A Detailed Look at CMAT Exam Syllabus for All Sections

Updated on 25 January, 2024

Shivangi Mishra

Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

Those dreaming of a successful business management career in India can greatly benefit from the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT). This exam can be your ticket to some of the leading management colleges in the country. Having a deep understanding of the CMAT exam syllabus is crucial to qualifying it. CMAT scores are used to accept applicants to all AICTE-approved colleges, university departments, constituent colleges, and affiliated colleges.

What is CMAT Syllabus

The CMAT exam syllabus serves as a roadmap to the crucial knowledge areas and competencies for success in this exam. The syllabus for CMAT paper pattern covers six key sections: General Awareness, Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It’s framed with topics that test a candidate's proficiency based on their reasoning abilities, language proficiency, and knowledge of business trends.

Section-Wise CMAT Syllabus

Here is a look at the detailed syllabus for each section.

CMAT Syllabus for Quantitative Techniques 

The Quantitative Technique section covers several topics: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry and Mensuration, and Numbers.

  • Arithmetic: Profit Loss & Discount, SI/CI, Speed & Distance, Time & Work, Mixtures and Alignments, and Percentage & Ratios.
  • Geometry & Mensuration: Triangles, Circles, Parallelograms, Polygons, and 2D and 3D Mensuration.
  • Algebra: Inequalities, Polynomial expressions, Surds and Indices, Functions, and Quadratic Equations
  • Numbers: Number Series, Comparison of Numbers, Number of Zeros, Remainder Theorem, LCM, HCF, and Unit’s digit
  • Others: Probability, Permutation and Combination

CMAT Syllabus for Data Interpretation

The topics covered in the Data Interpretation section are as follows:

  • Trend/Line Graphs
  • Bar Graphs
  • Tabular Data
  • Caselets
  • Missing Data
  • Pie Charts
  • Combination Graphs
  • Tabular Data 

CMAT Syllabus for Logical Reasoning

The Logical Reasoning section of the CMAT exam consists of 20 questions. The topics of the Logical Reasoning section include:

  • Sequencing
  • Statements and conclusions
  • Matrix Arrangements
  • Blood Relations
  • Cause and Effects
  • Number Series
  • Clocks and Calendars
  • Critical reasoning
  • Identifying Valid Inferences
  • Direction
  • Seating Arrangement
  • Analogy Test
  • Symbol Based Problems
  • Statements and assumptions
  • Visual reasoning
  • Cause and Effect
  • Ranking Tests
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Identifying arguments
  • Symbol Based Problems

CMAT Syllabus for Language Comprehension

The topics covered in the language comprehension section of the CMAT exam are as follows:

  • Antonyms and Synonyms
  • Fact Inference and Judgement (FIJ)
  • Sentence Correction
  • Contextual usage
  • Jumbled paragraphs
  • Different usage of the same word
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Fill in the Blanks
  • Analogies
  • Idioms and Phrases
  • Odd one out
  • Syllogisms
  • English Usage Errors
  • Sentence Improvement
  • Foreign language words used in English
  • Paragraph Completion
  • One word substitution
  • Verbal Reasoning

CMAT Syllabus for General Awareness

The topics covered in the General Awareness section of the CMAT exam are as follows:

  • Current Affairs of International Economy
  • Business
  • Major corporate events
  • Famous awards and prizes
  • Science in Everyday Life
  • Indian Constitution
  • Culture
  • Geography
  • Personalities in News
  • World Records
  • Indian Polity
  • Economics
  • Current Affairs of National Economy
  • Books and authors
  • History
  • Finance
  • Sports News
  • Trade Awareness

CMAT Syllabus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The topics covered in the Innovation & Entrepreneurship section of the CMAT exam are as follows:

Innovation: Creativity and Stimulation, Innovation Adoption of Life Cycles, Innovation Management Terms & Concepts, Innovation Strategy, 3 Types of Idea Management Systems, Product Portfolio, and Innovation Project Management.

Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial Development, Project Management: Feasibility Studies, Cost-Benefit Analysis, Venture Capital Investments and Funds, Governmental Role in Promoting Entrepreneurship and Skill Development, Banking and Financing, Financial Institutions and their Role in Entrepreneurship Promotion, Development, procedures, and identifying problems in implementing business ideas. 

Best Books for CMAT Preparation

There are several highly-rated books for CMAT exam preparation. Moreover, the authors of these books have also cleared competitive exams such as XAT, GMAT, SNAP, etc., with excellent scores. In addition to XAT, GMAT, SNAP, etc., these experts have also successfully sat for other competitive exams. Therefore, their books can be very helpful for you.

1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation:

  • "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude" by Arun Sharma
  • "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal
  • “Quantitative Aptitude for the CMAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations” by Jaimin Shah

2. Logical Reasoning:

  • “How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT” by Arun Sharma
  • “A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-verbal Reasoning” By R.S. Aggarwal
  • “A New Approach to Reasoning” By B.S. Sijwali & S. Sijwali Arihant

3. Language Comprehension:

  • “The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability” by Sujit Kumar
  • “Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT” by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay
  • “Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension” by Ajay Singh

4. General Awareness:

  • The Pearson Concise General Knowledge Manual
  • Social Issues and Institutions
  • General Knowledge

5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

  • "Innovation and Entrepreneurship" by Peter F. Drucker
  • "Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management” by R Gopal”

FAQs

Is Innovation and Entrepreneurship an easy section in the CMAT exam?

It can be tough for those who do not know what business is. Yet, if equipped with proper preparation and knowledge of entrepreneurship, the obstacle can be overcome without any problems. 

What should I do to prepare for General Awareness?

Keep track of the latest happenings by reading newspapers, periodicals, and online material. Concentrate on business, economics, and world events.

Are there any sectional time limits in CMAT?

No, CMAT doesn't have sectional time limits. However, effective time management is crucial to attempt all sections within the overall time frame. 

Can I crack the CMAT without coaching?

Yes, many candidates have managed to crack the CMAT through self-study. Make use of the right study materials, be disciplined in your preparation, and take mock tests for self-evaluation.

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Shivangi Mishra

Sr. Content Editor

She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!

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