Best Book for CMAT 2025 Preparation: Check Section-wise Books recommended by experts

Common Management Admission Test 2025 ( CMAT )

13.7K Views5.9K Comments

Registration: 14 Nov '24 - 13 Dec '24

Vipra Shrivastava

Vipra ShrivastavaSenior Manager - Content

Updated on Sep 5, 2024 18:18 IST

CMAT books hold the key to smart preparation. Aspirants must choose only the best books for CMAT preparation having topic-wise explanations as well as sample questions of various difficulty levels for practice. Although the CMAT syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams, the type of questions asked are different. Thus, aspirants must make sure to study from the books that are specially recommended for CMAT exam 2025. 

CMAT books are available in the market and can be purchased online as well as offline. So those preparing for CMAT 2025 exam, must get hold of the best books for CMAT. The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana is considered the best book for CMAT preparation. Apart from this book, you should also study from the CMAT books listed below.

Q:   Is CMAT easier than CAT?

A:

Yes, CMAT is much easier that CAT exam. Despite the fact that CMAT and CAT syllabus are same and that CMAT has two more sections than CAT the former is much easier than the latter. The CAT exam is usually of moderate to high difficulty level, whereas the CMAT exam is of easy to moderate difficulty level.

There are key differences between CMAT and CAT which make the former easier. There is no sectional time limit in CMAT so candidates do not face the pressure of completing a given section within certain time limit. In CAT there are 4-5 Reading Comprehension passages which are 500-600 words, and 12-14 question.

In CMAT there is usually, only one Reading Comprehension passage, having 4 questions. The Quantitative Aptitude questions of CMAT are also easier than CAT and so are Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions. It is easier to score high percentile in CMAT as the number of applicants is more than one Lacs less in CAT.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

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.

Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

Q:   What is the latest CMAT exam pattern?

A:
The latest CMAT exam pattern as prescribed by the National Testing Agency NTA is as follows: The question paper carries 100 question. The format of questions is multiple choice type where for each question, four options are given to choose the correct answer from. The 100 questions are divided equally between five sections, Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Each of the five sections carry 20 questions. Earlier, there were only four sections in CMAT and each section has 25 questions. In 2021, Innovation and Entrepreneurship was added as the fifth section. The time limit for CMAT is 180 minutes without sectional time limit or break. As per the latest marking scheme, for every correct option 4 marks are awarded and for every incorrect option, one mark is deducted. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions.
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

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.
Thumbs Up IconUpvote Thumbs Down Icon

CMAT Books for Preparation: Syllabus to Cover

Before checking the list of best books for CMAT exam preparation 2025, check out the section-wise exam syllabus. Knowing the CMAT syllabus is important for making the preparation plan and arranging relevant study material, specially for, Innovation and Entrepreneurship section. Given below is the table indicating CMAT syllabus and important topics from which questions are asked. 

CMAT Syllabus CMAT Important Topics

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

Algebra, Time-Speed-Distance, Mensuration, Allegation & Mixtures, Geometry, Graph, Quadratic and Linear Equations, etc.

Logical Reasoning

Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Venn Diagram, Blood Relationship Tests, etc.

Language Comprehension

Reading Comprehension, Grammar, English Usage Errors, Parajumbles, etc.

General Awareness

Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Optional paper having questions related to innovation, entrepreneurship and start up business

Also Read:

Explore subject-wise topics asked in CMAT

Select your preferred subject

Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

CMAT Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section is moderately difficult and the questions are mainly asked from Arithmetic. Check the table below for CMAT books for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation preparation:

CMAT Books

Author Name/Publisher

How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education)

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

The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams

Pearson

Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips: Cracking Quantitative Aptitude & Data Interpretation

VARC Preparation Tips DILR Preparation Tips QA Preparation Tips

Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Logical Reasoning

Logical Reasoning questions of CMAT are easy to moderate. However, in this section practice is important for scoring well. Most of the questions are logic based so you need to know what to see and what to ignore. Check the table below for recommended CMAT books for Analytical and Logical Reasoning preparation:

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)

Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips 2025: Cracking Logical Reasoning

Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Language Comprehension

Language Comprehenshion section of CMAT is similar to CAT but has less number of RC passages. The passages are of low difficulty level. There are more grammar and vocabulary based question. Check the table below for CMAT books for Language Comprehension preparation:

CMAT Books

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 RS Aggarwal

For strengthening English Grammar and Vocabulary, the candidates must refer to the following books:

  • 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
  • A Communicative Grammar of English by Geoffrey Leech and Jan Svartvik

Also Read: CMAT Preparation 2025: Cracking Language Comprehension

Best Books for CMAT Preparation: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Given below are some of the books that will help you to prepare for CMAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship section which was introduced in 2021. 

