How to Prepare for CMAT 2026 in 1 Month - Best Tips and Strategies

How to Prepare for CMAT 2026 in 1 Month - Best Tips and Strategies

Hitesh SahuUpdated on 14 Jan 2026, 12:06 PM IST

How to Prepare for CMAT 2026 in 1 Month - Preparing for CMAT 2026 in just one month may feel intense, but with the right strategy, it is absolutely manageable. With the CMAT 2026 exam scheduled for January 25, 2026, aspirants must focus on smart preparation rather than extensive syllabus coverage. Prioritising high-weightage topics, revising core concepts, and practising through mock tests can yield strong results. A disciplined study plan, effective time management, and regular performance analysis are essential to maximise scores in the final month before the CMAT 2026 exam.

This Story also Contains

  1. How To Prepare For CMAT 2026 in 1 Month
  2. Understanding the CMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus
  3. Last Month Preparation Tips for CMAT 2026 Exam
  4. CMAT Preparation in One Month: Time Table
  5. Last Day Preparation Strategy for CMAT 2026
  6. Books and Other Resources
  7. Free Topic-wise MCQ PDFs for CMAT
  8. Best Resources to Excel in CMAT 2026 Exam
How to Prepare for CMAT 2026 in 1 Month - Best Tips and Strategies
CMAT One Month Preparation Tips

How To Prepare For CMAT 2026 in 1 Month

Being an aspirant, it’s natural that you want to know how to prepare for CMAT 2026 in 1 month. Since not a lot of time is left, it is important to follow a proper study schedule and some effective strategies and tips given in the article, such as:

  • Focusing on time management

  • Not covering new topics practicing using mock tests

  • Revising regularly

  • Giving as many CMAT mock test as possible

  • Focus more on doing PYQs for better understanding of exam pattern

  • Strategized your way to approach the question paper

If you are ready to work hard and determined to get a good CMAT score, read the article.

Understanding the CMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The CMAT score is accepted by about 1,300 B-schools (government and private) in India. Some of the other details are as follows -

EXAM NAME

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

CONDUCTING BODY

National Testing Agency (NTA)

FREQUENCY OF THE EXAM

Once a year

MODE OF EXAM

Online - Computer Based Test (CBT) mode

EXAM MEDIUM

English

NUMBER OF SECTIONS

1. Language Comprehension

2. Quant & DI

3. Logical Reasoning

4. General Knowledge

5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship

QUESTION TYPE

Objective – MCQ format

TOTAL QUESTIONS

100

TOTAL MARKS

400

SECTIONAL TIME LIMIT

NO

DURATION OF EXAM

3 hours (180 minutes)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF EXAM

Moderate to Difficult

COURSE OFFERED

MBA/PGDM

NO. OF TEST CITIES

124

Marking Scheme:

  • Each question carries 04 marks.

  • For each correct response, the candidate will get 04 marks.

  • For each incorrect response, there is a negative marking of 01.

  • Unanswered/unattempted questions will be given no marks.

  • The candidate needs to choose only one option as the correct answer

  • However, in case the Answer Key is challenged later and there are multiple correct options or some change in the key, only those candidates who have attempted it correctly as per the revised Answer key will be awarded marks.

  • In case a question is canceled due to some technical error, full marks shall be given to all the candidates – even to those who have not attempted that specific question.

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Also Read - What Are the Best Books for Preparation of CMAT Score

Last Month Preparation Tips for CMAT 2026 Exam

Given below are a few tips that the candidates can follow to maximise their CMAT 2026 preparation within the limited time available to them.

Create a Study Plan

Now let’s move on to the main concern - how to crack CMAT in 1 month. For the remaining one month, you need to make a study plan and follow it strictly but at the same time, not so strictly that it starts hurting your preparation itself.

Be open to some flexibility as the need arises.

To prepare for the CMAT in a month, begin by organizing the material into parts based on priority and difficulty. List your skills and limitations, and estimate how much time you'll need for each subject. Don't let exam stress deter you; instead, discover your entire CMAT Syllabus and ensure your strongest points without overestimating them. Maintain a balanced approach to time allocation, and remember that practice is essential.

