CAT Study Material 2025: Download Free CAT Study Material PDF for VARC, DILR, and Quant Preparation
CAT Study MaterialA balanced combination of dedication, time management, and, most importantly, the appropriate study material is what is required to prepare for the Common Admission Test (CAT). There are a lot of books, online resources, and coaching programs out there, and it is easy to be at a loss as to which one to learn. So you can narrow down the time-consuming part of preparing, this blog will discuss the highest quality free study material useable in the CAT exam, books recommended by the experts, the best practice sources in terms of sections, and how mock tests and online lectures are important.
Why Choosing the Right CAT Study Material Matters
The CAT exam is not only a test of your knowledge but also your thinking skills and time management as well and handling complex problems under pressure. With the right study material, you can be sure that you:
- Develop a solid base in each of the three areas: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension ( VARC), and Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR)..
- Get exposure to a broad range of different difficulty problems.
- Economise time and look at specific, exam-related materials.
Best Free Study Material for CAT Exam
Not all aspirants are in a position to afford costly coaching or course packages, so a free one can be of great importance. Some of the best free study materials for the CAT exam include:
- Past Year Question Paper- The best authentic source of learning the exam patterns and question trends.
- E-books and free PDF material of reputed coaching institutes such as IMS, Career Launcher, and TIME.
- Free materials on the websites such as 2IIM, Handakafunda, and iQuanta, which have concept notes, solved examples, and quizzes.
- YouTube Channels created by CAT experts, where you can watch how to obtain shortcuts, save time, and use tricks to solve the problem.
These are great resources where students just wish to begin and prepare without the necessary investment.
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Recommended Books for CAT Exam Preparation by Section
Aspirants have the problem of getting confused with the sheer variety in the market when it comes to books. Here are the recommended books for the CAT exam preparation by section:
Section | Book/Resource | Purpose/Use |
Quantitative Aptitude (QA) | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma | Comprehensive guide with gradual difficulty levels |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal | Good for beginners to build basics | |
NCERT Mathematics (Class 9–10) | Foundation building and strengthening basics | |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC) | How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay | Detailed coverage of RCs and VA topics |
Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis | Improves vocabulary and word usage | |
High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin | Builds strong grammar fundamentals | |
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR) | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma | Concept building and structured practice |
Previous Year CAT DILR Sets | Provides real exam-level pract |
One of the most popular study books, the review of CAT books by Arun Sharma, is one of the reasons why the books continue to be the best choice among aspirants. His series is a highly regarded series due to its:
- Progressive Level of Difficulty: The questions are separated into Levels of Difficulty (LOD 1, 2, and 3), so they are easy to advance in a gradual manner.
- Comprehensive Content: Topics are discussed in detail, with figured examples solved, and practice sets given.
- CAT-Oriented Approach: His books are oriented to the pattern of the CAT exam, contrary to the generic competitive exam books.
To students in need of a single set of books that they can rely on, the set of books by Arun Sharma on Quant, VARC, and DILR is typically deemed a necessity.
Top Sources for CAT DILR Section Preparation
The DILR section is regarded as the most difficult section in the exam due to its unpredictability. In order to crack it, you have to practice regularly with various problem sets. Some of the top sources for the CAT DILR section preparation include:
- DILR Book by Arun Sharma- to build concepts and practice.
- Previous Year CAT Papers- to review the type of logical thinking puzzles posed.
- Online websites such as 2IIM, IMS, and Cracku are offering sectional tests, mock tests, and daily practice questions.
- CAT mentor Free Telegram or WhatsApp groups, in which aspirants work out and talk about the problems of the DILR every day.
One of the most effective techniques to develop speed and accuracy in this section is to practice 23 sets of DILR per day.
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Best Online Video Lectures for CAT Quantitative Aptitude
As digital learning gains momentum, many students are shifting to video lectures as a way of enjoying conceptual clarity as opposed to books. Some of the best online video lectures for CAT quantitative aptitude are available on:
- Rodha (YouTube) - easy definitions of difficult quant concepts.
- Handa Ka Funda- paid and free seminars on shortcuts and strategies.
- iQuanta - participative sessions where doubts are answered.
- Unacademy- organised classes with the best teachers.
These Internet materials are very useful when a working American or a student has to be flexible in their preparation.
Importance of Mock Tests for CAT Exam
However many books you read or how many lectures you attend, the bottom line of it is that the success in CAT is determined by how you perform in a simulated test set-up. The importance of mock tests for the CAT exam cannot be overstated because:
- They assist you in finding your strengths and weaknesses.
- You study to manage time successfully within divisions.
- Frequent mocks increase confidence and decrease anxiety over exams.
- Post-test analysis promotes ongoing improvement.
It is advisable that at least 2025 mocks be taken before the final exam, and the same amount of time should be spent on mistake analysis.
Conclusion
A good and proper CAT preparation process starts with the right selection of the material to study. Whether you pick the best free study content for the CAT exam or you pick your books that contain Arun Sharma, or orchestrated resources that contain the best online video lectures for CAT quantitative aptitude, it all depends on practice. Don’t forget that the importance of mock tests for the CAT exam is as critical as learning concepts. Any applicant who has the right mix of books and internet materials, including web-based practice tests, will be able to create his/her study program, which will lead to them/attaining the highest possible percentile.
CAT Study Material: FAQs
Ques. What is the best free study material for the CAT exam?
Ans. The aspirants will have access to free PDFs, past year papers, YouTube lectures, and free notes offered by coaching institutes such as IMS, TIME, and 2IIM.
Ques. Do the books of Arun Sharma suffice in CAT?
Ans: Yes, the books of Arun Sharma are one of the most detailed resources, but they will provide a full advantage to supplement them with a mock test and online materials.
Ques. What do I need to do as far as the CAT DILR part is concerned?
Ans: Begin with the DILR book written by Arun Sharma, complete past year papers, and do sets of questions on a daily basis using online websites such as Cracku or 2IIM.
Ques. Which are the best online video lectures for CAT quantitative aptitude?
Ans Some of the most popular sites of good quant lectures are Rodha, Handa Ka Funda, iQuanta, and Unacademy.
Ques. What is the number of mock tests to do prior to CAT?
Ans The number of mocks to be used should be not less 2025, and analysis should be done after each test to monitor improvement.