How to Prepare for CMAT 2026 Exam in 6 Months: Preparation Strategy and Study Tips
Common Management Admission Test 2026 ( CMAT )
CMAT is a moderately difficult MBA entrance exam, so you will not need a lot of time for preparation. Read how to prepare for CMAT 2025 exam in six months including tips, tricks, strategy, books and study material.
CMAT exam is easy to crack. The difficulty level is moderate and the questions are asked from familiar areas. So, one doesn't really need a lot of time for preparatiob. The syllabus of CMAT is similar to other MBA entrance exams thus, what one requires is sharpening their analytical and logical skills. With complete dedication toward studies, six months are enough to crack CMAT 2026 exam. In this article, you will read how to prepare for CMAT 2026 in six months including tips, tricks, strategy, books and study material.
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Cracking Logical Reasoning section of CMAT is all about how well and how quickly you understand the puzzles and patterns. To master this section of CMAT exam, sample questions for practice and sectional mock tests for CMAT are the best resource. You should start practicing Logical Reasoning questions early on in the preparation cycle. Pay attention to the topics from which Logical Reasoning questions are asked in CMAT. Prepare for those type of questions only. For Data Interpretation section of CMAT. You should be well versed with reading tables, graphs and charts correctly. For quick calculation, you should strengthen basic mathematical calculations like multiplication, division, square, square roots, cube, cube roots, etc. This section is all about observation and ability to break down information into pieces, so you need to practice a wide range of data interpretation 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.
- CMAT 2026: Six-Month Preparation Plan
- CMAT 2026 Preparation in Six Months: Second Phase
- CMAT 2026 Preparation in Six Months: Third Phase
CMAT 2026: Six-Month Preparation Plan
First of all, make a six-month preparation plan for CMAT exam. If you plan to take coaching all your needs will be taken care of but if you plan CMAT preparation 2026 by self-study, start with the following:
- Check the latest CMAT syllabus and exam pattern
- Get hold of CMAT books and other study material
- Join online study groups on Facebook, Quora, YouTube, Telegram, WhatsApp, etc.
- Download MBA entrance exam preparation apps for assistance and sample tests for CMAT
- Seek guidance from mentors or previous years CMAT qualifiers. They will provide key insights.
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The next step towards six-month CMAT preparation is division of time into phases. First phase should be spent in covering the syllabus, second phase should be spent in practicing sample papers and mock tests and the final phase should be spent in revision and exam day preparation. Here's how to prepare for CMAT 2026 in six months:
Dedicate first two to three months in covering the CMAT syllabus. Take a look at all the topics of Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and start with the topic that you find toughest. Most students begin with brushing up their basics of Maths for Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation. You should also start reading books and novels to strengthen Language Comprehension. Since all five sections of the CMAT have equal weightage, you need to focus on each of them equally well. Check out subject-wise preparation strategy for CMAT 2026 below:
CMAT Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
The questions of Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation are usually of moderate difficulty. Most of the questions are asked from Arithmetic, Geometry, Modern Math, Algebra, Trigonometry and Numbers. The Data Interpretation questions are based mostly on tables and charts.
To prepare for this section, begin with revisiting the basics of Mathematics. In this section, the key is to have conceptual clarity and ability to apply theory on various types of problems. After completing a topic, solve a few questions to know how well you have understood it.
Also Read: CMAT Preparation 2026: Cracking QA-DI
CMAT Logical Reasoning
Yes, it is necessary to attempt GK section in CMAT as unlike other MBA entrance exams, scores of GK are included in percentile calculation in CMAT. Total number of GK questions in 20 and attempting 8-10 questions correctly, can get the candidate desired sectional cut off in CMAT. So, while preparing for CMAT exam, do not ignore GK. You can prepare for it in the last couple of months with the help of year books as most of the questions are asked from Static GK.
The difficulty level of CMAT 2025 exam was overall moderate. Interestingly, the GK questions were not tough as they usually are. Check below section wise CMAT 2025 difficulty level.
CMAT 2025 section | Number of questions | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | Easy |
Logical Reasoning | 20 | Easy |
Language Comprehension | 20 | Easy |
General Awareness | 20 | Moderate |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | Moderate |
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.
Logical Reasoning section of CMAT comprises Coding-Decoding, Blood Relation, Series Completion, Venn Diagram, Number Grid, Directions and Visual Reasoning. Key to cracking Logical Reasoning section of CMAT 2025 will be practice, the more you practice, the better you’ll get at unravelling puzzles and breaking down pattern to identify commonality.
