CMAT 2021 Topper Interview: Know How Onkar Machindra Kawale Scored 99.68 Percentile
Common Management Admission Test 2026 ( CMAT )
Exam On - 25 Jan '26
Shiksha had an exclusive interview with Onkar Machindra Kawale, CMAT 2021 topper. Read the interview to know how he scored 99.68 percentile in CMAT.
Name - Onkar Machindra Kawale
CMAT 2021 Score - 99.68
Sectional Score -
- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation - 95.47
- Logical Reasoning - 99.93
- Language Comprehension - 86.81
- General Awareness - 99.74
Onkar Machindra Kawale is based in Osmanabad, Maharashtra. He completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) from Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune. He was an IAS aspirant with MBA as a Plan-B. Onkar has a good base in General Knowledge. Shiksha.com spoke to Onkar, a CMAT 2021 topper with a 99.68 percentile. He shared his strengths and weaknesses along with the preparation tips and tricks for future CMAT aspirants.
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Read the complete interview to know how Onkar Machindra Kawale scored 99+ percentile in CMAT 2021 exam.
Also Read: CMAT toppers' list
Q: Was this your first attempt? Were you expecting to score so well?
A: Yes. This was my first attempt at CMAT 2021. Due to the pandemic, I had more time to prepare for CMAT 2021; therefore, I was expecting to score better.
Q: Tell us about your preparation strategy.
A: I had been preparing for other competitive exams including civil services and MAH CET. Therefore, I had a hold on the General Knowledge section. I primarily focused on my weak subjects including English and Quantitative Ability. The quantitative Ability section is the most time consuming among all the other sections while preparing. Thus, I started with Quant.
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Q: What was your exam day strategy?
A: I was calm on exam day and focused on taking adequate rest before the exam. I appeared in the second shift of the exam; I completed the revision one day before the exam. I left the exam day to relax to perform to the fullest.
Q: What was your weak area(s) and what did you do to improve the same?
A: Language Comprehension and Quantitative Ability were my weak areas. I started the CMAT preparation with both sections to get the maximum time for my weak areas. I practised previous years question papers to improve the Language Comprehension and focused on concepts rather than a formula-based approach for the Quantitative Ability section.
Q: Is it important to join a coaching institute for CMAT preparation?
A: No. There is no need for a coaching institute for CMAT preparation. One can watch YouTube videos for better preparation and getting familiar with the concepts.
Q: Which books did you study for CMAT preparation?
A: I had the primary focus on General Awareness. I studied yearly current affairs from Focus Magazine by Arihant. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Agarwal was my pick. For other sections, I primarily relied on the CMAT question papers from previous years.
Q: The CMAT exam was delayed this year, so did that affect your preparation/performance?
A: I focused on Language and General Awareness sections during the extended period. Surely the extended period was helpful for the preparation, on the other hand, it also made me anxiously waiting for the exam.
Q: What is your plan after completing MBA?
A: I am planning to pursue MBA in Finance. I would consider a work experience after MBA. After my MBA I am planning to pursue higher education in the specified field.
Q: Any tips for future CMAT aspirants?
A: Unlike other management entrance exams, CMAT has more focus on General Awareness. All the other sections have a basic syllabus. You can prepare for all the sections using the previous year’s question papers and CMAT mock tests; however, General Awareness will be left behind. In my opinion, aspirants must start with the current affairs and static GK followed by clearing the concepts for Quantitative Ability. Further, other sections can be covered by practising previous year’s question papers.
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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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