The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by National Testing Agency for admission into AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM colleges across India. With increasing competition and evolving question patterns, aspirants preparing for CMAT 2025 and CMAT 2026 need a smart, strategy-driven approach rather than just syllabus completion.
CMAT Exam preparation
CMAT, as one of the most prominent MBA entry tests, necessitates special consideration. Exam day planning is also essential in the final week before the exam. Since a few changes have been made to the exam, it is even more crucial to plan an exam day strategy ahead of time. Make a last-week preparation plan in advance, as the exam date approaches. Most crucial, stay away from the remaining issues. Whatever you have been able to prepare will be sufficient if you have a decent plan. In this article, we will discuss some last-minute CMAT preparation tips and tricks to ace the CMAT exam.
Also, get Free CMAT Study Material
CMAT is a computer-based test with the following structure:
Total Questions: 100
Time Duration: 3 hours
Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, –1 for incorrect
Sections (5):
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
Logical Reasoning
Language Comprehension
General Awareness
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The inclusion of Innovation & Entrepreneurship continues to make CMAT unique compared to other MBA exams.
Unlike CAT or XAT, CMAT:
Is speed-oriented
Has a broader but simpler syllabus
Rewards attempts with accuracy
Allows flexibility in section order
A balanced attempt across all sections can significantly boost your percentile.
This section focuses more on speed and basics than advanced mathematics.
Important Topics
Percentages, Ratio & Proportion
Profit & Loss, Averages
Time & Work, Time–Speed–Distance
Basic Algebra
Tables, Charts, Caselets
Tips
Focus on arithmetic first (highest ROI)
Avoid lengthy calculations
Use approximation wherever possible
Do not spend more than 2 minutes on one question
CMAT LR is usually moderate and scoring.
Important Topics
Series and sequences
Blood relations
Directions
Coding–decoding
Arrangements and puzzles
Tips
Solve direct questions first
Skip confusing puzzles initially
Accuracy matters more than complexity
This section is generally easy to moderate and can be a major scoring area.
Important Topics
Reading comprehension
Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms)
Grammar and sentence correction
Para jumbles and fill in the blanks
Tips
Attempt vocabulary questions quickly
Read RC questions first before the passage
Do not overthink grammar questions
GA plays a crucial role in boosting overall score, especially for non-math students.
Important Areas (Updated Focus)
Current affairs (last 12–18 months)
Business and economy
Government schemes
Static GK (books, awards, geography)
Tips
Focus more on static GK + business news
Do not spend too much time recalling answers
Attempt all questions; educated guesses often help
This section tests practical business awareness and startup mindset.
Important Areas
Startup ecosystem in India
Business innovation concepts
Entrepreneurship basics
Government initiatives related to startups
Tips
Read about Indian startups and business models
Use common sense and elimination techniques
Do not leave this section untouched—it can be a differentiator
Also read: How to Score 300+ Marks in CMAT Avoid these Mistakes to Crack CMAT Exam CMAT Strategy for GK
Aside from revision, spend some time practicing tricks and shortcuts for tackling calculation-intensive questions that you have previously learned. Because of the time constraints, it is critical that you do not waste time doing too much rough work. Memorize tables, square roots, cube roots, and so on for Quant. Memorize brief phrases with examples for English grammar.
CMAT rewards candidates who:
Attempt 80–90 questions
Maintain decent accuracy
Avoid being overly selective like CAT.
Mocks help in:
Improving speed
Understanding section balance
Finalising exam order
Updated Insight:
CMAT toppers usually spend more time analysing mocks than taking them.
There is no sectional time limit, so start with:
Your strongest section
Then move to moderate sections
Keep GA or I&E for quick scoring later
In the final 30 days:
Revise arithmetic formulas
Practice RC and LR daily
Read current affairs summaries
Take 2–3 mocks per week
Avoid learning new topics at the last minute.
Ignoring Innovation & Entrepreneurship section
Spending too much time on one question
Avoiding General Awareness completely
Not attempting enough questions
Skipping mock analysis
Keep a calm and confident mindset
Use rough sheets efficiently
Keep track of time every 30–40 minutes
Do not panic if one section feels tough
Maximise attempts with smart guessing
To ace CMAT 2025 and CMAT 2026, aspirants must combine speed, accuracy, smart attempts, and balanced preparation across all five sections. CMAT is not about solving the toughest questions—it is about solving the maximum doable questions correctly.
With a focused strategy, regular mock practice, and intelligent section selection, CMAT can become one of the most rewarding MBA entrance exams in India.
Read More: CMAT D-Day Strategy and last minute TIPS
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