Begin with the easy subjects to gain momentum, since marking off accomplished tasks will enhance your confidence. To avoid becoming stuck or losing attention, start with easier tasks. To maintain clarity and efficiency, finish one subject before moving on to the next.

Employ Effective Learning Techniques to Crack CMAT

Now let’s see what effective learning techniques you can make use of if you wish to crack CMAT in 1 month.

One is summarizing. If you study a topic, the best way to memorize the key points is to write a summary of that topic. This technique works with the subjects that have the theory part which requires understanding as well as mugging up facts. Here we can take the example of the section Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Some of the topics that you need to cover are as follows –

  • Concepts of innovation and business

  • Entrepreneurship vs start ups

  • Entrepreneurship vs business

  • Types of startups

  • Types of Entrepreneurships

  • Entrepreneurship and government policies

CMAT 2026: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This eBook also includes Idioms and Phrases, Phrasal Verbs, Permutation & Combination, Geometry and Mensuration, Most important English words to boost their exam preparation.
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Now an effective strategy to prepare for CMAT in 1 month can be to understand a particular concept and then write a summary of it. If you think it will take a lot of time, and time is not on your side, you can write a summary of just the key points – not exactly complete sentences. Because the purpose is to learn, not to increase your writing speed. So, the key is to change the entire comprehensive topic into one-liners which will also be very helpful just before the exam, when you can brush up on the important facts at a glance.

Similarly, the summarizing technique works wonders while studying the General Knowledge section which includes Static GK as well as Current Affairs. For instance, you are very well aware of the importance of Chandrayaan-3 as far as CMAT 2026 , or any other exam, is concerned. There are numerous questions that can be framed on this topic, some of which are as follows –

  • What was the launch date of Chandrayaan 3 mission?

  • Which launcher has been used for Chandrayaan-3?

  • How much did the Chandrayaan 3 mission cost?

  • What is the total weight of Chandrayaan 3?

  • What is the one thing that Chandrayaan 3 has but Chandrayaan 2 did not have?

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So, it is advisable to note down such points in order to learn and revise them. You may also create quizzes for yourself which help a lot in learning GK. One more effective technique is to teach someone what you yourself have to study – even if it is free of cost, of course! But for that, you need to find someone who is willing to be your student!

Time Management

Considering the limited amount of time that is left, the importance of effective time management increases even more. If you have a clear study plan before you, regarding the time needed to tackle each topic, and are able to follow that plan, it will reduce your anxiety and stress and give you the feeling that you are in control of things. It is essential to set realistic goals and deadlines to stay motivated. Even allow yourself to fall sometimes. Being too hard on yourself is not going to help you.

Do Not Cover New Topics

You need to make the most of whatever time you have for which you need to prioritize high-scoring topics while allocating study time for each. You need to know which topics are more important and have more weightage while deciding the study time for them.

For example, Economics, in its entirety, is considered slightly more important than the other GK subjects for CMAT so you are required to plan and study accordingly.

Similarly, if we talk about Quant, these topics are considered more important so they should get more time in your study schedule.

1. Time, Speed and Distance

2. Geometry & Mensuration

3. Number System, Basic Arithmetic

4. Percentage

5. Linear Equations in Two Variables

6. Time and Work

7. Bar graph

8. Line graph

Studying and only studying does help, however, even if you do not have much time, but are able to maintain your concentration throughout, it will bring the same benefits, probably even more because the main thing is not the time you spend studying but the focus with which you study. It is not advisable to study for long hours at a stretch. Break down your study sessions into shorter, focused intervals so as to maintain concentration. Study in short time blocks in order to boost your concentration like 1-2 hours at a time while taking 5-minute breaks every one hour which will also help you to remember a greater proportion of what you learned.

Practice Using Mock Tests and Previous Year’s Question Papers

Mock tests and PYQs are essential to your preparation because they give you a reality check and a feel of the actual exam. Practice the previous years’ questions of CMAT. Make it a point to do each and every previous year question that you can get hold of. These papers and such full-length mock tests will give you a comprehensive approach to the exam and help you identify the sections where you need to improve.

