Are you preparing for CAT 2025 and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of books available for self-study? You’re not alone! With so many options in the market, it’s easy to get confused about which resources are truly effective for CAT preparation. In this article, we break down the best books for CAT 2024 self-preparation, section-wise—covering VARC, Quantitative Aptitude, and DILR—based on expert advice from Ananta Chhajer, an IIM Ahmedabad alumnus and CAT mentor.

Why Choosing the Right CAT Books Matters

Selecting the right books is crucial for efficient and effective CAT preparation. Many aspirants waste precious time hopping between multiple resources, thinking more is better. The truth is, focused study with the right materials saves time and leads to better results.

Best Books for CAT VARC (Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension)

1. GMAT Manhattan RC Series
Go beyond just practicing CAT-level RCs. The GMAT Manhattan RC book is slightly above CAT level, which means if you master it, CAT RCs will feel much easier. This book helps you understand the logic behind correct answers, which is crucial for scoring well.

2. RC99
Another excellent book for practicing a variety of Reading Comprehension passages. It’s widely used and recommended by toppers.

Pro Tip:
For Verbal Ability (VA), you don’t need to over-practice. Focus on mastering RCs and solve a limited number of VA questions from reliable sources.

Best Books for CAT DILR (Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning)

1. Previous Year CAT Papers & Mock Papers
There’s no single “standard” book for DILR. The best resources are previous year CAT papers and high-quality mock papers. These reflect the actual CAT pattern and difficulty level.

2. Coaching Material (e.g., iQuanta DILR Sets)
Some coaching institutes, like iQuanta, offer comprehensive DILR sets with a mix of easy, moderate, and CAT-level difficult sets. These are designed to cover all concepts and provide consolidated practice.

Pro Tip:
Practice DILR sets that merge different concepts, as real CAT questions often do. Avoid books that only focus on isolated topics.

Best Books for CAT Quantitative Aptitude

1. Arun Sharma – ‘How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT’
A classic and comprehensive book, suitable for all levels. It covers theory, solved examples, and practice questions.

2. Nishit Sinha – ‘Quantitative Aptitude for CAT’
Another excellent choice, especially for those who want a fresh perspective or have already worked through Arun Sharma.

3. R.S. Aggarwal – ‘Quantitative Aptitude’
Best for beginners. Start here if you need to build your basics before moving on to more advanced books.

Pro Tip:
Don’t try to solve every single question in these books. Instead, focus on different concepts and skip repetitive problems. For each topic, solve a variety of problems that cover all types of concepts, rather than just changing the numbers.

Additional Tips for CAT 2025 Self-Preparation

• Limit Your Resources: Stick to one or two books per section. Jumping between multiple books wastes time and causes confusion.

• Use Coaching Material Wisely: If you have access to coaching material, use it for targeted practice, especially for DILR.

• Analyze and Practice Past Year Papers: Nothing beats practicing with actual CAT questions. Make this a regular part of your prep.

Conclusion

Choosing the right books for CAT 2025 self-preparation can make a huge difference in your results. Focus on quality over quantity, and use the recommended resources for each section. Remember, consistency and smart practice are the keys to cracking CAT!