“Must-Read Books to Ace the CAT VARC: A Strategic Reading Plan for Exam Success”

The ideal form of reading for an exam like CAT includes a mix of materials of different lengths. This means incorporating short articles, long articles, and books into your reading routine. This approach helps in developing the ability to comprehend and analyze a variety of texts quickly, improves focus, builds vocabulary, and enhances overall reading stamina. To that extent reading books is essential for acing the VARC section in CAT. The Catalysts Regular reading of books broadens knowledge, sharpens critical thinking abilities, and builds the stamina needed for tackling complex passages and diverse topics encountered in CAT and other exams.

Starting now, even if you can read one book a month—provided the book is substantial and relevant—you will build a strong foundation in reading to tackle the exam. Here’s my recommendation for the six books you should be reading between now and the CAT exam.

1. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari – Explores the history and impact of the human species, providing a comprehensive understanding of human evolution, culture, and societal development.
2. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman – Delves into the dual systems of thought that drive our decisions and behavior, enhancing your understanding of psychology and cognitive processes.
3. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking – Aims to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience, delving into the mysteries of the universe, the nature of time, and the fundamental principles of physics.
4. The World Without Us by Alan Weisman – Examines the impact of humans on the environment and envisions a world without human presence, providing insights into ecological and environmental issues.
5. Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel – Discusses innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of technology, offering a perspective on business and economics.
6. Day to Day Economics by Satish Y. Deodhar (IIM Ahmedabad) – Provides a clear understanding of fundamental economic concepts and their applications, essential for grasping economic passages.

There is no set sequence that needs to be followed; you can even read a few books in parallel. The idea is to keep reading consistently. To make it easier for you to obtain these, The Catalysts provide PDF copies of these books. Feel free to WhatsApp me for the files.