
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. Read below all about CMAT syllabus and get preparation tips.
CMAT Syllabus Highlights
- Unique section: The Innovation & Entrepreneurship section is unique to CMAT. No other MBA entrance exam has this section. It is similar to Business Studies and candidates with Commerce background will find it familiar.
- Time duration: Candidates must aim to prepare for CMAT in at least 6 months as it takes about 3 months to cover the syllabus end to end. Candidates can prepare for CMAT and other exams simultaneously as the syllabus overlaps.
- Focus on important topics: Some topics included in the CMAT syllabus have more weightage than others, so candidates must make their preparation strategy accordingly.
- Revision and practice: Since, CMAT syllabus is vast and one needs to be thorough with all the topics of the five sections, regular revision and practice is a must.
- CMAT GK: This section is the only one which can be covered in a short period of time. Candidates pick GK for preparation in the last month before CMAT 2026 exam.
- 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
- Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2026
- CMAT Preparation Tips 2026
- FAQs on CMAT Syllabus 2026
What is the CMAT Syllabus 2026? Detailed Breakdown
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 2026 |
Number of question and total marks |
Important CMAT Topics |
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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.
Section Wise CMAT Syllabus 2026: Latest PDF
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 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.
- Candidates will have to key in their answers with the help of computer mouse.
- There will be no subjective type questions in CMAT 2026.
- 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
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics
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 Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation syllabus for CMAT.
CMAT Syllabus: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics |
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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 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. Check below detailed break down of CMAT syllabus for Logical Reasoning:
CMAT Syllabus: Logical Reasoning |
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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: Language Comprehension Topics
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 syllabus for English Language:
CMAT Syllabus: Language Comprehension Topics |
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Commonly asked questions
To prepare for CMAT language comprehension, candidates need to start early. Those who have a good command over English will not face problems in preparing for this section but those who are weak in English will have to put in extra effort. They will need to develop reading habit, which is why it is suggested to start exam preparation early. Start reading books and novels to strengthen English comprehension and vocabulary. Also solve practice questions on RC passages of all types. Since CMAT is a time bound exam, you will need to have a good reading speed and comprehension speed as well. This can be achieved only by solving practice questions.
CMAT Syllabus 2026: General Awareness Topics
The CMAT General Awareness section also has 20 questions which is a mixed bag of current affairs and static GK. During preparation, candidates must focus on memorising even seemingly unimportant details of events as the question can be based on any aspect of a particular event. 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. This section is memory based so one should not do guess work in attempting questions. Check detailed breakdown of CMAT syllabus for General Awareness.
CMAT Syllabus: General Awareness |
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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.
Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2026
Commonly asked questions
CMAT Preparation Tips 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.
CMAT is a highly competitive exam having five subjects – Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. These subjects have a lot of topic and sub-topics that one has to cover. Practicing only CMAT sample papers and mock tests will not be enough as to be able to solve all types of questions, one needs to have understood the topic or the concept. Thus, study the topics included in CMAT syllabus first and then practice CMAT sample papers and mock tests.
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FAQs on CMAT Syllabus 2026
Commonly asked questions
CMAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered 3 weeks ago
CMAT is one of the top accepted exams for admission to MBA-offering universities, including AURO University. As per official sources, the CMAT exam has already been conducted for the 2025 session. The exam was conducted on Jan 25, 2025 by the National Testing Agency. The exam for the 2026 session i
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month 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 a month ago
CMAT is one of the top accepted exams for admission to MBA-offering colleges in Indore, including SGSITS. As per official sources, the CMAT exam has already been conducted for the 2025 session. The exam was conducted on Jan 25, 2025 by the National Testing Agency. The exam for the 2026 session is e
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month 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 a month 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 a month 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
What is the CMAT exam date for admission to AURO University MBA course?