CMAT is a moderately difficult exam. It is conducted after CAT, XAT, SNAP, NMAT so not much preparation is required. However, those who plan to appear for CMAT only, must make a long-term plan as they will have to study two extra subjects - General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. CMAT will be held in January 2027. Those planning tp appear in it, must start preparing from June-July 2026.
The CMAT 2027 preparation plan should include time bound syllabus coverage and practice. Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation and Language Comprehension requires a lot of practice. Read below how to prepare for CMAT 2027 exam.
- CMAT Preparation 2027: Overview
- CMAT 2027 Exam Preparation Tips: Section Wise
- CMAT Preparation Books and Study Material
- CMAT Question Paper PDFs
- CMAT Mock Test Practice
- CMAT Preparation FAQs
CMAT Preparation 2027: Overview
CMAT 2027 preparation can be done in two ways.
1. By joining coaching institute
2. By self-study
If you join a coaching institute for CMAT exam 2027, you will be taken care of well. But if you plan to prepare by self-study then make a focused plan. Make a preparation plan with time frames for completion of syllabus of CMAT, mock test practice and revision. A good CMAT preparation plan must have daily time-table, topic-wise distribution of hours, dedicated time for solving sample questions.Most importantly, you will have to be disciplined and dedicated in your approach.
Keep the following in mind while making your CMAT 2027 preparation plan:
- Check the topics included in CMAT syllabus and evaluate your familiarity with them
- Understand the CMAT pattern well, to know which are the high scoring topics
- Make a weekly and monthy CMAT exam preparation strategy for 2027
- Get hold of recommended CMAT preparation books and study material
- Join online study groups and download MBA entrance exam preparation apps
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
Yes, 6 months is enough to prepare for CMAT exam. Make a plan in the following manner:
First 3 months | Cover syllabus |
Next 2 months | Practice mock tests |
Last 1 month | Revision and more mock test |
Read More: CMAT preparation in 6 months
All the five sections of CMAT have equal weightage of 20 questions and 80 marks. Candidates must prepare keeping in mind, scoring a minimum of 50 in every section is important for a decent score.
CMAT 2027 Exam Preparation Tips: Section Wise
CMAT syllabus includes the following sections. We have shared section wise preparation tips below:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability
- General Awareness and
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Language Comprehension and Verbal Ability
The English comprehension part of CMAT is direct and easy to comprehend. A lot of questions in this section are asked from Grammar and Vocabulary. So, you will need to break down preparation strategy for this section into two parts.
You will need to put in more time in reading and practicing Language Comprehension so start with it early on. Grammar and Vocabulary practice can be a daily one-hour activity in which you go through word meanings, grammar test practices, revise concepts and application. English grammar rules are easy but can be confusing in application, so do not do surface level study.
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips: Cracking Language Comprehension
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
If your Maths is strong you will need to practice CMAT questions and you will be sorted. But if not, then start with conceptual clarity Study each topic of Arithmetic, Mensuration, Geometry, Trigonometry and Algebra and keep practicing questions alongside to understand application. The key is to plan out this section. You will need to know which of the topics are your strong areas and which are weak areas. Divide them on the basis of hours per day until the CMAT 2027 exam day to be able to practice nearly 1000 questions.
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips: Cracking QA-DI
Logical Reasoning
CMAT Logical Reasoning preparation is all about practice. So go through the topics, check out sample questions, note down your strengths and weaknesses. The next step is to plan daily practice sessions. Refer Logical Reasoning books for problems and solutions, practice PYQs and mock tests.
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips: Cracking Logical Reasoning
General Awareness
CMAT General Awareness is memory based, so all you need to do it memorise important events and happenings. You can either prepare for this section by dedicating one hour daily on reading current affairs and static GK, or can dedicatedly do it in the last one month before the exam with the help of year books.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
CMAT Innovation & Entrepreneurship section is relatively new, so you need to have a different strategy for it. Go back to Business Studies books and revise the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship. Read books on start-ups and entrepreneurs. Refer CMAT previous year questions for Innovation & Entrepreneurship practice questions.
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Commonly asked questions
CMAT Preparation Books and Study Material
For a fruitful preparation, one needs to refer to the right books for CMAT. The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana is one of the highly recommended books for CMAT 2027 preparation. Check some of the highly recommended CMAT books below:
| CMAT Books for Preparation |
Author Name/Publisher |
|---|---|
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT |
Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) |
| The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT |
Nishit K Sinha |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning |
Dr R S Aggarwal |
| Trishna’s Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT and Other MBA Examinations |
TIME |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT |
Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) |
| Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission Into IIMs |
Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant) |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations |
Abhijit Guha (Mc Graw Hill Education) |
| NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 8, 9 and 10 |
NCERT |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
Dr RS Aggarwal |
| How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT |
Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT |
Nishit K Sinha (Pearson) |
| Wren & Martin English Grammar |
H Martin & P.C. Wren |
| Word Power Made Easy |
Norman Lewis |
| Business English and Communication |
John O E Clark |
| 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary |
Norman Lewis |
| The Students’ Companion |
Wilfred D Best |
Refer to this list of best books for CMAT preparation
Other than CMAT books, the best source of exam preparation is previous years’ CMAT question papers.The actual question papers give you key insights of the nature of test, types of questions, important topics and dominant themes. As part of exam preparation plan, candidates must include CMAT previous years' question paper practice in the last month.
