CMAT Topper Interview: AIR 11 Shares an All-in-One Guide to Crack CMAT 2024

CMAT Topper Interview: AIR 11 Shares an All-in-One Guide to Crack CMAT 2024

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Apr 26, 2024 10:10 AM IST | #CMAT

Shivam got AIR 11 in CMAT and scored 99.97%tile in MAH MBA CET. He studied MBA from JBIMS Mumbai. In an exclusive interview with Careers360, He talks about how he managed his preparation along with office, life at JBIMS, and much more. He shares his strategy and tips to crack CMAT and MAH MBA CET. This article offers excerpts from the interview, Watch the complete conversation by clicking the YouTube link given below.

CMAT Topper Interview: AIR 11 Shares an All-in-One Guide to Crack CMAT 2024
CMAT Topper Interview: AIR 11 Shares an All-in-One Guide to Crack CMAT 2024

Careers360 - Tell us a little bit about yourself and your profile.

Shivam - My name is Shivam and I have completed my MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj. Before that, I studied BSc in statistics at Fergusson College in Pune. I am currently an associate manager at Adani Enterprises. I had an AIR 11th in CMAT and an AIR 23 in MAH MBA CET.

Careers360 - Which MBA entrance exams did you give?

Shivam - I gave MAH MBA CET, CMAT, and also a few other MBA entrance exams like ATMA and MAT.

Check out | CMAT score vs percentile

Also Read | CMAT eligibility criteria

Careers360 - What was the difference that you found between MAH MBA CET and CMAT when you were preparing?

Shivam - CET is a speed-based exam. In CET, you have to be on your feet always, you will get at max one minute or 1.5 minutes for a question. You have to answer 200 questions in 150 minutes. If you are targeting a top college through MAH MBA CET then you would need to score around 125 marks. On the other hand, CMAT has a vast syllabus but there is much less time pressure as it is for three hours.

Careers360 -What are some important topics for CMAT?

Shivam - In Quantitative Aptitude, You can focus on Arthematic and Algebra or Geometry if that is your strong area. In logical reasoning, there are topics like clocks, calendars, input, output, and coding. You should prepare these topics thoroughly. You can also check the YouTube channels for studying. For English, I started reading newspapers and I used to read the Indian Express and the Hindu. In innovation and Entrepreneurship, studying material and notes from any coaching institute would be more than enough.

Check out preparation resources for CMAT 2024

Careers360 - When did you start giving mocks?

Shivam - I started giving mocks on the first day of my preparation. I used to give a mock every 15 days in the initial months of my preparation. As the exam got near I increased the frequency of the mocks. I must have given around 20-25 mocks in total.

Careers360 - What advice would you give to working professionals who are preparing for CMAT?

Shivam - if you are a working professional, then utilise office timings for studies as well. Whenever you get free time in your office then you should try to revise. You can also utilise the early morning time for preparation.

Check out | CMAT College Predictor

Careers360 - How important do you think networking is during your MBA?

Shivam - Networking is one of the most important activities in a B-school. You should build a professional network of your senior and junior. Your network helps you after your MBA is done. Most of your batch-mates would be working in big companies, they can help you with a job switch or when you want to start something of your own. So, you should interact with as many people as possible when you are in a B-school.

Careers360 - What advice would you give to people who are appearing for CMAT this year?

Shivam - Set a realistic expectations for yourself. Don’t be too harsh on yourself. Know where you stand in terms of the competition and focus on your strengths.

Check out | CMAT Preparation Tips

Full version of CMAT Topper’s Interview: Check out this video to watch the complete conversation: Shivam shares tips to crack #CMAT2024

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Questions related to CMAT

Have a question related to CMAT ?

hi,

If you want to join the MCA program at LD College of Engineering (LDCE) in Ahmedabad and have given the CMAT 2025 exam, here’s what you should know. The admission mainly depends on your CMAT score and the rank you get after the score is converted for Gujarat’s ACPC counseling.

Last year, the closing rank for general category students at LDCE for MCA was around 20,000 in the counseling rounds. So, if your CMAT score gives you a rank close to or better than that, you have a good chance of getting in.

Keep in mind that the exact cutoff changes every year depending on how many students apply and how they perform. Also, if you belong to any reserved category, the cutoff might be a bit lower.

Hello! The interview for DMI College Patna through CMAT usually starts after the exam results are out. For 2025 admissions, the last date to apply was April 30, 2025. The exact interview dates are not announced yet. You will get a call, email, or message from the college with the schedule. Please keep checking your email and phone. For more info, visit the official DMI website or contact their admission office.


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.

Hii,

It may be challenging to gain admission to an MBA program through common entrance based on rank if you have not taken the CMAT. Don't worry, though! Additionally, a lot of colleges offer direct admission based on your graduation grades or through state-level exams, MAT, or XAT.

For information on each college's admissions procedure, visit their websites. Certain private universities also allow management quota admissions or have their own exams. You can still enroll in an MBA program even if you don't have a CMAT. Continue your exploration!

Hii,

It is possible to gain admission to certain MBA programs without taking the CMAT exam. Based on your prior grades or interviews, a lot of private colleges grant direct admission. Other tests, such as the CAT, MAT, or GMAT, are accepted by some universities.

However, CMAT or other tests are typically required for government or elite colleges. It is best to inquire about the rules of the college you wish to attend. Therefore, you still have some options even if you don't have CMAT!

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