IBA MBA Admission Book List ( My Personal)

IBA MBA

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I took participated IBA MBA admission test 3 times in my life – MBA 48, MBA 49 and MBA 50. All three times I passed the written test. I know many of you who are seeking for an MBA from IBA do not know which books are the best for each sections of the written test. Let me share you a complete book list for IBA MBA which I personally followed during my preparation.

This blog is for you – if you’re planning to take the IBA MBA admission test. IBA written test comprises of four sections:

  • English

  • Mathematics

  • Analytical Ability

  • Writing (Essay or Paragraph)

Let’s look at what books you should read for each part.

English Section

This section checks your grammar, vocabulary, reading skills, and sentence correction.

Books to Study:

Word Smart (1&2) 

  • Includes around 1700 words

  • Concise and complete

  • Included with practice sentences

Note: – I followed only this one during my preparation. It’s quite good enough for English vocabulary part.

Barron’s GRE (Latest Edition)

  • Very helpful for vocabulary

  • Includes sentence completion and reading comprehension

  • Focus on verbal practice questions

Note: I followed this one for reading comprehension part.

Cliff’s Tofel: Grammar Edition

  • Good for grammar part

  • Easy to understand and follow

  • Included with examples for grammar practice

Note: I followed this one for grammar part.

Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

  • Best book for building vocabulary

  • Easy to understand and follow

  • Learn new words with examples

English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy

  • Good for basic grammar

  • Very clear explanations

  • Practice exercises are useful

Manhattan GRE Verbal Strategy Guides

  • Includes Sentence Correction and Reading Comprehension

  • Great for advanced learners

  • Practice questions are close to IBA level

501 Reading Comprehension Questions

  • Improves reading and understanding speed

  • Practice is key in this section

  • Use this to train your brain

Tips:

  • 1st three books are quite enough. If you have enough time, then try other ones.

  • Read English newspapers daily (like The Daily Star)

  • Practice vocabulary every day

  • Revise grammar rules often

Mathematics Section

This section tests your school-level math skills. You’ll see questions from arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and word problems.

Books to Study:

GMAT Official Guide (14th Edition)

  • Very useful for quantitative practice

  • Covers a wide range of question types

  • Questions are similar to IBA level

Note: I followed this one primarily. Few others from here and there.

GRE BIG BOOK

  • Clear concepts

  • Focus on problem-solving

  • Practice questions with solutions

Manhattan GMAT Quantitative Strategy Guides

  • Great for brushing up on algebra and number properties

  • Geometry and word problem strategies are useful

  • Solving from this series builds confidence

Bangladesh Board Class 9-10 Math Book (General Math)

  • Basic but important for fundamentals

  • Revise chapters on ratio, percentage, profit-loss, and equations

  • Often helpful for time-saving tricks

Tips:

  • Only 1st one is quite good for IBA math section.

  • I also practiced from GRE big book. But not that much.

  • Time yourself while solving

  • Review your mistakes

Analytical Ability Section

This section checks your logic and problem-solving skills. Questions may come from puzzles, patterns, sequences, or logical reasoning.

Books to Study:

Barron’s GRE (Analytical and Logical Sections)

  • Practice problems with detailed solutions

  • Diagrams and pattern-based questions included

  • Good for strengthening logic skills

Note: I followed this one only. Quite comprehensive.

RS Aggarwal – A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning

  • Best book for this section

  • Includes puzzles, coding-decoding, and sequences

  • Many practice sets with answers

3.3. Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey

  • Advanced level reasoning problems

  • Helps improve thinking speed

  • Some questions are tricky, just like IBA

Arihant’s Logical Reasoning Book

  • Covers reasoning basics and advanced questions

  • Easy explanations

  • Practice daily to improve

Tips:

  • Solve puzzles regularly

  • Don’t guess answers blindly

  • Focus on understanding the logic

Writing Section (Essay or Paragraph Writing)

This section checks your ability to express ideas in English. You need to write clearly, logically, and without grammar mistakes.

Books to Study:

IBA MBA Writing by Saifur’s ( Not sure this book is still available in the market)

  • Gives a lot of examples

  • Give you a structure to follow

  • Practice writing essays on similar topics

Note: I followed only this book.

60 Writing Topics with Sample Essays (by ETS or other GRE resources)

  • Gives sample topics and essays

  • Helps you learn structure and style

  • Practice writing essays on similar topics

High School English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin

  • Good for sentence structure

  • Helps avoid common grammar mistakes

  • Improves overall writing quality

Writing Skills by Anne Longknife and K.D. Sullivan

  • Helps improve paragraph and essay writing

  • Tips on how to write clearly

  • Great for beginners and intermediate writers

IELTS Writing Task 2 Books (Cambridge IELTS Series)

  • Offers good writing practice

  • Helps you think logically

  • Ideas for different topics

Tips:

  • Write one essay every two days ( at least)

  • Ask others to check your writing

  • Learn to plan before you write

Bonus: Practice Sets & Mock Tests

Apart from these books, you should also do full-length practice tests. This helps with time management.

Recommended Practice Resources:

  • GRE or GMAT Practice Papers

  • Past IBA MBA Admission Questions 

  • Coaching Center Mock Tests (like Mentors, Saifur’s, or Unmesh)

  • Online mock test platforms

Practice makes a big difference. Don’t skip this step.

Final Tips for Preparation

  • Make a schedule. Stick to it.

  • Study 2–3 hours daily if you’re working.

  • Revise difficult areas every week.

  • Stay updated with current events (for essay writing).

  • Join a study group if possible.

Last Words

Please only follow the books I followed. Do not be overwhelmed by seeing all these books in my list. It’s quite good enough if you follow the books I followed. If there is enough time for you for the preparation, you can read others. Everyone has their own way of preparation. I have shared my experience. Many others may have different opinions. If you like my book list and suggestions, you can follow it. Good luck!

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