
GMAT books help to guide readers through practical test-taking techniques, typical question types they'll see on test day, and time-management best practices. You are expected to devote roughly 120 hours to studying for the GMAT. The books for GMAT preparation help students to understand the GMAT test strategies that can help them excel on the test day. Several resources are available to prepare for the GMAT. These include GMAT preparation books and online GMAT forums, which can help in exam preparation.

GMAT preparation books are available in bundles and also separately for each section. The price range of GMAT books INR 2,500 – 25,000. This price includes single books and the whole bundle including all GMAT topics. The GMAT books contain the GMAT syllabus, section-wise questions, tips and strategies, mock tests, and 1000+ questions and answers. The GMAT books will help you improve your GMAT score.
GMAT prep books like – GMAT Official Guide 2023, Manhattan GMAT books, Kaplan GMAT books, and more are very helpful. You need to devote a significant amount of time to studying to improve your scores. You may choose the best GMAT books and resources to assist in preparing for the GMAT by being aware of the areas to improve.
Candidates can prepare their study plan to meet their specific needs by utilizing GMAT preparation books. The most effective GMAT prep books offer study guides and practice tests to assist students in performing well on the exam. With the help of GMAT preparation books, candidates can acquire the knowledge and practice the strategies necessary to achieve a high score on the GMAT Exam. This article presents a compilation of the top GMAT preparation books, which provide access to thousands of practice tests to help in the preparation. The list of books to read for GMAT are provided below:
| Sections | Best GMAT Books |
|---|---|
| Top General GMAT Prep Books |
|
| Top GMAT Quantitative Books |
|
| Top GMAT Verbal Books |
|
| Top GMAT Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing Books |
|
Kaplan GMAT Prep Plus contains proven test-taking strategies with more than 120 practice question papers. If you buy the higher score guaranteed Kaplan Prep Plus, which provides 6 practice tests, proven strategies, online and mobile access, and video lessons that cover the full GMAT syllabus.
Kaplan’s GMAT Prep Plus-Check PDF
Price on Amazon
GMAT Prep Plus 2021 - INR 1,250
GMAT Prep Plus 2021: 6 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Online + Mobile - INR 12,000
| Pro’s | Con’s |
| Updated study materials Covers the full syllabus Easy access to study materials online Tips and strategies | The progress tracking log is inconvenient to fill in and follow |
GMAT Official Guide Data Insights is one of the best books to understand the updated syllabus. GMAT Focus Edition now contains the data insights sections, and this book will help you ace the updated exam preparation.
GMAT Official Guide Data Insights-Check PDF
Price on Amazon: INR 782
| Pro’s | Con’s |
| Online Question Bank Digital Flashcards 200+ additional data insights questions | Only covers the question papers of the data insights syllabus |
GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review provides detailed answer explanations that will help you ace the problem-solving questions. You can effectively prepare for GMAT quantitative section with this book.
GMAT Official Guide Quantitative Review-Check PDF
Price on Amazon: INR 855
| Pro’s | Con’s |
| 150+ additional quantitative reasoning questions. Detailed answer explanations. | Not enough for effective exam preparation. |
After the change in GMAT Exam format, the old books may not be as useful as the latest version. This GMAT Official guide provides a new format and study guide to the students. These GMAT books let the student get as close as they can get to the actual exam.
GMAT Official Guide 2022 Bundle-Check PDF
Price on Amazon: INR 3999
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
GMAT Premium Prep by the Princeton Review will help you maximize your score. This book not only covers the full syllabus but also contains GMAT practice papers with sample answers.
Price on Amazon - INR 1,467
| Pro’s | Con’s |
| Provide online study materials. 6 computer adaptive practice tests Detailed review of the exam topics 180+ additional practice questions Score reports and detailed answer explanations | Short answer explanations |
Manhattan prep GMAT books are considered one of the top GMAT prep books available. This GMAT preparation book from Manhattan prep is one of the best in the market. It condenses content from the 10-book "Complete GMAT Strategy Guide Set" into just three books. The price is on a higher side but students get access to thousands of questions. This book is considered one of the best books for CAT and GMAT preparation.
Price on Amazon: INR 10,885
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
This is one of the best GMAT prep book from Kaplan for the students. This book helps the students to prepare for the GMAT exam. With hundreds of restructured practice questions and GMAT study material free, this book promises to help raise the GMAT score of the candidates.
Price on Amazon: INR 1,149
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Mometrix's newest GMAT books 2023 helps test-takers understand the most important concepts, vocabulary, and principles behind the different sections of the exam. With this best book for GMAT preparation, candidates will get access to a full-length practice test and in-depth answer explanations. This book is an ideal prep solution for anyone who wants to pass their Graduate Management Admission Test.
Price on Amazon: INR 4,587(including Import fees)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
This GMAT study guide covers each topic in detail for the candidates to understand. The GMAT practice questions are unique and difficult. GMAT study material provided in this book will help candidates train a higher score. This GMAT study guides contains some of the best GMAT study materials.
Veritas Prep Complete GMAT Course Set -Check PDF
Price on Amazon: INR 23,606 (for full set)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Beyond the MBA Hype GMAT book is written by Sameer Kamat, who is the founder of MBA Crystal Ball. By reading this book you will get a clear idea about GMAT eligibility as well as career opportunities.
