How to Prepare for CMAT 2025: Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation Tips

Common Management Admission Test 2025 ( CMAT )

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Registration: 14 Nov '24 - 25 Dec '24

Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Nov 16, 2024 18:39 IST

Read key tips to crack Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation section of CMAT 2025. Also understand types of questions asked in CMAT and how to solve them. Here is a comprehensive preparation plan to crack CMAT Quants and DI.

CMAT preparation - QA and DI

CMAT preparation for Quantitative Technique (QT) and Data Interpretation (DI) section requires dedication and focus as one needs to be thorough with the Mathermatical concepts and theorems. Most of the CMAT aspirants appear for CAT, XAT, IIFT, and SNAP too, thus by the time CMAT exam approaches, they are already familiar with the topics of Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation. In that case, candidates may need to only practice CMAT sample questions and CMAT mock tests along with revision of important concepts to crack the exam. 

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Since the Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation subjects are clubbed together in CMAT, the stress of solving too many questions per subject in the exam is not there. CMAT 2025 will be held on January 25, 2025 so candidates should start exam preparation now. 

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.

Start with revising theoretical understanding of the concepts of the topics included in the CMAT syllabus for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation. Arithmetic and Algebra are the main topics you should focus on. Since DI is calculation-based, one need not prepare for it separately. Solve questions of various difficulty levels after completing each topic to understand the application of the concept. This is necessary so that you don't fumble at the later stage of your CMAT 2025 preparation journey, especially in mock tests. 

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In this article, we have shared tips and shortcuts to crack Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation section of CMAT exam, along with other key details about the section. Read on.

CMAT Exam Highlights 2025: Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation 

  • This section of CMAT question paper will have 20 questions in MCQ format.
  • Each question will carry four marks for right answer and minus one mark for wrong attempt.
  • This section will be dominated by Quantitative Technique questions. There will be not more than four to eight questions from Data Interpretation.
  • The difficulty level of CMAT exam’s Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation section is usually moderate to high.
  • Out of 20 questions, about 15-17 right attempts are considered as good attempt in this section.

CMAT Syllabus 2025: Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation

In CMAT, Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation are clubbed together as both the subjects are Mathematics-based. It is easy for students to solve Quant and DI questions in the exam and it is easy to evaluate, as well. Given below are the main topics of Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation, candidates need to study for CMAT 2025.

CMAT Syllabus for Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation

Geometry

Permutations & Combinations

Number System

Time-Speed-Distance

Ratio and Proportion

Probability

Profit and Loss

Percentages

Partnership

Work and Time

Quadratic, Linear & Differential Equations

Allegation & Mixtures

Mensuration

In-equations

Tabulation

Simple Interest and Compound Interest

Algebra

Pipes and Cisterns

Also Read:

Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2025: Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation

Check below the list of best books for CMAT Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation preparation. Aspirants can refer to additional books along with these for better preparation.

  • The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana
  • How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma
  • Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission Into IIMs by Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant)
  • Mathematics Books for Standard 8, 9 and 10 by NCERT
  • Quantitative Aptitude by Dr RS Aggarwal
  • Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (Mc Graw Hill Education)
  • Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency for CAT/XAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT/Bank by Disha Experts
  • How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma

Also Read: Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2025

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.
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CMAT Preparation 2025: Tips to Crack Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation

The difficulty level of Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation section of CMAT exam is usually high, but if you are strong in Mathematics, scoring well in this section is not too difficult. Keep the following tips in mind during CMAT 2025 preparation for Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation section:

  • This section of CMAT exam is dominated by Quantitative Techniques question. Data Interpretation questions are usually limited to four to six which are based on Tables.
  • Within the Quantitative Techniques section, most of the questions are asked from Arithmetic. So, pay special attention on Arithmetic during exam preparation.
  • Spend a good amount of time in gaining clarity of concepts, formulae and theorems, even if you’ve studied Mathematics in graduation because that is the base of proper CMAT 2025 preparation.
  • After studying a topic, solve a few sample questions for CMAT. This will help you in understanding the application of the theory studied.
  • Solving previous year CMAT questions will also help you in assessing whether you have understood the topics or not.
  • Both Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation sections of CMAT are calculation based. There is nothing intuitive about them. So, adequate practice of questions is a must.
  • Solve CMAT mock tests, sample papers and previous years question papers to familiarise yourself with a variety of questions based on Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation.

Practice Free CMAT Mock Test by Shiksha

CMAT_Mock_Test_1 CMAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
CMAT_Mock_Test_2 CMAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions
  • CMAT sample paper booklets for practice are available in the market as well as on the internet. Solve them to gain control over tough topics.
  • In the last one month before CMAT 2025 exam, start practicing mock tests on alternate days. After every mock test, assess your performance and score to know what are your weak points.
  • By practicing CMAT mock tests, you will be able to evaluate your strong and weak areas which will aide you in making the exam strategy. Attempt only those questions which are your type i.e. the ones you can solve accurately.
  • Memorise Tables up to 20, Square and Square Roots up to 100, Cubes, Cubes Roots, etc. for quick calculation.
  • Devise an exam strategy for the test day. If Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation are your strong areas, start CMAT 2025 question paper by solving questions from this section.
  • In the CMAT 2025 exam, try to reach the minimum sectional cut-off level and then go ahead with other sections. You can come back to attempt the remaining questions if time permits.

To conclude, memorizing all the Quants formulae and theorems is the key to crack this section of CMAT exam. Keep aside two hours twice a week for revision of formulae and theorems. If you have conceptual clarity of each of the topics included in the Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation section of CMAT, you can score well.

All the best!

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

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Vipra Shrivastava
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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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Arihant MCA Entrances 2025

As per my opinion this book is best for MCA.

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Nitin prakash sonkar

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 6 days 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),

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Amit Saini

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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

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Bhavani

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

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Sankalp Anand

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Answered a week 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

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Kritika Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks 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.

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Suyash Pandey

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Answered 2 weeks ago

Hii, The difficulty of XAT, CAT, or CMAT depends on individual aptitude and preparation, but generally:

  1. CAT: Considered the toughest, with high competition and emphasis on VARC, DILR, and Quant.
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Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Indeed, CMAT results are accepted for admission to the MBA programme at the Best MBA college in Global Institute of Business Studies (GIBS), located in Bangalore. Candidates who have taken the CMAT may apply to GIBS's MBA programme as long as they fulfill the requirements. A group discussion and in-

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Guna

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 weeks ago

No, you will not require giving the exam of CMAT for the course of mass communication and journalism from Gujarat University. The CMAT is basically an entrance examination that can be cleared by students who want to undergo an MBA course from one of the B schools. For courses in mass communication a

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Shejal agrawal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

RKDF University accepts CMAT exam scores for admission to its MBA programme. The exam schedule for 2025 has not been released by NTA yet. However, this exam is usually conducted in the month of March or April.

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