Sumit Kumar, a CMAT 2021 topper, shares his CMAT journey. Know his preparation strategy, success mantras, future plans, and more.
Name - Sumit Kumar
CMAT 2021 Score - 99.86
Sectional Score -
- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation – 99.57
- Logical Reasoning – 78.48
- Language Comprehension – 99.97
- General Awareness – 84.99
Sumit Kumar was born and bought up in a northern district of Bihar. He completed his graduation majoring in Geography from Banaras Hindu University. CMAT was never his choice, he took a chance after getting a low score in CAT. Shiksha was able to speak with the CMAT topper, Sumit Kumar, to get his views on the exam, preparation tips, and more.
Read the interview below with Sumit Kumar, 99.86 percentiler, to know what he wants to advise future CMAT aspirants.
Also Read: CMAT toppers' list
Q: Was this your first attempt for CMAT? Were you expecting to score so well?
A: Yes. This was my first attempt at CMAT. Right after the exam, I wasn’t expecting to score so well in the CMAT. However, after checking the responses, I was expecting a better score.
Q: Tell us about your preparation strategy.
A: I appeared for CAT 2021 as well. However, wasn’t able to score well. All the CAT aspirants have a basic idea about Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation. After the CAT result, I started with General Awareness as this was a new section. Additionally, I also started preparing for the Language Comprehension section.
Q: What was your exam day strategy?
A: I was anxious to appear for the exam on 31st March. I prepared short notes beforehand, which helped me in revision on the exam day.
Q: What was your weak area(s) and what did you do to improve the same?
A: Specifically talking about the CMAT 2021, my weakest section was General Awareness as I hadn’t prepared for the section in any other competitive exam. Also, questions in the General Awareness section are unpredictable; thus, you must have a top-notch preparation. I analyzed CMAT question papers from previous sessions to prepare for the static GK.
Q: Is it important to join a coaching institute for CMAT exam preparation?
A: No. If you are planning to appear particularly for CMAT, I wouldn’t recommend any coaching institute. You can crack the exam with self-preparation.
Q: Which books did you study for CMAT preparation?
A: For Language Comprehension, I referred to a book by SP Bakshi. For Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, I would recommend Analytical Reasoning by Arihant to ace the exam. Besides the CMAT books for exam preparation, the previous year’s question papers helped me score well in the exam.
Q: The CMAT exam was delayed this year, so did that affect your preparation/performance?
A: I wasn’t mentally prepared about the sudden release of the exam date. However, after the release of the result, I was satisfied with the score. I wasn’t expecting the score after I came out of the exam hall.
Q: What are your plans after completing MBA?
A: After completing MBA in Finance, I would like to land a job with a handsome pay package in the specified field.
Q: Any tips for future CMAT aspirants?
A: Most of the CMAT aspirants would have already appeared for CAT. You might be familiar with all the sections except the General Awareness section. Being a vast section, I would recommend always study the same in the initial phase of your CMAT preparation. Follow section specific strategy if you want to be on the CMAT toppers’ list.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
CMAT is a domestic exam conducted for admission to MBA/PGDM courses in MBA colleges located in India. It is not conducted outside India.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
CMAT exam is conducted in 124+ cities across India.The centre is alloted to the candidate on the basis of their choice as mentioned in the CMAT application form.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
MCA colleges in Ahmedabad without CMAT are in this table. Check courses and fees.
| MCA Colleges in Ahmedabad without CMAT | Total Tuition Fee |
|---|---|
| Silver Oak College of Computer Application (SOCCA) MCA | INR 1.64 lakh |
INR 1.72 Lakh | |
INR 10, 600 | |
INR 1.2 Lacs - INR 1.3 Lakh | |
| Sabarmati University MCA | INR 90,000 |
| Sardar Vallabhbhai Global University MCA Courses | INR 2.18 Lakh |
Note: All info. is from official sites and can change.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
To get a seat at IFMR Chennai, students have to first appear for any one of the entrance exams accepted by the institute for the MBA/PGDM course admission. CAT, XAT, NMAT, CMAT, Andhra Pradesh ICET, IPAMT and SAT India are the entrance exams accepted by this institute for admission to the management
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Answered a month ago
To get a seat in the FLAME University of the MBA/PGDM course, you have to appear for any one of the accepted exams, like CAT, XAT, CMAT, etc. After clearing the exam, you have to get shortlisted for further admission round, which involves PI or GD.
For more information, click here.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Three months may not be enough for CMAT preparation, if you're doing it from scratch. However, if you are preparing for CAT, XAT, NMAT, you can prepare for CMAT in 3 months as you have clear understanding of the syllabus already and you will need exam specific practice only.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
No, candidates are not required to appear in CMAT to be eligible for BTech in CSE + MBA integated course at UIT, Karnavati University. For this course, candidates are required to appear in either JEE Mains or GUJCET to qualify for admissions.
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
If you have appeared for CMAT before and have complete conceptual clarity of topics, you can prepare for CMAT with mock test practice only.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
For CMAT English preparation, candidates can refer to High School English Grammar by Wren and Martin and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. These two will help in building grammar and vocabulary.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Manorama Year Book, Lucent's General Knowledge will be a good source to prepare static GK for CMAT. Apart from that, you should refer Pratiyogita Darpan and GK Today for current affairs.
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Contributor-Level 7
Abhishek Dhawan is a content writer and editor with 7+ years of experience in education journalism. He holds a BA degree from the University of Delhi. At Shiksha, Abhishek primarily covers MBA and BBA entrance
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