Best Books for MAT Preparation 2025: Reasoning, Mathematical & Data Analysis
Are you preparing for the MAT 2025 examination and wondering about the best books for MAT preparation 2025? Selecting the right books is a critical step in ensuring a well-structured and result-oriented preparation. The Management Aptitude Test (MAT), conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) four times a year, is a national-level entrance exam accepted by over 600 MBA schools in India. MAT exam evaluates candidates on mathematical skills, reasoning ability, language comprehension, and data analysis.
This Story also Contains
- Best Books for MAT Preparation 2025
- Best Books for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Preparation
- Best Books for MAT Mathematical Skills Preparation
- Best Books for Data Analysis and Sufficiency Preparation
- MAT Preparation Books on Indian and Global Environment
- Importance of MAT Books
- Factors to Consider When Choosing MAT Books
- How to Use MAT Exam Preparation Books Effectively?
- MAT 2025 Ebooks by Careers360
Best Books for MAT Preparation 2025
The best books for MAT preparation 2025 help you understand each section clearly—Maths, Data Analysis, and Reasoning. These books explain concepts in a simple way and give lots of practice questions. If you use a MAT books PDF or go for a MAT books PDF download, you can study anywhere. Many MAT books for MBA also include MAT study material PDF with past papers and mock tests to practice better. You can use these books to prepare for CMAT/MAHCET/NMAT also
Best Books for MAT Intelligence and Critical Reasoning Preparation
For Intelligence and Critical Reasoning, the best books for MAT preparation include Disha’s reasoning series and Arun Sharma’s LR book. These MAT study material PDFs offer chapter-wise logic drills, mock tests, and solved examples ideal for focused MAT books PDF revision.
MAT Book | Overview of Content | Topics/Chapters Covered | Special Features & How to Use |
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT – Arun Sharma | Comprehensive book covering Logical Reasoning for CAT and other MBA exams like MAT. Includes theory, strategies, and a wide range of question types. Comes with online tests via McGraw Hill Edge. | Part 1: Seating, Ranking, Team Formation, Puzzles, Cubes, Tournaments, Venn Diagrams, etc. Part 2: Series, Blood Relations, Direction, Statement-Based Questions, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, etc. Part 3: Previous Year CAT Papers (2017–2022) with detailed solutions. | 30 Mock Tests (LOD 1–3), detailed solutions, CAT PYQs with analysis, MAT-level questions included. Use in chapter order; study theory, solve examples, then questions. Use mock tests and previous years' papers for practice and revision. Don't jump between topics. |
General Intelligence and Critical Reasoning – Disha | Student-friendly book ideal for beginners preparing for MAT, CMAT, NMAT, etc. Covers a broad range of reasoning types with simple explanations. | Analogy, Classification, Series, Blood Relation, Input-Output, Syllogism, Logical Venn Diagrams, Mathematical Operations, Statement-Based Questions, Critical Reasoning, Cause & Effect, etc. | Chapter-wise theory with topic-based questions and answers. Focused on non-CAT MBA exams. Study sequentially; solve examples and topic questions; revise frequently. |
Best Books for MAT Mathematical Skills Preparation
The best books for MAT Mathematical Skills preparation offer clear concepts and shortcut tricks. R.S. Aggarwal and Arun Sharma are top picks among MAT exam books 2025. You can also choose MAT books PDF download to revise arithmetic, algebra, and number systems on the go.
