Best books for CAT preparation 2025 – If you are starting your preparation for CAT 2025, there is a chance you may not know which book to choose. After all, the market is flooded with all types of books with each screaming they are the best.
So, to make your life easier, we have shortlisted the section-wise best books for CAT 2025 exam preparation.
The CAT books listed here have been recommended by toppers and experts.
Note that comprehensive CAT 2025 exam preparation is not just limited to reading the regular textbooks, but rather extends to reading newspapers and magazines as well. Here we will also tell you which newspapers and magazines you must read.
So, keep reading.
Table of Contents
About CAT 2025
IIM Kozhikode is expected to conduct the CAT 2025 exam in November 2025.
The application form for CAT 2025 will open around August 2025. Candidates who meet the program-specific eligibility criteria may apply before the last date.
The application form will be released online. The CAT application fee is INR 2500.
Salient features of good books for CAT 2025
A pertinent question can be – How do we decide whether a book is good or bad?
Here we explain what differentiates a good book from a bad one.
- Good books will be written per the CAT exam syllabus; or at the least, it will cover a majority of the syllabus’
- If the book is good, it will be crisp, concise, and explain the concepts lucidly without wandering around aimlessly.
- Will contain problem sets for practice
- Explain the concepts with examples, infographics, etc.
- Contain few to no errors.
- Are typically written or published by well-known publishers/ authors.
Also Read:
- CAT 2025 exam syllabus – Section-wise Topics, Weightage, Important Topics
- CAT cut-off 2025 – Check Institute-wise Opening and Closing Ranks, Factors
- How to prepare for CAT 2025
Best CAT Books for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)
This section may seem difficult, but if you can handle the early jitters and keep trying, the section will get you hooked. On top of it, DILR could be a heavy scoring section if you put in enough practice.
Typical questions can include puzzles, reading and interpreting graphs, etc.
While a math background could be helpful, if you have an analytical bent of mind, you are going to do well in the section.
| CAT Books for DILR | Author/Publisher Name |
| A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S Agarwal |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
| Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha |
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma |
Best CAT Books for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) will include RC passages and para jumbles.
If your comprehension skills are good, the section could be a cakewalk. If it is not, nothing to worry about. Because here we have listed some books that could help you master the subject. Make sure you read these books thoroughly and do enough practice.
Note: The CAT paper will not include any grammar and vocabulary questions, so you may skip those topics.
Check the list of best books for CAT VARC:
| CAT Books for VARC | Author/Publisher Name |
| Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| High School English Grammar and Composition | Wren and Martin |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
Best CAT Books for Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) is the last section of the CAT question paper.
The Quants section will include questions from topics like Algebra, Number Theory, Modern Math, Geometry, Mensuration, and Arithmetic.
To master the section, you not only need to understand the concepts, but also do a lot of practice, like solving problem sets and sample papers.
| CAT Books for Quantitative Aptitude | Author/Publisher Name |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma |
| Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Nishit Sinha |
| Quantitative Aptitude | RS Aggarwal |
| NCERT Mathematics books (Class 9-10) | NCERT |
Do I need to read newspapers and magazines for CAT Preparation?
Reading newspapers and magazines could help the candidate develop their reading comprehension and vocabulary.
When reading, focus on the reading speed.
Also, remember staying consistent is crucial. If you make reading newspapers and magazines a daily habit, it will bring long-term benefits.
Newspapers and magazines suggestions for CAT 2025 preparation:
- The Hindu
- The Indian Express
- Business Standard
- The Times of India
- Business Week
- Frontline
- The Week
- National Geographic
- Fortune
- Business World
CAT Toppers List 2023
| S.No | Name | CAT Score |
| 1 | Kumar Sai Vishnu | 100 |
| 2 | Soham Katkar | 100 |
| 3 | Viraj Modi | 100 |
| 4 | Alamuri Kumar | 100 |
| 5 | Souradeep | 99.95 |
| 6 | Pallav Goyal | 99.95 |
| 7 | Rounak Tikmani | 99.90 |