ATMA Preparation 2026: Exam Pattern, Section-Wise Tips, 6-Month Strategy & Best Books

ATMA Preparation 2026: Exam Pattern, Section-Wise Tips, 6-Month Strategy & Best Books

Team Careers360Updated on 17 Sep 2025, 12:07 PM IST

The ATMA 2026 examination is conducted by the Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS). Achieving a high score requires a focused approach, consistent practice, and smart strategies tailored to each section. ATMA exam is held multiple times a year to select candidates for MBA, PGDBA, PGDM, and MCA programs. This article provides essential preparation tips, proven techniques, and guidance on using study materials, mock tests, and previous year papers effectively, helping candidates build confidence and maximise their performance in ATMA 2026.

This Story also Contains

  1. ATMA Exam Pattern 2026
  2. ATMA Preparation Tips 2026
  3. Six Months Preparation Tips for ATMA 2026
  4. Preparation Tips for 3 months for ATMA 2026
  5. Last-Minute Preparation Tips for ATMA 2026
  6. Time Management Techniques for ATMA 2026 Preparation
  7. Section-wise ATMA Preparation Tips 2026
  8. ATMA Preparation Books 2026
ATMA Preparation 2026: Exam Pattern, Section-Wise Tips, 6-Month Strategy & Best Books
ATMA Preparation Tips 2026: Section-Wise Strategy, Important Topics, Books

ATMA Exam Pattern 2026

Highlights of the ATMA exam pattern are here to provide candidates with an overview of the exam. When going to prepare for the ATMA exam, students should know the latest exam pattern and syllabus.

Name of the section

Number of questions

Time Limit for each section

Analytical Reasoning Skills - I

30 questions

30 Minutes

Verbal Skills - I

30 questions

30 Minutes

Quantitative Skills - I

30 questions

30 Minutes

Analytical Reasoning Skills - II

30 questions

30 Minutes

Verbal Skills - II

30 questions

30 Minutes

Quantitative Skills - II

30 questions

30 Minutes

Total

180 questions

180 Minutes (3 hours)

ATMA Preparation Tips 2026

Candidates who want to take the ATMA exam should start preparing at least a year in advance. Careers360 provides ATMA preparation suggestions, including topic-wise tips and methods, to help you pass this admission examination. Before beginning preparation, it is important to understand the ATMA test difficulty level, since this will allow you to focus more on the difficult sections. Here are some ATMA 2026 preparation ideas and techniques that can help you improve your preparation and raise your chances of passing the exam with an excellent score.

  • In the first 2-3 months, students should focus on learning the basic concepts and brush up on the fundamentals of the topics.

  • Students who plan to take the ATMA 2026 exam, must start covering all the important topics to score a good mark. For better preparation, students are recommended to start solving ATMA previous year question papers and ATMA mock test papers for better knowledge of the ATMA 2026 syllabus.

  • ATMA is one of the most popular MBA exams in India. According to the ATMA 2026 exam pattern, the test paper includes questions from sections such as Quantitative and Verbal Skills and Analytical Reasoning. A total of six sections will be there in the test. Candidates must perform well across all these sections to achieve a good overall score.

  • Candidates may prepare for the ATMA 2026 test using a variety of study resources, both online and offline. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about the ATMA exam and how to pass it with ease.

Six Months Preparation Tips for ATMA 2026

Students should prepare a study routine and stick to it. Incorporating the ATMA exam preparation into their daily schedule will help candidates stick to their goals and achieve the desired end result. When preparing for the ATMA exam, candidates should be fully aware of the ATMA 2026 syllabus. It is important to have in-depth knowledge.

Also, students should make sure they use only the correct and relevant study material and the books available online and offline. Divide your six-month ATMA preparation strategy into different phases to make the preparation easier for yourself. Careers360 brings you section-wise preparation tips and strategies for ATMA 2026 below.

Section-Wise ATMA Exam Preparation

Name of the Section

Preparation Strategy

Analytical Reasoning

  • The questions in this section are moderately difficult. This section analyzes the critical reasoning and analytical skills of the candidates.

  • This section will analyse the candidate’s abilities to understand and interpret a particular statement and come to a conclusion based on their understanding.

  • Candidates can prepare for the Analytical Reasoning section by solving riddles,Coding-Decoding etc.

