Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Jan 21, 2025 17:56 IST

CMAT 2025 aspirants have been working hard on various topics for past few months now. As the exam day closes in, it is time to know the common pitfalls to avoid. Steer clear of these pitfalls on CMAT 2025 exam day to score high. 

By Mikin Shah

CMAT preparation

CMAT exam is not too tough to crack. It is conducted after CAT, XAT, SNAP and NMAT, which makes it more manageable as the candidates have already experienced other aptitude tests. However, if one doesn’t pay the right amount of attention, they may face unfavourable situation during the CMAT exam. One may get sweaty palms on seeing difficulty level of the questions. So, the important thing to do is, be confident and calm. Also, be aware of the exam process. As the CMAT 2025 closes in, know how to manage the 3-hours test, what to do and what not to do.

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CMAT is a MCQ based test having five sections, every section of CMAT 2025 exam will have 20 questions, which means you need to prepare equally well for all five sections. To get good overall CMAT percentile, you need to solve equal number of questions in every section. Given the exam structure and difficulty level, candidates must solve 2/3rd of the total questions in every section. 

Q:   How can I prepare for CMAT?

A:
To prepare for CMAT exam you need to do two things. Cover the exam syllabus and practice mock tests. After you decide to appear for CMAT the first thing you should do is check the CMAT syllabus. Make a list of topics that you are familiar with and topics that you have never studied before. Start with topics that you are unfamiliar with as those topics will take time. Move to easier topics after that. Do practice sample questions after completing each topic to know how to apply concepts to a problem. Once you have completed the CMAT syllabus, move to the next phase of preparation, I. e. practicing mock tests and sample questions. Dedicate about 40-45 days in practicing CMAT mock tests, to gain not only speed and accuracy but also control on the topics. You should also join online study groups to take help from mentors and peers in exam preparation. Doubt clearing sessions are very helpful in exam preparation. Also stick to CMAT books as recommended by experts. Some of the books you need to refer are: 1. The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana 2. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 3. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 4. High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin English 5. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 6. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education). .

Q:   What is the difficulty level of CMAT exam?

A:
CMAT is one of the easier MBA entrance exams. Despite having an extra section, the overall difficulty level of CMAT exam is generally moderate. However, it has been seen previously that some questions in Logical Reasoning and General Awareness sections of CMAT turn out to be more difficult than questions of Quantitative Techniques, Language Comprehension and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. If a candidate can solve about 70-75 of the total questions with about 80 per cent accuracy in each section, they can score well in CMAT. The sectional difficulty in CMAT is as follows: 1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: Moderate 2. Logical Reasoning: Easy to Moderate 3. Language Comprehension: Easy to Moderate 4. General Awareness: Moderate 5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Moderate For the latest exam pattern and difficulty level of CMAT click here: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cmat-exam-analysis.

Q:   How to prepare for GK section of CMAT?

A:

Hi, Below mentioned are some tips, which you can follow for CMAT General Awareness preparation: 

  • You can read general awareness topics
  • For Static GK, read Manorama Year Book and other such GK books for competitive exams
  • Read up about latest happenings around the world
  • Take note of every event of politics, sports, economy, books, awards, titles, etc.
  • To know the latest happenings, you should read English newspapers daily.
  •  Also, you can participate in similar group discussions along with some good news channels to keep yourself updated.
  • GK is a memory based subject so you should start preparing for it towards the end of your CMAT preparation
  • Start studying GK year books in the last one month before the CMAT exam to have ll the facts and figures fresh in memory.

Good luck.

The National Testing Agency or NTA will conduct CMAT 2025 on January 25 2025. The final few days before CMAT exam is the right time to give preparations a final push.

By now, the candidates must have completed the CMAT syllabus, practiced enough number of CMAT mock tests and are comfortably placed viz. the topic revision routine. Right now what is worth paying attention to is knowing the common mistakes that candidates make in CMAT exam and how to avoid them.

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Mikin Shah, MBA expert shared with Shiksha a few common errors made by students in CMAT exam. He listed down eight pitfalls to steer clear of in CMAT exam:

