CMAT 2021 Topper Interview: Know How Injimamul Islam Scored 99.18 Percentile
Common Management Admission Test 2026 ( CMAT )
Injimamul Islam, CMAT 2021 topper, spoke to Shiksha on his CMAT preparation journey. Read the interview below to know his preparation strategies and success mantras.
Name - Injimamul Islam
CMAT 2021 Score/ Percentile: 99.18
Sectional Score/Percentiles:
- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: 99.56
- Logical Reasoning: 93.32
- Language Comprehension: 96.87
- General Awareness: 62.34
Injimamul belongs to a beautiful city located in Assam, Mangaldoi. With an extensive scope of Masters in Business Studies, he was inclined towards to course after obtaining B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Tezpur University. He desires for a remunerative job in FMCG sector after completing his MBA degree.
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Shiksha got into a candid conversation with Injimamul Islam to share his experience with the CMAT exam, preparation strategy and advise for the future aspirants.
Also Read: CMAT toppers' list
Q: Was this your first CMAT attempt? Were you expecting to score so well?
A: Yes, it was my first CMAT attempt. After exiting the exam hall, I felt quite low as I found the General Awareness section to be tougher than what I expected. However, after analysing the responses, I was confident enough to score 97 percentile.
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Q: Tell us about your preparation strategy.
A: I took CAT as well as XAT, but I wasn’t able to score well to meet the cut-offs for the top B-Schools. I My primary focus for CMAT was to allot more preparation time for General Awareness section as it is equally important to other sections. Besides, I took mocks for holistic preparation strategy.
Q: What was the exam day strategy followed by you?
A: CMAT exam covers all the basic concepts of Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning. I decided to revise all the important concepts and formulae, memorized some important static and current GK for General Awareness section and gone through the short notes of Language Comprehension that I prepared beforehand.
Q: What was your weak area(s) and what did you do to improve the same?
A: General Awareness was my weakest section as I hadn’t prepared for the section earlier for any other competitive exam. Moreover, the syllabus for General Awareness is vast; therefore, one needs to have a better hold on the current affairs as well as static GK. I read newspapers and take notes on different GK topics and events.
Q: Is it important to join a coaching institute for CMAT preparation?
A: No. In my opinion, joining a coaching institute for CMAT preparation is a waste of money. One can outshine in CMAT via self-preparation by analysing the CMAT exam pattern, syllabus and practising mocks.
Q: Which books did you study for CMAT preparation?
A: For all the basic concepts of Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning, I would recommend MBA entrance guide books by Arun Sharma. For language Comprehension, I would suggest 'Word power made easy' by Norman Lewis.
Q: The CMAT exam was delayed this year, so did that affect your preparation/performance?
A: At first, I got furious on the delayed notification. However, later I realised that it could help me provide extra time to prepare for the General Awareness section. Also, during the extended period, I was able to practise adequate CMAT mock tests which in turn helped me to stimulate my performance.
Q: What is your plan after completing MBA?
A: I want to pursue MBA in Marketing. After completing the same, I wish for a handsome pay package by a top company working in FMCG sector.
Q: Any tips for future CMAT aspirants?
A: The first and the foremost thing to crack any competitive exam is to believe in yourself. The only factor that can help you become a CMAT topper is practise. Try to cover each and every topic from elementary level and practise CMAT question papers from previous sessions as mocks. This helps evaluating your strengths as well as weaknesses. To score well in General Awareness section, spend at least 2-3 hours daily reading current affairs.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 15 hours ago
The CMAT exam is conducted for admission in MBA at PG level in colleges. CMAT is a computer-based-test. The duration of CMAT is 3 hours. It consists of 100 questions. There are 20 questions each of the following sections:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Compreh
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Answered 2 weeks ago
At GIBS Business School Bangalore, students are trained for interviews and corporate readiness through:
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Focus on developing soft skills, like communication and leadership.
Exposure to the corporate world through guest lectur
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Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
While CMAT is the primary route, RGPV may occasionally admit based on merit in graduation if seats remain vacant after all CMAT-qualified candidates are placed through College Level Counselling.
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
MAT and CMAT both are moderately difficulty exam, but have their own challenges. While, CMAT has one extra section Innovation and Entrepreneurship, MAT has a separate section for Data Interpretation having 30 questions. With focused preparation, you can crack either of the two that you choose.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
CMAT cutoff refers to minimum percentile required for admission to a particular college. Score accepting colleges determine the cut offs individually based on certain parameters. CMAT cut offs for top colleges like JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA are generally 99 percentile and above.
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Contributor-Level 7
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With 82 percentile in CMAT, you stand a chance of getting colleges like Great Lakes Institute of Management Gurgaon, Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida, IPE Hyderabad, FLAME University Pune, Asia Pacific Institute of Management Delhi, Prestige Institute of Management Indore among others.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
CMAT total marks is 400. It is usually considered that scoring 270 to 300 marks can convert into good percentile, about 99 percentile. Around 200 marks can get you 90 percentile which is also good if you are targeting private colleges.
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Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
There is no passing mark in CMAT exam, as admission is based on cut offs determined by colleges. A candidate scoring more than 0 in CMAT is eligible for admission will be selected only if they meet minimum cut off.
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Answered a month ago
CMAT 2026 result was declared by February 17, 2026. NTA released the scorecard late night at the official website. Candidates can download their scorecard through login.
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No, GIM Goa does not accept CMAT scores for its PGDM programs for admissions. It only accepts CAT or XAT exam score. CAT score of previous year is accepted and XAT score of current year is accepted.
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Abhishek is a content writer and editor with 7+ years of experience in education journalism. He completed his graduation from University of Delhi with a BA Degree. At Shiksha.com, he handles content for MBA, BBA, an
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