MAT Book | Overview of Content | Topics/Chapters Covered | Special Features & Usage Tips |
R.S. Aggarwal – Mathematics for MBA Entrance Exams | Contains a vast collection of objective questions with shortcut methods. Revised edition includes memory-based questions from SNAP, CMAT, XAT, etc. | Unit 1–7: Algebra, Arithmetic, Mensuration, Trigonometry, Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, Statistics & DI. Covers everything from basic operations to sets, surds, profit-loss, SI/CI, speed-distance, permutations, probability, and graphs. | Strictly syllabus-based, loaded with solved MCQs, ideal for MAT, CMAT, etc. Clear basics first, then go topic-wise. Avoid jumping topics. Practice chapter-end questions by difficulty. Solve previous year papers after basics. Note and revise shortcuts regularly. |
Arun Sharma – How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude | Focused on cracking CAT and similar exams. Offers strategic methods to tackle QA. Includes concept training, LOD-based practice, and CAT-focused question types. | Arithmetic, Algebra, Numbers, Geometry, Modern Math, Data Interpretation, and CAT-based logical QA sets. Additional exercises for each concept. Topic-wise PYQs of CAT included. Chapters include CAT Scan: 7 Qs in 12 mins to simulate real test. | Offers difficulty-level-wise questions, CAT-focused practice. Includes CAT mocks, sectional tests, and past solved CAT papers via McGraw Hill Edge. Follow the chapter order, don’t skip types. Practice all levels: LOD 1 to 3. Learn shortcuts, solve unsolved types, and use online resources for time-based practice and revision. |
Best Books for Data Analysis and Sufficiency Preparation
For mastering Data Analysis and Sufficiency, the best books for MAT preparation include guides by Arihant and Arun Sharma. These MAT books for MBA cover data tables, graphs, and caselets extensively. Go through the table to learn more about these books.
MAT 2025 Book | Overview of Content | Topics/Chapters Covered | Special Features |
Arihant – Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Covers basics of DI/DS. Divided into 8 chapters: theory + practice. Good for MAT, CAT, and other exams. | Introduction, Tables, Bar & Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Mixed Graphs, Case Studies, Data Sufficiency. Includes basic arithmetic and percentage techniques. | Chapter-wise theory, graded exercises, solved examples, DS focus, exam-type coverage (MAT, XAT, Bank PO). No digital access mentioned. |
Arun Sharma – How to Prepare for DI for CAT | CAT-focused. Divided into 3 sections: Traditional DI, Logical DI, and CAT archives. Includes how to think in DI, timed mocks, and archive-based prep. | Section I: Tables, Graphs, Caselets. Section II: Logical DI, Timed Tests. Section III: Solved CAT papers (2021, 2022). Includes strategy and practice segmentation (LOD-wise). | Detailed theory for each type, 84+ mock papers, 30 timed tests, CAT PYQs, LOD-based practice, online access via McGraw-Hill Edge (mocks + sectional tests + solved CAT sets). |
MAT Preparation Books on Indian and Global Environment
MAT books on Indian and Global Environment are important because these MAT exam preparation books give deeper insights into the topic. Moreover, Indian and Global Environment is an important topic as far as the MAT exam is concerned. Check out the MAT books 2025 for Indian and Global Environment below:
MAT preparation books | Authors |
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit Sinha |
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
Analytical & Logical Reasoning For CAT & Other Management Entrance Tests | Peeyush Bhardwaj |
Importance of MAT Books
MAT exam books are essential for effective exam preparation. Here’s how they help:
- Organised Study Plan: MAT books provide a well-organised study plan, covering all parts of the exam in a clear, structured way, ensuring thorough preparation.
- Understanding Concepts: These books help you build a solid foundation by explaining key concepts, principles, and problem-solving methods needed to handle different types of questions effectively.
- Practice Exercises: MAT books offer a wide range of practice questions, giving you the chance to apply what you've learned, spot weak areas, and improve through repeated practice.
- Familiarity with the Exam: By including mock tests and sample papers, MAT books help you get used to the exam format, pacing, and question types you'll face during the test.
- Boosting Confidence: With thorough preparation using MAT books, you'll gain the knowledge, strategies, and practice needed to approach the exam confidently and perform your best.
Factors to Consider When Choosing MAT Books
When selecting books to prepare for the MAT exam, keep these points in mind:
Complete Content: Make sure the book covers all parts of the MAT exam, including quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation.
