Resources for the CAT exam
Preparing for the CAT exam (Common Admission Test) requires more than just hard work — it demands the right resources, structured preparation, and consistent practice. With increasing competition every year, choosing the best resources for CAT exam preparation can make a significant difference in your final percentile.
Many aspirants make the mistake of using too many books or random online materials, which leads to confusion and ineffective preparation. The key to success lies in selecting limited, high-quality resources and using them strategically.
In this guide, we will cover the best books, online platforms, mock tests, and preparation resources for CAT, along with expert tips to help you maximize your score.
RESOURCES: - Resources/Books/Reading material etc. are like your weapons so chisel them, sharpen them as much as you can to make your attack successful. Here are some methods of keeping them:
- Always keep books from a coaching center. CATKing has Bibles from beginners to advanced levels of Difficulty.
- These books can be from Arun Sharma, R S Agarwal, and Sarvesh Sharma are a few recommendations. However, we prefer the study mode to be online as the aspired exam is in online mode.
- Take Real CAT mocks and do the Analysis. We recommend taking CATKing mocks as here every mock is solved by CAT topper and curated by alumni of the same college that is setting the paper so that line of sight is maintained that way.
- Do not give mocks that demotivate you drastically.
How to study?
- Attend live classes regularly.
- Do not study through hard copies but take the dashboard access which is now available at a 50% discount, and in that, you will get CATKing LOD 1 &2 bible.
- After 2 months, do all the Must-do sections present in the dashboard where you need to do all the questions. This is particularly true for LOD 2 STUDENTS.
- There is study material for every kind of student. We can attend recorded lessons for them. There are Advanced sessions, Shortcut sessions, and advanced shortcut sessions from faculties of IIMs, NITIE, etc. There is also a recording of the sessions section so that if you miss a session this comes to you.
- When you feel demotivated, look at your final goal. Got to the alumni profile and watched them on the dashboard. Learn through them.
- Do not leave your preparation till the last day of CAT.
- We at CATKing have divided the chores into weekly parts to make it easier for every type of student. So here is a detailed blueprint:
- Week 1- Start with VPAR i.e. Vedic math, percentages, Average, Ratio & Proportion.
- Week 2- start with these modules simultaneously: Arithmetic Module, Geometry Module, Algebra Module, Modern Math Module, Special topics Module Such as set theory, trigonometry, etc. then jump to DI and then LR.
- Give 2 days to each topic: Day 1- attend the online lecture on the topic & Day 2- Revise and solve at least 20 questions of different types on the same topic.
- Complete 1 module within 15 days.
- Do this under the 40days challenge, if you didn’t succeed then take another 40days challenge and finish it.
- Remember, repetition is the key to success.
Ideal Resource Strategy for CAT Preparation
A balanced preparation strategy includes:
• 1 main book per subject
• 1 mock test series
• Daily reading for VARC
• Previous year papers
This approach ensures comprehensive preparation without overload.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these mistakes while selecting CAT resources:
• Collecting too many books
• Ignoring mock tests
• Not analyzing performance
• Using outdated material
• Focusing only on theory
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your preparation efficiency.
Daily Resource Utilization Plan
Here’s a simple daily plan:
• 1–2 hours QA practice
• 1 hour DILR sets
• 1 hour VARC reading + RC
• 30 minutes revision
Consistency is more important than long study hours.
Final Tips to Crack CAT Using the Right Resources
• Focus on quality, not quantity
• Revise concepts regularly
• Practice daily
• Analyze mock tests thoroughly
• Stay consistent
The right combination of resources and strategy can help you achieve a high percentile in CAT.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best resources for CAT exam preparation is the foundation of a successful strategy.
Instead of overwhelming yourself with multiple materials, focus on trusted resources, consistent practice, and mock test analysis.
With the right preparation plan and disciplined approach, cracking CAT and securing admission into top B-schools becomes achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. What are the best books and study materials for CAT preparation?
Popular books include Arun Sharma, R.S. Agarwal, and Sarvesh Sharma, but many toppers prefer online resources like CATKing LOD 1 & 2 Bibles since the actual exam is also online.
2. Should I study from books or online platforms for CAT?
Both help, but online dashboards and mocks are more effective as they mirror the real CAT exam environment and provide live + recorded sessions from IIM alumni.
3. How should I structure my CAT preparation weekly?
Follow a weekly module-based plan: start with basics like percentages, averages, ratios, then move to arithmetic, geometry, algebra, DI & LR. Dedicate Day 1 to lectures and Day 2 to practice with at least 20 questions.
4. How many times should I repeat CAT topics?
Repetition is crucial. Use the 40-day challenge to complete all modules, and if needed, repeat another cycle. Revising multiple times ensures accuracy and speed
5. Can I prepare for CAT without coaching?
Yes, many students successfully crack CAT through self-study using the right resources and disciplined preparation.
6. How many mock tests should I take?
Aspirants should aim for 30–40 full-length mock tests before the exam.
7. Are previous year CAT papers useful?
Yes, they help understand exam patterns, difficulty levels, and important topics.
8. What is the best strategy to use CAT resources effectively?
Focus on concept clarity, practice regularly, take mock tests, and analyze performance to improve continuously.
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