Which Book Should You Prefer: Quantum CAT or Books by Arun Sharma?

As someone who has scored a 92 percentile in the Quantitative Aptitude (QA) section of the CAT, I can offer some useful advice for aspiring CAT candidates. When choosing a book for your preparation, it is important to consider your current level of preparation and your learning preferences.

Starting from Basics

Both Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma and Quantitative Aptitude by R S Agarwal are excellent resources, but they may not be the best starting points for all candidates. If you are new to the concepts or want a solid foundation, it is advisable to begin with basic video tutorials. YouTube offers a wealth of high-quality, free resources that cover all the essential topics. Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can move on to the books, solving at least 30 questions.

Sarvesh K Verma's Quantum CAT: I personally used this book during my preparation, and it has questions that closely resemble CAT exam questions. It is particularly useful for those who have a good base and are looking for quality practice problems. Verma's focus is on providing CAT-specific practice, which can be very beneficial.

For Non-Engineering Students

Non-engineering candidates or those who struggle with mathematics might find Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma more suitable. The book is designed to build a strong foundation and provides clear explanations and a variety of practice problems.

For Those Seeking Challenging Questions

Arun Sharma's books, on the other hand, are ideal for candidates who are already familiar with the basics and are looking for more challenging and comprehensive practice problems. Arun Sharma's 10 Practice Tests for CAT is a highly recommended resource for improving problem-solving skills and building confidence for the exam.

Evaluating Your Current Level

It is important to evaluate your current level of preparation before selecting a book. Here's a guide based on your percentile in the QA section:

60 percentile QA: Start with Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma. 60-80 percentile: Consider Quantitative Aptitude by R S Agarwal, followed by Quantum CAT. 80-98 percentile: Arun Sharma or Nishit Kumar Sinha. 98 percentile: Focus on topic-wise sectional tests and full-length mock tests; avoid buying additional books.

It’s also worth noting that both books are of high quality, and Arun Sharma's books are generally considered to be more comprehensive and challenging. However, Verma's Quantum CAT is highly recommended for its specific alignment with the CAT exam.

Remember, the CAT exam is all about handling pressure in a time-based environment. Training yourself to solve problems accurately and efficiently within the time limits is crucial. Both books offer a wealth of practice materials, but the right book for you depends on your current preparation level and learning style.

Additional Tips

Regardless of the book you choose, make sure to practice consistently and solve as many questions as possible. Regular practice, understanding the underlying concepts, and time management are key to performing well in the CAT.

Lastly, don't hesitate to explore other resources and practice tests. They can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement.

Best of Luck!

Rahul Sir, CAT Coach
Arun Sharma and Sarvesh K Verma Authors