For CAT 2025 self-preparation, it is important that you best books for CAT 2025 for Self-preparation for Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and DILR sections. Here are the top 10 CAT preparation books recommended by MBA experts. These include popular recommended books from Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, and Sarvesh Verma to self-prepare for CAT.
- To master concepts, especially in maths, the NCERT Maths books for 9 and 10 are helpful.
- For the DILR section, How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma is one of the best books for logical reasoning concepts.
- For the VARC Section, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis is essential for building a strong vocabulary base.
Best books for CAT 2025 for self preparation PDF download:
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma | Download PDF |
| Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis | Download PDF |
Related Links:
Key Summary
- Among the best 10 books for CAT 2025, you need to have Arun Sharma, Sarvesh Verma, and Nishit Sinha on your list.
- Self-studying isn’t the only option, as students have access to freely provided self-study material on Collegedunia, TIME, and other resources.
- With no-charge coaching, these sites provide downloadable PDF worksheets, mock exams, and practice drills for self-learners
- Start with the NCERTs, then CAT-level problem sets, and mock exams for best results.
CAT 2025 Syllabus Sections and Topics Overview
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number System, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Averages, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Ratios, Mixtures, Time & Work, Logarithms, Probability, Set Theory |
| Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR) | Venn diagrams, blood relations, puzzles, data sufficiency, bar graphs, line charts, pie charts and caselets |
| Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC) | Reading Comprehension (RC), Sentence and Paragraph Shuffle, Summary Writing, Sentence Elimination, Odd One Out, Complete the Sentence, Implicit Vocabulary, Grammar |
Top 10 CAT preparation books: Section-wise Syllabus Books
For CAT 2025 self-preparation, it’s essential to follow a structured approach using the Best Books for CAT 2025 for Self Preparation, mentioned as per the section-wise syllabus.
These top 10 CAT preparation books will help you to cover Quantitative Aptitude, VARC, and DILR sections with CAT's latest pattern.
From Arun Sharma and Sarvesh Verma for QA to Norman Lewis and Meenakshi Upadhyay for VARC, and Nishit K. Sinha for DILR, these resources are trusted by toppers for conceptual clarity, advanced practice, and mock-based learning.
Quantitative Aptitude Books for CAT 2025
| Book Title | Author | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma | Medium to High |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma | High |
| Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Medium to High |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal | Easy to Medium |
Read More:
How to Prepare for CAT using Nishit K Sinha Books
VARC (Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension) Books for CAT 2025
| Book Title | Author | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| How to Prepare for VARC for the CAT | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay | Medium to High |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis | Easy |
| High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren and Martin | Easy to Medium |
Read More:
CAT Reading Comprehension TipsDILR (Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning) Books for CAT 2025
| Book Title | Author | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning | Gautam Puri | Medium |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha | Medium to High |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma | Medium |
Read More:
How to Prepare for CAT 2025 using Arun Sharma BooksHow to Use These Books for Self-Preparation
Practice Phase (Nov 2025–Feb 2026)
Move on to Arun Sharma and do Quantum CAT as well as LR-DI books. Practice all types and do topic-wise tests as well.
Advanced Phase (Mar–June 2026)
Work on tougher problems in Quantum CAT and do full-length mocks. Include PYQs in your prep.
Mock Phase (July–Sept 2026)
You can take Free mock tests designed by Collegedunia. Each mock needs to be analysed in detail. Strengthen problem areas with relevant book chapters.
Take a CAT Free Mock Test by Collegedunia
For more Section-wise Mock Test: Check here
CAT Preparation Online Reddit
You must be thinking, what books do CAT toppers recommend on Reddit?
Many self-study candidates suggest starting with the Best Books for CAT 2025 for Self Preparation Free - including NCERTs (for QA basics), Word Power Made Easy, and past CAT papers.
On forums like r/CATPreparation and r/Indian_Academic, users also share free PDF links, mock strategies, and book summaries to boost prep without coaching.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Top Subreddits | r/CATprep, r/Indian_Academia |
| User Type | CAT aspirants, 99+%ilers, IIM students, working professionals |
| Key Discussions | Study plans, mock test reviews, book/resource comparisons, time management |
| Popular Threads | Cracku vs 2IIM, AIMCAT difficulty analysis, 4-month prep strategies |
| Free Resources Shared | Google Drive folders, YouTube playlists, discount coupons, prep calendars |
| Frequency of Posts | High engagement from July to November (peak prep months) |
| Overall Usefulness | Excellent for unbiased advice, free study materials & preparation tracking |
Read more: How to Crack TITA Question in 2025
Best books for CAT 2025 for self preparation FAQs
Ques. Which book is best for the CAT exam 2025?
Ans. There is no single best book, but a few titles consistently stand out:
- Quantitative Aptitude: How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma and Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma
- VARC: How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
- DILR: How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma
- Foundation: NCERT Class 9 & 10 Maths for basics
Most people go for TC Arun Sharma for the complete set.
Ques. How to start preparing for CAT 2025?
Ans. Begin with a section-wise schedule.
● Quant: Begin with NCERT to grasp the fundamentals, then move on to Arun Sharma or Quantum CAT.
● VARC: Daily reading like editorials, articles, and novels, plus practising RC and para jumbles from VARC books.
● DILR: Practice last year's book sets from Arun Sharma or Nishit Sinha.
● Mocks: Topic tests first, followed by full mocks starting June or July 2025.
Weekly, look at your tracked weak areas.
Ques. How to prepare for a CAT exam by self study?
Ans. Follow these steps:
- Familiarise yourself with the syllabus and exam specifications.
- Pick the right books. Sharma, Verma, Sinha, and even NCERT are a good start.
- Draft a daily study plan.
- Study on a regular basis with topic tests and check the previous year’s papers.
- Access free materials at 2IIM, SelfStudys, and Hitbullseye.
- Analysis and improvement after each mock test must be conducted.
- Self-discipline and consistency is a must.
Ques. Can I crack CAT with self-study?
Ans. Definitely! Every year, thousands of students are able to crack the CAT without coaching. Having the right study material, creating a study schedule, practising with mocks, and having some self-discipline make self-study as impactful as classroom coaching. A lot of the CAT toppers with 95–99+ percentiles have achieved those scores purely out of self-preparation. The primary elements are a solid game plan, smart repetition, and frequent revision.
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