GMAT Books for Exam Preparation 2025: Section-wise, Study Materials & Tips
Preparing for the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) requires comprehensive study materials that can help with each exam section. With the evolution of test formats and question types, selecting the right GMAT books for preparation is essential for success. This blog will explore the best GMAT books for exam preparation in 2025, categorised by sections, providing candidates with the necessary resources to excel.
GMAT @ Zero Fee
Start your GMAT prep for free
Sign up for a 14-day free trial and get access to:
- 5.5+ hours of GMAT Concept Videos
- 6 hours of GMAT Strategy Sessions
- 4 hours of Recorded GMAT Sessions
- 1 Free Profile Evaluation Session
GMAT BOOKS : Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)
“Analytical Writing Assessment: Verbal Review” by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council):
This official guide offers in-depth strategies and practice material for mastering the AWA section. It gives insights into effective essay structure, argument analysis, and grammar usage, which will help you score well in this segment.
“Kaplan GMAT Verbal Workbook”:
Kaplan’s Verbal Workbook offers exercises to enhance critical reasoning and analytical writing skills. With detailed explanations and sample essays, it’s an invaluable resource for honing AWA proficiency and will help you in GMAT preparation.
GMAT BOOKS: Integrated Reasoning (IR)
“Manhattan Prep GMAT Integrated Reasoning” by Manhattan Prep:
This comprehensive guide covers all four question types featured in the IR section. It includes practice sets, drills, and detailed explanations, equipping candidates with the skills to tackle complex data interpretation and reasoning tasks effectively.
“GMAT Integrated Reasoning and Essay” by Manhattan Prep:
Another excellent resource from Manhattan Prep, this book provides targeted strategies and practice questions for mastering the IR and AWA sections. It offers valuable insights into data analysis, graphics interpretation, and multi-source reasoning.
GMAT BOOKS: Quantitative Reasoning
“GMAT Official Guide 2025: Quantitative Review” by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council):
The Quantitative Review offers hundreds of practice problems categorised by topic, allowing test-takers to focus on areas of weakness. With detailed answer explanations and online resources, it’s an indispensable tool for quant mastery.
“Manhattan Prep GMAT Quantitative Strategy Guide Set” by Manhattan Prep:
This set of strategy guides delves into foundational and advanced quant concepts tested on the GMAT. Each guide provides comprehensive coverage, practice problems, and strategies for achieving quant proficiency, from arithmetic and algebra to geometry and statistics.
You can also read GMAT SYLLABUS.
GMAT BOOKS: Verbal Reasoning
“GMAT Official Guide 2025: Verbal Review” by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council):
The Verbal Review offers extensive practice questions across all verbal question types, including critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and sentence correction. It’s an essential companion for sharpening verbal reasoning skills.
“The PowerScore GMAT Critical Reasoning Bible” by David M. Killoran:
It focuses on mastering critical reasoning skills, a crucial component of the verbal section. With targeted strategies, practice sets, and detailed explanations, it helps test-takers develop the analytical prowess needed to excel in this segment.
GMAT BOOKS: General GMAT Preparation
“The Official Guide for GMAT Review 2025” by GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council):
Considered the gold standard for GMAT preparation, the Official Guide provides authentic practice questions, test-taking strategies, and comprehensive review sections for all exam sections. It’s a must-have resource for any GMAT aspirant.
“GMAT Prep Plus 2025” by Kaplan:
Kaplan’s GMAT Prep Plus offers access to online resources, including additional practice tests, quizzes, and video lessons. It provides a comprehensive study plan, adaptive learning tools, and personalised insights to optimise exam performance.
GMAT Study Materials: Alternative Sources
“Advanced GMAT Quant” by Manhattan Prep:
For candidates aiming for top quant scores, this advanced guide offers challenging problems and developed strategies to push quantitative reasoning skills to the next level. It covers topics like number properties, algebraic expressions, and data sufficiency in depth.
“Veritas Prep GMAT Sentence Correction” by Brian Galvin and Erika Johnsen:
This specialised guide focuses on mastering sentence correction, a critical aspect of the verbal section. With comprehensive grammar rules, practice sets, and strategies, it helps test-takers tackle even the most complex sentence correction questions.
The Official Guide for GMAT Review:
It’s the gold standard for GMAT preparation as it’s published by GMAC, which administers the GMAT. The book includes many real GMAT questions, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the test’s format, style, and difficulty level.
Detailed answer explanations help you understand the reasoning behind correct and incorrect answers. It provides valuable insight into the types of questions and concepts commonly tested on the GMAT.
Manhattan Prep GMAT Strategy Guides:
These guides offer comprehensive coverage of each section of the GMAT, including Quantitative, Verbal, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA).
They provide detailed strategies for tackling different question types and practice problems to reinforce understanding.
Manhattan Prep’s materials are known for their clarity and depth, making them valuable resources for content review and strategy development.
Kaplan GMAT Prep Books:
Kaplan’s GMAT prep books feature content reviews, strategy tips, and practice questions. They often include access to online resources, such as practice tests, quizzes, and additional study materials. Kaplan’s books are designed to help you build foundational knowledge in key subject areas and develop effective test-taking strategies.
Princeton Review GMAT Prep Books:
Princeton Review’s GMAT books offer a structured approach to GMAT preparation, focusing on content review and strategy development. They include practice questions with detailed explanations to help reinforce concepts and improve test-taking skills. Princeton Review’s books may also feature tips for managing time effectively during exams and minimising test anxiety.
Veritas Prep GMAT Books:
Veritas Prep’s GMAT books emphasise both content mastery and strategy refinement.
They often include advanced techniques for tackling challenging questions and optimising your performance on test day.
Veritas Prep’s materials are known for their comprehensive coverage of GMAT content and their focus on helping students achieve their target scores.
When selecting GMAT prep books, consider your learning style, strengths, and areas for improvement. It’s also beneficial to supplement your book study with online resources, practice tests, and review courses to ensure a well-rounded preparation approach.
Conclusion
Selecting the right GMAT Books for exam preparation for each section is essential for success on the test. By utilising the resources, candidates can develop the skills and strategies needed to excel in each segment of the GMAT. Whether focusing on quantitative, verbal, or integrated reasoning, the recommended books provide comprehensive guides, practice materials, and expert insights to optimise exam performance.
Start your GMAT preparation journey today with these invaluable resources and prep strategy a step further. Make it foolproof by signing up for the intensive GMAT classroom program at IMS. Forty-eight hours of dedicated study, 60+ practice drills, 15 full-length mock tests, and personalised 1-on-1 mentorship guarantee that a high GMAT score is well within your reach.