KMAT KERALA Preparation Tips 2026: Know Complete Strategy & Guide

Kerala Management Aptitude Test 2026 ( KMAT KERALA )

Saumya Jain
Updated on Oct 6, 2025 17:45 IST

By Saumya Jain, Assistant Manager- Content

KMAT Kerala 2026 preparation strategy should be simple and to the point. This means that the students preparing for the KMAT Kerala exam must focus on the important topics of the KMAT syllabus and follow a study routine covering the complete syllabus diligently. KMAT Kerala is a state-level entrance exam conducted by the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations (CEE) for admission into the MBA programmes offered by various colleges and universities in the state of Kerala. The best B-schools in the state of Kerala accept KMAT Kerala scores.

KMAT Kerala 2026 exam is expected to be conducted in the last week of February 2026 for the first session. Candidates who are planning to appear for KMAT Kerala 2026 should look at the preparation tips below, which will help them in cracking the exam.

Also Read: Colleges accepting KMAT Kerala score in India

Table of content
  • KMAT Kerala Preparation: Section-wise Preparation Strategy
  • KMAT Kerala 2026 Exam Pattern
  • FAQs Related to KMAT Kerala Preparation
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KMAT Kerala Preparation: Section-wise Preparation Strategy

According to past year trends, the KMAT Kerala exam is moderately difficult. Check out the section wise preparation strategy for the KMAT Kerala exam below.

KMAT Kerala Important Topics

KMAT Kerala Important Topics

Section 1: Quantitative Aptitude: To ace this section, students must brush up on their basic mathematics skills. They must focus on accuracy and speed to get good marks in this section. Prepare for topics such as Percentages, Time and Work, Pie charts, Bar graphs, Basic Arithmetic, Simple and Compound Interest, Algebra, etc. They must note that the KMAT Kerala exam has negative markings; hence, they must first focus on solving questions that they are one hundred per cent sure of. They can refer to NCERT books of class 10 and Class 12. It is important to solve mock tests and sample papers, as it will improve accuracy. Regular practice will definitely go a long way.

Section 2: English Language: This section of the KMAT Kerala question paper is about the English language and reading comprehension. To score well in this section, students must improve their vocabulary and practice grammar. They can prepare for topics such as Grammar, Word Meanings, Tense, Antonyms and Synonyms, Para Jumbles, etc. This section can be consuming because of the long passages. Hence, candidates must divide their time accordingly.

Section 3: Data Sufficiency and Logical Reasoning: This section of the KMAT Kerala exam checks the critical and logical thinking capability of students. To prepare for this section, they must prepare for topics such as Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables, Blood Relations, Data Structures, Clocks, Direction Sense, Strong and Weak Arguments, Coding and Decoding, etc. Solve an ample number of mock test and past years’ question papers. Prepare solving the questions with accuracy. They must make short notes when preparing and writing down formulae and tricks.

Also Read: Latest current affairs guide

Best Books for KMAT Kerala Preparation 2026

Here is a list of the best books for KMAT Kerala preparation that candidates can refer to.

Books

Authors/ Publications

KMAT- Karnataka Management Aptitude Test Paperback

Chandresh Agrawal

Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation for CAT

Nishit Sinha

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examination Tips, Techniques, and Short-cut Methods

Abhijit Guha

Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for CAT

Nishit Sinha

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension

Ajay Singh

Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning

Arun Sharma

The Pearson Guide to MBA Entrance Examination

Edgar Thorpe

Read More:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which is the lengthiest section in KMAT Kerala?
A: 

Since the English Language  Usage and Reading Comprehension section includes reading comprehension passages, it can be considered a lengthy section. The English Language section does not only comprise of Reading Comprehension passages but also has various other topics such as Vocabulary, Grammar, Idioms, Phrases, Para Jumbles, Antonyms and Synonyms, etc. which make the section a lengthy one. However, there is a possibility of any other section to be lengthier.

Q:   Which are the most important topics to focus for KMAT Kerala preparation?
A: 

CEE conducts the KMAT Kerala exam at least two times a year. This year, the exam will be conducted twice in the computer-based test mode. Here are important topics for the exam according to the sections of KMAT Kerala question paper. 

  • Data Sufficiency and Logical Reasoning: This section contains questions mainly from Logical Reasoning and Critical Reasoning. Some of the important topics of this section include:
    • Syllogisms
    • Clocks and Calendar 
    • Course of Action
    • Cause and Effect
    • Statement and Conclusion
    • Strong and Weak Arguments
    • Puzzles 
    • Coding and Decoding
    • Arrangements
    • Tables
    • Graphs
    • Blood Relations
  • English Language: Just like other management entrance tests, this section is divided into Reading Comprehension and Verbal Ability/English Usage. There are about four to five comprehension passages while the topics of English usage are as follows:
    • Synonyms (word pair)
    • Fill in the blanks
    • Para Completions
    • Idioms
    • Error identification
    • Word Meaning
    • Antonyms
    • Sentence Completion
    • Para Jumbles
    • Grammar
  • Quantitative Aptitude: This section of the KMAT Kerala question paper is also considered tough. However, the overall difficulty level can be considered to be moderate. Some of the important topics of this section include:
    • Percentage
    • Profit and Loss
    • Simple Interest and Compound Interest
    • Average, Mixture and Alligation
    • Time and Distance
    • Time and Speed
    • Geometry and Mensuration
    • Time and Work
    • Probability
    • Statistics 
    • Algebra
  • General Knowledge and Current Affairs: Some of the important topics include:
    • Sports
    • Awards
    • Art and Culture
    • Current Affairs
    • Politics
    • Trade Awareness
    • Economy
    • Business
    • World News
    • Technology
    • Books and Authors
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KMAT Kerala 2026 Exam Pattern

Take a look at the table below to know the KMAT Kerala exam pattern 2026.

