Preparing for an MBA is a challenging journey, but it can be done successfully with the right dedication and study materials. The right study material can make a lot of difference in this journey. With so many books, study material and online notes available on the Internet, it can be difficult to choose the right one according to your preference. That’s why we have offered this student guide to help you find the top MBA study material for 2025. It involves everything from must-read books to online resources that will help to study smart and stay ahead of the competition.
This Blog Includes:
MBA Study Material for Entrance Exams
MBA is one of the choicest career options for those who want to enter the management domain through higher education. Many Indian students move out of their homes to get an MBA degree from leading universities in India and abroad. However, various institutions across India and abroad conduct entrance exams like CAT, XAT, GMAT, GRE, etc. to select the greatest minds. Here is a list of topics that can help you in clearing these exams:
1. CAT (Common Admission Test)
CAT, also known as the Common Admission Test, is an entrance exam at the national level, done for postgraduate management programs such as an MBA. Here are the details of the CAT exam given below:
Resource Type | Study Material |
Books | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT – Arun SharmaVerbal Ability and Reading Comprehension – Nishit K. Sinha |
Mock Tests | TIME, IMS, Career Launcher test series |
Online Courses | Unacademy CAT Prep, 2IIM, Cracku |
2. XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test)
XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) is a national-level management test conducted by XLRI, Jamshedpur, for admission to MBA and PGDM programs. Here are the details of the XAT exam given below:
Resource Type | Study Material |
Books | Decision Making for XAT – Arihant ExpertsQuantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams – R.S. Aggarwal |
Mock Tests | Oliveboard, Career Launcher |
Online Courses | Handakafunda, MBAUniverse |
3. MAT (Management Aptitude Test)
The MAT exam, or Management Aptitude Test, is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the All India Management Association (AIMA) for admission to MBA or other management programs. Here are the details of the MAT exam given below:
Resource Type | Study Material |
Books | Mission MBA MAT Guide – BS SijwaliMAT Solved Papers – Disha Experts |
Mock Tests | TestFunda, EduGorilla |
Online Support | Practice sets on AIMA website |
4. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
The GMAT or Graduate Management Admission Test is a standardised entrance exam taken for admission into graduate business programs, especially the MBA. Here are the details of the GMAT exam given below:
Resource Type | Study Material |
Official Guide | The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2025 – GMAC |
Books | Manhattan Prep SeriesKaplan GMAT Prep |
Online Courses | GMAT Club, e-GMAT, Magoosh |
5. SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test)
The SNAP exam, known as the Symbiosis National Aptitude Test, is a national-level entrance exam which is conducted by Symbiosis International University for admission to its MBA and PGDM programs. Here are the details of the SNAP exam given below:
Resource Type | Study Material |
Books | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams – R.S. AggarwalLogical Reasoning – Arun Sharma |
Mock Tests | Bulls Eye, Hitbullseye |
Online Platforms | SNAP official mock tests |
Also Read: Future Courses to Study Abroad After MBA
MBA Study Material for Different Courses
When preparing for the examination for your specific specialisation, it is important that you invest in the right study material. Let us look at some of the MBA study materials for some of the specific branches of MBA, which will help you to learn from the right source.
MBA in Human Resources
Human Resources is one of the most preferred MBA specialisations pursued by MBA aspirants. This specialised degree focuses on developing expertise in managing and developing an organisation’s Manpower. These are some of the study materials that will be helpful when pursuing an MBA in HR:
- The Myths and Realities of Teamwork
- Human Resource Management
- Psychologically Safe Workplaces- Utopia Revisited
- Managing Human Resources in the 21st Century
- Strategic Management of Human Capital
- Selection Process and Recruitment Plan Guide
- 21st-Century Corporate Learning and Development
- Building Bridges Across Cultural Differences
- The Experts Teach: Training Skills
- Recruitment and Selection
- Talent Management: A Focus on Excellence
- Human Resources: A Practical Guide
- Employee Engagement and Performance Management
MBA in Marketing
Marketing is a diverse field used in almost every kind of business across the globe. Whether you are signing up for an MBA in Digital Marketing or a Master’s in Marketing Management, you must know that the subjects involved in this specialisation cover all the domains of marketing. Let us look at some of the MBA study material for the marketing branch:
- Principles of Marketing
- Marketing Management, Global Edition
- A Framework for Marketing Management
- Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism
- Marketing Essentials
- Marketing 4.0
- Kotler on Marketing
- Strategic Brand Management
- Marketing Models
- Marketing 3.0
- Marketing Places
- The Marketing of Nations
- This is Marketing
- Essentials of Marketing Management
MBA in Finance
Many MBA aspirants take up the course because they want to build a career in Finance. While making this decision, candidates must know how an MBA is different from other short-term courses in Finance. Let us look at some of the study material for the MBA available for the finance branch:
- Financial Management
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Management, 11th edition
- Introduction to Financial Accounting, by Pearson
- Corporate Finance for Dummies
- Basic Financial Management, B.com (CBCS)
- The Fast Forward MBA in Finance
- Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Statistics for Management
- International Business
- Business Communication Today
Also Read: Courses after MBA Finance
MBA in Operations Management
An MBA in operations management is a specialised postgraduate degree that focuses on helping individuals improve their knowledge and skills. These skills and expertise help individuals to manage the operation of the management. Here are some of the study materials mentioned which will help you in pursuing an MBA in operations management.
