Anisha has done MBA in Marketing from NMIMS And Executive Management(PMNO) from Harvard Business School. She has been instrumental in growing CATKing Digital with her experience with Marico and Henkel in the past.
CMAT Strategy for General Knowledge (GK): How to Prepare for 2025
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a widely recognized entrance exam for admission into MBA and PGDM programs across India. One of the key sections of CMAT is General Knowledge (GK), which tests a candidate’s awareness of various national and international events, facts, and current affairs. As we approach 2025, this section continues to be an important aspect of the exam. In this article, we’ll cover the essentials of the CMAT GK section, its importance, and provide strategies for effectively preparing for it.
What is CMAT All About?
CMAT is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into management programs offered by various universities and colleges in India. The exam evaluates a candidate’s proficiency in several areas like Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness (GK).
The General Knowledge (GK) section in CMAT consists of questions related to current affairs, static GK, business-related knowledge, economics, and general science. This section is intended to assess a candidate’s overall awareness of the world around them, especially in the domains of business and politics.
Importance of the GK Section in CMAT
The General Knowledge section of CMAT is crucial for a few reasons:
- Score Contribution: The GK section typically consists of around 25 questions, and the section is scored alongside the rest of the sections. A good performance in GK can significantly boost your overall score, helping you stand out during the selection process.
- Demonstrates Awareness: Business schools prefer candidates who are not only academically inclined but also aware of the world around them. Demonstrating current affairs knowledge shows your potential to stay updated and informed, a quality essential for future managers and leaders.
- Tiebreaker: In cases of tied scores, a strong performance in GK can be used as a tiebreaker, giving you an edge over other candidates with similar scores in other sections.
CMAT GK Syllabus
The CMAT GK section broadly covers topics from current affairs, static general knowledge, business, economics, and general science. The syllabus is dynamic, meaning it changes with time, and thus, staying updated is critical for success. Here's a quick breakdown of the major topics:
| Topic | Subtopics |
| Current Affairs | National and international news, politics, sports, awards, and events |
| Business and Economy | Economic policies, budget, stock markets, banking, finance, and companies |
| Static General Knowledge | History, geography, science, literature, awards, and notable personalities |
| Science and Technology | Recent advancements in science, technology, medicine, and innovation |
| Books and Authors | Famous authors, books, and literary works |
| Sports and Games | Major events, winners, records, and sports personalities |
Strategy for GK in CMAT
The General Knowledge section can be a challenging one for many candidates. However, with the right approach, it’s possible to prepare effectively and score well in this section. Below are some strategies you can use to boost your GK score:
1. Read Newspapers and Magazines Regularly
One of the most effective ways to prepare for the CMAT GK section is to stay updated with current affairs. Regular reading of newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, and Indian Express will help you keep up with national and international events. Apart from newspapers, magazines like Business Today and Time Magazine are valuable sources for business-related knowledge.
2. Follow Online Portals and Apps
In addition to print media, online platforms like Current Affairs apps, GK Today, and Testbook provide daily updates, quizzes, and topic-wise notes. These resources are great for quick revision, as they condense important events into bite-sized content.
3. Create a Revision Strategy
GK preparation is not just about reading; it’s about retaining information. Maintain notes or a digital document where you can jot down key events, facts, and trends. Revising these notes regularly will help reinforce the information and ensure that you are familiar with the most relevant topics. You can also create flashcards to quiz yourself.
4. Focus on Business and Economy News
Since CMAT is a management entrance exam, business and economic-related knowledge is given a lot of weight. Focus on topics like the Indian economy, GDP, inflation, banking, and finance. Pay special attention to the Union Budget, key government policies, corporate mergers, and international trade agreements. Keep an eye on new technological developments and how they impact business practices.
5. Practice Previous Years’ Papers and Mock Tests
Practicing CMAT’s previous years' papers will give you insight into the type of questions that appear in the GK section. Take time to analyze the topics covered and identify patterns. Regularly taking mock tests will help you improve your speed and accuracy, as the GK section can be time-consuming.
6. Divide Time for Static GK and Current Affairs
While current affairs are critical, don’t neglect static GK topics like history, geography, and literature. Allocate dedicated time each week to cover static GK. Make sure you’re well-versed with major historical events, countries, capitals, currencies, and scientific discoveries.
Important Tips for CMAT GK Section
- Time Management: The GK section in CMAT is timed, and you have limited time to attempt questions. Practice answering GK questions quickly to avoid running out of time.
- Don’t Leave Questions Unanswered: Even if you’re unsure about an answer, it’s better to attempt the question than leave it blank, as there’s no negative marking in the GK section.
- Stay Consistent: GK preparation should be a continuous process. Devote time to daily updates and weekly revisions to stay on top of important topics.
- Use Online Quiz Platforms: Participate in online quizzes and mock tests specifically designed for CMAT GK preparation. This will help familiarize you with the exam format and boost your confidence.
Sample Questions for CMAT GK
To help you understand the kind of questions that might appear in the CMAT GK section, here are a few sample questions:
Current Affairs Question: Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024 for their efforts in climate change advocacy?
- A) Greta Thunberg
- B) Al Gore
- C) David Attenborough
- D) None of the above
Answer: B) Al Gore
Business and Economy Question: Which Indian company became the first to reach a market capitalization of Rs. 10 lakh crore in 2024?
- A) Reliance Industries
- B) Tata Consultancy Services
- C) HDFC Bank
- D) Infosys
Answer: B) Tata Consultancy Services
Static GK Question: Who is known as the 'Father of the Indian Nation'?
- A) Jawaharlal Nehru
- B) Subhas Chandra Bose
- C) Mahatma Gandhi
- D) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Answer: C) Mahatma Gandhi
Conclusion
The CMAT GK section is an important part of the exam that tests your awareness of the world, especially in the fields of business, economics, and current affairs. A strategic approach—by regularly reading newspapers, following online resources, and practicing mock tests—will help you master this section. Make sure to balance your focus between current events and static knowledge to ensure a well-rounded preparation. With consistent effort and the right preparation strategy, you can excel in the GK section and achieve a high overall CMAT score.
Good luck with your preparation for CMAT 2025!
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