General Knowledge (GK) plays a crucial role in many MBA entrance exams like XAT, IIFT, CMAT, and others. While GK might not be part of CAT, it is a scoring section in several other top exams. A good GK score can significantly boost your overall percentile and improve your chances of getting shortlisted by premier B-schools.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about GK for MBA entrance exams – what it includes, how to prepare, and the important topics to focus on.

List of famous autobiographies – GK

Why is GK Important for MBA Entrance Exams?

GK helps test a candidate's awareness of the world, critical thinking, and ability to process information quickly. For future managers and business leaders, being aware of the current economic, political, and business environment is essential. That’s why many top institutes include a GK section to filter well-rounded candidates.

Moreover, GK can be a game-changer in exams like XAT and IIFT, where every mark counts. Even in Group Discussions (GDs) and Personal Interviews (PIs), a strong GK base helps in expressing informed opinions.

Exams That Include GK

Here’s a quick list of major MBA exams that have a GK section:

• XAT (General Awareness section – 25 questions)
• IIFT (General Knowledge & Current Affairs)
• CMAT (General Awareness section – 20 questions)
• MICAT (Part of psychometric and general awareness)

Note: In exams like XAT, GK is not included in the percentile but is considered during the interview round. However, in IIFT and, GK directly affects your score and cut-offs.

Also read: List of National Parks in India

What Topics Are Covered in MBA GK Sections?

GK for MBA exams usually includes two types of knowledge:

1. Static GK

This refers to facts that do not change over time. It includes:

• Indian Polity (Constitution, Parliament, Fundamental Rights)
• Geography (Capitals, Rivers, National Parks)
• History (Important events, freedom struggle)
• Economy basics (Five-Year Plans, RBI, economic terms)
• Science & Technology (Basic concepts and inventions)
• Books and Authors
• Awards and Honours
• Sports (Tournaments, recent winners)

2. Current Affairs

These are dynamic topics related to events of national and international importance. Key areas include:

• Business and Economy (Mergers, Budget, RBI policies)
• Politics (Elections, important appointments)
• Sports (Olympics, Cricket World Cup)
• International Affairs (UN, G20, summits, treaties)
• Government Schemes (PM Gati Shakti, Digital India)
• Science and Technology (ISRO missions, Nobel Prizes)
• Reports & Indexes (HDI, Ease of Doing Business)

Check Out: CMAT Courses  and XAT Courses

How do you prepare for GK for MBA exams?

GK is not like Quant or Verbal where you can master formulas or rules. It needs consistent reading and revision. Here’s a smart strategy:

1. Read Newspapers Daily

A good newspaper like The Hindu or The Indian Express is a must. Focus on editorials, business pages, and international affairs.

2. Follow Monthly Current Affairs Magazines

Magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan, GK Today, or even CATKing’s monthly GK capsules are great for revision.

3. Use Mobile Apps

Apps like Inshorts, GK Today, and Gradeup provide daily GK updates in short formats. This makes learning easy and quick.

4. Refer to Yearbooks

Books like Manorama Yearbook or Lucent’s GK are useful for static GK preparation.

5. Practice Quizzes

Online quizzes and past year GK papers help you get a sense of question patterns. Try solving topic-wise MCQs regularly.

Tips to Score Well in GK

• Don’t try to learn everything. Focus on the most asked topics.
• Make notes of important events monthly.
• Revise weekly, especially before the exam.
• Attempt easy questions first in the exam to save time.
• Stay consistent. Even 15–20 minutes a day is enough over time.

High-Yield Topics for 2025 Exams

Here are some hot topics you must cover for 2025:

• Budget 2025 highlights
• Major Indian government schemes
• Nobel Prize winners 2024
• ISRO missions – Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan updates
• India’s rankings in global indexes
• India’s international relations – Quad, G20, BRICS
• Important summits (COP30, World Economic Forum)
• Business takeovers and IPOs
• Awards: Bharat Ratna, Padma Awards 2025

Also Read: List of CEOs of Top Companies

Final Thoughts

GK is one of the easiest sections to score high with minimal effort—if prepared smartly. The key is to stay updated, revise regularly, and stay focused on high-priority areas. A good GK score won’t just help you clear cutoffs, but will also give you an edge in interviews and group discussions.

So, if you’re aiming for top B-schools like XLRI, IIFT, or JBIMS, make GK your strength!

Check out our IIM WAT PI & Top BSchool GDPI Course