
CMAT books for preparation are the key study material and you should select them carefully. Although the CMAT syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams, question type is different. Thus, aspirants must make sure to study from the books that are specially recommended for CMAT exam. Â
The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana is considered the best book for CMAT preparation. Apart from this book, you should refer to CMAT books mentioned below on this page for all five sections of the exam. CMAT 2027 aspirants must also refer secondary study material, mock tests and sample papers for exam preparation.
- CMAT Books for Preparation: Syllabus to Cover
- Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
- Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Logical Reasoning
- Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Language Comprehension
- Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Best Books for CMAT Preparation: General Awareness
- Additional CMAT Study Material
- FAQs on CMAT Books and Preparation
CMAT Books for Preparation: Syllabus to Cover
Before selecting CMAT books, you must understand the requirement, i.e. the topics which you need to study for the exam. Here is the table indicating topics included in CMAT syllabus 2027. The books you refer for preparation must have these topics explianed in detail.
| CMAT Syllabus | CMAT Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation |
Algebra, Time-Speed-Distance, Mensuration, Allegation & Mixtures, Geometry, Graph, Quadratic and Linear Equations, etc. |
| Logical Reasoning |
Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Venn Diagram, Blood Relationship Tests, etc. |
| Language Comprehension |
Reading Comprehension, Grammar, English Usage Errors, Parajumbles, etc. |
| General Awareness |
Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
Optional paper having questions related to innovation, entrepreneurship and start up business |
Also Read:
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.
For preparation of an exam like CMAT will always be helpful as you will be provided with relevant study material and guidance from industry experts. It will help you in disciplined and focused study as coaching centres have time bound classes, lectures, practice sessions, mock tests, etc. So, if you feel that you will not be able to stay dedicated and motivated enough in self-study to crack CMAT will high scores, join a CMAT coaching institute.
Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
To prepare for CMAT Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, you will need books that provide conceptual clarity and practice question sets. Check the table below for CMAT exam preparation books for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation:
| CMAT Books 2027 |
Author Name/Publisher |
|---|---|
| How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT | Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) |
| 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 |
| The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams |
Pearson |
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips: Cracking Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation
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.
Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Logical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning questions of CMAT need a lot of practice as there are not concepts or formulae. Check the table below for recommended CMAT preparation books for Analytical and Logical Reasoning:
| CMAT books 2027 |
Author Name/Publisher |
|---|---|
| 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) |
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips for Cracking Logical Reasoning
Commonly asked questions
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.
Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Language Comprehension
Language Comprehenshion section of CMAT has more grammar and vocabulary based questions, than passage based questions. Check the table below for CMAT exam preparation books for Language Comprehension:
| CMAT Books 2027 |
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 RS Aggarwal |
For strengthening English Grammar and Vocabulary, candidates must refer to following CMAT books:
- Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
- Wren & Martin English Grammar
- Barronâs Pocket Guide to Vocabulary
- The Studentsâ Companion by Wilfred D Best
- Business English and Communication by John O E Clark
- A Communicative Grammar of English by Geoffrey Leech and Jan Svartvik
For practicing Reading Comprehension, candidates must practice sample papers and previous years' CMAT question papers. Reading books and novels will generally improve language comprehension skills.
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips for Cracking Language Comprehension
Commonly asked questions
Yes, CMAT is much easier that CAT exam. Despite the fact that CMAT and CAT syllabus are same and that CMAT has two more sections than CAT the former is much easier than the latter. The CAT exam is usually of moderate to high difficulty level, whereas the CMAT exam is of easy to moderate difficulty level.
There are key differences between CMAT and CAT which make the former easier. There is no sectional time limit in CMAT so candidates do not face the pressure of completing a given section within certain time limit. In CAT there are 4-5 Reading Comprehension passages which are 500-600 words, and 12-14 question.
In CMAT there is usually, only one Reading Comprehension passage, having 4 questions. The Quantitative Aptitude questions of CMAT are also easier than CAT and so are Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions. It is easier to score high percentile in CMAT as the number of applicants is more than one Lacs less in CAT.
CMAT has five sections.
Given below is the sectional break up of CMAT exam:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: 20 questions of 4 marks each
- Logical Reasoning: 20 questions of 4 marks each
- Language Comprehension: 20 questions of 4 marks each
- General Awareness: 20 questions of 4 marks each
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: 20 questions of 4 marks each.
Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
CMAT has a unique subject Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which is similar to business studies. It is an easy subject and can be prepared by studying topics on entreprenuership and business organisation. Given below are some of the most recommended CMAT books that will help you in preparation.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship by Peter F. Drucker
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R Gopal
- Entrepreneurship - Robert D. Hisrich
Also Read: CMAT Preparation tips for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Commonly asked questions
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:
- 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.
- Logical Reasoning: Family Tree, Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, Coding-Decoding, etc.
- 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.
- General Awareness: Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society
- 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.
Best Books for CMAT Preparation: General Awareness
There is no one CMAT GK book. To prepare for General Awareness section of CMAT exam, candidates must refer to GK Year Books. Apart from that, candidates must also include newspapers and current affairs magazines as study material for CMAT. This will give them the exposure to current affairs and business news. Some of the magazines and journals recommended for CMAT preparation 2027 are:Â
- Manorama Year Book - Mammen Mathew
- Economic Times
- Business Today
- The Financial Times
- Hindu Business Line
- Financial Express
- Business World
Commonly asked questions
CMAT has five subjects â Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship and to cover all of them, one will need good enough time. Overall, 3 months are needed to cover syllabus of CMAT and about 2 to 3 months for practice and revision. So, overall 6 months are good for CMAT preparation.
Additional CMAT Study Material
Apart from CMAT books, candidates should practice a lot of sample papers and mock test series of various difficulty levels. Given below are key benefits of practicing CMAT mock tests:
- Since CMAT is a speed-based test, candidates need to be capable of applying concepts and formulae to questions within a few seconds for solving them. This can be learnt only by solving sample papers and practicing CMAT mock test series.
- CAT mock tests are a replica of the actual exam. Practicing the CMAT mock test helps the candidate in not only developing speed of solving the question within a certain time limit, but also helps them in developing the skill of solving the questions with maximum accuracy.
- Practising CAT mock tests is also necessary to develop the skill of choosing the right questions in the exam. Candidates can judge their strong and weak areas by solving CMAT mock tests. They can assess which topics of the CMAT syllabus are easy to handle in the exam and which are not. This knowledge will help them in choosing only those questions which they can solve accurately, there by reducing the risk of negative marking.
- CMAT is an online test, and speed is supreme requirement. If a candidate does not have a prior experience of a Computer-Based Test, they may end up wasting time in understanding the exam flow. But if they practice online CMAT mock tests beforehand they will be able to navigate through the actual exam easily.
CMAT Mock Test by Shiksha
| CMAT_Mock_Test_1 | CMAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions |
| CMAT_Mock_Test_2 | CMAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions |
Read More:
Commonly asked 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.
Yes, you can prepare for CMAT from CAT books as Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English and Data Interpretation topics of CMAT are same as CAT. The CMAT difficulty level is lower than CAT. However, since CAT does not have GK and Innovation & Entrepreneurship sections, you will need CMAT specific books and study material for them.
FAQs on CMAT Books and Preparation
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.
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.
CMAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered 6 hours ago
Yes, it is important to practice sectional mock tests as the exam has no time limit for each section, unlike CAT. Sectional mocks will help you in have a practice of solving each section in a time bound manner.
E
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 hours ago
CMAT mock test is an important aspect of exam preparation. You cannot score well in the exam with extensive practice of mock tests.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 hours ago
In the last week of CMAT 2027 you should practice only one mock test, that too to stay in the online test mode. You must not attempt multiple tests and rather spend time on revision.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 hours ago
You should start practicing the CMAT mock tests after completing the syllabus. This way, you will be bale to check which topics you have mastered and which ones are your pain areas.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 hours ago
We suggest to attempt only one CMAT mock test on a given day, as it is a 3 hour long test and you will need time to analyse the result too.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 6 hours ago
CMAT 2027 exam preparation will require two phase planning â one will be covering the syllabus and another will be practicing mock tests with revision. You should start atleast six months before the exam. You can join a coaching institute or take help from online study material to prepare for the ex
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, candidates will need to have a valid Aadhaar number to register for CMAT exam. Until last year, candidates could use other photo IDs too to register for the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, you can apply for CMAT as only passing marks are required in graduation to apply. However, CMAT accepting colleges accept candidature only above 50% (45% for Reserved categories).
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
CMAT application fee is non-refundable. Candidates cannot seek fee refund under any circumstances. Thus, they should fill the CMAT registration form correctly.
J
Contributor-Level 7
Is it important to practice sectional mock tests for CMAT too?