Common Admission Test for the academic year 2024 will require an all-out strategy, consistent practice, and the right study material. Year after year, the competition level is creating a trend; therefore, having access to the best resources in place makes all the difference in the preparations. Whether you are a self-learner or taking coaching, what you study is of utmost importance while attempting to make it out through the three different sections of CAT: Quantitative Aptitude (QA), Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), and Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI). This article is about the best CAT study material 2024 available for CAT 2024 and how to use them effectively.
- Books for CAT Preparation
Books are the backbone while prepping for CAT. They run through in-depth coverage of the syllabus, practice questions, and concept explanations. Here’s a breakdown of books for all the sections:
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)
Quantitative Aptitude is one of the most demanding sections in CAT which deals with arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number systems, and so on. These books will help you build and strengthen your quantitative skills:
- “How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT” by Arun Sharma: Used largely by most of the CAT aspirants, as it covers every topic. It provides basic concepts, gradually expanding to advanced ones so that the book can cater to beginners as well as intermediate levels.
- R.S. Aggarwal: “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations”: This is not strictly a CAT book but pretty fundamental to any kind of basic math. Good for students who need to brush up on their basic skills before confronting the harder problems.
- NCERT Mathematics (Class 6-10): For very weak students or those who have a hard time with the fundamentals, going through NCERT math books for classes 6 through 10 will certainly clear up the basics.
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC)
The VARC section tests your proficiency in the English language and your ability to comprehend and analyze passages. Some books from which you can improve your verbal skills are as follows:
- “How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT” by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay: This is the most popular book among aspirants because of its all-inclusive coverage of reading comprehension and verbal ability, including practice exercises and tips to enhance your speed while comprehending.
- “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis: The building of vocabulary is an integral part of VARC. This book teaches you new words in an interesting manner and loads of root-based vocabulary lessons.
- “High School English Grammar & Composition” by Wren & Martin: It is a time-tested book that is used as a building stone for knowledge in grammar and sentence structure. Helps in getting the right approach to questions such as correction of sentences, para-jumbles, and error detection.
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation (LRDI)
LRDI is tricky. So much practice is required to sharpen that skill. Use the following books:
- “How to Prepare for Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning for CAT” by Arun Sharma: This book contains a comprehensive range of questions across several difficulty levels. It appeals more for its structured approach to both data interpretation and logical reasoning.
- R.S. Aggarwal: A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning- Though this book is not particularly CAT-oriented, it provides you with a copious amount of practice material that shall tune your reasoning skills.
- Online Resources and Mock Tests
The digital world is all around us, and these online resources are a must for CAT preparation. Whether video lectures, test series, or question banks, they provide alternatives and layers to your preparation.
Mock Tests
- Mock tests form a very crucial part of CAT preparation. Mock tests simulate the real-time environment of the exam, enhance time management skills, and analyze areas of weakness.
- CAT Official Mock Tests: Mock tests are published by the official CAT website every year, giving a more real face of what the actual exam would look like and challenge. These should, therefore, be in every aspirant’s preparation plan
- Previous Year Question Papers
Previous year’s question papers are an essential part of preparation for CAT. It helps you understand the exam pattern, how many questions are tough, what types of questions are asked, etc.
Arihant’s “CAT 25 Years Chapter-wise Solved Papers”: Comprises solved papers of previous CAT exams. It gives you an insight into how things have come to change with time. Solving these papers, it elevates your acquaintance with the CAT format and generates confidence.
- Coaching Material
If you are coaching, then ensure that you make optimum use of the materials at those institutes..Hitbullseye provides good material that is well-collated to suit the contemporary manner in which the CAT exams have evolved and are, thus, highly relevant. CAT Study material 2024 is important for students with the help of material students can start their preparation easily.
- Daily Reading for VARC
Regular reading from various sources will significantly enhance your VARC score. It will develop your skill at comprehension and make you more effective at reading comprehension passages. Recommended reading materials are,
- Newspaper: The Hindu or The Indian Express, Editorial: Reading editors on a regular basis improves the vocabulary, reading speed, and ability to analyze arguments.
- The Economist, Business Standard: These are useful to learn economic and business terms, which crop up frequently in the CAT reading comprehension passages.
Conclusion
CAT study material 2024 will definitely require a good approach by subject books, online resources, mock tests, and regular practice. The best study material, consistent practice, and self-assessment with mock tests and past papers will ensure you prepare for the examinations comfortably. With individualized approaches towards respective preparations, find the best material for your learning habits and address your weaknesses most effectively for you.