material
Given below are the links for CAT Study Material for various topics of CAT VARC, DILR, and QA. You can find the explanation of concepts, sample questions, and tips to crack the questions.
CAT Study Material for QA
CAT Study Material for VARC
CAT Study Material for DILR
FAQs for CAT Books 2025
Ques. Which book is best for the CAT exam 2025?
Ans. There is not one best book for the preparation of CAT 2025, as the exam includes 3 different sections: QA, VARC and DILR.
But, if candidates want to know about the most-recommended books of all time by the toppers and mentors, they can choose the following books.
| Section | Best Book | Why It’s Best |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT: Arun Sharma | Covers all topics, helps in building concepts and problem-solving skills. |
| Verbal Ability & RC (VARC) | How to Prepare for VARC for CAT: Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay | Include balanced questions for RC and VA, which are based on current trends, including para jumbles, summary and odd one out. |
| DILR | Logical Reasoning & DI for CAT: Nishit K. Sinha | Well-structured sets that reflect the actual difficulty and question types of CAT DILR. |
Ques. Is Arun Sharma's book enough for CAT?
Ans. The books of Arun Sharma are excellent, but they are not sufficient for CAT Preparation if a candidate wants to get a 99th percentile in CAT.
| Criteria | Verdict | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concept Clarity | Strong | The Difficulty-based approach builds from the basics to the advanced. |
| Practice Volume | Sufficient | 2000+ questions across QA, VARC, and DILR combined. |
| CAT-Level Simulation | Moderate | Does not fully replicate CAT’s adaptive patterns, especially in RC and DILR. |
| Mock Test Practice | Lacking | No full-length mocks or adaptive sectionals included. |
| Recency of Pattern Match | Medium | Some question types are outdated; needs supplementing with recent mocks. |
Ques. How to prepare for CAT 2025 without coaching?
Ans. Candidates can crack CAT 2025 without any coaching with a focused, time-based plan. As only 4 months are left, candidates should follow a strategy with balanced revision, section-wise practice and analysis of mock-test.
4-Month CAT 2025 Self-Study Plan
| Month | Focus Area | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|
| July – August | Concept Based Revision and speed analysis |
|
| September | Mixed Practice and Section-wise timings |
|
| October | Full-Length Mock Tests and Analysis |
|
| November (till CAT) | Revision and High-weightage Topics |
|
Ques. Is calculator allowed in CAT 2025?
Ans. Yes, Candidates can use an on-screen virtual calculator in CAT 2025.
- Candidates can use it in the exams for doing basic operations including addition, subtraction, multiplication & division.
- Physical calculators or electronic devices are not allowed in the exam hall.
- It will be useful for the candidates in the DILR and QA section calculations, the speed is also important.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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