Best CAT Books 2026: Download Subjects wise CAT Preparation Books PDF

Overview: The CAT 2026 exam will be held across various centres in India on 30th November 2026. The last date to register is 13th September 2026, so timely preparation is key. Choosing the right CAT books 2026 is crucial for success explore our carefully curated list of the best CAT preparation books below!

• To crack CAT 2026 effectively, it’s essential to combine high-quality study materials with smart strategies.
• The ideal CAT preparation book should provide comprehensive theory, ample practice questions, detailed solutions, and helpful tips to guide you toward acing the exam. It is also beneficial if the book includes insights from CAT exam analysis, highlighting trends, commonly tested topics, and strategies used by top performers.

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Important Events of CAT 2026 Exam!

• It is essential to note that the last date to apply for the CAT 2026 entrance exam is September 13, 2026. Candidates should visit the official website to register.
• The CAT 2026 admit card will be available for download from November 5, 2026, to November 30, 2026.

Read ahead to learn the CAT 2026 books, including various books like Quantum CAT books, the LR book for CAT and CAT QA books, which are popular among CAT aspirants. 

Read More | CAT Admission Process 2026 

What are CAT Books 2026?

CAT books are the go-to resources for preparing for the exam. For Quantitative Ability, students usually rely on Arun Sharma, Nishit Sinha, or Sarvesh Verma.

For DILR, books by Arun Sharma and Gautam Puri are popular, while VARC prep is best done with Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay, Norman Lewis, or Wren & Martin.

CAT Books PDF Free Download

CAT Books 2026 for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning (DILR)

Best books for CAT preparation PDF. This section has evolved over the years and has become challenging. Crack a case, and you hit the jackpot. Here is a list of CAT exam books PDF download to help you prepare well for this section.

Refer to the list of CAT Exam preparation Books PDF for DILR below:

S.No	CAT Preparation Books Name	Author
1.	How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT	Arun Sharma
2.	Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT	Nishit Sinha
3.	Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT	Pearson
4.	A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning	R.S Agarwal

Check Now: DILR Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

Read More: CAT Geometry Questions with Answers

CAT Books 2026 For Verbal Ability

Best CAT preparation​ books PDF: With CAT becoming increasingly focused on comprehension, we suggest reading a variety of genres. Here is a list of CAT Exam books PDF free download which can help you prepare well for this section: 

S.No	CAT Preparation Books Name	Author
1.	How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT	Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
2.	Word Power Made Easy	Norman Lewis
3.	Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations	Nishit K Sinha
4.	High School English Grammar and Composition	Wren and Martin

Check | Find CAT Registration 2026 Link here

CAT Books 2026 For Quantitative Ability (QA)

Best CAT books for QA: At times, CAT feels like it is all about QA, as only this section has some syllabus around which to plan the preparation. Here is a list of CAT 2026 books PDFs which can help you prepare well for this section: 

CAT Exam Books PDF free download 2026 for the Maths section are as follows:

S.No	CAT Preparation Books Name	Author
1.	How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude	Arun Sharma
2.	Quantitative Aptitude for CAT	Nishit Sinha
3.	Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT	Sarvesh Verma

Learn More | How to Prepare for CAT Data Interpretation?

Read More: CAT Cut Off For IIMs

Use SuperGrads Free Resources 2026 Strategically

CAT VARC Mock Test 2026	Attempt a Free Mock test
CAT DILR Mock test 2026	Attempt a Free Mock test
CAT QA Mock Test 2026	Attempt a Free Mock test
CAT VARC Prep Videos 2026	Watch Now
CAT DILR Prep Videos 2026	Watch Now
CAT QA Prep Videos 2026	Watch Now
CAT Syllabus 2026	Download Now
CAT PYQs	Download Now
CAT VARC Questions	Download Now

Recommended CAT Books 2026 for Time Management Practice

While there aren't books specifically titled "Time Management Practice for Exams," several books focus on general time management and productivity techniques that can be highly beneficial for exam preparation. Additionally, some exam-specific study guides may include sections or tips on managing time during the exam itself.

