Best Books for CAT Preparation in 2026
CAT is the one exam where your book choice matters more than the number of hours you study. I’ve seen students burn through 6 months of prep with the wrong materials and score lower than someone who spent 3 months with the right ones. The Common Admission Test doesn’t reward rote learning. It rewards sharp thinking, pattern recognition, and the ability to solve problems under brutal time pressure.
The exam has three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). You need to clear the sectional cutoffs for each, not just the overall score. That means you can’t skip any section and hope the others carry you.
I’ve put together this list of the best books for CAT preparation based on what actually works. These aren’t affiliate-stuffed recommendations. They’re the books that IIM admits consistently credit for their scores. One solid book per section, used properly, beats a shelf full of guides you never finish.
Best Overall CAT Prep Books
Before you dive into section-specific prep, you need one book that gives you the full picture: syllabus, exam pattern, previous year questions, and a study roadmap. Start here.
CAT Topic-Wise & Year-Wise Solved Papers by Gautam Puri
- Covers 30+ years of actual CAT questions organized by topic and year
- Detailed solutions with shortcut methods and alternative approaches
- Updated annually with the latest CAT exam pattern and questions
- Strategic approach to tackle different question types
- Practice exercises for self-assessment
This is the one book I tell every CAT aspirant to start with. Gautam Puri’s topic-wise and year-wise solved papers give you the most authentic practice material available. You’re solving actual CAT questions from the last 30+ years, organized so you can focus on specific topics or simulate full papers.
The solutions include shortcut methods and alternative approaches, which is critical for CAT where time management decides your score. Don’t buy multiple solved paper collections. One good one is enough, and this is the best. Make sure you grab the latest edition that includes the most recent CAT paper.
How to Prepare for CAT by Arun Sharma (Complete Guide)
- Comprehensive guide covering all three CAT sections with practice sets
- Includes mock tests and section-wise strategy for time management
- Updated regularly to match the evolving CAT exam pattern
Arun Sharma’s comprehensive CAT guide is the other must-have for anyone starting from scratch. It covers all three sections with a structured approach, includes mock tests, and provides section-wise strategies for time management. If Gautam Puri’s book gives you the raw questions, Arun Sharma teaches you how to think about them.
Best Books for Quantitative Ability (QA)
QA is where most non-engineering students struggle, and where engineering students get overconfident. The CAT doesn’t test complex math. It tests your ability to solve seemingly simple problems quickly and accurately. You need conceptual clarity more than formula memorization.
Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
- CAT 2020-2024 QA section solved papers with detailed analytics
- 200+ problem-solving author videos for visual learning
- 4,000+ practice questions across three difficulty levels
- 13 solved mock tests to replicate exam conditions
- Live interactive sessions with the author
Arun Sharma’s QA book is the gold standard for CAT quant prep. It organizes problems into three difficulty levels, so you start with fundamentals and work up to CAT-level questions. The book covers all major topics: arithmetic, algebra, number systems, geometry, and modern math. What makes it essential is the shortcut methods and alternative approaches that save you precious seconds during the exam.
If your math fundamentals are weak, start with Level 1 problems and don’t move on until you can solve them without looking at solutions. Most students skip ahead too quickly and wonder why they can’t crack the harder questions.
Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K. Verma (Arihant)
- Covers every quantitative topic with unique problem-solving approaches
- Known for creative methods that develop mathematical thinking
- Over 5,000 practice problems across all difficulty levels
Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K. Verma is the alternative to Arun Sharma that many 99+ percentilers swear by. The approach is different: Verma focuses on building mathematical intuition rather than following set procedures. The book has over 5,000 problems and is known for creative solution methods that you won’t find elsewhere. If Arun Sharma’s systematic approach doesn’t click with you, try Quantum CAT instead. Don’t buy both. Pick one and master it.
Best Books for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
DILR is the section that decides whether you get into IIM-A, B, C or the next tier down. It’s also the most unpredictable section. The question types change every year, and no amount of memorization helps. You need to develop the ability to process data fast and think logically under pressure.
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K. Sinha
- Covers both DI and LR with CAT-specific question patterns
- Set-based practice that mirrors the actual CAT DILR format
- Includes caselets, puzzles, and data sufficiency problems
Nishit Sinha’s DILR book is my top recommendation for this section. It covers both data interpretation and logical reasoning with set-based practice that mirrors how CAT actually tests these skills. The book includes caselets, arrangement puzzles, data sufficiency problems, and the kind of hybrid DI-LR sets that have become common in recent CATs.
What I like about Sinha’s approach is that he doesn’t just give you standalone LR puzzles. He trains you to handle the integrated sets where you need both data interpretation and logical reasoning skills simultaneously, which is exactly how CAT tests you.