Author’s Expertise: Choose books written or recommended by experts who have a solid background in test preparation and aptitude testing.
Practice Questions: Pick books that offer plenty of practice questions, both exercises and full-length mock tests, to help you understand concepts and practice under exam conditions.
Clear Explanations: Look for books that provide clear explanations, good examples, and easy-to-understand instructions, especially for difficult topics.
Recent Editions: Choose the latest editions or publications that match the current exam pattern, question trends, and syllabus to stay up-to-date with the test.
How to Use MAT Exam Preparation Books Effectively?
If you’re preparing for the MAT 2025 and feel overwhelmed with too many resources, PDFs, printed books, or apps take a step back and plan. Whether it’s a MAT books PDF download or the best books for MAT preparation, the key lies in how you use them smartly, not how many you collect.
Create a Hybrid Study Plan
Mix offline and online materials. Use your printed MAT exam books 2025 at your desk, and carry MAT study material PDFs on your phone for quick revision during commutes or breaks.
Build Your Own Question Bank
From every MAT book for MBA chapter you complete, write down 5–10 unique or tricky questions. By the end, you’ll have your own custom practice set tailored to your weak areas.
Use the “Explain It Back” Technique
After finishing a chapter from your best book for MAT preparation, explain the concepts aloud (or to a friend). If you can teach it, you’ve learned it well.
Create a Digital Resource Folder
Keep all your books PDF download files, formula sheets, and MAT mock tests in one folder, properly named and sorted by section (Quant, Reasoning, Verbal, GK). This makes revision lightning-fast.
Schedule “Revision Sundays”
Don’t just solve once and forget. Every Sunday, go back to one section of your MAT study material PDF and re-solve the questions without peeking at notes. Track what you forgot and revise again.
MAT 2025 Ebooks by Careers360
Careers360 offers helpful MAT 2025 eBooks that you can download in PDF format. These eBooks include tips for each section, the latest exam pattern, solved questions, and sample papers. If you're looking for MAT books PDF download options, this is a good place to start. The content is easy to understand and useful for anyone preparing seriously for the MAT exam.
Title | Download Link |
MAT Sample Paper 2024 | |
MAT 2024 Preparation Tips, Study Material, Sample Paper & Mock Test | |
MAT 2018 Sample Paper | |
MAT 2014 Question Paper | |
MAT 2013 Question Paper | |
MAT 2012 Question Paper | |
MAT 2012 Solved Paper | |
MAT 2010 Question Paper | |
MAT Previous Year Solved Paper |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are 150 questions across five sections in MAT namely -
1. Intelligence and Critical Reasoning
2. Data Analysis and Sufficiency
3. Language Comprehension
4. Indian and Global Environment
5. Mathematics
All the sections of MAT have equal weightage. There are five sections of 30 marks each.
No. There is no sectional time limit in MAT.
Some good MAT preparation books are:
General Intelligence and Critical Reasoning for MAT/ CMAT/ MHCET/ NMAT Exams - Disha
Mathematics for MBA Entrance Examinations - R S Aggarwal
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency - Arihant
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT - Arun Sharma
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude - Arun Sharma
Get familiar with the syllabus of MAT.
Create a study plan.
Revise the topics that you’ve studied.
Solve PYQs and mock tests.
Take help from experts for your doubts.
AIMA conducts MAT four times a year - February, May, September, December.
Yes. There is a negative marking of 0.25 for every wrong answer. So, be careful while marking your answers.
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Hello aspirant,
The Management Aptitude Test (MAT) is a standardised examination designed to help Business Schools (B-Schools) evaluate applicants before accepting them into their MBA and related programmes. Solving mat sample papers immensely helps in its preparation.
To download sample papers you can visit our website by clicking on the
Hello aspirant,
The MAT's GK Section is not taken into account while determining the composite score or final percentile. However, if you score well in the MAT GK Section, you will have an advantage during the GD/PI procedure. So General Knowledge is also important for the interview perspective.
Thank you