8 Pitfalls to Avoid in CMAT 2025

  1. Not knowing the ideal number of attempts. This is like building a house without the blue-print. You must have a fair idea of the number of attempts you are going to target. CMAT has 100 questions, so you must target about 70-75 questions.
  2. Being too ambitious in terms of number of attempts. For CMAT, the rule is simple - WORSHIP ACCURACY. Any student attempting more than 70-75 questions is either a potential topper or a consummate disaster. So, don't try to solve all the questions.
  3. Do not fret about the GK section and try to over-prepare for it. It is the most random section and your score will reflect your ingrained reading habit and general awareness.
  4. Appearing for CMAT exam without adequate mock test practice. You must appear for at least 10 CMAT mock tests of varying difficulty levels. This will prepare you for all kinds of situation in the actual exam. 
  5. Having a pre-decided absolute target score (say 200). The absolute scores would depend upon the difficulty level of the CMAT question paper. What matters is your ranking and not the score. So, make a target score after going through the paper once.
  6. Do not study too hard on the day before CMAT 2025. Go for revision of important topics only and sleep for at least seven to eight hours.
  7. Do not get put off by a bad start. CMAT is a three-hour exam and there are no restrictions in terms of sectional time limit or cut off scores. So, even if you have a less than ideal start, you can easily recover if you keep calm.
  8. Do not over-attempt in the CMAT Language Comprehension section - especially the critical reasoning questions. Fifteen good attempts in this section would do the trick for most of the students.

Read More:

About the Author

Mikin Shah is the co-founder and director of a popular educational institute which specialises in entrance exams, MBA tuitions and finance courses such as CFA.

Q:   Can I prepare for CMAT in 6 months?

A:

Yes, 6 months are a decent time duration to prepare for CMAT exam, if one does it with dedication and discipline. Candidates who have appeared for CMAT or any other MBA entrance exam before, will find 6 months more than enough to prepare for the exam. Those, who are appearing in CMAT for the first time, can also prepare in 6 months but they will have to give extra time to it. If you plan a CMAT preparation in six months, make a three stage plan. In the first stage, which will be of 3 months, complete the CMAT syllabus, in the second phase, which will be of 2 months, practice sample papers and mock tests. In the third stage, which will be of 1 months, do revision of important topics and gain control over all that you have studied before. Keep in mind to solve enough number of CMAT mock tests (30-35) for better preparation in short time. Read More: CMAT preparation in 6 months

 

Q:   How can I prepare for CMAT to secure 100 percentile?

A:

Common Management Admission Test is an online computer based test conducted by the National Testing Agency, India. It is a national-level admission test for facilitating institutions to select suitable students for admission in all management programmes approved by AICTE. According to the exam pattern, the CMAT syllabus for MBA admission is divided into five sections namely, Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. If you plan to prepare for CMAT exam, then you have to at least put in four to six hours daily into studying. 345 to 350 marks are expected to secure the 100 percentile and those securing in the range of 285 to 340 marks will obtain 99 to 99.99 percentile. CMAT merit list will include names of all the aspirants scoring CMAT score vs percentile from 0.005 to 100 percentile. Speed is not an issue at all as you have ample time available. Solving 100 questions in 3 hours is quite easy; hence time is not as important as accuracy is. I have slept for 20 to 40 minutes after completing test every year! The range of topics covered has become very important.

Q:   I have 82.12 %ile in CMAT 2023 but my GDPI didn't go well. Is there any chance to convert Welingkar's Rural Management course?

A:

The journey towards securing admission to Welingkar's Rural Management course is an exciting and competitive one, where your potential and abilities are carefully assessed. While a good CMAT score holds significance, it is not the sole determining factor for admission. The selection process takes into account a holistic evaluation of various aspects of your profile.

The admission committee at Welingkar considers multiple factors, including your academic performance, entrance exam score, work experience, and performance in the selection rounds. This comprehensive approach ensures that the most deserving candidates are chosen to be part of this esteemed program.

Even if your CMAT score may not be in the top bracket, do not lose hope. Welingkar's Rural Management course values candidates who exhibit excellence in other selection rounds, such as the written test, group discussion, and personal interview. Your performance in these rounds, coupled with your overall profile, can leave a lasting impression on the admission committee and boost your chances of securing a seat.

Remember, the selection process is designed to identify individuals with the right blend of skills, knowledge, and a passion for rural management. Embrace this opportunity to showcase your abilities, highlight your experiences, and express your dedication towards making a meaningful impact in rural communities.

While waiting for the official announcement of the results, remain optimistic and continue honing your skills and knowledge in the field of rural management. Keep yourself updated with the latest developments and news from Welingkar, and be prepared to seize the opportunities that come your way.

Ultimately, the decision rests with the esteemed admission committee, who carefully assess each candidate's potential and suitability for the Rural Management course. Trust in your abilities, present your best self during the selection process, and believe that your hard work and dedication will shine through.

Wishing you the utmost success as you embark on this transformative journey towards a career in Rural Management at Welingkar. Embrace the challenges, display your unique strengths, and seize this opportunity to make a positive impact on rural communities. Your determination and passion will undoubtedly be recognised and rewarded.