While solving a mock test do make a note of the type of questions in which you are taking too long or which you are getting wrong. Restudy those topics. If there is some topic that you are not able to understand or learn no matter how much you are trying – it’s better to leave it out and utilize that saved time and effort for some other topics which are as important or more. Keep track of your progress in terms of the correct attempts and the time taken to solve the mock test by doing a thorough analysis of the mock test results.

Regular Revision

The last step before the exam would be to revise for which you have to plan ahead as a thorough revision can take up a considerable time. Do not study any new topic at the end. It can lead to panic. But if it is a very important topic that you somehow missed and not a lengthy one, do consider doing it if manageable. Go through the important topics again. Revise all the concepts, theorems, formulae, shortcuts, and one-liners that you made notes of. The important thing is to go to the examination center with a relaxed mind.

CMAT Preparation in One Month: Time Table

Preparing for the CMAT examination in one month can be challenging but it is not impossible. Careers360 has designed a timetable which can be followed by the candidates to ensure that they complete the entire syllabus of the CMAT examination in one month. This time table can be followed by candidates who are extremely new to the examination and the candidates who have completed the CMAT syllabus and are currently undergoing their last round of preparation.

Day

Section

Topics

Focus Areas

Day 1

Quantitative Techniques

Tabulation, Pie Chart, Bar Chart, Line Graph

Understand concepts, analyze data, and interpret graphs.

Day 2

Probability, Quadratic and Linear Equations

Solve equations and apply probability to practical problems.

Day 3

Geometry, Profit and Loss, Mensuration

Revisit key formulas and applications.

Day 4

Ratios and Proportion, Fraction and Decimals

Strengthen foundational concepts with focused practice.

Day 5

Work and Time, Time-Speed-Distance, Number Systems

Solve practical and complex problems.

Day 6

Practice Problems

Revise and consolidate all concepts covered so far.

Day 7

Logical Reasoning

Analytical Reasoning, Cause and Effects

Build logical connections and reason out relationships.

Day 8

Non-Verbal Reasoning, Linear Arrangements

Practice spatial reasoning and arrangement problems.

Day 9

Matrix Arrangements, Ranking Tests

Focus on ranking and order-based reasoning.

Day 10

Coding and Decoding, Sequencing

Develop pattern recognition and sequence analysis.

Day 11

Statements Arguments, Blood Relationship Tests

Learn logical argumentation and relationship identification.

Day 12

Analogy Test, Symbol Based Problems

Enhance skills in identifying analogies and solving symbol-based reasoning.

Day 13

Practice Problems

Apply learned techniques to solve logical reasoning problems.

Day 14

Language Comprehension

English Grammar, Paragraph Completion

Master grammar rules and complete paragraphs logically.

Day 15

Sentence Improvement, English Usage Errors

Refine sentence structures and improve grammatical accuracy.

Day 16

Synonyms and Antonyms, Reading Comprehension

Expand vocabulary and enhance comprehension skills.

Day 17

One-word Substitution, Idioms and Phrases, Jumbled Para

Enhance vocabulary and rearrangement skills.

Day 18

Sentence Correction, Paragraph Completion

Refine grammatical accuracy and logical paragraph completion.

Day 19

Practice Problems

Solve varied language-based exercises for practice.

Day 20

General Awareness

Current Affairs of Economy and Literature

Stay updated on economic and cultural news.

Day 21

History, Sports News

Learn historical facts and current sports updates.

Day 22

Science in Everyday Life, Politics

Understand scientific concepts and political events.

Day 23

Practice Questions

Revise and consolidate knowledge through targeted questions.

Day 24

Quantitative Techniques (Revision)

Tabulation, Pie Chart, Bar Chart, Line Graph

Revisit and practice data interpretation techniques.

Day 25

Analytical Reasoning, Cause and Effects, Matrix Arrangements

Consolidate key logical reasoning concepts.

Day 26

Synonyms, Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, Grammar Rules

Revisit critical language topics for reinforcement.

Day 27

Current Affairs, History, Science, and Politics

Review all topics for better retention.

Day 28

Full-Length Practice Test

Mock Test

Simulate test conditions and assess overall preparation.

Day 29

Weak Areas

Focused Revision

Work on areas needing improvement identified in the mock test.

