CMAT 2025: Preparation Strategy and Study Plan
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is known as India’s one of the most frequent management entrance exams and is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA). Accepted by most of the top B-schools, CMAT is an important exam that has the capability to open a doorway to your dream college. As 2025 is approaching, now is the perfect time to lay out a strategic plan to crack this exam with atmost rate of success. This blog will guide you through a prominent plan, preparation strategy, subject wise preparation tips, and general tips to ace CMAT 2025.
Understanding the CMAT Exam Pattern:
It is important to be familiar with the Exam pattern
- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation:-
Number of Questions – 20
Marks per Question – 4
Total Marks – 80
- Logical Reasoning:-
Number of Questions – 20
Marks per Question – 4
Total Marks – 80
- Language Comprehension:-
Number of Questions – 20
Marks per Question – 4
Total Marks – 80
- General Awareness:-
Number of Questions – 20
Marks per Question – 4
Total Marks – 80
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship (introduced in 2021):-
Number of Questions – 20
Marks per Question – 4
Total Marks – 80
In total there are 100 questions and the total marks are 400. You get 4 marks for every correct answer, but 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
Study Plan for CMAT, 2025
Phase 1 : Build your Basics ( 3-4 months):-
During the first phase you should majorly focus on the concepts’ clarity and understanding each aspect of that particular subject. Basics are the most important in case of logical reasoning, language comprehension, and all other subjects too. MBA is a crucial program and this phase is extremely important to get into top B-schools
Phase 2 : Practice and Take Mock Tests (2-3 months) :-
While this phase comes, you are already prepared with your concepts and buildings and hence will grasp better. Dedicate time to each section daily and focus on areas where you find difficulty and also keep practising your strengths over and over so that there is no possibility of you making mistakes in that particular area. Take Mock tests at regular intervals as this will help you get accustomed to the exam environment and assess your progress. Analyse your performance and rate accordingly through every test to improve better in the next one. Targeting the top B-schools, and analysing the cut offs of the same.
Phase 3 : Final Revision and Exam Strategy (1-2 months):-
The Final phase is all about consolidating what you have learned and fine-tuning your strategy. In the final stretch, your goal should be not just speed but also accuracy. Avoid guesswork to minimise negative marking. The final step is the most important as you have to put all that you have been studying for till now. Go over the notes you have made during the initial time for quick recall and also focus on more specific sections to sharpen skills where needed.
Section-wise Preparation Tips and Resources for CMAT 2025:
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation:
Starting the syllabus by always starting with an easy question can increase your interest towards the subject. Solving a variety of problems from different topics can make it less likely for you to commit mistakes. Topics like Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Probability, and other topics should be all covered. Know your strengths in the topics and improve your weaknesses by daily practising.
Study Materials:
- Class 8-10 NCERT Mathematics books
- Quantitative Aptitude by RS Aggarwal
- How to prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning:
Work on recognizing patterns and solving problems quickly and also make sure that you solve puzzles and different types of practical problems to enhance your logical thinking. Topics like Seating arrangements, Blood Relations, Syllogisms and other topics should all be equally emphasised. Time management is the prime thing to be taken care of in this subject.
Study Materials:
- How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
- A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal
Language Comprehension:
Reading newspapers, articles, and editorials can help you improve comprehension. The vocabulary plays a significant role and hence should be worked on consistently, try learning a few new words everyday. Practice solving the comprehension passages and focus on understanding the core message. Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Sentence correction are some the topics that require maximum focus.
Study Materials:
- English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin
- Word Power Made Easy by Normaan Lewis
General Awareness:
Dedicate 30 minutes daily to reading news and current affairs and also stay focused on areas like politics, business, international affairs, and economics. Revising your notes daily can take you a step ahead towards scoring well.
Study Materials:
- Manorama Yearbook
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Read about the latest and trending Government schemes related to startups and entrepreneurship.
Understanding the basics of innovation and what is the process or how startups work and are disrupting industries. Case study is a crucial part and yet the most important to get practical insights.
Study Materials:
- Read business sections of newspapers like The Hindu or Economic Times
- The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
Final Tips for CMAT 2025 Preparation:
The competitive exams are all about hardwork and also the smart strategies that keep a track of your preparation till the exam day. Here are some essential tips that should be considered to maximise your performance in CMAT 2025.
- Stay Positive and Confident:
Confidence plays a vital role in keeping anxiety at bay during the final weeks of preparation and on exam day. Trust the process and trust your preparation. Do not compare your preparation with any one or the test results. Focus on your improvement rather than feeling discouraged by others sources.
- Consistency is the Key :
Stick to your Routine and it results in long-term results. Following the study plan, practising regularly and revising the formulas are key essentials. Avoid taking long breaks and make time for regular revision of key concepts. Spending 15-20 minutes to important facts, or vocabulary can make a big difference.
- Focus on Accuracy Over Speed:
As CMAT has negative marking, so avoid rushing through questions. Prioritise quality over quantity. A number of attempts would not help if you end up losing marks due to incorrect answers. Instead of guess working, skip questions which you are unsure about.
- Time Management:
While practising mock tests and sectional quizzes, make sure that you always use a timer. This will help you to learn to manage time across different sections and avoid getting stuck on difficult questions. During the actual exam, allocate time for each section based on your strengths and do dont spend too much time on one section at the cost of others. Spend 30-45 minutes for Quantitative while 20-30 minutes for Language Comprehension and General Awareness.
- Strengthen Your Weak Areas:
Regular analysis of your mock tests can help you find your strengths and weaknesses particularly regarding the sections, topics. Go back basics if needed but make sure as much as you work on your weaknesses you also do not neglect your strengths. Keep revising and revisiting foundational concepts.
- Take Care of Health:
Exam stress can take a toll on both, mind and body. Ensure you are having enough sleep and eating nutritious food and staying hydrated. Take adequate rest and make sure that every time your mind is fresh to grasp things.
- Make Short Notes for Quick Revision:
Preparing short notes and writing down the key words can help you in the final weeks of the exams as you don’t have to keep finding pages of important concepts. Take down synopsis of General Awareness and Comprehension to gain a better understanding of the topics in your final days.
- Stay Informed About Exam Updates:
Keep an eye on the official NTA website for any updates regarding the CMAT exam schedule, admit card, centre or any changes in exam pattern. Familiarise yourself with your exam centre in advance. Make sure that you arrive on time at the centre carrying all the necessary documents and admit card.
- Relax Before the Exam:
The day before an exam is not the time for intensive study or cramming. Instead focus on light revision, and sufficient sleep. Do not stress yourself out and trust your preparation. Staying calm will help you think more clearly and perform better under pressure.
The exam CMAT requires the balancing of both that is understanding the exam pattern, having your basics clear, keeping a tight grip of all the subjects and importantly practising consistently. The strategies regarding all the subjects like allocating the necessary time to the weak one and also proper practice of the strong one will be a key to success. Mock tests can be a game changer regarding the proper preparation of exam and also time management. It will enhance your accuracy in the quantitative and logical core part.
Your physical health, mental health and sleep schedule play a crucial role in your preparation part. Being positive and calm throughout the process of preparation can strive your way to good results. Wishing you all the best from Career Mantra!
Also Refer to:
Frequently asked Questions:
Question: Is CMAT a good exam for MBA?
Answer: CMAT is one of the top MBA entrance exams in India
Question:Can I pass CMAT without coaching?
Answer: Concept clarity and through revision can make it possible
Question: How many attempts are there on CMAT?
Answer: As many times as you wish
Question: How many times a year is CMAT exam is held?
Answer: CMAT is held once a year
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