Stay confident, focused, and motivated, knowing that your efforts will lead you towards a brighter future in the field of Rural Management.

Q:   If I am preparing for CAT, do I need to prepare separately for CMAT?

A:
If you are preparing for CAT your work is almost over for CMAT. I was also a student who prepared for CAT immediately after my graduation. The important things which you should look into while preparing for this exam are as follows: 1. Select one of the best coaching centers which offer quality education- TIME is one of the famous coaching centers for CAT. 2. Dedication- Be focused on the aim which you need to achieve. 3. Try to read Hindu newspaper editorial. Most of the passages which appear in CAT are from Hindu editorial. 4. Try to maximum number of online mock test. You will definitely clear CAT by doing the above. 5. Try to read as much as you can and make note of points. 6. Revision of each week topics is very important. 7. Mathematical ability questions will be little twisted try to do as faster as you can.

Q:   How many questions should I solve to get a good score in CMAT?

A:
Since every section of CMAT has 20 questions in total, solving 15-18 questions in each section with 80 per cent accuracy is considered a good attempt in CMAT and it can ensure good percentile in the exam. In GK section, about 10-12 correct attempts will be enough. Out of 100 questions, candidates must try to solve about 70-75 questions to get 99 percentile. However, candidates must aim to solve higher number of questions with maximum accuracy and minimise on negative marking. To be able to achieve this target, candidates need to prepare for the CMAT in a dedicated and disciplined manner. The candidate must keep minimum three months aside for completing the CMAT syllabus as they have to study five subjects and their numerous topics. If they have appeared for CAT XAT and IIFT exam then they can complete the CMAT syllabus in one month too. However, it is advised that candidates spend at least three months on the CMAT syllabus for complete preparation.
About the Author
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Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content

Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio

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Answered Yesterday

 

Hi Tulsi,

Ahmedabad offers several reputable MBA colleges that accept CMAT scores for admissions. Here are some top institutions to consider:

  1. Shanti Business School (SBS): Known for its industry-oriented curriculum, SBS offers a range of management programs and accepts CMAT scores for MBA admissions

...Read more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 2 days ago

A score of 161 marks in CMAT 2025 Slot 1 is expected to correspond to a percentile of approximately 65%. 

This percentile indicates that your performance is better than about 65% of the candidates who appeared for the exam.

M

MRINANK MOKTAN

Beginner-Level 2

Answered 3 days ago

Hello Khushi,

With a CMAT score of 161, you are likely to fall within the 55-60 percentile range. While this score may not meet the cutoff for top-tier MBA colleges, there are several reputable institutions where you can consider applying. Here are some options:

  1. KIIT School of Management, Bhubaneswar

...Read more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days ago

Congratulations on securing 161 marks in CMAT 2025! IMI Kolkata typically sets its CMAT cutoff around the 70th percentile. While exact percentiles can vary each year, a score of 161 may place you near or slightly below this threshold. However, admissions decisions also consider factors like your aca

...Read more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, you may still apply for CMAT 2025. The exam permits candidates who have appeared in the final year of Bachelor's degree to apply if their respective colleges declare the results before the beginning of admissions for the academic year 2025-26 15. With a backlog and ATKT, also you can sit for an

...Read more

P

Pooja Kumari

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 6 days ago

CMAT exam is held in 2 shifts- 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm. Many candidates may not be in a habit of studying in the morning and many may not be in the habit of studying in the afternoon. So, candidates must try to practice one CMAT mock test during the same time as their test slot, in order to h

...Read more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 6 days ago

Yes, one can prepare for CMAT with mock tests only, if they are already familiar with the English, Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, GK and Innovation & Entrepreneurship topics. Any candidate who has appeared for CMAT once can crack the exam with mock tests practice only. But those who are ap

...Read more

A

Anya B

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a week ago

No, as admission into Kashmir University MBA admission takes place through CMAT entrance exam, candidates cannot get into Kashmir University MBA without having a valid score in the CMAT entrance exam. To apply for CMAT entrance exam candidates have to pay an application fees through the NTA website

...Read more

A

Aayush Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

 

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) offers MBA admissions through multiple pathways:

  1. CAT Score: The university primarily considers the Common Admission Test (CAT) scores for MBA admissions. Candidates with valid CAT scores are given preference during the counseling process.

  2. CMAT Score:

...Read more

A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Several top colleges in India accept CMAT scores for MBA admissions. Some of the best ones are: 

 

1. Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai: Requires a CMAT score around 99.99%ile.

2. SIMSREE, Mumbai: Requires a CMAT score around 99.97%ile.

3. PUMBA, Pune: Requires a CMAT score

...Read more

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 9