Saumya
Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content
Updated on Feb 6, 2026 17:35 IST
Planning to appear for ATMA 2026 exam? ATMA 2026 February session exam is scheduled to be held on February 22, 2026, in the CBT test format. Read article below to know how to prepare for ATMA exam 2026 Analytical Reasoning section, including important topics, exam pattern, preparation tips from toppers, etc.

Planning to appear for ATMA 2026 exam? Read article below to know how to prepare for ATMA exam 2026 Analytical Reasoning section, including important topics, exam pattern, preparation tips from toppers, etc.

ATMA 2026 exam Analytical Reasoning Preparation Tips

ATMA 2026 Exam Analytical Reasoning Preparation Tips

ATMA 2026 Analytical Reasoning section is moderately tough. It aims to assess aptitude of candidates and their ability to interpret data, make decisions and solve complex problems. Among three sections of ATMA question paper 2026, Analytical Reasoning is often considered most difficult one. Analytical Reasoning section is divided into two parts, and each part carries 30 multiple choice questions. 

ATMA 2026 is scheduled to be conducted on February 22, 2026, in CBT test format. The duration will be 180 minutes or 3 hours. Since ATMA exam is time based, students should carefully prepare and attempt the question paper, keeping in mind the time limit. Read the article below to know how to prepare for ATMA exam 2026 Analytical Reasoning section, including high weightage topics, pattern, topper preparation tips, etc. 

Table of contents
  • ATMA 2026 Analytical Reasoning Overview
  • ATMA Exam 2026 Preparation for Analytical Reasoning Section
  • ATMA Exam 2026 Analytical Reasoning Syllabus: Important Topics and Weightage

ATMA 2026 Analytical Reasoning Overview

Difficulty level of Analytical Reasoning section of ATMA exam is usually moderate to tough. This section of exam is based on critical and logical reasoning questions. To ace it, one needs to have an understanding of concepts. Students need to be clear about which question requires what type of strategy. In ATMA 2026 exam, there will be two sections based on Analytical Reasoning, i.e. Analytical Reasoning Part I and Analytical Reasoning Part II. Check ATMA exam pattern 2026 below for this section:

Feature Particular
Number of questions

Part 1: 30 MCQs

Part 2: 30 MCQs

Sectional Time Limit

30 minutes per part

Marking Scheme

+1 for correct answer

-0.25 for incorrect answer

Good attempt

20 to 22 questions

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ATMA Exam 2026 Preparation for Analytical Reasoning Section

A sureshot way to prepare for Analytical Reasoning section of the ATMA exam 2026 is by practice. To understand important concepts of this section, one needs to practice regularly and consistently. The sections checks cognitive ability of students to solve puzzles and problems. Check below ATMA exam Analytical Reasoning preparation tips 2026:

  • Understand the questions. Success in solving any question of the Analytical Reasoning section depends on how well one understands it. The questions can seem confusing at first glance, but give time and slowly read it.
  • Usually, the answer lies in the question and options themselves. Try to find the reason why one option is correct and others are not.
  • Practice enough mock tests and ATMA PYQPs to improve accuracy.
  • Start thinking critically. Questions in this section are based on critical reasoning.

Also Read:

Q:   Is ATMA exam difficult?
A:
ATMA is a speed-based test which is designed to assess a candidate's analytical aptitude, logical reasoning skills, and English comprehension. It may sound tough, but these are the skills which we are taught in school so there is nothing new to learn. What is required is to learn these subjects at an advanced level. All you will need is to brush up on the basics and practice the concepts on advance level problems. Students should solve previous years question papers, attempt an ample number of mock tests and be consistent to score well in the ATMA exam. Having said that, the preparation for the ATMA exam requires focus, dedication, discipline and diligence. If you can do that, despite being an average student, you can crack the ATMA exam. ATMA is one of the easiest MBA entrance exams and a good preparation strategy can help you crack the ATMA exam with a good score. Generally, the toughest section of the ATMA question paper is Quantitative Aptitude. But with daily practice and focusing on understanding the fundamentals, this section of the ATMA exam can be handled easily.
Q:   Can I prepare for ATMA exam in one month?
A:

ATMA one month preparation can be done. Students can begin with ATMA syllabus and exam pattern. There on, they can focus on practicing what they have studied. The aim should be to strengthen concepts and practice time management. The remaining time should be given to taking mock tests and soving sample papers.  

Prioritize weak areas and enhance vocabulary. This condensed plan can be effective with consistent effort 

Q:   What is the ideal time to prepare for ATMA?
A:
Aspirants should start preparing for the ATMA exam at least six months before the test date. ATMA preparation requires planning thus one must start early. They can also join coaching institutes for focused preparation. Starting early will also help you assess that whether you need to join a coaching institute or not. Divide your preparation into three phases - 1. Covering the syllabus 2. Practicing mock tests, sample questions and 3. Revision. The ATMA syllabus includes the following topics: Verbal Skills: Parajumbles, Sentence Completion, Grammar, Comprehension Passages, Synonyms and Antonyms, etc. , Analytical Reasoning: Tables, Graphs, Pie Charts, Blood Relation, Seating Arrangement, Strong and Weak Arguments, and Syllogism Quantitative Skills: Geometry, Algebra Number System Arithmetic, Mensuration etc. You can read the following ATMA books for exam preparation: 1. A New Approach to Reasoning by BS Sijawali 2. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha 3. Multi-Dimensional Reasoning by Mishra Kumar and Dr Lal 4. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 5. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay 6. High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin 7. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma 9. Class 9 and Class 10 NCERT Mathematics books 10. Quantitative Aptitude by R. S Aggarwal.