Quantitative Skills

  • Candidates can prepare for this area by brushing off their math skills. They should refer to the math books they studied in the 10th and 12th classes.

  • To elevate this area, candidates must learn the formulas and principles by heart. Learning tricks to solve long equations can be very helpful.

  • Students are required to solve the previous year’s question papers and practice ATMA mock tests. This will help increase their speed and accuracy.

Verbal Skills

  • This section is about reading comprehension and English usage. Candidates need to improve their vocabulary to get better marks in this category.

  • Students should focus on topics such as para jumbles, grammar, reading comprehension, phrases and idioms, sentence completion, word meanings, etc. Refer to newspapers and magazines to ace this verbal section.

Preparation Tips for 3 months for ATMA 2026

Students must prepare for the ATMA 2026 for at least three months. Applicants who are taking other management tests will find it simpler to prepare for ATMA; nevertheless, each student must pay for at least three months of study time.

Organize your ATMA 2026 preparation approach into stages. The following are some tips to help you plan your ATMA test preparation approach in stages.

Phases

Strategy

Phase I

  • Each exam preparation should start with knowing the overall syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme. ATMA is a time-based exam, therefore, students should be able to cover the entire syllabus while having enough time for revision and practice.

  • Make sure that students pay equal time for all three sections when preparing for the ATMA exam 2026. Sometimes, the best students paying less time for the area in which they are good can lead to skipping an important topic, which can lead to poor marks in the exam.

  • Therefore, it is very important that students prepare well for each section of the ATMA question papers.

Phase II

  • In the next stage of ATMA preparation, it is important that the candidates are familiar with the ATMA syllabus and various topics. Choose the right study material for your ATMA preparation. There is no point in collecting textbooks and materials in bulk.

  • Candidates need to learn more than one method to solve a question. During the ATMA exam, knowing more than one way to solve a question will help the students to solve the questions accurately.

  • Accuracy is important to get a high percentile score. Brush your calculations and basics. One has to make small notes during their preparation and keep in mind the formulas and tricks that come with making them.

Phase III

  • When solving questions, students should check their accuracy positions. This can be increased by solving the previous year’s question papers. Candidates should estimate how long it will take to solve each section and improve the pace accordingly.

  • Students should try to solve as many mock tests as they can. Mock tests will help to monitor the performance and progress of the students and also get them in the right mood for the exam day.

Last-Minute Preparation Tips for ATMA 2026

  • With only a few days left in the ATMA exam, students should be on their toes with preparations for the exam. Reduce the pressure to get a better score on ATMA 2026 exam with these last-minute preparation tips for ATMA 2026. Students must now devote their time to revision and solving mock tests.

  • They should revise all the topics that they have studied. Take a look at all the formulas and theories you have read while preparing for the Quantitative and Analysis Reasoning section. Review really helps to remember what you have already read.

  • It is important to have a good night’s sleep to make you feel calm and fresh on exam day. Since the ATMA exam 2026 is a time-based exam (as mentioned above), it is important to have a calm and sober mind. Candidates should ensure that they reach the examination center at least one hour before the commencement of the examination.

  • They must not forget to bring all the required documents such as photo ID proof (original and photocopy), ATMA admit card, two latest passport-size color photographs, and a copy of the ATMA application form.

  • The most important tip for an ATMA exam is to be calm and confident. Do not panic when trying the ATMA question paper if you are stuck with a particular question. Panic will make things get worse and one loses scores.

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Common Mistakes in ATMA Preparation and How to Avoid Them

Mock tests and previous year papers are key for ATMA 2026 preparation. They help you understand the exam pattern, identify important topics, and highlight areas where speed or accuracy can improve. Practicing regularly with these resources builds confidence and ensures you are well-prepared for the actual exam.

  1. Attempt each section within the same time allotted in the real ATMA exam. This trains you to manage time effectively during the test.

  2. Check all incorrect answers to identify weak concepts and recurring errors. Focus on revising those topics thoroughly before the exam.

  3. Analyse ATMA previous year papers to identify questions that appear frequently and topics with higher marks, so you can target them in practice.

  4. Keep a record of your scores, accuracy, and time per section to see improvement and adjust your ATMA preparation strategy.

