CMAT 2021 Topper Interview: Know How Onkar Machindra Kawale Scored 99.68 Percentile
Common Management Admission Test 2025 ( CMAT )
Shiksha had an exclusive interview with Onkar Machindra Kawale, CMAT 2021 topper. Read the interview to know how he scored 99.68 percentile in CMAT.
Name - Onkar Machindra Kawale
CMAT 2021 Score - 99.68
Sectional Score -
- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation - 95.47
- Logical Reasoning - 99.93
- Language Comprehension - 86.81
- General Awareness - 99.74
Onkar Machindra Kawale is based in Osmanabad, Maharashtra. He completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) from Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pune. He was an IAS aspirant with MBA as a Plan-B. Onkar has a good base in General Knowledge. Shiksha.com spoke to Onkar, a CMAT 2021 topper with a 99.68 percentile. He shared his strengths and weaknesses along with the preparation tips and tricks for future CMAT aspirants.
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Also Read: CMAT toppers' list
Q: Was this your first attempt? Were you expecting to score so well?
A: Yes. This was my first attempt at CMAT 2021. Due to the pandemic, I had more time to prepare for CMAT 2021; therefore, I was expecting to score better.
Q: Tell us about your preparation strategy.
A: I had been preparing for other competitive exams including civil services and MAH CET. Therefore, I had a hold on the General Knowledge section. I primarily focused on my weak subjects including English and Quantitative Ability. The quantitative Ability section is the most time consuming among all the other sections while preparing. Thus, I started with Quant.
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Q: What was your exam day strategy?
A: I was calm on exam day and focused on taking adequate rest before the exam. I appeared in the second shift of the exam; I completed the revision one day before the exam. I left the exam day to relax to perform to the fullest.
Q: What was your weak area(s) and what did you do to improve the same?
A: Language Comprehension and Quantitative Ability were my weak areas. I started the CMAT preparation with both sections to get the maximum time for my weak areas. I practised previous years question papers to improve the Language Comprehension and focused on concepts rather than a formula-based approach for the Quantitative Ability section.
Q: Is it important to join a coaching institute for CMAT preparation?
A: No. There is no need for a coaching institute for CMAT preparation. One can watch YouTube videos for better preparation and getting familiar with the concepts.
Q: Which books did you study for CMAT preparation?
A: I had the primary focus on General Awareness. I studied yearly current affairs from Focus Magazine by Arihant. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Agarwal was my pick. For other sections, I primarily relied on the CMAT question papers from previous years.
Q: The CMAT exam was delayed this year, so did that affect your preparation/performance?
A: I focused on Language and General Awareness sections during the extended period. Surely the extended period was helpful for the preparation, on the other hand, it also made me anxiously waiting for the exam.
Q: What is your plan after completing MBA?
A: I am planning to pursue MBA in Finance. I would consider a work experience after MBA. After my MBA I am planning to pursue higher education in the specified field.
Q: Any tips for future CMAT aspirants?
A: Unlike other management entrance exams, CMAT has more focus on General Awareness. All the other sections have a basic syllabus. You can prepare for all the sections using the previous year’s question papers and CMAT mock tests; however, General Awareness will be left behind. In my opinion, aspirants must start with the current affairs and static GK followed by clearing the concepts for Quantitative Ability. Further, other sections can be covered by practising previous year’s question papers.
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With a creative soul, Abhishek is inclined towards anything in the creative space be it drawing, painting, craft, or writing. He has been working in the ed-tech industry since he started his career. Besides creative... Read Full Bio
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 2 days ago
Based on a *CMAT 2025 score of 205*, see below the expected percentile and admission probabilities for *IMI Bhubaneswar:*
*Expected Percentile:*
It usually represents an average about the *90th percentile, 205* of what a CMAT score typically is.? cite? turn0search8?
*IMI Bhubaneswar Admission Require
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 days ago
With your CMAT score being 180, your percentile is estimated to range between 71 and 80.? cite? turn0search0? Similarly, the score 180 falls under a value usually between 70 and 80 percentiles, according to sources of multiple numbers.
With this percentile, you could look at options like EMPI Busine
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 4 days ago
With a score of 180 in the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), your percentile would be around 70-75. Percentiles indicate how you performed relative to other test-takers. For example, a 70 percentile means you scored better than 70% of the candidates who took the exam.
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 6 days ago
To download your corrected CMAT form as a PDF, follow these steps:
1. Log in to the Candidate's Portal: Visit the official CMAT website and log in using your application number, email ID, and password.
2. Access the Correction Facility: Once logged in, navigate to the section for application correcti
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 6 days ago
Scoring 280 marks in CMAT 2025 is an impressive feat! Based on historical data and score percentiles, a score of 280 is likely to place you in the 95-99 percentile range. This estimate is subject to variations depending on the difficulty level of the exam and the performance of other test-takers.
Wi
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Hi Tulsi,
Ahmedabad offers several reputable MBA colleges that accept CMAT scores for admissions. Here are some top institutions to consider:
Shanti Business School (SBS): Known for its industry-oriented curriculum, SBS offers a range of management programs and accepts CMAT scores for MBA admissions
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week 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
Beginner-Level 2
Answered a week 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:
KIIT School of Management, Bhubaneswar
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week 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
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week 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
P
Beginner-Level 5
I scored 205 marks in slot 1 CMAT 2025, what could be the expected percentile? Any chances for IMI Bhubaneswar admission at this score?