ATMA Exam 2026 Analytical Reasoning Syllabus: Important Topics and Weightage

Check table below to know important topics of ATMA syllabus 2026 of Analytical Reasoning section along with weightage:

ATMA Analytical Reasoning Important Chapters

Reasoning Weightage

Arrangements

10

Data Sufficiency

8

Coding decoding

6

Critical Reasoning

6

Syllogisms

6

Statement Cause-Effect

6

Strengthen/Weaken

6

Statement-Inference

5

Course of Action

3

Course of action

2

Statement-Conclusion

1

Strong/Weak Arguments

1

Q:   Which are the most important topics to focus for ATMA preparation?
A:

AIMS conducts the ATMA exam at least three to four times a year. This year, the exam will be conducted thrice in the computer-based test mode. Here are important topics for the exam according to the sections of ATMA question paper.

Analytical Reasoning: Every year, this section is considered to be the toughest among the others. This section contains questions mainly from Analytical Reasoning and Critical Reasoning. Some of the important topics of this section include: 

  1. Syllogisms 
  2. Critical Reasoning
  3. Course of Action
  4. Cause and Effect
  5. Statement and Conclusion
  6. Strong and Weak Arguments
  7. Statement and Inference
  8. Coding and Decoding
  9. Arrangements
  10. Data Sufficiency

Verbal Skills: Just like other management entrance tests, this section is divided into Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability/English Usage. There are about four to five comprehension passages while the topics of English usage are as follows:

  1. Synonyms (word pair)
  2. Fill in the blanks
  3. Para Formation Questions (PFQs)
  4. Idioms
  5. Error identification
  6. Grammar
  7. Sentence Completion
  8. Word Meaning
  9. Antonyms
  10. Para Jumbles

3. Quantitative Skills: This section of the ATMA question paper is also considered tough. However, the overall difficulty level can be considered to be moderate. Some of the important topics of this section include:

  1. Profit and Loss
  2. Percentage
  3. Simple Interest and Compound Interest
  4. Partnership
  5. Average, Mixture and Alligation
  6. Time and Distance
  7. Time and Speed
  8. Geometry and Mensuration
  9. Time and Work
  10. Permutation & Combination
  11. Probability
  12. Statistics
  13. Graphs and Pie Chart.
Q:   What is a good score in ATMA exam?
A:

ATMA exam has 180 questions and total marks are 180. But, raw scores are scaled and the final marks are awarded out of 800. Knowing what is a good score in ATMA exam is subjective, but, the current trends suggest that the following can be a good score: 

Very good score: More than 700 

Good score: 650 to 700 

Average score: 620 to 650 

Low score: Below 550

Q:   What is the work experience required for ATMA exam?
A:

ATMA exam eligibility criteria does not include work experience. Both working and non working candidates can apply for ATMA exam. But, students should fulfil other ATMA eligibility requirements to appear for ATMA exam. 

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Saumya Jain
Assistant Manager- Content

Saumya Jain is an English Literature graduate from the University of Delhi. She has over 8 years of editorial and content writing experience. At Shiksha.com, she has spent more than six years creating research, stud

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Answered 2 weeks ago

No section in the ATMA exam has the higher or lower number of questions. Each section in the ATMA exam has equal number of questions. 

M

Mayank Singh

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

ATMA is commonly used name for AIMS Test for Management Admissions. ATMA Eligibility criteria for this test is:

  • Candidate should be an Indian citizen
  • Candidate should have graduation degree from a recognised university
  • Minimum percentage required is 50% in qualifying exam.
  • Students in final year of grad

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

No, a good percentile does not guarantee direct admission to colleges accepting ATMA scores. Colleges conduct different selection rounds before providing admissions. Many colleges conduct rounds such as Group Discussion, Written Ability Test and Personal Interview. Students who match the ATMA cutoff

...Read more

V

Vikram Hazarika

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

No, IIMs do not accept ATMA test scores for admission. IIMs conduct Common Admission Test (CAT) for admission to MBA programmes. ATMA scores are accepted by some of the best BSchools in the country. These include institutes such as PUMBA, Xavier Institute of Management and Research, PSG College of T

...Read more

S

Shruti Tyagi

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

There is a good chance of receiving an interview call from Christ University with a score of 95 percentile in ATMA exam, but, admission is not guaranteed. Overall criteria includes academic profile, i.e. Class 12, Class 10 and Graduation marks. Other selection rounds at Christ University includes Mi

...Read more

R

Rashmi Chatterjee

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

ATMA exam is a nation level MBA entrance exam conducted by Association of Indian Management Schools. Courses such as MS and PGDM are also offered through ATMA exam. The exam is conducted in the CBT test format multiple times a year. The exam checks numerical, verbal and logical abilities of students

...Read more

78439216
Saumya Jain

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

ATMA is a national level entrance exam conducted by Association of Indian Management Schools. ATMA is conducted for admission to MBA, MMS, PGDM programmes at over 700 B Schools in the country. ATMA exam judges skills and basic aptitude of students needed for an MBA or PGDM course.

R

Rashmi Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

Check the table below to know the weightage of ATMA selection rounds:

Components

Details

ATMA score

50%

Group Discussion

10% to 15%

Personal Interview

15%

Work experience

5%

Academic performance in Class 10, Class 12, Graduation/ Post Graduation Degree, Sports/ Extra-Curricular activities, Academic diversity and gender diversity

15% to 20%

S

Shiksha Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a month ago

The qualifying marks for ATMA eligibility is different for each category. Check the table below to know more:

Category

Qualifying marks

General category

50%

SC/ST

45%

PWD

45%

R

Rohini Bhatnagar

Contributor-Level 6

Answered a month ago

ATMA exam eligibility criteria does not include work experience. Both working and non working candidates can apply for ATMA exam. But, students should fulfil other ATMA eligibility requirements to appear for ATMA exam. 

M

Mayank Singh

Beginner-Level 5