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency by Ananta Ashisha
- Focused specifically on data interpretation and data sufficiency
- Includes tables, charts, graphs, and calculation-heavy DI sets
- Good supplement for students weak in DI specifically
Ananta Ashisha’s book is a solid supplement if DI is specifically your weak area. It covers tables, charts, graphs, and calculation-heavy sets in detail. Use this alongside Nishit Sinha’s book if you need extra DI practice. Otherwise, Sinha’s book alone covers both DI and LR well enough.
Best Books for Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension (VARC)
VARC is the section where most coaching institutes fail their students. You can’t crack RC passages by learning “techniques.” You crack them by being a strong reader. Period. The right books help you build reading speed, comprehension depth, and vocabulary over time.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
- Solved previous years' papers (2021-2024) for CAT VARC section
- 2,500+ solved practice questions with detailed explanations
- 150+ conceptual author videos for better understanding
- 5 full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions
- Live interactive sessions with the author for doubt resolution
Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay’s VARC book is the most comprehensive resource for this section. It covers every question type: RC passages, para jumbles, para summary, odd sentence out, and vocabulary-based questions. The RC practice passages cover diverse topics (philosophy, science, economics, history) that match what CAT actually throws at you.
For the verbal ability portion, focus on para jumbles and odd sentence out questions first. These are the most “learnable” VA question types, meaning practice directly translates to score improvement.
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- The classic vocabulary building book, used by CAT toppers for decades
- Teaches word roots and etymology so you can decode unfamiliar words
- 30-day structured program that builds vocabulary systematically
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis isn’t a CAT-specific book, but it’s been the go-to vocabulary builder for CAT aspirants for decades. The book teaches you word roots and etymology, which means instead of memorizing individual words, you learn to decode unfamiliar words from their components. This skill pays off heavily in RC passages where you encounter dense academic vocabulary.
Start this book 4-6 months before CAT and work through it consistently. 20 minutes a day is enough. Don’t try to cram it in the last month.
Books That Build Your Reading Muscle
CAT RC passages cover philosophy, economics, science, history, and social commentary. The students who ace VARC aren’t the ones who practiced the most RC passages. They’re the ones who read widely. Here are books that build the kind of reading stamina and comprehension depth CAT demands.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- Easy, engaging read that builds the daily reading habit CAT demands
- International bestseller translated into 80+ languages
- Builds vocabulary naturally through storytelling
Start with The Alchemist if you don’t have a reading habit. It’s short, engaging, and you’ll finish it in two sittings. The point isn’t the book itself. It’s building the muscle of sitting down and reading for 30-60 minutes without checking your phone. Once that habit clicks, move to the heavier reads below.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
- Dense, literary prose that trains you for complex CAT RC passages
- Rich character development builds critical thinking skills
- Internationally acclaimed with deep narrative layers
A Gentleman in Moscow is where your RC skills actually get built. The prose is dense, the vocabulary is rich, and the narrative rewards close reading. If you can follow Towles’ writing without losing the thread, CAT RC passages will feel simpler by comparison. This is the single best fiction book for VARC preparation.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
- Develops logical reasoning and deductive thinking for DILR
- Fast-paced narrative builds reading speed
- Intricate plot structure sharpens analytical skills
Agatha Christie’s masterpiece does double duty. The fast pace builds your reading speed, while the intricate mystery forces you to track details and think logically. That’s basically what DILR tests. At 76% off, this is a steal.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (60th Anniversary Edition)
- Pulitzer Prize-winning classic with rich vocabulary
- Complex social themes mirror CAT RC passage topics
- Builds comprehension for nuanced, argument-based passages
To Kill A Mockingbird covers social justice, ethics, and moral reasoning. These are exactly the kinds of themes CAT RC passages are built on. The vocabulary and sentence structure are a step above casual reading, which is exactly the training you need.
Also pick up Complete Works of Kahlil Gibran for philosophical and poetic prose that stretches your comprehension in ways fiction alone can’t.
Beyond books, make it a habit to read long-form articles from The Economist, Aeon, The Atlantic, and The Hindu editorial page. These mirror the tone and complexity of CAT RC passages better than any prep material.
How to Actually Use These Books (Study Strategy)
Buying the right books is step one. Using them properly is where most aspirants fail. Here’s the study strategy that works.
Don’t buy more than one book per section. I’ve seen students with 8 books on their desk and zero progress. Pick one QA book (Arun Sharma or Quantum CAT), one DILR book (Nishit Sinha), one VARC book (Arun Sharma & Meenakshi), and the solved papers. That’s your core set.