Here are some recommended categories and specific books that can help you practice and improve your time management skills for exams:

General Time Management & Productivity Books (Apply these principles to your study schedule):

Book Title	Author	Key Concepts and Relevance to Study Management
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity	David Allen	Introduces a system for managing tasks and commitments; adaptable for organising study schedules; emphasises breaking down large tasks into smaller, actionable steps to reduce overwhelm.
Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time	Brian Tracy	Offers practical techniques to overcome procrastination and prioritise the most important tasks first, helping you to effectively prioritise study topics.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People	Stephen Covey	Emphasises principles such as prioritising based on importance and urgency (Habit 3: "Put First Things First"), which are crucial for effective exam preparation and time management.
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World	Cal Newport	Advocates for focused, uninterrupted work sessions to maximise productivity; implementing "deep work" blocks in your study schedule can significantly improve learning efficiency.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones	James Clear	It provides a framework for creating and maintaining good habits, which is essential for building consistent study habits and sticking to your study schedule.
The Pomodoro Technique	Francesco Cirillo	(Not a book, but a technique explained in many resources) Emphasises working in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks to improve study focus and time management during study sessions.

Learn More| How to prepare for quantitative aptitude for CAT

CAT Books 2026 for Speed and Accuracy Improvement

While there isn't one single book guaranteed to improve your speed and accuracy magically, several resources and strategies can help you achieve this goal for your exams:

Books focused on Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning (often key for speed and accuracy) form a major part of the best books for CAT preparation

Book Title	Author	Focus Area	Key Benefits
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	R.S. Aggarwal	Comprehensive coverage of quantitative aptitude topics.	Clear explanations, a large number of practice questions, and popular for various competitive exams.
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic	Rajesh Verma	Arithmetic.	Specifically focuses on arithmetic and provides shortcut strategies to improve calculation speed.
Magical Book on Quicker Maths	M. Tyra	Quantitative Mathematics.	Emphasises smart techniques and shortcuts to solve mathematical problems quickly.
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal	Logical and Analytical Reasoning.	It helps build a strong foundation in logical and analytical reasoning, which is crucial for accuracy in these sections.
Objective Mathematics series (e.g., Vol 1 & Vol 2)	R.D. Sharma	Comprehensive Mathematical Concepts.	Offers a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts, practising from them can improve fundamental clarity, indirectly aiding accuracy.

Read More: CAT Syllabus 2026 PDF, Download Subjects-wise Syllabus

Practice Now: Previous Year Papers for CAT

Best CAT Books for Solving Previous Year Papers

Dedicated Books for Previous Years' Papers:

Book Title	Publisher/Author(s)	Key Features
Past Years' CAT Questions	G.K. Publications	Focuses solely on providing a collection of previous years' CAT question papers.
CAT Previous Year Paper Book	Hitbullseye	A comprehensive compilation of past CAT questions, along with detailed solutions, emphasises question types and provides topic-wise questions.
Oswaal CAT (COMMON ADMISSION TEST) \	10 YEARS' \	CHAPTERWISE & TOPICWISE \
Disha 18 Year-wise CAT Previous Year Solved Papers (2024 - 15) 5th Edition	Shipra Agarwal and Deepak Agarwal	Year-wise compilation of solved CAT papers for an extensive period.
Arihant Face To Face CAT 25 Years (1999-2023) Chapterwise & Topicwise solved paper	BS Sijwalii and Indu Sijwalii	A vast collection of solved papers (1999-2023) arranged by chapter and topic.
Arun Sharma \	CAT 15 Years Chapter-wise Solved Previous Years Papers (2001-2008 & 2017-2023) - Quant, VARC & DILR	Arun Sharma
Disha 40 Topic-wise CAT QA, DILR & VARC Previous Year Solved Papers (2024 - 1994) - set of 3 Books 18th Edition.	Shipra Agarwal and Deepak Agarwal	A comprehensive set of three books providing topic-wise solved papers for all three CAT sections across a long period (1994-2024).

