CMAT Syllabus 2025 (Available): Download Latest CMAT Exam Syllabus PDF

Common Management Admission Test 2025 ( CMAT )

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Admit Card: 17 Jan '25

Vipra Shrivastava

Vipra ShrivastavaSenior Manager - Content

Updated on Dec 31, 2024 16:17 IST

CMAT syllabus 2025 has been prescribed by AICTE. It includes Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. CMAT 2025 exam aspirants must prepare the syllabus with equal focus on all topics as every section has same weightage. To cover the CMAT 2025 syllabus, candidates must refer to recommended books and study material. They must also make a plan to cover every topic included in the syllabus for CMAT in a time bound manner. Check below the CMAT syllabus 2025. 

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.

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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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Q:   What are the benefits of appearing in CMAT?

A:

There are several benefits of appearing in the CMAT exam. It is easier than other exams and accepted by many B-schools. Check below some of the key benefits of CMAT.

  • CMAT is conducted at the end of MBA entrance exam season, so MBA aspirants don't have to study much as the previous experience of exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP comes in use.
  • CMAT score is accepted by about 1,300 MBA colleges in India which includes top colleges in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. 
  • CMAT exam is a moderate difficulty level exam so it is easier to score high in CMAT than CAT, XAT, IIFT, GMAT.
  • CMAT cut offs for admission to top colleges are not exceptionally high, so you can get a good MBA college with a decent CMAT score.
  • There's no 50 per cent aggregate criteria for CMAT application. Candidates with passing marks in graduation can also appear for the exam. 
  • CMAT application fee for women and reserved category candidates is only INR 1,000 which is quite less as compared to CAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP fees.
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What is the CMAT Syllabus 2025?

CMAT is a moderate difficulty level exam and its syllabus can be covered in about 2-4 months, as the topics are same as topics of other MBA entrance exams. Given below are some of the most important topics from the five sections of CMAT 2025 syllabus. These topics carry more weightage in the CMAT question paper than rest of the topics. So while preparing for the CMAT exam 2025, focus on these topics more.

CMAT syllabus

CMAT syllabus

CMAT Syllabus 2025

Number of question and total marks

Important CMAT Topics

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20 questions/80 marks

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

Logical Reasoning

20 questions/80 marks

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

Language Comprehension

20 questions/80 marks

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

General Awareness

20 questions/80 marks

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

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

20 questions/80 marks

Questions related to innovation, entrepreneurship and start up business

Explore subject-wise topics asked in CMAT

Select your preferred subject

Section Wise CMAT Syllabus 2025: Latest PDF

Given below is the CMAT syllabus PDF having section-wise topics that candidates must study while preparing for CMAT 2025 exam. Aspirants must study all the topics included in the CMAT syllabus and not ignore any as questions can be asked from anywhere. Main focus should remain on the dominant topics but one should pay attention to even those topics from which only 1 or 2 questions are asked.

Download CMAT Syllabus PDF

CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights

CMAT exam pattern is similar to other MBA entrance exams. The questions are in MCQ format with four options to choose the right answer from. Check below key highlights of CMAT exam pattern 2025:

  • All the sections of CMAT 2025 exam will have an equal number of questions (20 each).
  • There will be 100 questions in the CMAT 2025 exam. Solving all the questions is not mandatory.
  • Total marks of CMAT 2025 will be 400. Each question will carry 4 marks.
  • There will be negative marking of -1 for incorrect attempts
  • CMAT exam will be held in Computer-Based-Test mode at designated test centres.
  • Candidates will have to key in their answers with the help of computer mouse.
  • There will be no subjective type questions in CMAT 2025.
  • The time duration will be 180 minutes or 3 hours.
  • There will be no sectional time-limit in CMAT.
  • Extra time will be given to PwD candidates.

Also Read: CMAT 2025 exam pattern

CMAT Syllabus for Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

The CMAT Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section has 20 questions in MCQ format. Most of the questions are asked from Arithmetic and Algebra. The difficulty level is usually moderate. Check the table below for included in the CMAT syllabus for Quantitative Aptitude:

CMAT Syllabus: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Topics

  • Tabulation
  • Geometry
  • Pipes and Cisterns
  • Time-Speed-Distance
  • Alligation & Mixtures
  • Profit and Loss
  • Permutations & Combinations
  • Percentages
  • Work and Time
  • In-equations
  • Quadratic and linear equations
  • Line Graph 
  • Number System
  • Ratio and Proportion
  • Pie Chart, Bar Chart

CMAT Syllabus for Logical Reasoning

The CMAT Logical Reasoning section has 20 MCQs. Most of the questions are logic based so the candidate needs to work upon basic concepts and practice a good number of sample questions to score well. For Logical Reasoning candidates must practice a variety of topics of various difficulty levels. Check below the topics of Logical Reasoning section of CMAT 2025 syllabus:

CMAT Syllabus: Logical Reasoning

  • Analogy Test
  • Direction and Distance Test
  • Linear Arrangements
  • Blood Relationship Tests
  • Ranking Tests
  • Statements and Arguments
  • Coding and Decoding
  • Statements Assumptions
  • Inferences
  • Statements and Conclusion
  • Matrix Arrangements
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Symbol Based Problems
  • Number Series
  • Cause and Effects

CMAT Syllabus for Language Comprehension

The CMAT Language Comprehension section has 20 questions divided into – Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. There are usually 2-3 short Reading Comprehension paragraphs which are easy to read. Verbal Ability questions are asked from vocabulary and grammar. Unlike CAT, the CMAT is not dominated by RC/parajumbles. Most of the questions are based on grammar and vocabulary. So it is easier to score in this section. Given below are the Important topics for English Language section of CMAT syllabus 2025:

CMAT Syllabus: Language Comprehension

  • English Usage Errors
  • Synonyms
  • English Grammar
  • Antonyms
  • One-Word Substitution
  • Sentence Correction
  • Idioms

CMAT Syllabus for General Awareness

The CMAT General Awareness section also has 20 questions which is a mixed bag of current affairs and static GK. Important topics of General Awareness section of CMAT syllabus are given below. During preparation, candidates must focus on memorising even seemingly unimportant details of events as the question can be based on any aspect of a particular event. Most of the questions are asked from Static GK so more emphasis should be laid on those.

