Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2025

Common Management Admission Test 2025 ( CMAT )

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Admit Card: 20 Jan '25

Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Nov 16, 2024 18:29 IST

Choosing the right CMAT books is the base of fruitful exam preparation. If you are preparing for CMAT 2025, you must study from recommended books only. Check here section-wise list of best books for CMAT preparation 2025 and other recommended study material. 

CMAT books for preparation

CMAT Books for Preparation - MBA aspirants planning to appear in the CMAT 2025 exam should choose the study material carefully. To ace this national level MBA entrance exam, candidates must refer to the best books for CMAT. There are many books available for CMAT preparation. If you get confused about which ones to select, don't worry. Shiksha has compiled the list of best books for CMAT 2025.

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To cover the exam syllabus, candidates need to study from the books prescribed for CMAT. The CMAT 2025 syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams. It comprises Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension,General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Books recommended for CMAT exam are mostly the same as recommended for CAT and other exams. So, CMAT 2025 aspirants can refer to the same books.

Q:   Which are the best books for CMAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?

A:
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CMAT has questions from Arithmetic, Geometry, Modern Math, Numbers, Algebra and Data Interpretation. The questions are of moderate difficulty level and one can prepare for it with the help of best books for CMAT recommended by experts and toppers. We have listed down some of the popular CMAT books that candidates usually refer: 1. NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 8, 9 and 10 2. The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams 3. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 4. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into Iims by Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant) 5. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (Mc Graw Hill Education) 6. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal.

Q:   Can I prepare for CMAT from CAT books?

A:
Yes, CMAT candidates can refer to the books recommended for CAT exam preparation as the syllabus is same for both exams, but they must also solve mock tests and sample questions specific to CMAT to get the hang of it. The CMAT exam is easier than CAT but if you don't know the nature of CMAT questions, you may find it difficult to crack. Candidates can refer to these books for studying the concepts: 1. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill Education) 2. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into Iims by Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant) 3. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (McGraw Hill Education) 4. NCERT Mathematics Books for Standard 8, 9 and 10 5. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by Dr RS Aggarwal To know more similarities between CAT and CMAT read this article: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/is-cmat-easier-than-cat-know-the-differences-and-similarities-blogId-58019.

Q:   What is the CMAT Innovation and entrepreneurship syllabus? Which books to study?

A:
The syllabus of CMAT Innovation and entrepreneurship section includes 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 To study these topics candidates should refer to books like: 1. Innovation & Entrepreneurship by Peter F. Drucker 2. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R Goal 3. Entrepreneurship - Robert D. Hisrich 4. Manorama Year Book - Mammen Mathew Apart from these books, candidates must solve last two years' CMAT question papers to know the type of questions asked in this section and their difficulty level. These questions will give you an insight into CMAT Innovation and entrepreneurship.

CMAT 2025 exam will be held on January 25, 2025, so you have 3 month to study. Check below section-wise best CMAT preparation books along with recommended study material and key preparation tips.

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Which are the Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2025?

The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana is one of the highly recommended CMAT preparation books. Besides this book, you should also study from the CMAT books listed below:

Best Books for CMAT: Language Comprehension

Given below are the books candidates must refer for preparation of Language Comprehension section of CMAT 2025:

CMAT Books for Preparation

Author Name/Publisher

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT

Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education)

The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT

 Nishit K Sinha

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning

Dr R S Aggarwal

Trishna’s Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT and Other MBA Examinations

TIME

Q:   Which are the best books for CMAT Logical Reasoning preparation?

A:
CMAT Logical Reasoning topics are similar to CAT so the preparation is also to be done in a similar manner. The Logical Reasoning questions of CMAT are not very difficult. One can crack it with some practice and revision. If you are planning to appear for CMAT exam, prepare for the Logical Reasoning section from the following books. 1. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha 2. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma 3. A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal 4. Concepts of LR - Logical Reasoning for CAT and Other MBA Exams by Gajendra Kumar Apart from these books, you must practice previous year CMAT question papers to be familiar with the latest type of Logical Reasoning questions asked.

Q:   How many cities can I choose for allotment of CMAT exam centre?

A:
Candidates can choose up to four cities for allotment of CMAT exam centre in the application form. Candidates must take utmost care in selecting the cities as once the form is submitted, they can't change city preference. They should choose the first city of preference as their hometome or where they are residing as the exam authorities will strive to allot the test centres to candidates in their first city of preference. Candidates are allotted a test centre in second or third preference only in a situation where the seats have been filled or the exam has been cancelled at that location. Choose cities very carefully as once selected the change can be made only at the time of form correction.

Q:   Can you suggest best books for CMAT preparation?

