CMAT 2025 Exam Preparation Strategy
The Common Management Admission Test is an entrance test at the national level. It is conducted by NTA as a gateway to different management courses such as MBA/PGDM in various B-schools across the country. CMAT 2025 will also follow a similar format as that of the previous year's exams with five sections, namely Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The examination, with around 100 questions to be attempted in 180 minutes, is moderately competitive but can be rivaled with a well-framed strategy.
We will walk you through preparation strategies, recommended books, exam day guidelines, and some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that would help you ace the CMAT 2025 exam.
CMAT 2025 Exam Pattern
Before embarking on preparation, it is important to understand the structure of the exam:
Total Questions: 100
Section: Five [Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & DI, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship]
Total Marks: 400
Time Duration: 3 hours
Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answers, -1 for wrong answers
Exam Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
CMAT 2025 Exam Preparation Strategy
1. Understand the Syllabus and Prioritize
Initiate the preparation with an intensive study of the CMAT syllabus. Quantitative Techniques & DI and Logical Reasoning, being calculation- and logic-intensive, require greater importance. Since Innovation & Entrepreneurship is a section present only in CMAT, it requires more time.
Key Topics to Focus On:
- Language Comprehension: Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Grammar
- Quantitative Techniques & DI: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning: Puzzles, Series, Blood Relations, Syllogisms
- General Awareness: Current Affairs, History, Science, Business, and Economics
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: New startups, concepts of entrepreneurship, business models
2. Three-Stage Study Plan
Stage 1: Build the Foundation
Start with building a foundation in all sections. Just ensure that you know all the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Set targets for every section, but allocate more time to weak areas. Finish this stage in the first 2-3 months.
Stage 2: Mock Tests
After finishing the syllabus, Take regular mock tests to imitate exam conditions. Now, focus on time management and accuracy. Analyze your strong and weak areas and set your preparation for that particular subject with the help of these tests. Mock tests provided by NTA are highly recommended?.
Stage 3: Revision and Review
In the last 1-2 months, concentrate on revision. Review the notes, formulae, and shortcuts; take up sectional tests to test your performance. Taking up new topics at the last moment is not advisable as it increases stress.
3. Time Management
Time is of the essence during the examination. Give more time to solving numerical and DI questions. However, keep enough time for the sections like General Awareness and Logical Reasoning. Attempt a 100-question paper within the given 3 hours to be comfortable with the timing.
- Quantitative Techniques & DI: Practice as many maths problems from various sources and work on your comfort regarding topics like Time, Speed & Distance, and Probability.
- Logical Reasoning: Devote time to Puzzles and questions based on reasoning
- General Awareness: Read Newspapers and magazines. Keep updated about Current Affairs.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Focus on the latest Innovations and startup culture. Read case studies of successful businesses?.
Recommended Books for CMAT 2025
- "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis
- "English Grammar & Composition" by Wren & Martin
- Quantitative Techniques & DI:
- "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Arun Sharma.
- "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT" by Arun Sharma
- "Manorama Yearbook"
- "General Knowledge 2025" by Arihant Publications
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship:
- "Innovation and Entrepreneurship" by Peter F. Drucker
- Keep yourself updated with news articles and entrepreneurial blogs?.
CMAT 2025 Exam Day Guidelines
- Do Reach Early: Try to be at the test center at least an hour before the reporting time to avoid any hassle at the last minute.
- Carry Essentials: Admit card, photo ID proof, passport-sized photographs, and any other documents as asked for by NTA.
- Stay Calm: Do not start revising at the last minute. Keep a calm frame of mind.
- Time Management: Manage your time in the exam. Do not take more than 30-35 minutes on each section.
- Take Breaks Wisely: In case you find that you are wasting too much time with one question, move ahead and come back to it if time permits so that your pace is maintained throughout.
- Avoid Guess Work: There will be negative markings, so avoid random guesses.
- Instructions to Follow: Read all the instructions carefully before attempting to enter any section.
By following these strategies and focusing on consistent practice, mock tests, and revision, you can confidently approach CMAT 2025 and maximize your chances of securing admission into one of the top B-schools
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the CMAT 2025 Examination be held?
The CMAT examination is usually conducted in April. The exact date will be mentioned by NTA on its official website.
- What is the Eligibility Criteria for CMAT 2025?
The candidate must have a bachelor's degree in any stream from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply.
- How many sections are present in the CMAT test?
Five sections include Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & DI, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- Will there be a negative marking in CMAT 2025?
Yes, for every incorrect response, 1 mark is deducted, and for every correct response, 4 marks are awarded.
- How many B-schools accept CMAT scores?
The scores are accepted by around 1,300 public as well as private B-schools across the country.
- Can I skip sections during the exam?
Yes, there is no sectional time limit. So, you can attempt any section at any point during the test.
- Is the Innovation & Entrepreneurship section mandatory?
Yes, it is. It has been made mandatory from 2021, and tests creativity, besides knowledge of business concepts.
- What are the best books to study for CMAT?
Refer to renowned authors' books, such as Arun Sharma, R.S. Aggarwal, Norman Lewis, and Manorama Yearbook, to cover all aspects of preparation? Careers360?, Top Colleges and Universities in India, and One Stop Solution for Education?.
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