  5. Refer to your compiled formulas, shortcuts, and key points to strengthen memory and improve speed when solving practice questions.

ATMA 2025 Preparation Tips and Study Material
Download the ebook on ATMA 2025 preparation tips to know the best strategy to crack the exam. Also check the latest exam pattern, syllabus & best books.
Download EBook

Time Management Techniques for ATMA 2026 Preparation

Effective time management is crucial for ATMA exam success. Allocating the right amount of time to each section during preparation and practice helps improve speed, accuracy, and confidence. Strategic planning ensures that you cover all topics, revise efficiently, and avoid last-minute stress during the exam.

Create a Daily Study Schedule

Divide your day into fixed slots for Quantitative Skills, Verbal Skills, and Analytical Reasoning. Prioritise weaker sections during peak energy hours to maximise retention and problem-solving efficiency.

Set Section-Wise Timers During Practice

While solving practice papers, strictly adhere to the section-specific time limits of the actual ATMA exam. This trains you to pace yourself and reduces the risk of spending too long on any one section.

Allocate Time for Revision and Notes

Reserve dedicated slots for revising formulas, key concepts, and past mistakes. Regular revision ensures that concepts stay fresh and you can quickly recall them under timed conditions.

Practice Mixed Question Sets

Solve sets containing questions from all sections under a single timer. This simulates real exam conditions and helps you learn to switch efficiently between different question types.

Track and Analyse Time Spent per Question

Maintain a log of how long each question takes during practice. Identify patterns where time is wasted and adjust your strategy to improve speed without compromising accuracy.

Section-wise ATMA Preparation Tips 2026

The best approach is to prepare as much as you can by solving previous years' ATMA question papers and attempting mock tests rather than wasting time learning the whole syllabus. Candidates should follow a focused approach that includes important topics and repeated questions from the previous year’s papers.

Careers360 brings you tips on how to prepare for ATMA 2026, including subject-wise tips and tricks to help candidates prepare for the exam wisely.

Verbal Ability

This section is divided between English Usage/ Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Questions in this section are moderate. Students must have sound knowledge of vocabulary and grammar. Students must read newspapers, books, and magazines. Also, refer to Class 8 and Class 9 grammar books to clear the basics and learn the fundamentals.

Quantitative Ability

The quantitative section questions are of moderate difficulty. For this QA section, ATMA preparation can be done by solving the questions from NCERT or Higher Secondary and Secondary level Mathematics textbooks. Students should learn the shortcut tricks for solving the questions quickly. Students should also give ATMA mock tests and solve the past years’ ATMA question papers.

Analytical Reasoning

Questions in this Analytical Reasoning section are moderate in terms of difficulty. This section comprises questions from both Analytical Reasoning and Critical Reasoning : Decision making. Students should understand the concepts and practice previous years’ ATMA 2026 sample papers and mock tests. This section of questions tests a student's ability to comprehend and analyze the given statement and reach a conclusion based on their understanding. ATMA Preparation for Analytical Reasoning can be done by solving riddles and puzzles.

Important Topics for ATMA 2026 Preparation

Take a look at some of the important topics for the ATMA exam.

Sections

Important Topics for ATMA Preparation

Analytical Reasoning

Logical Deductions and Connections Reasoning Distribution, Circular Arrangement

Data Sufficiency

Coding-Decoding

Input-Output

Strong & Weak Arguments

Cause & Effect

Course of Action

Cause & Effect

Inference

Syllogism

Puzzle

Quantitative

Ratio and Proportion Variation

Linear Equations in Two Variables

Percentage

Ratios in partnership

Numbers

Profit and Loss

Simple Interest

Compound Interest

Mixture and Alligation

Average

Time, Speed and Distance

Time and Work

Geometry & Mensuration

Number Series

Permutation and Combination

Quantitative Comparison

Probability

Statistics

Pie Charts

Verbal Ability

Fill in the blanks

Synonyms

Para Jumbles

Error Identification

Idioms

Sentence Completion

ATMA Preparation Books 2026

Here is a list of the best ATMA 2026 books for preparation, covering Quantitative Skills, Verbal Ability, and Analytical Reasoning. It comes along with practice questions and solved papers to help candidates understand concepts

Book Title

Author

Description

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT

Arun Sharma

This book provides a structured approach to mastering quantitative aptitude, covering essential topics like number systems, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. It includes solved examples, practice questions, and shortcut techniques to enhance problem-solving speed. Ideal for ATMA and other competitive exams.