Commonly asked questions
Sectional weightage of CMAT is same. Since the Language Comprehension section of CMAT includes reading comprehension passages, it can be considered a lengthy section. However, any other section can also be lengthier due to nature of the questions.
MAT and CMAT syllabi are same for Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. MAT also has GK like CMAT, but the nature of GK questions of MAT are slightly different from that of CMAT. The MAT GK section has more questions from economy and business.
Yes, 6 months is enough to prepare for CMAT exam. Make a plan in the following manner:
First 3 months | Cover syllabus |
Next 2 months | Practice mock tests |
Last 1 month | Revision and more mock test |
Read More: CMAT preparation in 6 months
CMAT Question Paper PDFs
The second phase of CMAT preparation 2027 should be dedicated to application of the concepts that you studied in the first phase. Get hold of previous years’ CMAT question papers, sample papers and mock test series. NTA, the CMAT conducting body, too will provide an official mock test to registered candidates.
Commonly asked questions
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.
If you have appeared for CMAT before and have complete conceptual clarity of topics, you can prepare for CMAT with mock test practice only.
CMAT mock test is an important aspect of exam preparation. You cannot score well in the exam with extensive practice of mock tests.
CMAT Mock Test Practice
CMAT mock tests and question papers will help you in improving your speed and accuracy while providing you opportunities to analyse to preparation level viz-a-viz CMAT syllabus and topics. Practice below Shiksha's free CMAT mock test:
| CMAT_Mock_Test_1 | CMAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CMAT_Mock_Test_2 | CMAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Our advice:
- Don’t start solving sample questions before completing the CMAT syllabus.
- After appearing for each CMAT mock test, analyse your performance and take the next step accordingly.
- Behind practicing mock tests, your aim should be to increase speed and improve accuracy.
- It will help you understand the test structure so that you can prepare topics accordingly.
- Try to solve a variety of questions. This will give you an idea of all kinds of questions - tough, easy, tricky and lengthy.
Also Read:
CMAT exam day tips and guidelines
CMAT exam day checklist- dos and don'ts
Commonly asked questions
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.
Since every section of CMAT has 20 questions in total, solving 15 to 18 questions in each section with 80 percent accuracy is considered a good attempt in CMAT, and it can ensure a good percentile in the exam. In the GK section, about 10 to 12 correct attempts will be enough. Out of 100 questions, candidates must try to solve about 70 to 75 questions to achieve a 99 percentile. However, candidates must aim to solve a higher number of questions with maximum accuracy and minimize negative marking. To be able to achieve this target, candidates have to prepare for the CMAT in a disciplined manner. Candidates must set aside about three months to complete the CMAT syllabus, as they have to study five subjects and their numerous topics. If they have appeared for CAT, XAT, and IIFT exams, then they can complete the CMAT syllabus in one month as well. However, it is advised that candidates spend at least three months on CMAT syllabus for complete preparation.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship syllabus of CMAT is not a very difficult section. The syllabus pertains to business studies, economy and entrepreneurship. So, it will not require must time to cover the syllabus. Candidate can dedicate one month to this section towards the end, while preparing for other sections. You can refer to books - Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Peter F. Drucker and Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R. Gopal, Entrepreneurship by Robert D. Hisrich and Manorama Year Book by Mammen Mathew.
CMAT Preparation FAQs
Check a few Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CMAT preparation:
Yes, there is a negative marking in CMAT exam. For each wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted. However, no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.
One should dedicate about 4 to 5 hour in a day for CMAT preparation. If you have started CMAT preparation six months before 4 to 5 hours daily will be good. But if you start preparation 3 months before CMAT exam, you will need to dedicate about 7 hours to exam preparation as you will have to cover a lot in less time.
If you have appeared for CMAT before then you can prepare for another attempt only with mock tests as you would be already thorough with the syllabus and topics. You would also know your strengths and weakness. So, with CMAT mock tests, you will be able to revise and prepare accordingly. However, if you haven't appeared for CMAT or any national level MBA entrance exam before, you will need to cover the syllabus and then practice mock tests. In both scenarios, GK section will have to be prepared through year books. Only mock tests will not be helpful for CMAT GK.
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CMAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
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.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days 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.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week 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.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week 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.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week 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.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week 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.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Yes, you should carry a passport size photo along with the CMAT admit card on the exam day. The photo should preferably be the same as uploaded in the application form.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
CMAT 2027 admit card will not be release offline. Candidates will have to download it from the CMAT-NTA website only after logging into their account.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week ago
Although reporting time is mentioned on every candidate's CMAT admit card, they should reach at least an hour before the exam starting time.
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
No, the digital copy of CMAT 2027 admit card will not be acceptable at the test centre. Candidates will have to carry 2 hard copies of the hall ticket on the exam day.
N
Contributor-Level 7
4.3
Are three months enough for CMAT preparation?