CMAT Syllabus: General Awareness

  • Literature
  • Trade Awareness
  • Geography
  • Indian Constitution
  • Politics
  • History
  • Current Affairs of National and International Economy
  • Economics
  • Culture
  • Personalities in News
  • Sports News
  • Science in Everyday Life

CMAT Syllabus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a subject that interests management aspirants greatly, so preparing for it is not tough. This subject appears only in CMAT and one can crack it with basic preparation from previous year questions. This section is somewhat similar to Business Studies, so candidates who have studied in in HSc and Graduation will not find Innovation and Entrepreneurship difficult to prepare. Given below are the topics included in CMAT 2025 syllabus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

  • Concepts of Entrepreneurship
  • Overview of Entrepreneurship
  • Evolution of Entrepreneurship in India
  • Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development
  • Theories and Models of Entrepreneurship
  • Framework of Entrepreneurship Theories
  • Models of Entrepreneurship
  • Emerging Models of Corporate Entrepreneurship
  • Dimensions of Entrepreneurship
  • Entrepreneurial Society
  • Entrepreneurial Culture
  • Rural Entrepreneurship
  • Women Entrepreneurship
  • Emerging Trends in Social Entrepreneurship
  • Principles of Business Organisation
  • Motivation, Communication and Leadership

Also Read: CMAT Preparation 2025: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Best Books for CMAT Preparation 2025

Since, the syllabus of CMAT is the same as CAT exam, books recommended for the latter will be good enough for CMAT preparation too. Candidates must refer to only the recommended books for exam preparation and practice sample questions. Below mentioned are the best books for CMAT 2025: 

Best Books for CMAT: Quantitative Aptitude

Quantitative Aptitude section of CMAT is usually on the tougher side. Check the table below to know the best books to cover the Quantitative Aptitude section of CMAT syllabus:

CMAT books for Quantitative Aptitude

Author Name/Publisher

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill Education)

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission Into IIMs

Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant)

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

Abhijit Guha (McGraw Hill Education)

NCERT Mathematics Books for Standard 8, 9 and 10

NCERT

Quantitative Aptitude

Dr RS Aggarwal

Best Books for CMAT: Logical Reasoning

Practicing a large pool of Logical Reasoning questions will be good. Check the table below to know the best books to cover the Logical Reasoning section of CMAT syllabus:

CMAT books for Logical Reasoning

Author Name/Publisher

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT

Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill Education)

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT

Nishit K Sinha (Pearson)

Best Books for CMAT: Language Comprehension

Language Comprehension of CMAT is easy to moderate in terms of difficulty level. Check the table below to know the best books to cover the Language Comprehension section of CMAT syllabus:

CMAT books for English

Author Name/Publisher

How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT

Arun Sharma (McGraw 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 R S Aggarwal

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

TIME

Besides these books, one must also study from The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana. This book is exclusively for CMAT preparation.

Other useful books to improve English Vocabulary and Grammar for CMAT exam are listed below:

  • Wren & Martin English Grammar

  • Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

  • Business English and Communication by John O E Clark

  • 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary by Norman Lewis

  • The Students’ Companion by Wilfred D Best

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

Best Books for CMAT: General Awareness

For preparation of static GK candidiates must refer to GK Year Books. To strengthen Current Affairs, the best rescources are newspapers and journals. Given below are some of the recommended year books.

CMAT Preparation for GK: Newspapers and Journals

Economic Times

The Financial Times

Wall Street Journal

Financial Express

Business Today

Business World

Management Compass Career Launcher

Competition Success Review

CMAT Preparation Tips 2025

Mock Tests play a very important role in CMAT preparation 2025. The main aim of an aspirant should be to practice as many CMAT mock tests as they can, after completing the syllabus. Shiksha has created a free CMAT mock test for candidates to practice and see their control over various topics. This CMAT mock test has been prepared on the basis of actual CMAT question papers and are of same difficulty level as the actual exam.

CMAT_Mock_Test_1 CMAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
CMAT_Mock_Test_2 CMAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

To know how to and what to study for the exam, check out the following articles for CMAT exam preparation tips:

Get CMAT tips from previous years toppers from the links listed below for CMAT preparation 2025.

CMAT topper emphasizes on the importance of  mock tests

How self-study helped Saras Suhane score 100 percentile in CMAT

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 Syllabus 2025

Check below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to CMAT Syllabus:

News & Updates

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

Download Important Dates for MBA/PGDM Exams

1403 Institutes accepting CMAT

MBA in Agriculture and Food Business
  • Total Fees: ₹ 7.80 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
    (649)
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  • Total Fees: ₹ 8.00 Lakh
  • |
  • 2 years
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  • 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

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