How to Prepare for CMAT 2025 Exam in 1 Month: Check Preparation Tips

Common Management Admission Test 2025 ( CMAT )

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Admit Card: 17 Jan '25

Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on Dec 24, 2024 15:44 IST

Here's a CMAT 2025 one-month preparation plan for you, in case you don't get time to study exclusively for the exam amid CAT, MAT, SNAP and XAT exams. Know here what to study, what to practice and how to prepare for CMAT 2025 in 1 month, here.

CMAT preparation in one month

CMAT is similar to other MBA entrance exams so it is not very difficult to prepare for it. With one month remaining for CMAT 2025, it is time to change the preparation strategy and focus on practice sessions. This year, CMAT is being held early, so there was no time fo exclusive preparation. The CMAT 2025 exam date is January 25, 2025. 

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So, if you are appearing for CMAT exam you need to waik the right path and do the right thing. CMAT 2025 preparation in one month will require quick syllabus coverage and extensive practice. You must also focus on time bound revision and mock test practice. 

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.

If you appeared for CAT 2024, SNAP 2024, XAT 2025; all you will need to do is practice CMAT mock tests and study GK. If you plan to appear for only CMAT exam, then you need to put in four to six hours daily for CMAT preparation, but before that you need to make a one-month CMAT preparation strategy. Read below for detailed CMAT exam strategy for one-month preparation.

How to prepare for CMAT 2025 in One Month

To prepare for CMAT 2025 in one month, start with the toughest subject. Since, the time is less, focus on the subject you find toughest. Check CMAT 2025 syllabus and make a list of topics starting from toughest to easiest. Allot time for them accordingly and start the preparation.

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CMAT exam pattern is almost similar to other MBA exams, i.e. MCQs on Quantitative Techniques, Reasoning, English and GK so the books and study material will be same. Since the time is less, the candidates must start practicing CMAT mock tests and previous years question papers simultaneously while covering the syllabus.

Download: Previous Year CMAT question papers PDFs

Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2025

Given below is the list of best books for CMAT 2025. You should study for the exam from these books and practice test exercises given:

CMAT Books

Author

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 RS Aggarwal

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

T.I.M.E.

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 Standard 8, 9 and 10

NCERT

Quantitative Aptitude

Dr RS Aggarwal

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)

One Month Preparation Tips for CMAT 2025

  • CMAT Mock Tests: Practicing previous years’ CMAT question papers and mock tests will help you strengthen your grip on topics and discover short cuts of solving calculation heavy equations. With one month left for CMAT 2025, practice one CMAT mock test on alternate days. Make it a point to analyse the result of each mock test and work upon the gaps.
  • Problem Solving Sessions: Participate in problem solving sessions in online study groups to get your doubts cleared. Online mentors and guides will teach you tricks and shortcuts to solve questions faster and more accurately. The online groups are also helpful in boosting the moral and confidence. 
  • Revision: Start chapter-wise revision 14 days before the exam. No amount of exam preparation will be useful, if you appear for the exam without ample revision. Take out an hour to go through all the concepts and formulae in the last 14 days. This is also the time to revise GK. If you have been following news, current affair will not be an issue. For static GK topics, the best approach is regular revision. Make short notes – write them down in a notebook. Go through the notes a day before the exam.
  • Focus on exam day strategy: Make sure you understand the CMAT 2025 exam pattern properly i.e. know the section-wise break up, topic-wise weightage and difficulty level. The choice of questions plays an important role in overall scoring. CMAT exam 2025 will have negative marking and it is better to skip a question instead of answering it incorrectly. Develop the skill of identifying the questions that can be solved with 100 per cent accuracy.
  • Time Management: Another aspect of CMAT preparation is that you need to focus on learning time-management. CMAT 2025 will have 100 questions and the duration of the exam is 180 minutes, which means you will get 1.8 minutes for each question, including reading exam related instructions, RC passages, mathematical calculation, etc. So, develop pace and accuracy in solving sample questions in the last one month.

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.

Points to Keep in Mind for CMAT Exam 2025

  • CMAT 2025 will have negative marking of minus one mark for wrong answer. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions.
  • There will be no sectional time-limit in CMAT2025. Candidates can choose the chronology of sections to answer as per their convenience.
  • Focus on meeting sectional cut offs of CMAT, first. If there’s enough time left, attempt the questions left behind one more time.
  • Start with easy questions first and then move to tough questions. Attempt GK section at last as it should not take more than 10-15 minutes.
  • The CMAT question paper is generally of moderate difficulty. RC passages in the Language Comprehension section are also often easily understandable.

Read More:

CMAT Mock Test

Shiksha offers free CMAT Mock Tests for candidates to practice and prepare for the exam. These CMAT mock tests are prepared on the basis of actual CMAT exams (previous sessions). Candidates can practice for free.

CMAT_Mock_Test_1 CMAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
CMAT_Mock_Test_2 CMAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions
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 6 hours 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 6

Answered 5 days 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 5 days 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 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

...more

R

Ranjeeta Rai

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Arihant MCA Entrances 2025

As per my opinion this book is best for MCA.

N

Nitin prakash sonkar

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),

...more

59928193
Amit Saini

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

...more

B

Bhavani

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 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

...more

71271179
Sankalp Anand

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 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

...more

K

Kritika Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 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.

Admission Process:

  • Students are primarily admitted based on merit through these exams, followed by a counseling p

...more

S

Suyash Pandey

Contributor-Level 9