
CMAT syllabus 2026 includes Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. To cover the CMAT 2026 syllabus, candidates must refer to recommended books and study material. Coverage of the topics included in the syllabus for CMAT 2026 should be done in a time bound manner. CMAT 2026 exam will be held on January 25, 2026, so by now most of you would have covered the syllabus and must be busy revising important topics. Read below all about CMAT exam syllabus 2026 and get preparation tips.
- What is the CMAT Syllabus 2026? Detailed Breakdown
- Section Wise CMAT Syllabus 2026: Latest PDF
- CMAT Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics
- CMAT Syllabus 2026: Logical Reasoning Topics
- CMAT Syllabus 2026: Language Comprehension Topics
- CMAT Syllabus 2026: General Awareness Topics
- CMAT Syllabus 2026: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Topics
- CMAT Exam Pattern 2026
- Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2026
- CMAT Preparation Tips 2026
What is the CMAT Syllabus 2026? Detailed Breakdown
CMAT is an exam of moderate difficulty level. Given below are some of the most important topics from the five sections of CMAT 2026 syllabus. These topics carry more weightage in the CMAT question paper. So prepare these topics with extra care.
| CMAT Syllabus 2026 |
Number of question and total marks |
Important CMAT Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation |
20 questions/80 marks |
Algebra, Time-Speed-Distance, Alligation & Mixtures, Geometry, Graph, Quadratic and Linear Equations, etc. |
| Logical Reasoning |
20 questions/80 marks |
Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, etc. |
| Language Comprehension |
20 questions/80 marks |
Reading Comprehension, Grammar, English Usage Errors, Parajumbles, etc. |
| General Awareness |
20 questions/80 marks |
Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
20 questions/80 marks |
Questions related to innovation, entrepreneurship and start up business |
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
Section Wise CMAT Syllabus 2026: Latest PDF
Given below is the CMAT syllabus PDF having section-wise topics. Download the PDF of CMAT syllabus and make a study plan according to the number of chapters and time needed to cover them. Some topics may be familiar and some may be not. So, use this PDF to make a focussed preparation strategy for CMAT 2026.
| Download Free CMAT Syllabus PDF for Exam Preparation |
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights
CMAT exam pattern is similar to other MBA entrance exams. The questions are in MCQ format with four options to choose the right answer from. Check below key highlights of CMAT exam pattern 2026:
- All the sections of CMAT 2026 exam will have an equal number of questions (20 each).
- There will be total 100 questions but solving all the questions is not mandatory.
- Each question will carry 4 marks. Total marks of CMAT 2026 will be 400.
- There will be negative marking of -1 for incorrect attempts
- CMAT exam will be held in Computer-Based-Test mode at designated test centres.
- All the questions will be in MCQ format. There will be no subjective or TITA questions.
- Candidates will have to key in their answers with the help of computer mouse.
- The time duration will be 180 minutes or 3 hours, without sectional time limit.
- Extra time will be given to PwD candidates for completing the test.
Also Read: CMAT exam pattern 2026
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics
The CMAT Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation is usually moderate in terms of difficuly level. One can say that it is easier than CAT and XAT questions. Arithmetic and Algebra dominate this section. The best way to prepare for CMAT Quant is getting the basics right and practicing a lot of questions.
| CMAT Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics |
||
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commonly asked questions
Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning topics of CMAT syllabus are same as CAT syllabus. So, an MBA aspirant can prepare for CAT and CMAT simultaneously with the same study material. However, they will need CMAT specific books and resources to study Innovation and Entrepreneurship and GK section. CAT doesn't have these two sections.
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Logical Reasoning Topics
The CMAT Logical Reasoning questions are logic based so the candidate needs to work on basic concepts and practice a good number of sample questions to score well. The topics are varied and require different approaches. It includes verbal reasoning, non-verbal, analytical reasoning, number series and image based puzzles. Check below CMAT syllabus for Logical Reasoning:
| CMAT Syllabus: Logical Reasoning |
||
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Language Comprehension Topics
The CMAT Language Comprehension section is divided into – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. There are usually 2-3 short Reading Comprehension paragraphs which are easy to read. Verbal Ability questions are asked from vocabulary and grammar. So it is easier to score in this section. Check the table below for detailed breakdown of CMAT exam syllabus for English Language:
| CMAT Syllabus: Language Comprehension Topics |
||
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
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.
CMAT Syllabus 2026: General Awareness Topics
The CMAT General Awareness section is a mixed bag of current affairs and static GK. Most of the questions are asked from Static GK so more emphasis should be laid on those. Static GK can be covered towards the end of CMAT 2026 preparation with the help of Year Books. For current affairs, candidates must keep a tab on news and events and make a list of them. Check detailed breakdown of CMAT syllabus for General Awareness.
| CMAT Syllabus: General Awareness |
||
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commonly asked questions
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.
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Innovation and Entrepreneurship Topics
Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a subject that interests management aspirants greatly, so preparing for it is not tough. This subject appears only in CMAT and one can crack it with basic preparation from previous year questions. This section is somewhat similar to Business Studies, so candidates who have studied it in HSc and Graduation will not find challenges in preparation. Here's the detailed breakdown of CMAT 2026 syllabus for Innovation and 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
- Women Entrepreneurship
- Emerging Trends in Social Entrepreneurship
- Principles of Business Organisation
- Motivation, Communication and Leadership
Weightage of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is 20 questions and 80 marks. Some of the questions are passage based, while some questions are based on General Knowledge of Economics and Business. Overall, this section is easy and a month long preparation will be sufficient.
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips 2026: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Commonly asked questions
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 Exam Pattern 2026
Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2026
Commonly asked questions
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.
Explore subject-wise topics asked in CMAT
Select your preferred subject
CMAT Preparation Tips 2026
CMAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered 4 days ago
GIBS (GIBS Business School) encourages people who have completed either the National Level Entrance Exam (or all of these exams) and taken other state-level exams - such as the CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, and the State CET exam - to apply for PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) and MBA (
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week 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 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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 2 weeks ago
CMAT 2026 admit card will be available for download until exam day (January 25). After that, link to download it will be deactivated. Candidates must download CMAT-NTA admit card as soon as it is released and save it.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
CMAT 2026 admit card will be released 4-5 days before the exam. Since CMAT 2026 is scheduled on January 25, the admit card can be expected to be released by January 20, 2026. NTA has not announced any date for CMAT 2026 hall ticket release, though.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
After the declaration of CMAT result, PIGM Indore will start the selection process. The candidates who shall have passed the CMAT exam will be required to fill the application forms for admission. Aspirants will need to apply on the basis of their score and cut offs fixed by PIGM Indore. If a candid
Answered 4 weeks ago
With the release of the CMA June 2025 results, 5,491 candidates completed Intermediate Course of the Institute. Such candidates were marked eligible for the practical training.
R
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 weeks ago
According to Shiksha, CMAT score is accepted by over 1600 MBA colleges in India. These include, government, government aided and private institutions. So, you can select any college based on its cut offs, ranking, location, fees, placements and infrastructure.
E
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 4 weeks ago
There is no provision of result evaluation in CMAT. The scores mentioned on result will be final and cannot be challenged. Candidates can only challenge the provisional answer key which is released before CMAT result.
M
Contributor-Level 6
1423 Institutes accepting CMAT
Srinagar • Public
Exam On - 25 Jan '26
Which entrance exam scores are accepted at GIBS for admission (CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, State CET)?