Solve before you read solutions. Spend at least 10-15 minutes on a problem before looking at the answer. The struggle is where learning happens. If you flip to the solution after 2 minutes, you’re reading, not studying.
Track your accuracy by topic. After every practice session, note which topics you got wrong and why. If you keep missing number system problems, that’s a signal to go back to the basics for that topic. Use a simple spreadsheet or a notebook. The Pomodoro technique works well for CAT prep: 25 minutes of focused practice, 5-minute break, repeat.
Take sectional mocks first, full mocks later. In the first 2-3 months, focus on section-wise practice. Start taking full-length mock tests only in the last 2-3 months when your fundamentals are solid. Mock scores are meaningless if your basics aren’t in place.
If you’re preparing from home without coaching, check out my detailed guide on how to prepare for CAT from home. I’ve covered the complete strategy, timeline, and resources you need.
My Recommended Book Combinations
Here’s what I’d buy based on your starting level.
If you’re starting from scratch (6+ months before CAT):
- Gautam Puri’s Solved Papers (for exam pattern)
- Arun Sharma’s QA book
- Nishit Sinha’s DILR book
- Arun Sharma & Meenakshi’s VARC book
- Word Power Made Easy (start immediately)
If you have strong math skills (engineers, science grads):
- Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma (higher difficulty ceiling)
- Nishit Sinha’s DILR book
- Focus heavily on VARC with the Arun Sharma & Meenakshi book
If VARC is your main weakness:
- Arun Sharma & Meenakshi’s VARC book
- Word Power Made Easy
- 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Wilfred Funk
- Read 2-3 long-form articles daily from The Economist or Aeon
The golden rule: one book per section, mastered completely. A student who finishes 80% of one book will always outperform someone who reads 30% of three books. For more study tools and resources, check out my separate guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the single best book for CAT preparation?
If I had to pick one book, it would be Gautam Puri’s CAT Topic-Wise and Year-Wise Solved Papers. It gives you real CAT questions from the last 30+ years organized by topic, which is the most effective way to understand what the exam actually tests. But realistically, you need one book per section for proper preparation.
How many books do I need for CAT preparation?
Four to five books is the sweet spot: one solved papers collection, one book each for QA, DILR, and VARC, plus a vocabulary builder like Word Power Made Easy. Buying more than that leads to overwhelm. Master fewer books completely rather than skimming through many.
Is Arun Sharma or Sarvesh Verma better for CAT Quant?
Both are excellent, but they suit different learners. Arun Sharma’s book is more structured with three clear difficulty levels, making it better for students who need to build from basics. Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Verma focuses on developing mathematical intuition with creative problem-solving approaches, better for students who already have decent math fundamentals. Don’t buy both. Pick one based on your current level and stick with it.
Can I crack CAT without coaching, using only books?
Yes. Plenty of 99+ percentilers have cracked CAT through self-study with books and online mock tests. The key is having a structured study plan, taking regular mocks, and being disciplined about analyzing your mistakes. Coaching helps with structure and doubt-clearing, but the actual learning comes from solving problems yourself. Books plus a good mock test series is enough for most students.
How long should I prepare for CAT?
Six months of focused preparation is ideal for most students. If you have a strong academic background in math and English, 4 months can be enough. Students starting with weak fundamentals should plan for 8-10 months. The key is consistency: 3-4 hours daily beats 10-hour weekend marathons. Start with concept building, move to practice, and spend the last 2-3 months on mock tests.
Should I buy the latest edition of CAT prep books?
Yes, always buy the latest edition. CAT prep books are updated annually with recent exam questions, updated difficulty patterns, and corrections from previous editions. The difference between a 2-year-old edition and the current one might seem small, but having the most recent CAT questions for practice is important. The core concepts don’t change, but the exam pattern evolves.
What is the best way to improve RC for CAT?
Read widely and regularly. No shortcut exists for reading comprehension. Read 2-3 long-form articles daily from The Economist, Aeon, The Atlantic, or The Hindu editorial page. These sources match the complexity and tone of CAT RC passages. Practice active reading: after each paragraph, summarize the main point in your head. Over 3-4 months, this habit dramatically improves both reading speed and comprehension accuracy.
Are online resources enough or do I need physical books?
Physical books are still better for deep concept learning and focused practice. Online resources (YouTube lectures, apps, mock test platforms) are excellent supplements but shouldn’t be your primary study material. The ideal combination is physical books for concept building and practice, plus an online mock test series for test simulation. Many books now come with Kindle versions too, which are useful for revision on the go.
The books I’ve listed above have produced more IIM admits than any other combination. Pick your set based on your starting level, follow the one-book-per-section rule, and focus on quality practice over quantity. If you want a complete preparation roadmap beyond just books, read my guide on how to prepare for CAT from home.
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