CMAT 2021 Topper Interview: 99.86 percentiler Sumit Kumar shares tips and tricks to crack the exam
Common Management Admission Test 2026 ( CMAT )
Registration - 17 Oct '25 - 18 Nov '25
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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