Some General Facts about the Exam

CAT is an online computer based test.
It has two sections – the first checks for quantitative aptitude (maths) and data interpretation and the other one tests verbal ability and logical reasoning.
The time given for each section is equal – 70 minutes for each section. You cannot jump from one section to another. However, you can shift among questions within the same section.
Once a section is over, you cannot go back to the same section.
A fifteen minute tutorial is provided before the start of the exam.
The test is conducted in October-November period.
The cost of form is around INR 1500/- for General candidates.
The scores are normalized while preparing final cut offs. You can find out about the normalization procedure of the CAT exam


Books for the CAT Exam

There are three areas of study in the CAT exam, which are served into two sections. We will look at different books for CAT which students should refer to in order to perk up their study. Quantitative Aptitude is one section for which the coaching institutes have developed the most comprehensive preparation material.

There are loads of books in the market which can be bought by students in this section. However, the most recommended ones are given below

Books for Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section

Arun Sharma – Highly recommended and since it is popular, it has its own thread on Pagalguy too.
SK Verma – Good for clearing basics, goes into much detail and may get a tad boring for those who are used to this section. Those who are brand new, should buy this book over Arun Sharma as this one is more detailed than the former.
Nishant Sinha – A good book for MBA preparation but the above two shine above and beyond this one.
TIME material of Quant is very good.
Test Funda Book for Quant.
Total Gadha Number System Book.

Some Great books and material for Logical reasoning and Data Interpretation for this section include –

Career Launcher LR DI book – a thick booklet, the thickest in fact.
TIME Logical Reasoning for checking out the type of questions which are normally asked.
Test Fundas’ Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation Module
Test Funda free puzzle.
Shakuntla Devi Puzzles
Last but certainly not the least – Arun Sharma Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation book.

Books for preparation of the Verbal Ability section of CAT include –

SAT Preparation – It is used for preparing SAT. It is good for the critical reasoning section in particular.
Normal Lewis Vocabulary book.
Career Launcher RC 2
Flash cards would also do justice to your preparation.