Short answer: The verbal section rewards steady reading, so a daily routine using books and articles you already have is usually more valuable than buying another guide.
Why reading matters for CAT
The reading comprehension questions test how well you follow an argument in a passage you have never seen. That skill grows with regular reading across different subjects, not with a single preparation book. A guide can teach question types, but it cannot replace the habit.
Use what you already own
Most students have more reading material than they realise: newspapers, magazines, non-fiction books and old textbooks. Pick pieces on economics, science, history, philosophy and society so you practise unfamiliar subjects. If you want ideas to begin, see how students can start with non-fiction.
A daily routine that is easy to keep
- Read one article or a few chapter pages every day
- Write two lines on the main argument after each reading
- Note any word you could not infer from context
- Once a week, reread your two-line summaries
When to add a practice book
Once the habit is steady, add one practice book for verbal ability so you learn the question formats. Keep it to one, and work through it with timed sets. Our overview of how to choose books for any competitive exam helps you decide.
Read actively, not passively
Reading for CAT is not the same as reading for pleasure. After each piece, try to state in one sentence what the author wants the reader to believe, and in another sentence how the author supports it. If you cannot, read it again. Over a few weeks this habit makes unfamiliar passages feel less intimidating.
Track your progress
Keep a simple log of what you read, how long it took and whether you could summarise it. If a certain type of passage is consistently hard, such as philosophy or economics, schedule more reading in that area. The log also shows you when you have built enough habit to start timed practice sets.
Final thoughts
If you cannot decide what to read, rotate topics by day, for example economics on one day and science or history on another. Keep sessions short at first, around twenty to thirty minutes, and extend them only when they feel easy. A habit that survives a busy week is worth more than one long session that you cannot repeat.
Buy smart if you do need a book
Check second hand books for practice titles in good condition and avoid copies with solved answers already written in.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need many books for CAT verbal ability?
No. Regular reading plus one practice book for question formats is usually enough to begin.
What should I read for CAT?
A mix of subjects such as economics, science, history and society helps you become comfortable with unfamiliar passages.
Can I sell my CAT books after the exam?
Yes. You can list them on Bookaao via the sell CAT books page and payment is settled after delivery.