Learn More: Logical Reasoning Questions and Answers for CAT

CAT Books 2026 Building Logical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Here is the list of CAT books that will help you improve your logical and thinking ability:

Book Title	Author(s)	Key Features/Why it's Recommended
A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning	R.S. Aggarwal	Comprehensive coverage of logical reasoning topics with numerous examples and practice questions. Widely used for various competitive exams. Good for building a strong foundation.
Analytical Reasoning	M.K. Pandey	Focuses specifically on analytical reasoning puzzles and problem-solving. Helps develop the ability to analyze information and draw logical conclusions.
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT	Arun Sharma	Specifically designed for the CAT exam, covering the latest patterns. Provides clear guidelines and a structured approach to various types of logical reasoning questions.
Shortcuts in Reasoning (Verbal, Non-Verbal & Analytical)	Disha Experts	Focuses on time-saving techniques and shortcuts for efficiently solving reasoning questions. Useful for improving speed and accuracy in exams.
501 Challenging Logical Reasoning Problems	Learning Express LLC	Provides a vast collection of practice questions of varying difficulty levels to test and enhance your logical reasoning abilities.
The PowerScore LSAT Logical Reasoning Bible	David M. Killoran	While geared towards the LSAT, this book offers an in-depth understanding of logical reasoning principles and argumentation, which can be beneficial for various exams.
Manhattan Prep LSAT Logical Reasoning	Manhattan Prep	Another excellent resource for LSAT preparation with strategies and techniques applicable to general logical reasoning skills.
A New Approach to Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal)	B.S. Sijwali, Indu Sijwali	Covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning with a focus on conceptual understanding and problem-solving strategies.
General Intelligence and Test of Reasoning	Vikas Experts	A comprehensive book covering various aspects of reasoning and general mental ability relevant to many competitive exams.
Logical and Analytical Reasoning: Useful for All Competitive Exams	A.K. Gupta	As the title suggests, this book aims to be a comprehensive resource for logical and analytical reasoning for a wide range of examinations.

Also Read: CAT QA Question with Answers

CAT + OMETs Mock Test to Boost Your Prep

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Best CAT Books to Crack 2026 Exam

Every CAT aspirant has the same query before starting their CAT prep journey - Which are the best books for CAT preparation?  Since the CAT Entrance Exam began, many publishers have published CAT 2026 books to help students achieve excellent scores. 

• The best CAT preparation books PDF can help you in many ways. It can help you understand the CAT syllabus and exam structure, learn the exam pattern, and familiarise yourself with the questions asked in the exam.
• The best books for CAT preparation should also provide strategies for tackling the exam, the right approach to solving questions, and time management tips.
• Additionally, it can provide you with practice questions, mock tests, and sample papers to help you ace your CAT prep. 

Check: Are you eligible for CAT 2026? Know Here

Essential Books for CAT Preparation for Beginners

For beginners preparing for the CAT (Common Admission Test) exam, it's crucial to have a strong foundation and the right study materials. Here's a detailed guide to essential CAT books for each section:

I. Quantitative Aptitude (QA)

This section tests your mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities. Here are some essential CAT books:

"How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT” by Arun Sharma

It is highly recommended among Arun Sharma's CAT books for building strong quantitative skills essential for the exam. This book is highly recommended for beginners. It covers fundamental concepts and progresses to more complex problems in a structured way.

The book is divided into three difficulty levels, allowing you to build your understanding gradually. It also includes various solved examples and practice exercises.

2. "Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT" by Sarvesh K Verma

Another excellent book for building a strong foundation. It provides comprehensive coverage of all topics, accompanied by a large number of solved examples and practice questions. The book also offers helpful tips and strategies to solve problems more efficiently.

3. NCERT Mathematics Books (Class 6 to 10)

 If you have a weak mathematical background, it's advisable to start with the NCERT books. These books will help you understand the basic concepts and establish a solid foundation before moving on to more advanced materials.

4. "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by Abhijit Guha

This book is a comprehensive resource that covers a wide range of topics relevant to various competitive exams, including CAT. It offers detailed explanations and a large number of practice questions with varying difficulty levels.

