Common Management Admission Test 2026 ( CMAT )
Exam On - 25 Jan '26
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 those who haven't started with the syllabus must do so now. Read below all about CMAT exam syllabus 2026 and get preparation tips.
CMAT is a moderate difficulty level exam and its syllabus can be covered in about 2-4 months, as the topics are same as topics of other MBA entrance exams. 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 than rest of the topics. So during exam preparation, focus on these topics more.
CMAT syllabus
| 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 |
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.
Given below is the CMAT syllabus PDF having section-wise topics that candidates must study to score high in the exam. 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 thus easy to handle whereas 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 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:
Also Read: CMAT exam pattern 2026
The CMAT Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section has 20 questions in MCQ format. The difficulty level is usually moderate. Even though Arithmetic and Algebra dominate this section, one should aim to study all the topics as Quants is a scoring section and it is possible to get full marks. The best way to prepare for CMAT Quant is getting the basics right and practicing a lot of questions. Check the table below for detailed break down of CMAT exam syllabus for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation.
| CMAT Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics |
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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.
The CMAT Logical Reasoning section has 20 MCQs. Most of the 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 |
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The CMAT Language Comprehension section has 20 questions 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 |
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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.
The CMAT General Awareness section also has 20 questions which 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.
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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.
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:
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
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.
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.
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CMAT Exam
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
GIBS accepts scores from all major management entrance exams, including:
CAT
XAT
MAT
CMAT
GMAT
ATMA
State CET
This gives students multiple options to apply. Along with entrance exam scores, GIBS also looks at the overall profile, communication skills, and interest in management, which makes the admission pr
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 6 days 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
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a week 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 a week 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
Answered a week ago
No the CMAT scorecard is not sent to any candidate by post. The result is released in online mode only and has to be downloaded from the CMAT-NTA website only.
P
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
CMAT 2026 result will be available at the CMAT-NTA website. Candidates will have to log in and check their scorecard. Result will not be accessible without login or in offline mode.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
Hi.
For PGDM and MBA admissions at GIBS Business School, Bangalore, the following entrance exams are accepted:
Accepted Entrance Exams
| Exam | Type / Level |
|---|---|
| CAT – Common Admission Test | National-level MBA entrance exam |
| XAT – Xavier Aptitude Test | National-level MBA entrance exam |
| MAT – Management Aptitude Test | National-level MBA entrance exam |
| CMAT – Common Management Admission Test | National-level MBA entrance exam |
| GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test | International / National-level MBA entrance exam |
| ATMA – AIMS Test for Management Admissions | National-level MBA entrance exam |
| State CET (e.g., Karnataka PGCET) | State-level MBA entrance exam for Karnataka candidates |
h
Scholar-Level 18
Answered 2 weeks ago
Marvadi University's MBA Programme involves a total course fee of approximately Rs. 2.5 Lacs over the duration of your two years. The fee for first-year students is approximately Rs. 1.3 lakh. While hostel fees are different depending on whether you're male or female, they are billed separately. Mar
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
GGSIPU CMAT cutoff 2026 is expected to be around in the range of 95 to 99 percentile according to the previous years cutoff data. For admission to the MBA programmes at GGSIPU, candidates are expected to appear for the CMAT exam and clear the selection round of their chosen college. For more details
N
Contributor-Level 10
Srinagar • Public
KIITEE MBA 2026 Registrations 9 Oct '25 - 9 Jan '26
4.3
Which entrance exam scores are accepted at GIBS for admission (CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, State CET)?