Beyond the MBA Hype – Check PDF
Price on Amazon - INR 349.70
| Pro’s | Con’s |
| Detailed discussion about GMAT application process. Discussion about MBA industry. Helps you to understand the career options after MBA. Effective teaching and evaluation techniques. | Talks about common topics of GMAT. Written from the perspective of Indian students only. |
There are various online GMAT forums where students can get their queries answered. Candidates can also download GMAT preparation material and practice papers online. There are various GMAT forums where students can post their queries. Those queries will be answered by the experts. The resources that can help the students to better MBA Jobs in USA:
These books are considered the best GMAT books for self preparation. Candidates must understand that GMAT exam books, coaching classes and practice papers are the resources available online. However, rigorous practice and dedication will help them achieve their target score. Candidates must be aware that practicing more and following the best GMAT prep book will help them attain their desired score. This will help them get admitted to their dream college.
Ques: What are GMAT preparation books?
Ans: GMAT preparation books are resources designed to help individuals study for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), a standardized test required for admission to many business schools. These books offer practice questions, strategies, and content review to improve performance on the exam.
Ques: How can GMAT preparation books help me?
Ans: GMAT preparation books provide a structured approach to studying for the GMAT. They offer practice questions that mimic the actual test, explanations of concepts, test-taking strategies, and guidance on time management.
Ques: Are GMAT preparation books sufficient for studying?
Ans: While GMAT preparation books are valuable resources, they should ideally be complemented with other study materials such as official GMAT guides, online practice tests, and interactive study platforms to ensure a comprehensive and well-rounded preparation.
Ques: What's the single most important GMAT prep book?
Ans: The most important book for GMAT preparation is GMAT Official Guide 2023-2024 Bundle (Focus Edition). The official questions, answers, explanations, practice papers and insights are unmatched. Some students also considers it their GMAT bible.
Ques: What should I look for in a good GMAT preparation book?
Ans: A good GMAT preparation book should have up-to-date content, a variety of practice questions covering all sections of the test, clear explanations, effective strategies, and preferably be endorsed by reputable test prep companies.
Ques: How do I choose the right GMAT preparation book for me?
Ans: Consider your current skill level, preferred study style, and target score. Look for books that align with your strengths and weaknesses and include resources that cater to your learning preferences, whether it's more practice questions, detailed explanations, or strategies.
Ques: Which book is best for improving my Quant score?
Ans: Students have their own preference of books which they consider as the best book. However, Manhattan Prep's GMAT Foundations of Math (7th Edition) provides solid foundation in math concepts and clear strategies for tackling GMAT quant problems. This book is considered as best by many.
Ques: Can I solely rely on GMAT preparation books for my studies?
Ans: While GMAT books are essential, it's recommended to use a combination of resources. Incorporate official GMAT guides, online practice tests, video lessons, and possibly a GMAT prep course to cover all aspects of the test and gain a deeper understanding.
Ques: Are there any specific GMAT books endorsed by the test makers?
Ans: Yes, the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), the organization that administers the GMAT, publishes official guides that are considered highly reliable. The "Official Guide for GMAT Review" series is endorsed by GMAC and contains real GMAT questions.
Ques: Should I get separate books for each section?
Ans: Getting seperate books for each section is not mandatory. There are multiple bundles available in the market which gives coverage of all sections. Bundles like Manhattan Prep's All the GMAT Bundle or Kaplan's GMAT Prep Plus offer comprehensive coverage of all sections.
Ques: How early should I start using GMAT preparation books?
Ans: The timing depends on your familiarity with the content and your target score. Many students start preparing 2-3 months before the test, while others might need more time. Starting early allows for gradual and thorough preparation.
Ques: Are there books for specific weaknesses?
Ans: Yes, there are specific books to overcome your weaknesses. You can look for focused titles like Manhattan Prep's GMAT Sentence Correction Strategy Guide or The Critical Reader: The Complete GMAT Sentence Correction Guide. These books provides strategies and correction guides to work on your weak areas.
Ques: Are there GMAT preparation books specifically for certain sections of the test?
Ans: Yes, some books might focus on specific sections, such as the quantitative or verbal sections. These books can be useful for targeted practice if you're struggling with a particular area.
Ques: Can I use old GMAT preparation books or should I get the latest editions?
Ans: It's recommended to use the latest editions of GMAT preparation books because the test format and content can change over time. Newer editions are more likely to align with the current version of the GMAT and provide the most relevant practice and strategies.
Ques: How important are practice tests in GMAT books?
Ans: GMAT practice tests are a must in GMAT books. Once you read the sections and understand the questions, practicing is important to understand where you stand. Choose books with plenty of realistic practice tests, like Princeton Review's GMAT Premium Prep. This will help you improve your scores.
Ques: Can I just study from free online resources instead of GMAT books?
Ans: Yes, you can definitely study from online resources. However, books will help you get organized as you get all the information and practice tests at one place. Good quality GMAT prep books offer structured learning, valuable practice questions, and expert explanations.
Ques: How many books should I use for GMAT preparation?
Ans: You can use multiple books for GMAT preparation. However, using 1 0r 2 best books avalable in the market is sufficient. You can choose 2-3 core resources and stick with them to avoid information overload.
Ques: Do expensive books guarantee better results?
Ans: Expensive books are not always the ones that provides better results. You must choose books based on your learning style, strengths, and weaknesses, not just price. Hence, choosing an expensive book is not mandatory.
Ques: Are older editions of GMAT books still useful?
Ans: Yes, the older editions of GMAT books are still useful only if the core concepts haven't changed. However, if you are planning to buy a book, you should target for the latest version always. These latest versions have updated study materials and latest practice papers.
Ques: When should I start using GMAT prep books?
Ans: You should start using the GMAT books as early as your study plan allows. The earlier you familiarize yourself with the material and question types, the better. hence, starting early is the key to sucess.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.