CMAT 2027: How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning Section: Important Topics, Questions, Best Books & Tips

Common Management Admission Test 2027 ( CMAT )

Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Aug 17, 2026 17:16 IST
CMAT Logical Reasoning section is usually easy and one can crack it if they have practiced a good number of questions in during the preparation period. Read key tips to crack Logical Reasoning section of CMAT 2027. Also understand types of CMAT questions asked and how to solve them.

CMAT Logical Reasoning has easy questions. If the candidate has basic clarity of puzzles and patterns, they can crack this section by practicing sample questions only. Read on this page key tips to prepare for CMAT 2027 Logical Reasoning section.

CMAT preparation 2026

CMAT Logical Reasoning preparation needs planned study and focused practice. The main challenge of this section is not knowing from where to start. The questions are usually easy but to cover all topics and all types of questions is a task. CMAT 2027 exam will be held in the third week of January 2027. So, you have about 4 months to prepare. Check out CMAT syllabus for Logical Reasoning and start by solving a few CMAT Logical Reasoning questions to understand the requirement.

The key requirement for CMAT Logical Reasoning are:

  • Understanding the pattern or puzzle
  • Understanding the hidden clues or meanings
  • Gauging the best approach to use

Logical Reasoning questions in CMAT exam are usually relationship based and requires understanding the relation between patterns/situations like blood relations and seating arrangements. The questions range from Verbal Reasoning, Analytical Reasoning, Visual Reasoning, Directions to Arguments. Read all about CMAT 2027 preparation for Logical Reasoning, syllabus, pattern, books and strategy.

Table of contents
  • CMAT 2026 Exam Highlights: Logical Reasoning
  • CMAT Syllabus 2027: Logical Reasoning Topics
  • Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2027: Logical Reasoning
  • CMAT Preparation 2027: Cracking Logical Reasoning – Tips and Tricks

CMAT 2026 Exam Highlights: Logical Reasoning

  • Logical Reasoning section of CMAT 2027 exam will contain 20 questions in MCQ format
  • Each question will carry 4 marks for correct attempt and -1 mark for incorrect attempt
  • Out of 20 questions, about 15-18 right attempts can be considered a good attempt in this section of CMAT

CMAT Syllabus 2027: Logical Reasoning Topics

The below table indicates key topics included in CMAT syllabus for Logical Reasoning. Candidates need to practice a good number of sample questions from these topics to score high in this section.

Logical Reasoning Topics for CMAT

Coding-Decoding

Logic-based questions

Syllogism

Blood Relations

Visual Reasoning

Strong/Weak Argument

Series Completion

Number Grid

Analogy

Venn Diagram

Directions

Odd One Out

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many cities can I choose for allotment of CMAT exam centre?
A: 
Candidates can choose up to four cities for allotment of CMAT exam centre in the application form. Candidates must take utmost care in selecting the cities as once the form is submitted, they can't change city preference. They should choose the first city of preference as their hometome or where they are residing as the exam authorities will strive to allot the test centres to candidates in their first city of preference. Candidates are allotted a test centre in second or third preference only in a situation where the seats have been filled or the exam has been cancelled at that location. Choose cities very carefully as once selected the change can be made only at the time of form correction.
Q:   Is CMAT syllabus the same as that of CAT?
A: 

Yes, syllabus of CMAT and CAT are same and include: 1. Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: Mensuration Number System Algebra Time-Speed-Distance, Allegation and Mixtures, Geometry, Graph, Quadratic and Linear Equations, etc. 2. Logical Reasoning: Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, etc. 3. Language Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Vocabulary, Grammar, English Usage Errors, Para jumbles, etc. However, CMAT has two extra sections - General Knowledge and Innovation and Entrepreneurship, topics of which are mentioned below: 4. General Awareness: Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society, Arts, Awards, Inventions 5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Questions related to innovation, entrepreneurship and start up business, models of entrepreneurship, Emerging Trends in Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Society, Rural Entrepreneurship, etc.

Q:   What are the important topics of CMAT syllabus?
A: 

CMAT has five sections - Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Important topics of CMAT across all the five sections are listed below:

  1. Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: Time-speed-distance, Ratio-Proportion, Profit and Loss, SICI, Average, Partnership, Triangles Probability Surds, HCF-LCM, Quad equations, Quad inequality, Graphs, Tables, Bar, Pie Chart.
  2. Logical Reasoning: Family Tree, Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, Coding-Decoding, etc.
  3. Language Comprehension: Synonym, Antonym, Fill in the Blanks, Idioms, Match the Following, Reading Comprehension, Identify the Correct Statement, Direct/Indirect Speech, Classify the Sentence, Question Tag, Parajumble.
  4. General Awareness: Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society
  5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Concepts of Entrepreneurship, Overview of Entrepreneurship, Evolution of Entrepreneurship in India, Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development, Theories and Models of Entrepreneurship, Framework of Entrepreneurship Theories, Models of Entrepreneurship, Emerging Models of Corporate Entrepreneurship, Dimensions of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Society, Entrepreneurial Culture, Rural Entrepreneurship, etc.
Q:   Which are the best books for CMAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?
A: 
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CMAT has questions from Arithmetic, Geometry, Modern Math, Numbers, Algebra and Data Interpretation. The questions are of moderate difficulty level and one can prepare for it with the help of best books for CMAT recommended by experts and toppers. We have listed down some of the popular CMAT books that candidates usually refer: 1. NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 8, 9 and 10 2. The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams 3. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 4. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into Iims by Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant) 5. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (Mc Graw Hill Education) 6. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal.

Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2027: Logical Reasoning

Understanding various aspects of CMAT Logical Reasoning is critical so candidates should refer correct books and study material. These CMAT books include topic wise discussion and sample practice questions, which will help you well in mastering LR section:

  • A Modern Approach To Logical Reasoning By RS Aggarwal
  • How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
  • The Hand On Guide To Analytical Reasoning And Logical Reasoning by Peeyush Bhardwaj
  • Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey
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Apart from studying from these books, CMAT 2027 aspirants must practice sample papers and mock tests for Logical Reasoning as this section is all about practice. The questions are based on cause and effect, statements & conclusion and visual and verbal puzzles. The more you practice, the better you get at Logical Reasoning.

Also Read: Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2027

VARC Preparation Tips DILR Preparation Tips QA Preparation Tips

CMAT Preparation 2027: Cracking Logical Reasoning – Tips and Tricks

To crack Logical Reasoning, one must first understand nature of the questions. There is neither any theorem to memorise, nor any formula to apply. The questions are to be solved basis available data and one can't go for it with instinct. Thus, you need to develop problem-solving skills. Check out some CMAT preparation tips and tricks for cracking Logical Reasoning:

  • The most common form of Logical Reasoning questions in CMAT is Series Completion. A set of pictures will be displayed and the candidate will have to choose which picture completes the series, out of the given options.
  • Logical Reasoning questions in CMAT may look unfamiliar and confusing in the first glance. So, read the questions slowly. Mathematical puzzles need slow calculation.
  • In Verbal and Analytical Reasoning questions, do not look at the answers options first as it will be of no help if you don’t understand the questions. It may in fact confuse you.
  • In the Visual Reasoning questions, look closely at all the pictures one by one to figure out a common theme. This will help in deducing which of the four given options is the right answer.
  • Try the method of elimination. Strike out the seemingly incorrect options and zero in on the closest correct ones possible. However, you should use this method selectively for only verbal reasoning questions.
  • While solving a verbal reasoning question, take note of suggestive words like, ‘including’, ‘only’, ‘other than’ and ‘unless’. Pay attention to prefixes such as non-, un-, dis-, etc.
  • Write down the given data and important points while reading Logical Reasoning question. Make it a habit while practicing sample LR questions.
  • Practice as many sectional CMAT mock tests and sample papers as possible. Make sure you practice a good variety of questions from each topic of Logical Reasoning so that no question comes as a surprise in the main CMAT exam.
  • Time management is the key in this section. You get just over 1 minute in CMAT to understand a puzzle, statements or number series. So practice sample questions in a time-based manner. There is no sectional time limit in CMAT so there is always a risk of spending too much time or less time on one secrion.
  • Develop the skill of thinking logically. Read the points/cues and attempt to break it down in a logical flow or structure to understand series of events. Also, employ the method of elimination, i.e. striking out the two obviously incorrect answers.
  • Practice brain-teasers like Sudoku and Crosswords to improve logical thinking. It is a good exercise for the brain as well as an interesting way of exam preparation.

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the CMAT Innovation and entrepreneurship syllabus? Which books to study?
A: 
The syllabus of CMAT Innovation and entrepreneurship section includes Concepts of Entrepreneurship, Overview of Entrepreneurship, Evolution of Entrepreneurship in India, Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development, Theories and Models of Entrepreneurship, Framework of Entrepreneurship Theories, Models of Entrepreneurship, Emerging Models of Corporate Entrepreneurship, Dimensions of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Society, Entrepreneurial Culture, Rural Entrepreneurship, Women Entrepreneurship, Emerging Trends in Social Entrepreneurship, Principles of Business Organisation, Motivation, Communication and Leadership To study these topics candidates should refer to books like: 1. Innovation & Entrepreneurship by Peter F. Drucker 2. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R Goal 3. Entrepreneurship - Robert D. Hisrich 4. Manorama Year Book - Mammen Mathew Apart from these books, candidates must solve last two years' CMAT question papers to know the type of questions asked in this section and their difficulty level. These questions will give you an insight into CMAT Innovation and entrepreneurship.
Q:   Can I prepare for CMAT from CAT books?
A: 
Yes, CMAT candidates can refer to the books recommended for CAT exam preparation as the syllabus is same for both exams, but they must also solve mock tests and sample questions specific to CMAT to get the hang of it. The CMAT exam is easier than CAT but if you don't know the nature of CMAT questions, you may find it difficult to crack. Candidates can refer to these books for studying the concepts: 1. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill Education) 2. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into Iims by Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant) 3. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (McGraw Hill Education) 4. NCERT Mathematics Books for Standard 8, 9 and 10 5. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by Dr RS Aggarwal To know more similarities between CAT and CMAT read this article: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/is-cmat-easier-than-cat-know-the-differences-and-similarities-blogId-58019.
Q:   Which are the best LR books for CMAT?
A: 

Candidates can prepare for CMAT Logical Reasoning with:

·       Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha

·       How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma

·       A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal

·       Concepts of LR - Logical Reasoning for CAT and Other MBA Exams by Gajendra Kumar 

Q:   Which books to refer for CMAT GK?
A: 

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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Vipra Shrivastava
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