A:
Hi Best books for CMAT Quantitative Aptitude include Arun Sharma's How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Sarvesh K Verma's Quantitative Aptitude Quantum, Dr RS Aggarwal's by Quantitative Aptitude and NCERT Maths books for Class 8, 9 and 10. Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Language Comprehension Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. Wren & Martin English Grammar. Barron's Pocket Guide to Vocabulary. The Students' Companion by Wilfred D Best. Business English and Communication by John O E Clark. How to start CMAT preparation at home Go through the revised CMAT exam pattern. Read thoroughly the CMAT syllabus 2023. Pick out your strong and weak areas in all the four sections. Gather the best books and preparation material for CMAT preparation. Improve on your weak areas and monitor the improvement regularly.

CMAT books for Vocabulary and Grammar

Given below are the books that candidates must refer for preparation of Vocabulary and Grammar questions in CMAT 2025:

  • Wren & Martin English Grammar
  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis
  • Business English and Communication by John O E Clark
  • 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Norman Lewis
  • The Students’ Companion by Wilfred D Best
  • A Communicative Grammar of English by Geoffrey Leech and Jan Svartvik

Best Books for CMAT: Quantitative Aptitude

Given below are the books that candidates must refer for preparation of Quantitative Aptitude section of CMAT 2025:

CMAT Books

Author Name/Publisher

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education)

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission Into IIMs

Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant)

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

Abhijit Guha (Mc Graw Hill Education)

NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 8, 9 and 10

NCERT

Quantitative Aptitude

Dr RS Aggarwal

Best Books for CMAT: Logical Reasoning

Given below are the books that candidates must refer to prepare for Logical Reasoning section of CMAT 2025:

CMAT Books

Author Name/Publisher

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT

Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education)

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT

Nishit K Sinha (Pearson)

 

Free VARC Questions with Answers for Practice Free DILR Questions with Answers for Practice Free Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice

Best Books for CMAT 2025: General Knowledge

Best source of preparation of General Awareness are newspapers and current affairs magazines. For Static GK, best books for reference are Manorama Year Book and Competition Success Review. Apart from that, candidates must read newspapers and journals regularly for current affairs. Also Read:

What is the Best Study Material for CMAT Preparation?

The best sources of CMAT preparation are previous years’ question papers and sample papers but these are useful only after you have completed the exam syllabus. Listed below are reasons why you should practice CMAT question papers and mock tests:

  • CMAT question papers give an idea of the CMAT exam pattern (types of questions asked) of previous years and weightage allotted to each topic. This is very valuable for candidate in planning the approach to the actual exam paper.
  • By solving a variety of questions in CMAT sample papers and mock tests candidates will be better prepared to face any type of question in the exam. Tough, hard, easy, lengthy or tricky; no question will come as a surprise.
  • Practicing CMAT sample papers and mock test will help in developing speed and accuracy in solving the questions and discover tricks and shortcuts.
  • Practicing online mock tests will help in developing time management skill. Since, there will be no sectional time limit in CMAT 2025, it may happen that the candidate may lose track of time. By solving CMAT mock tests, one can assess average time spent on a section and divide time for each section of CMAT to follow in the exam.
  • CMAT mock tests and sample papers are also a good means to check ones preparation level, strength and weakness viz. various subjects and topics.

Take CMAT Mock Test

CMAT_Mock_Test_1 CMAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
CMAT_Mock_Test_2 CMAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

Read More:

CMAT 2025 Important Dates

CMAT 2025 Registration

CMAT 2025 Admit Card

CMAT Cut Offs expected and previous years

CMAT 2025 Answer Key

CMAT 2025 Result

Check CMAT cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting CMAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CMAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict CMAT Admission Calls

FAQs on CMAT Books and Study Material

Q: How can I prepare for CMAT exam 2025?

A: CMAT is a management entrance exam, so candidates need to study subjects like Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude, English and General Knowledge. About six months are good enough to prepare for CMAT. Candidates can either join a coaching institute or prepare by self study with the help of books, sample papers and mock tests.

Q: Which books are recommended for CMAT Logical Reasoning?

A: Best books for CMAT Logical Reasoning preparation include Arun Sharma’s How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT and Nishit K Sinha’s Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT. Candidates must refer to these books for exam preparation.

Q: Which books are recommended for CMAT Language Comprehension?

A: Best books for CMAT Language Comprehension include, Arun Sharma’s How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT, Dr RS Aggarwal’s A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning. For English Grammar, candidates must study from Wren & Martin and for strengthening vocabulary, they should opt for Word Power Made Easy.

Q: Which books are recommended for CMAT Quantitative Aptitude?

A: Best books for CMAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation include Arun Sharma’s How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT, Sarvesh K Verma’s Quantitative Aptitude Quantum, Dr RS Aggarwal’s by Quantitative Aptitude and NCERT Maths books for Class 8, 9 and 10. Candidates must refer to these books for preparation.

Q: Is CMAT tougher than CAT?

A: No, CMAT is easier than CAT. It is easier to score high in CMAT than in CAT, as the difficulty level of the CMAT question paper is moderate and there is no sectional time limit. The Reading Comprehension passages in CMAT are less than CAT and are easy. To know why it is easier to score better in CMAT, read this article: Is CMAT Easier than CAT? Know the Differences and Similarities

Q: Can I prepare for CMAT with the help of CAT books?