  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship by Peter F. Drucker
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R Gopal
  • Entrepreneurship - Robert D. Hisrich
  • Manorama Year Book - Mammen Mathew

Also Read: CMAT Preparation 2024: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Best Books for CMAT Preparation: General Awareness

To prepare for General Awareness section of CMAT exam, candidates must refer to GK Year Books. Apart from that, candidates must also read newspapers and current affairs magazines regularly. This will give them the exposure to current affairs and business news. Some of the magazines and journals recommended for CMAT 2025 preparation are: 

  • Economic Times
  • Business Today
  • The Financial Times
  • Hindu Business Line
  • Financial Express
  • Business World

Additional CMAT Study Material

Apart from CMAT books, candidates should prepare for the exam through sample papers and mock test series. Given below are key benefits of practicing CMAT mock tests:

  • Since CMAT is a speed-based test, candidates need to be capable of applying concepts and formulae to questions within a few seconds for solving them. This can be learnt only by solving sample papers and practicing CMAT mock test series.
  • CAT mock tests are a replica of the actual exam. Practicing the CMAT mock test helps the candidate in not only developing speed of solving the question within a certain time limit, but also helps them in developing the skill of solving the questions with maximum accuracy.
  • Practising CAT mock tests is also necessary to develop the skill of choosing the right questions in the exam. Candidates can judge their strong and weak areas by solving CMAT mock tests. They can assess which topics of the CMAT syllabus are easy to handle in the exam and which are not. This knowledge will help them in choosing only those questions which they can solve accurately, there by reducing the risk of negative marking.
  • CMAT is an online test. The technology may slow down the first timers. If a candidate does not have a prior experience of a Computer-Based Test, they may end up wasting time in understanding the exam flow. But if they shall have practiced online CMAT mock tests before they will be able to navigate through the actual exam easily.
Free VARC Questions with Answers for Practice Free DILR Questions with Answers for Practice Free Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice

CMAT Mock Test by Shiksha

CMAT_Mock_Test_1 CMAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
CMAT_Mock_Test_2 CMAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

Read More:

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 Preparation

Check here Frequently Asked Questions related to CMAT books:

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates

Download Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams

1400 Institutes accepting CMAT

MBA in Agriculture and Food Business
  • Total Fees: ₹ 6.00 Lakh
  • |
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • 4.4

    Placements

    4.2

    Infrastructure

    4.5

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.3

    Crowd & Campus Life

    4.6

    Value for Money

    4.3

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (648)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 8.00 Lakh
  • |
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Discontinued (Sep 2024)- MBA (Business Analytics)
  • 4.2

    Placements

    3.9

    Infrastructure

    4.4

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.1

    Crowd & Campus Life

    4.4

    Value for Money

    4.3

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (632)
  • |
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time
Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM)
  • 3.9

    Placements

    3.8

    Infrastructure

    4.1

    Faculty & Course Curriculum

    4.1

    Crowd & Campus Life

    3.9

    Value for Money

    3.8

    Learning Experience

    0.0

    Course Support

    0.0
    (281)
  • |
  • Total Fees: ₹ 15.75 Lakh
  • |
  • 2 years
  • |
  • Full Time

Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates

17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24: IIFT 2025 registration and application submission
3 Dec '24 - 5 Dec '24: CAT 2024 answer key challenge
7 Sep '24 - 7 Dec '24: MAT 2024 Registration Process PBT
4 Dec '24 - 7 Dec '24: MICAT (I) admit card download
Dec '24: KMAT 2024 Result (Session 2)