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

Nishit K. Sinha

A comprehensive resource for improving verbal ability and logical reasoning skills, featuring detailed explanations, topic-wise exercises, and a CD with additional practice material. The book covers reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and grammar to enhance language proficiency and logical thinking.

Fast Track Objective Arithmetic

Rajesh Verma

Designed for quick and efficient learning of arithmetic concepts, this book includes fundamental and advanced mathematical techniques, numerous shortcut methods, and a variety of practice questions. It helps students build speed and accuracy for quantitative sections in exams like ATMA.

How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT

Arun Sharma

A well-structured book focusing on logical reasoning skills, including puzzles, arrangements, syllogisms, and logical deductions. It provides various difficulty levels of problems, strategic approaches, and time-management tips to help candidates excel in reasoning-based sections of competitive exams.

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

A timeless vocabulary-building book that systematically enhances word knowledge through root-based learning, exercises, and quizzes. It helps candidates improve their English language skills, making it an essential resource for exams requiring strong verbal ability, including ATMA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the best way to prepare for ATMA 2026?
A:

To prepare effectively, candidates should start early, understand the exam pattern and syllabus, and focus on strengthening their basics. Solving previous years’ papers and taking mock tests regularly will help improve speed and accuracy.

Q: Which sections are the most important for ATMA 2026?
A:

All sections are equally important, but candidates should focus on Analytical Reasoning, Quantitative Skills, and Verbal Skills. Strong reasoning and quantitative abilities can significantly boost scores.

Q: How important are mock tests for ATMA?
A:

ATMA Mock tests are very important. They help improve speed, accuracy, and time management skills for the real exam.

Q: Is three months enough to prepare for ATMA 2026?
A:

Yes, three months is sufficient if candidates follow a structured study plan, dedicate time daily to each section, and practice consistently with mock tests and previous question papers.

Q: How should I manage time during ATMA preparation?
A:

Divide your daily study hours among all sections. Practice with ATMA quizzes to improve your exam pacing

Q: What should I do on the day of the exam?
A:

Arrive early to the exam site, with all relevant papers (such as your ID and admission card), and be calm.

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Questions related to ATMA

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to ATMA ?

Hi there,

Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College (ARSD), part of the University of Delhi, is well-regarded for its BSc Mathematics (Hons) program. It offers a structured curriculum covering algebra, analysis, statistics, and applied mathematics, along with exposure to research opportunities. The faculty is experienced, and the college provides good infrastructure such as a well-stocked library and computer labs. ARSD has an active placement cell, though most mathematics graduates either go for higher studies (MSc, data science, actuarial science) or competitive exams. Being part of Delhi University, you’ll also benefit from inter-college events, seminars, and societies that can enhance both academic and soft skills. In terms of discipline and career support, ARSD maintains a professional environment and has good student-teacher interaction.

For more information about this college visit: ARSD College Delhi: Admission 2025

Thank you!

If you're searching for “Atma Malik Institute of Engineering” under ATMA (AIMS Test for Management Admissions), it won't show up—because ATMA exam is only for MBA/management admissions , and engineering colleges like Atma Malik Institute of Technology & Research aren’t part of that process. The MBA exam ATMA is completely different and does not include engineering institutes.

Hii,

No, not all MBA programs require these tests. These are merely entrance exams that are accepted by a lot of universities. Depending on the college you wish to attend, you can take any of them (such as MAH CET, MAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT, or ATMA).

Additionally, some universities have entrance exams of their own. Therefore, for the majority of MBA admissions, you only need to take one appropriate exam. To find out which tests the college accepts, always visit their website.

Yes, there will be an ATMA admission exam in 2025.  The next ATMA exam will be administered via computer on June 1, 2025.  The June session is now accepting registrations, which will end on May 20, 2025.  In India, the ATMA test is administered several times a year for admission to MBA programs and associated fields.

Hey Madhura

Yes ATMA is held in July as well. Based on the latest official schedule

July 2025 session of ATMA will be conducted on 27 July 2025 in a centre based online format

Registration opens from 2 June and closes on 15 July 2025

Best wishes for your future.