A: Yes. Since the syllabus and topics of CMAT exam are same as that of CAT exam, candidates can prepare for CMAT with the help of CAT books. They must however, practice ample number of CMAT sample papers and mock test to be able to handle the CMAT question paper.

Q: What is the CMAT syllabus?

A: The syllabus of CMAT includes all the important topics of Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude, English and General Knowledge. The newly introduced section - Innovation & Entrepreneurship, comprises questions on business and entrepreneurship.

Q: What is the CMAT exam pattern 2025?

A: The CMAT 2025 question paper will have 100 questions. Each of the five sections - Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship carry 20 questions. Candidates will have to address 100 questions in 3 hours. There will be no sectional time limit, but there will be negative marking for wrong answers.

Q: Is CMAT worth appearing for?

A: Yes, CMAT is one of the most popular MBA entrance exams as it is a gateway to some of the top B-Schools in India including JBIMS, SIMSREE, Great Lakes, BIMTECH, XIME, Christ University, WeSchool, DY Patil, etc. Also Read: Top MBA colleges accepting CMAT score

Q: I have prepared for MAT exam. Can I give CMAT with same preparation?

A: Yes, if you have prepared for MAT, you can appear for CMAT exam too without much preparation, but keep in mind that you need to practice some CMAT sample papers and CMAT mock tests to be better prepared for exam specific questions. Also Read: Is MAT tougher than CMAT?

Q: How many CMAT mock tests should I practice?

A: The candidates preparing to appear for CMAT are advised to practice about at least 25-30 mock tests. It will give them exposer of all types of questions asked in CMAT, help them develop accuracy and develop time management skill.

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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The list of exams are recommended based on what other exams do the students in your area show interest in
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Student Forum

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Write here...

Answered 3 days ago

CMAT city intimation refers to the notification sent by the NTA regarding the allotment of test ciy to candidates for CMAT exam. The CMAT city intimation slip is released two-three days before the release of admit card. It contains the name of city in which the CMAT test taker has been alloted the t

...more

J

Jasleen Dixit

Beginner-Level 2

Answered 5 days ago

Hey,

With a MAT score in the 92.98 percentile, you have a variety of excellent options for applications, including prestigious management institutions such as the Xavier Institute of Management (XIMB), Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), and

...more

n

neha dhumal

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

GL Bajaj Institute of Management & Research offers scholarships to PGDM/ MBA courses on the basis of CMAT rankings secured by the candidates. Check out the eligibility criteria and financial benefits through this scholarship below: 

Scholarship on the basis of CMAT ranking: 

Rank between 10001 and 20000Scholarship amount INR 20,000
Rank between 4001 and 10000Scholarship amount INR 25,000
Rank between 1 and 4000Scholarship amount INR 30,000

K

Krishnendu Kumar

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 weeks ago

Hi,

Scoring a 99.99 percentile in CMAT is an excellent achievement, and it certainly boosts your chances of getting into top management colleges like JBIMS (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies). However, your 10th and 12th scores of 70% may be slightly below the average for some top-tier i

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Here are some CMAT colleges where graduates have reported average salaries exceeding 11 LPA:

 

1. Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai: Known for its prestigious reputation, JBIMS offers an average placement package of around 28.02 LPA.

2. SIMSREE, Mumbai: This institute provi

...more

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 weeks ago

MAT 2025 is scheduled to be held on January 25, 2025, almost four months ahead of previous years. The CMAT exam is usually held in March-April, but in 2023 and 2024, it was held in May. The last time CMAT was held in January was in the year 2019. 

The NTA has announced registration dates via an offi

...more

R

Ranjeeta Rai

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Arihant MCA Entrances 2025

As per my opinion this book is best for MCA.

N

Nitin prakash sonkar

Beginner-Level 1

Answered a month ago

Top MBA colleges offering average CTCs above 12 LPA, with ST out-of-state reservations and accepting CMAT or XAT scores, include XLRI Jamshedpur (32 LPA, XAT), XIM Bhubaneswar (20 LPA, XAT), Great Lakes Institute of Management (15–17 LPA, CMAT/XAT), Goa Institute of Management (14–15 LPA, CMAT/XAT),

...more

59928193
Amit Saini

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

An 85 percentile in CMAT is considered a good score and can make you eligible for a PGDM scholarship at GIBS Business School. GIBS typically offers scholarships to students with strong academic records or good performance in entrance exams like CMAT. With an 85 percentile, you are likely to be consi

...more

B

Bhavani

Contributor-Level 8

Answered a month ago

Yes, I can suggest colleges in Gujarat that accept CMAT score for admission to MBA

Colleges are :- 

  • Adani Institute of Infrastructure management
  • Bk School of business management 
  • Amrut modi School of management 
  • Shanti Business School
  • Indus University 
  • Graduate School of management studies 
  • Centre for manag

...more

71271179
Sankalp Anand

Contributor-Level 7