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The CMAT 2026 Syllabus includes five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. With a moderate difficulty level of the CMAT exam and syllabus, one can easily complete its preparation in 2-4 months as the topics are similar to other MBA entrance exams. To prepare for the CMAT 2026 exam, it is recommended that one refer to proper books and study material to ace the CMAT exam. Keep reading this article to find the complete CMAT syllabus for MBA 2026, best books to study for the exam and preparation strategy.
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Check out some of the key highlights about the CMAT exam syllabus, which will help you understand more about the same.
The Innovation & Entrepreneurship section in the CMAT syllabus is unique. There is no other MBA entrance exam which includes this section. Candidates with a commerce background will find familiarity in this section.
Candidates aiming to take the CMAT exam must start preparation at least 6 months in advance. One can prepare for CMAT and other MBA exams simultaneously as the syllabus overlaps.
CMAT GK is the only section in the exam which can be covered in a shorter period of time.
Candidates preparing for the CMAT 2026 exam must have an idea about the CMAT syllabus and exam pattern to start with the preparation. The following table provides some of the key highlights of the CMAT syllabus for MBA 2026.
Exam Particulars | Details |
CMAT Exam Full Form | Common Management Admission Test |
CMAT Exam Mode | Computer-based Test (CBT) |
CMAT 2026 Exam Duration | 3 Hours (180 minutes) |
CMAT 2026 Total No. of Questions | 100 MCQs |
Questions per Section | 20 |
Total Number of Sections | 5 |
Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unanswered questions |
Total Sections in CMAT 2026 |
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Inclusion of TITA Questions | No |
As can be seen from the table above, the CMAT 2026 syllabus will include five main sections, where each one of them will test skills needed for management studies. With the total number of questions to be 100 (MCQs), the exam will include sections like Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, the exam syllabus will focus on basic math topics such as algebra, geometry and data interpretation, puzzles, patterns, current affairs, business knowledge, and have an understanding of the startup culture and new business ideas. Therefore, all the candidates need to know the complete CMAT 2026 syllabus before beginning with their preparation.
Let us look at the following CMAT important topics, which will help you ace the exam.
The Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section in the CMAT exam will cover the following CMAT quant important topics. The difficulty level of this section will typically be in the moderate range.
Pie Chart, Bar Chart | Binomial Theorem |
Ratio and Proportion | Number System |
Algebra | Tabulation |
Mean, Mode and Median | Geometry |
Pipes and Cisterns | Probability |
Percentages | Quadratic and Linear Equations |
Time-Speed-Distance | Line Graph |
Alligation & Mixtures | Mensuration |
Work and Time | Permutations & Combinations |
In-equations | Simple Interest & Compound Interest |
Profit and Loss |
The Logical Reasoning section in the CMAT 2026 exam will primarily focus on evaluating one's logical abilities.
Analytical Reasoning | Blood Relationship Tests |
Linear Arrangements | Statements and Arguments |
Analogy Test | Inferences |
Statements and Conclusion | Ranking Tests |
Sequencing | Matrix Arrangements |
Cause and Effects | Number Series |
Venn Diagram | Symbol-Based Problems |
Statements Assumptions | Coding and Decoding |
Direction and Distance Test | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
The Language Comprehension section will include questions on Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. One can expect 2-3 short passages with questions based on factual information. Additionally, this section will also include questions on vocabulary and grammar-based questions. Take a look at the complete list of topics which can be expected under this section.
English Usage Errors | English Grammar |
Reading Comprehension | Paragraph Completion |
Antonyms | Synonyms |
Sentence Correction | Verbal Ability |
Jumbled Para | One-Word Substitution |
Idioms | Phrases |
The General Awareness section in the CMAT exam will comprise both current affairs and static general knowledge. Therefore, all candidates must focus on detailed memorisation of events, as one can expect questions to be based on the following topics.
Science in Everyday Life | Economics |
History | Personalities in News |
Culture | Trade Awareness |
Current Affairs (National and International Economy) | Indian Constitution |
Politics | Literature |
Geography | Sports News |
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship section in the CMAT exam focuses on evaluating candidates’ entrepreneurial skills. The following are the topics on which the candidates will be tested.
Concepts of Entrepreneurship | Models of Entrepreneurship |
Overview of Entrepreneurship | Theories and Models of Entrepreneurship |
Women Entrepreneurship | Rural Entrepreneurship |
Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development | Motivation, Communication & Leadership |
Dimensions of Entrepreneurship | Evolution of Entrepreneurship in India |
Emerging Trends in Social Entrepreneurship | Entrepreneurial Society |
Principles of Business Organisation | Emerging Models of Corporate Entrepreneurship |
Entrepreneurial Culture | Framework of Entrepreneurship Theories |
If you are planning to appear for the CMAT 2026 exam, then you must refer to the right books. Having the right study material will give you a better understanding of the topics and prepare well for the exam. Check out the following list of books, which you could use to prepare for the CMAT 2026 exam.
CMAT Sections | Recommended Books |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation |
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Language Comprehension |
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Logical Reasoning |
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Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
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General Awareness |
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Before you begin with your preparation for the CMAT 2026 exam, all candidates must have their own preparation strategy to excel in the exam. You can go through the CMAT 2026 preparation strategy, which we have prepared to ace the exam.
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: Make sure you give 30% of your time to this section and master the CMAT quantitative aptitude syllabus formulas.
Logical Reasoning: You can allot 25% of your time to practice CMAT logical reasoning questions.
Language Comprehension: You must focus on CMAT language comprehension topics.
General Awareness: Make sure you read newspapers daily to cover the GK syllabus. This section should require the least amount of time to prepare for.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Lastly, since this is a unique section and not all MBA entrance exams have this section, candidates must give atleast 5% of their time and study thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To achieve a 99 percentile in the CMAT exam, a candidate will typically need to score around 340-345 marks.
The overall difficulty level of the CMAT exam is considered to be moderate. However, the difficulty level of each section can vary by section.
The CMAT 2026 syllabus will be structured into five sections: Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation and Innovation & Entrepreneurship
On Question asked by student community
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
Hello,
For a postgraduate management course (MBA/PGDM) at L.D. College, you will likely need to give the CMAT exam. As a final-year BCA student, you are eligible to appear for the exam. The registration for CMAT 2026 has already begun, and you must apply before the deadline to be eligible
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