CAT

CAT Reading Comprehension (16 questions, all MCQ with -1 negative marking) and Verbal Ability (8 questions, mix of MCQ and TITA) are both part of the VARC section but test different skills. RC tests reading comprehension, inference, and critical reasoning across 4 passages of 400–600 words each. VA tests logical sequencing and language structure through Para Jumbles, Para Summary, Para Completion, and Odd One Out. RC carries twice the weightage of VA and requires strict accuracy; VA's TITA questions reward attempting even uncertain answers.

CAT Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation are the two sub-sections within the DILR section of CAT. Data Interpretation tests the ability to read, calculate, and draw conclusions from numerical data presented in tables, graphs, charts, and caselets. Logical Reasoning tests the ability to manage constraints, identify patterns, and deduce conclusions from structured scenarios such as seating arrangements, puzzles, and sequencing sets. LR requires no mathematics but demands systematic, step-by-step thinking. The key strategic difference between DI and LR sections is that in DI, a partially solved set can still yield correct answers through approximation; in LR, one misread constraint typically invalidates the entire solution.

CAT 2025 DI sets included performance ratings, import-export data tables, pollution index weighted averages, bar graphs on authors and books, scatter plots, currency exchange tables, trade balance data, and puzzle-based charts. The variety confirms that CAT DI increasingly tests data reasoning across novel formats — not just standard tables and pie charts — making exposure to diverse set types essential in preparation.

The best study materials for CAT 2026 cover all three sections VARC, DILR, and QA. For books, Arun Sharma's series (13th Edition, McGraw Hill) and Nishit K. Sinha's titles (Pearson) are the most recommended by CAT toppers. For fundamentals, use NCERT Mathematics (Class 6–10) for QA and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis for vocabulary. For mock tests, IMS SimCATs, TIME AIMCATs, and Cracku mocks are top-rated paid options; free mock tests and previous year CAT papers are available on MBAUniverse.com. Supplement with free YouTube content — Rodha for QA, Gejo Srinivasan (VARC1000) for RC, and 2IIM for DILR.

The price of Arun Sharma's CAT books in 2026 varies by title. The Quantitative Aptitude book (13th Edition) is priced at Rs. 795 after a 34% discount on MRP of Rs. 1,050. The VARC book (13th Edition) is available at Rs. 677 after a 36% discount on MRP of Rs. 1,050. The Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning books are priced at Rs. 649 and Rs. 615 respectively. All prices include GST and are available on Amazon.

The latest editions of Arun Sharma's CAT books are the 13th Edition for both Quantitative Aptitude and Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension, published in February 2026 by McGraw Hill. The Data Interpretation book is in its 10th Edition and the Logical Reasoning book is in its 9th Edition, both also published in February 2026. These editions include digital courseware with videos and practice questions.