How to Prepare for CMAT 2026 Exam in 6 Months: Preparation Strategy and Study Tips
Common Management Admission Test 2026 ( CMAT )
Registration - 17 Oct '25 - 18 Nov '25
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.
GK is memory based, so all that you need to do is memorise important events and occurrences. So, candidates may not need a lot of time to prepare for CMAT GK. They can devote one or two months for it. On daily basis, they can read Year Books for one hour to memorise events. Apart from that they can use CMAT question papers to know types of static GK questions asked previously. Candidates can refer to GK books too in free time.
When making a strategy for CMAT exam, keep in mind the following aspects in mind:
· CMAT is a medium difficulty level exam
· There is no sectional time limit so you will need to allocate time to every section yourself.
· Every section has 20 questions; one must try to attempt atleast 15 questions.
· Every section of CMAT is mandatory so ensure you have enough time to attempt all sections.
· GK is memory based section, so attempt it in the last 10-15 minutes.
· There is negative marking in CMAT so you must not do guess work.
· Do not spend more than 1 minute on any question. If you thing the questions is tough leave it and move to next question. You can come back to it later.
· Don't panic on seeing a complicated question. Choose the ones you can solve accurately.
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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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 months ago
The admissions into MBA courses at Marwadi University have been concluded in the year 2025. Hence, candidates can no longer apply for admissions into the MBA course at Marwadi University in the year 2025. The CMAT exam for the year 2025 has also been concluded for this year. Candidates must now wait
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
No, candidates do not have to mandatorily appear for the CMAT entrance exam for MBA in Business Analytics at Marwadi University. Candidates can apply for MBA admissions through any of the national level entrance exam such as CAT, XAT, ATMA and more. However, during admissions into the MBA in Busines
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
Yes, it is possible to get an MBA seat at CET Trivandrum with a valid CMAT score. The institute accepts CAT, CMAT, and KMAT scores for MBA admissions. Thus, students who did not appear for CMAT or did not score well can apply via KMAT or CAT scores. Students are selected for the programme after eval
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
No, CMAT scores are not compulsory for admissions to the MBA course at Sabarmati University. Because the university accepts CMAT/ CAT or any other entrance exam accepted by the counselling body. Thus, applicants with CMAT scores can get admission to the MBA course. However, it is not compulsory. App
V
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
No, getting admission into SGSITS MBA courses is not possible without taking CUET. For admission to its MBA courses, the institute only accepts valid CMAT scores. Other than this, it is also essential that students aspiring to enrol into the programme meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by the
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
GK is memory based, so all that you need to do is memorise important events and occurrences. So, candidates may not need a lot of time to prepare for CMAT GK. They can devote one or two months for it. On daily basis, they can read Year Books for one hour to memorise events. Apart from that they can
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
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 que
J
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
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
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
The minimum academic criteria for MBA admission through CMAT is minimum 50% in graduation for General category students and minimum 45% for SC/ST/PwD category students. Even though this eligibility criteria is not mandatory for CMAT, it is the basic requirement for full time MBA as per the AICTE reg
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
For admission to MBA/MMS courses offered by State affiliated universities, Maharashtra State CET cell accepts CAT/MAT/CMAT/XAT/GMAT/ATMA scores too for All India category candidates. If you wish to participate in the MAH MBA CAP round through your CMAT score, you can fill the CAP registration form a
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.