Sumit Kumar, a CMAT 2021 topper, shares his CMAT journey. Know his preparation strategy, success mantras, future plans, and more.
Name - Sumit Kumar
CMAT 2021 Score - 99.86
Sectional Score -
- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation – 99.57
- Logical Reasoning – 78.48
- Language Comprehension – 99.97
- General Awareness – 84.99
Sumit Kumar was born and bought up in a northern district of Bihar. He completed his graduation majoring in Geography from Banaras Hindu University. CMAT was never his choice, he took a chance after getting a low score in CAT. Shiksha was able to speak with the CMAT topper, Sumit Kumar, to get his views on the exam, preparation tips, and more.
Read the interview below with Sumit Kumar, 99.86 percentiler, to know what he wants to advise future CMAT aspirants.
Also Read: CMAT toppers' list
Q: Was this your first attempt for CMAT? Were you expecting to score so well?
A: Yes. This was my first attempt at CMAT. Right after the exam, I wasn’t expecting to score so well in the CMAT. However, after checking the responses, I was expecting a better score.
Q: Tell us about your preparation strategy.
A: I appeared for CAT 2021 as well. However, wasn’t able to score well. All the CAT aspirants have a basic idea about Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation. After the CAT result, I started with General Awareness as this was a new section. Additionally, I also started preparing for the Language Comprehension section.
Q: What was your exam day strategy?
A: I was anxious to appear for the exam on 31st March. I prepared short notes beforehand, which helped me in revision on the exam day.
Q: What was your weak area(s) and what did you do to improve the same?
A: Specifically talking about the CMAT 2021, my weakest section was General Awareness as I hadn’t prepared for the section in any other competitive exam. Also, questions in the General Awareness section are unpredictable; thus, you must have a top-notch preparation. I analyzed CMAT question papers from previous sessions to prepare for the static GK.
Q: Is it important to join a coaching institute for CMAT exam preparation?
A: No. If you are planning to appear particularly for CMAT, I wouldn’t recommend any coaching institute. You can crack the exam with self-preparation.
Q: Which books did you study for CMAT preparation?
A: For Language Comprehension, I referred to a book by SP Bakshi. For Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation, I would recommend Analytical Reasoning by Arihant to ace the exam. Besides the CMAT books for exam preparation, the previous year’s question papers helped me score well in the exam.
Q: The CMAT exam was delayed this year, so did that affect your preparation/performance?
A: I wasn’t mentally prepared about the sudden release of the exam date. However, after the release of the result, I was satisfied with the score. I wasn’t expecting the score after I came out of the exam hall.
Q: What are your plans after completing MBA?
A: After completing MBA in Finance, I would like to land a job with a handsome pay package in the specified field.
Q: Any tips for future CMAT aspirants?
A: Most of the CMAT aspirants would have already appeared for CAT. You might be familiar with all the sections except the General Awareness section. Being a vast section, I would recommend always study the same in the initial phase of your CMAT preparation. Follow section specific strategy if you want to be on the CMAT toppers’ list.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 days 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 20000 | Scholarship amount INR 20,000 |
| Rank between 4001 and 10000 | Scholarship amount INR 25,000 |
| Rank between 1 and 4000 | Scholarship amount INR 30,000 |
K
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a week 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
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week 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
A
Contributor-Level 8
Answered a week 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
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Arihant MCA Entrances 2025
As per my opinion this book is best for MCA.
N
Beginner-Level 1
Answered 3 weeks 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),
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks 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
B
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 4 weeks 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
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 4 weeks ago
Depends on exam results, the CMAT cutoff for BLDEA's A S Patil College of Commerce changes depends on the admissions method. Two methods are available to candidates for admission: the Management Quota, which uses CMAT/KMAT scores, or the Government/Merit Quota, which uses CMAT scores through KEA cou
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
You can join BLDEA's A S Patil College of Commerce for MBA or PGDM programs even if you haven't taken the CMAT. The college also accepts other entrance exams like Karnataka PGCET and KMAT.
Admission Process:
- Students are primarily admitted based on merit through these exams, followed by a counseling p
S
Contributor-Level 9
What scholarships does GL Bajaj offer for PGDM/MBA based on CMAT rankings?