Day 30

Final Review and Mock Test

Overall Revision and Mock Test

Revise weak areas and fine-tune preparation before the exam.

Last Day Preparation Strategy for CMAT 2026

  • Take a glance at the important formulas and concepts. You can use flashcards for this purpose.

  • Do not take any mock tests on the last day. You can instead focus on the weak areas based on previous mock tests and revise the concepts.

  • Gather all your important exam essentials like admit card, ID card, etc, a day before the exam. You do not want any extra panic on the exam day.

  • Ensure that you get enough rest the day before the exam. Sleep for at least 7-8 hours so that you’re refreshed on the day of the exam.

Books and Other Resources

Now let’s see which books and other resources will help you most with your CMAT 2026 preparation. Here is a list of the best ones of each section.

Best Books for CMAT – Language Comprehension

BOOK

AUTHOR/PUBLISHER

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

Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill Education)


Dr R S Aggarwal (S. Chand)

The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability and Logical Reasoning for the CAT

Nishit K Sinha

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT

Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill Education)

English Grammar and Composition

Wren & Martin (S. Chand)

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

Best Books for CMAT – Quantitative Aptitude

BOOK

AUTHOR/PUBLISHER

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill Education)

Quantitative Aptitude

Dr R S Aggarwal (S. Chand)

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission Into IIMs

Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant)

Best books for CMAT – Logical Reasoning

BOOK

AUTHOR/PUBLISHER

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT

Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill Education)

Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT

Nishit K Sinha (Pearson)

A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning

Dr R S Aggarwal (S. Chand)

Best books for CMAT – General Knowledge

BOOK

AUTHOR/PUBLISHER

General Knowledge

Lucent’s

Current Affair Magazines and Newspapers

The Hindu

The Financial Times

The Economic Times


Best Books for CMAT – Innovation and Entrepreneurship

BOOK

AUTHOR/PUBLISHER

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Peter F. Drucker

Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management

R Gopal

Entrepreneurship

Robert D. Hisrich

Free Topic-wise MCQ PDFs for CMAT

Candidates preparing for the CMAT exam can use the PDFs to practice different types of questions and fine-tune their preparation.

CMAT Quantitative Techniques And Data Interpretation MCQs

CMAT Logical Reasoning MCQs

CMAT Language Comprehension MCQs

CMAT General Awareness MCQs

CMAT Innovation And Entrepreneurship MCQs

Best Resources to Excel in CMAT 2026 Exam

CMAT Question Paper

Going through previous years’ CMAT question papers helps you understand the actual exam format, section-wise weightage, and difficulty level. It gives clarity on frequently tested topics and common question types, helping you align your preparation with CMAT standards. Regular analysis of question papers also improves time allocation and reduces exam-day surprises by familiarising you with real exam patterns.

CMAT Previous Year’s Question Papers

Download Link

CMAT 2024 Slot 1 Question Paper

Download Now

CMAT 2024 Slot 2 Question Paper

Download Now

CMAT 2023 Question Paper

Download Now

CMAT 2022 Question Paper with Answers

Download Now

CMAT 2021 Slot 1 Question Paper with Answers

Download Now

CMAT 2021 Slot 2 Question Paper with Answers

Download Now

CMAT 2020 Question Paper with Answers

Download Now

CMAT Sample Paper

CMAT sample papers are designed as model tests that mirror the latest exam syllabus and structure. They help aspirants practise a wide range of questions without exam pressure. By solving sample papers, you can strengthen weak areas, revise concepts, and build accuracy. They also boost confidence by offering repeated exposure to exam-like questions.

CMAT Mock Test

CMAT mock tests simulate the exact exam environment, including timer, difficulty level, and section order. They play a crucial role in improving speed, accuracy, and test-taking strategy. Analysing mock test performance helps identify mistakes, optimise question selection, and enhance time management, which are key to scoring higher in the CMAT 2026 exam.

CMAT Mock Test

Attempt Now

CMAT Practice Sets

CMAT practice sets focus on topic-wise and sectional practice for systematic preparation. They allow aspirants to master individual concepts through repetitive problem-solving. Regular practice sets help improve problem-solving efficiency, reduce conceptual gaps, and increase familiarity with different difficulty levels, ensuring consistent improvement and stronger performance in the actual exam.