Also Read: CMAT Preparation 2026: Cracking Logical Reasoning
CMAT Language Comprehension
Start reading books, novels, newspapers and magazines in English right from the very beginning. This will help you in cracking dense Reading Comprehension passages. For Grammar, study from Wren & Martin and pay equal focus on Verbal Ability. Most of the questions in this section are on Synonyms/Antonyms, Word-Definition, Parajumbles, Spelling, Sentence Correction, Idioms and Grammar based questions.
Practice a good number of sectional mock tests to have a grip on different types of RC passages and Verbal Ability questions.
Also Read: CMAT Preparation 2025: How to Prepare of Language Comprehension
CMAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship
CMAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a section that can be prepared in one-month time. It is easy and covers the basics of business and company types. To prepare for the is section of CMAT refer to books like Innovation & Entrepreneurship by Peter F. Drucker, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R. Gopal, and Entrepreneurship by Robert D. Hisrich.
You should also refer to CMAT previous years’ papers of last five years to practice questions for complete clarity of the types of questions that are asked in Innovation and Entrepreneurship section of CMAT.
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
CMAT General Awareness
General Awareness section of CMAT divided into Current Affairs and Static GK. Since, this section only requires memorizing topics, you can start preparing for it after completing the other four subjects or a month before the exam date.
Read Competition Success Review for static GK and keep yourself abreast with Current Affairs by watching news. Note down important events and dates.
CMAT 2026 Preparation in Six Months: Second Phase
The second phase of CMAT preparation should be dedicated to practicing CMAT mock tests and sample papers. Practicing sample questions is a very important aspect of exam preparation, as it strengthens conceptual clarity of topics achieved in the first phase. It also helps the candidate in gaining confidence in mastering a speed based test. Check below some key benefits of CMAT mock tests:
- Solving CMAT mock test and question papers will help you know topic-wise weightage, difficulty level of the questions in previous years and the trend of types of questions asked
- CMAT mock test will also help you in assessing your weak areas where you need to pay extra attention
- Practicing mock tests will help you in increasing speed and accuracy in solving questions
- Sectional mock tests will help you develop time management skill vis-a-vis maximum attempts in the CMAT 2026 exam
- Also, you will also discover tricks and shortcuts of solving CMAT questions faster
- Time-bound CMAT mock tests will prepare you for the actual exam
CMAT Mock Test will help you to get an idea about the type of questions asked, the exam pattern and marking scheme. After taking the test, you can immediately check your score. You can also download the Question Paper along with answers and their explanations for Free. Click below to start the free online CMAT Mock Test by Shiksha now.
| CMAT_Mock_Test_1 | CAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CMAT_Mock_Test_2 | CMAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
CMAT 2026 Preparation in Six Months: Third Phase
CMAT exam preparation is not complete without revision. Dedicate the last month in revising the syllabus and memorising static GK.
Start with the topics you found tough in the beginning. Go through each concept and attempt a few questions based on them. If you have a confusion regarding any concept or you are stuck on a problem, reach out to a mentor or a friend.
Dedicate the last phase in tying up loose ends but at the same time keep revising topics which are your strength areas.
Continue to back revision with CMAT mock test practice. Don't stop practicing mock tests until the last week of the exam.
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Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered Yesterday
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.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
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.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
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.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
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.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered Yesterday
CMAT 2026 result is expected to be declared by February 13, 2026. NTA has not shared any official date but if you look at the trends of previous year, CMAT result has always been released within 3 to 4 weeks of exam.
E
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 weeks ago
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.
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, CMAT scores are not compulsory for admissions into the MBA course at NSUT. Even CMAT scores are not the first priority of the admission committee to shortlist the students. Because the university considers the scores of CAT/ MAT for selecting the students. If the seats get vacant, then only CMAT
I
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
CMAT is one of the important examinations for admission to the MBA course at Biyani Group of Colleges. However, as the MBA course at Biyani Group of Colleges is offered with the affiliation of Rajasthan Technical University. Thus, there are chances that the college can accept the relevant scores of
I
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
CMAT 2026 admit card was available for download until exam day (January 25). Candidates must download CMAT-NTA admit card as soon as it is released and save it.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
CMAT 2026 admit card was released on January 21, 2026. Candidates had to download it from the CMAT-NTA website, by using their login credentials.
A
Contributor-Level 6
CMAT RC passages are easy. Candidates need not worry about RCs in CMAT because they are short and pretty much straight forward. Questions are fact based and generally require candidates to identify the main argument/theme/idea of the passage. Sometimes, there are a few vocabulary and idiom based questions too, but mostly from familiar areas and topics. The length is about 200-500 words.