Exam Features

Details

Exam mode

Computer-based test mode (CBT)

Duration 

150 minutes

Total number of questions

180 

Type of questions

Objective type questions

Sections

Marking scheme

+4 for correct answers

-1 for incorrect answers

Total Marks

720 marks

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is KMAT Kerala syllabus difficult?
A: 

The difficulty level of KMAT Kerala syllabus is moderate as compared to other MBA entrance exams. With good preparation and focus on exam pattern, students can score well. The exam has 180 questions which are to be solved within 150 minutes. The syllabus is still moderate as compared to other exams. The most important things to keep in mind are:

  1. KMAT Kerala exam mode is online
  2. Each question carries four marks
  3. There is negative marking of minus one mark for wrong attempts 
Q:   What about the marking scheme of KMAT (Kerala)?
A: 

KMAT Kerala marking scheme is straightforward. If the candidates can recall their attempts or have the answer key with them then they can calculate their KMAT Kerala raw score by adding and subtracting scores as per correct and incorrect attempts. Check KMAT Kerala marking scheme below:

  1. For every correct attempt, 4 marks is awarded and for every incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted.
  2. For every unanswered question, the candidate will be marked zero.

Given below is the process of calculating the KMAT Kerala score with the help of the KMAT Kerala answer key. The first two sections (QA and English Language Usage) of the KMAT Kerala question paper has 50 questions and the last two sections (Data Sufficiency and Logical Reasoning and General Knowledge) have 40 questions each. So suppose in Quantitative Techniques section you got 34 questions right, 2 questions wrong and skipped 4 questions. So, your score will be 134 out of 200. Similarly, calculate the score of other sections. After the add all four to arrive at the overall raw score. For example, you scored 134, 144, 120 and 140 in four sections, then your sum total will be 538/720. 

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FAQs Related to KMAT Kerala Preparation

Check below the FAQs on KMAT Kerala preparation:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the best way to prepare KMAT Kerala at home?
A: 

If you have a good study plan, you can study independently at home for the KMAT Kerala exam. This exam is conducted around two times a year and is relatively easier than other exams. The following is advice from professionals on how to create an KMAT Kerala plan:

  • Using the KMAT Kerala syllabus as a guide, make a list of the subjects that the study materials must cover.
  • Plan your study time on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis according to the time available.
  • Analyze previous KMAT Kerala tests to note important topics.
  • You can find a mentor to assist you or join any online study group.
  • To enable thorough planning, assign a time limit to each section.
  • Start reading newspaper and magazine editorials to gain a command of the English language and GK section.
  • For the quantitative section, read the basic concepts and formulas from school textbooks.
  • Examine your progress through mock tests on a monthly basis.
  • Keep analyzing and improving your score over time until test day.
  • Set your score to meet the cutoff for the college to which you want to apply.
Q:   What is the syllabus of KMAT KERALA exam?
A: 

KMAT Kerala exam consists of four major sections:

English Language Usage and Reading ComprehensionVocabulary, Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Word meanings, Idioms, and Phrases, Sentence correction, Fill in the blanks, Error identification, Sentence improvement, Reading Comprehension passages, Drawing inferences
Quantitative Aptitude (QA)Number system, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Time, Speed, and Distance, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Trigonometry, etc.
Data Sufficiency and Logical Reasoning (DS & LR)Analysing data-related questions to determine whether the given data is sufficient to answer the question, Deductive and inductive reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Series, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Seating Arrangements, Analogies, Logical puzzles, etc.
General KnowledgeSports, Politics, Current Affairs, World News, Books and Authors, Famous Personalities, Politics, Economics, etc.

 

Q:   Does IIM Kozhikode accept KMAT Kerala scores for admission to MBA programme?
A: 

No, IIM Khozhikode does not accept KMAT Kerala test scores for admission. If you want to get admission to the IIM, you will have to appear in the CAT exam. With the score of the KMAT Kerala test, you can get admission in about 129 management colleges in Kerala. You can get admission to the following top management colleges such as:

  1. Rajagiri Centre for Business Studies, Kochi
  2. SCMS Cochin School of Business, Kochi
  3. Amrita School of Business, Kochi
  4. Toc H Institute of Science and Technology, Ernakulam
  5. Marthoma College of Management and Technology, Ernakulam
Q:   What are the passing marks for KMAT Kerala?
A: 

If you're a General/SEBC candidate, you need at least 72 marks out of 720 (10%) in KMAT Kerala to pass. But if you're from SC/ST/PWD category, you should get 54 marks (7.5%) to qualify. Only the aspirants who score above this criteria will be eligible for admission to the KMAT Kerala partiipating colleges. Candidates who are aspiring admission to top MBA colleges in Kerala must ensure that they meet the qualifying cutoff criteria in order to secure a seat and be eligible for the admission process. The admission completely depends on the total number of seats available in the college. 

Q:   What are the best books for KMAT Kerala preparation?
A: 

There is a range of books to read for KMAT Kerala preparation. Here is a list of section-wise best books for the KMAT Kerala exam:

English Language section -Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis -High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin -Objective General English by RS Aggarwal -The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT

Data Sufficiency and Logical Reasoning section -How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma -Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey -Multi-Dimensional Reasoning by Mishra Kumar and Dr. Lal -Logical and Analytical Reasoning by K Gupta

Quantitative Skills section -Quantitative Aptitude by R. S Aggarwal -Fast track objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Sharma -Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha -NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 9 and 10 by NCERT publications.

For the GK section, students can refer to Manorama Year Book for static GK. They must also regularly read newspapers, and stay updated with the current affairs. 

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