- Managerial Accounting
- New Product Introduction
- Facilities Management
- Operations Management
- Production and Operations Management
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
MBA Study Material Online (Free)
There are many trusted online platforms that offer coaching to MBA aspirants along with study material. These resources include video lectures, practice questions, mock tests and a guide for free. Here are some of the useful sources that offer free MBA study material online.
Platform | What You Get | Best For |
Unacademy (YouTube) | Free live classes, recorded sessions, and strategy tips | CAT, XAT |
GMAT Club | Practice questions, study plans, forums | GMAT |
Handa Ka Funda Blog | Free PDFs, articles, and tips | XAT, SNAP, General MBA prep |
MBAUniverse | GK updates, current affairs, sample papers | CMAT, MAT, SNAP |
Cracku | Free daily quizzes, mock tests, concept videos | CAT, XAT, SNAP |
BYJU’S Exam Prep | Free practice sets, videos, and prep tips | CAT, MAT |
Pagalguy Forums | Peer discussions, exam insights, shared resources | All MBA entrance exams |
MBA Study Material for Self-Study
Some students prepare for an MBA without any coaching. In such situations, they must take the help of the right resources to successfully crack exams such as CAT, XAT, GMAT and SNAP. Here is the list of MBA study materials that students can access for self-study.
1. Standard Books to Start With
Here are the books that help students prepare for the basic level of their MBA journey.
Subject | Book Title | Author/Publisher |
Quantitative Aptitude | How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude | Arun Sharma (TMH) |
Logical Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
Data Interpretation | How to Prepare for Data Interpretation | Arun Sharma |
Verbal Ability | Word Power Made Easy + Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Norman Lewis + Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay |
General Knowledge | Manorama Yearbook / GK Today Website | – |
2. Online Resources
Apart from the books, you can also access the online resources available for students. They are usually free and updated to help you in the best way possible.
- YouTube Channels: Unacademy, Handa Ka Funda, Rodha (for DILR)
- Websites: Cracku, TestFunda, MBAUniverse, Pagalguy
- Apps: Gradeup, Oliveboard, Hitbullseye (many offer free and paid versions)
3. Mock Tests & Sectional Tests
Practising mock tests help students to prepare for the exam format and is crucial for time management and accuracy. Here are the options that are available for you, in case you are looking to practise mock tests and sectional tests.
- Free Mocks: Available on Career Launcher, Cracku, and IMS
- Paid Mocks (Optional): Aim for at least 10–15 mocks before the exam
FAQs
The MBA syllabus covers core subjects like Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, Economics, and Strategy. It also includes case studies, group projects, and internships to build practical business skills.
Start by understanding basic concepts. Focus on classroom lectures, group discussions, and real-world examples. Make short notes, revise regularly, and don’t skip assignments—they prepare you for exams and job roles.
MBA isn’t very tough if you stay consistent. It’s more about understanding concepts, not memorising. If you’re curious about business and enjoy problem-solving, you’ll do well.
In your MBA, you’ll study subjects like Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Economics, Business Law, Statistics, and Organisational Behaviour. These give you a strong foundation in all areas of management.
No, students from any stream, Science, Arts, or Commerce, can pursue an MBA. Entrance exams test aptitude, not your graduation subject. What matters more is your interest in business and management.
Related Reads:
Hope you liked reading our blog about the MBA study material. For more information about study abroad, you can get in touch with Leverage Edu. Stay tuned with Leverage Live classes and realise your dream of studying abroad.
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Great information Thanks for sharing.
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can i get real material of mba
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