Check Now: VARC Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

II. Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)

This section assesses your English language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Here are some key books:

1. "How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT" by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay

This book 1 provides a detailed approach to improving your verbal ability and reading comprehension skills. It covers grammar rules, vocabulary-building techniques, and strategies for tackling reading comprehension passages. It also includes practice exercises and previous years' CAT questions.

2. "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis:

This book is invaluable for expanding your vocabulary. It uses a unique etymological approach to help you understand the roots of words, making it easier to learn and remember new vocabulary.

3. "High School English Grammar and Composition" by Wren and Martin

This book is considered a classic for mastering English grammar. It covers all the fundamental concepts of grammar with clear explanations and ample exercises for practice.

4. Reading Comprehension Materials:

To improve your reading comprehension skills, it's essential to read regularly from diverse sources such as newspapers (e.g., The Hindu, Economic Times), magazines (e.g., The Economist), and online articles (e.g., Aeon, Politico). Focus on understanding the main idea, identifying key arguments, and inferring information.

III. Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)

This section tests your ability to interpret data presented in various forms and apply logical reasoning to solve problems. Here are some recommended books:

1. "How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for the CAT" by Arun Sharma

This book focuses specifically on data interpretation. It covers various types of data representations, such as tables, charts, and graphs, and provides strategies for analysing and interpreting them effectively. It also includes numerous practice questions.

2. "How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT” by Arun Sharma

It is one of the most widely referred to Arun Sharma CAT books for mastering logical reasoning concepts and practice. This book provides a structured approach to logical reasoning. It covers various types of logical reasoning questions, including arrangements, puzzles, and conditions, and offers techniques to solve them efficiently.

3. "A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal

This book offers a comprehensive coverage of logical reasoning concepts and includes a wide range of practice questions with varying difficulty levels. It helps build a strong foundation in logical reasoning.

"Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency" by Ananta Ashisha: This book focuses on developing your calculation skills and provides strategies to tackle data interpretation and data sufficiency questions effectively.

Check: CAT Entrance Exam Pattern 

Check Now: QA Free Resources for CAT + OMETs

Factors to Consider When You Choose the CAT Preparation Books for 2026

• The books for the CAT exam must keep you updated and cover all the topics that can appear in the actual CAT exam.
• Through the best CAT books PDF free download 2026, you must look for practice questions with explanations, mock tests, and detailed strategies for tackling different questions. 
• The CAT preparation books PDF must contain the previous year's CAT questions.
• The set of questions in CAT 2026 books should be comparable to those on an actual exam, and the number of questions must be sufficient for all the sections.
• Additionally, whichever CAT 2026 books you shortlist for CAT exam preparation, read online reviews to understand how well they prepare students for the exam.

Checkout | When to Start CAT Exam Preparation?

Find: CAT Arithmetic Question and Answers

To crack the CAT, it is essential to select comprehensive material that has been updated to reflect the latest CAT pattern. Apt for the best CAT books PDF free download 2026 will save you unnecessary time in reading and preparing, thanks to their accuracy and clear explanations.

So, the right material should provide the following: 

• Section-wise comprehensive coverage 
• Conceptual clarity on CAT-relevant topics 
• A variety of questions based on the CAT pattern 
• Topic-wise practice material and tests 
• Mocks based on CAT pattern 
• CAT prep strategies 
• Understanding of the latest pattern 

Check | CAT Slot Timings

Before you pick the right CAT 2026 books, we suggest you have a well-thought-out study plan to help you achieve the goal of cracking the CAT with a good percentile. Now, without stretching further, we present you the list of the Best CAT books PDF free download 2026 that CAT aspirants refer to for their CAT prep.

Check: CAT Previous Year Question Papers

Conclusion

With the right CAT exam books PDF and dedication, anyone can score in a good percentile in the CAT 2026 exam.

The CAT books PDF 2026 you refer to for your CAT exam preparation will provide an in-depth understanding of the exam and its topics and give you the confidence to tackle the exam easily. Additionally, reviewing the CAT 2025 Slot 3 analysis can offer valuable insights into the difficulty level and question patterns of the third slot, helping you fine-tune your strategy.

So, look for relevant content, the latest edition and a reliable publisher, and you will be ready. All the best. 

Read More | List of CAT subjects Category-wise