CMAT Ebooks 2026

CMAT Ebooks 2026 offer structured, syllabus-aligned content that simplifies complex concepts across all sections. They provide detailed explanations, solved examples, and practice questions for self-paced learning. Ebooks are especially useful for concept building and last-minute revision, as they can be accessed anytime on digital devices. Regular study from CMAT ebooks helps strengthen fundamentals and ensures comprehensive coverage for effective exam preparation.

CMAT 2026 Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Download Now

CMAT 2026 MCQ Guides

Download Now

CMAT 2026 General Awareness Questions with Answers PDF

Download Now

CMAT 2026 Logical Reasoning Questions with Answers PDF

Download Now

CMAT 2026 Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers PDF

Download Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it really possible to prepare for CMAT 2026 in one month?
A:

Yes, but the goal should be optimisation, not starting from zero. One month is enough to revise core concepts, practise high-weightage topics, improve speed, and correct recurring mistakes through mocks and analysis.

Q: Which sections should I prioritise in a one-month preparation plan?
A:

Prioritise sections where scoring is more predictable: Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Techniques basics. General Awareness should be revised daily with static topics and current affairs summaries.

Q: How should CMAT mock tests be used during last-month preparation?
A:

CMAT Mocks should be used as learning resource. Take 2–3 mocks per week, analyse errors deeply, identify time-consuming questions, and refine your attempt strategy instead of focusing only on scores.

Q: Does the CMAT have negative marking?
A:

Yes. The paper consists of 5 sections with 20 questions each to be answered in a duration of 180 minutes. Each correct answer will fetch you 4 marks and for each wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted. 

Q: Is the examination online or offline?
A:

The examination is online. It is a Computer Based Test. The candidate can select 4 cities of their choice in order of preference.

Q: Is the syllabus of CMAT the same as that of CAT?
A:

The syllabus of the two is similar but CMAT has two additional subjects – General Knowledge and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Q: Should I cover new subjects with just one month remaining?
A:

No, avoid new subjects. Concentrate on reviewing what you know and performing mock exams. Instead of producing last-minute worry, this will help you improve your current knowledge.

Q: How frequently should I take CMAT mock tests?
A:

Perform as many mock exams as feasible. They help you get acquainted with the test structure and discover areas for growth.

Q: What should a daily study plan look like in the final month?
A:

Each day should include concept revision, timed practice, and analysis. Allocate fixed slots for Quant, Reasoning, and GK, and reserve time to review previous mock mistakes consistently.

Q: How crucial is time management for CMAT preparation?
A:

Very crucial! Create a realistic study schedule and adhere to it, taking breaks when necessary. Time management can help you stay on track and decrease stress.

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Questions related to CMAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CMAT ?

Hello aspirant,

The CMAT 2026 exam is set for January 25, 2026, and registration began in October 2025. In two sessions, the computer-based CMAT 2026 will be administered in more than 120 Indian cities. The CMAT syllabus and exam format have not changed for 2026.

For more information you can

Yes, DSM DTU (Delhi Technological University, Department of Management Studies) does accept CMAT score for admission to its MBA programme. Many management institutes in India use CMAT as one of the valid entrance exams along with CAT, MAT, or GMAT, and DTU’s management department is among those that consider CMAT

Hello

You have scored 92 percentile in CMAT, which is a good score, and you have a higher chance of getting admission into a good college. But, if you're targeting only SVNIT Surat, then it's quite tough because SVNIT usually looks for a higher score for the PG course, like

Hello,

The link to the website of careers360, where the preferred colleges and percentiles are mentioned, is attached herewith. You can also get the details of colleges.

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/mba-colleges-accepting-80-90-percentile-in-cmat-exam

Thank you.

Hello

With an 80 percentile in CMAT, you can get admission in decent Tier-2 MBA colleges.
Good options include Jaipuria Institute, IMT Nagpur/Hyderabad, SDMIMD Mysore, and XIME.
Top IIMs are not possible, but these colleges offer reasonable placements and exposure.

Click on the link below to get access to all