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    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

    Team Careers360Updated on 26 Apr 2024, 10:10 AM IST

    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

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to CMAT ?

    Yes, you can get a seat in the Institute of Management Studies DAVV with a CMAT score of 170. An expected percentile of 80 improves the chances of admission in the college in a course of your choice.

    For safety, we advise you to check the cutoffs released by the

    Hello,

    Here you can check all the details related to CMAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship- Download PDF

    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.

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    Hello,

    MAT and CMAT acceptance depends on the college you are applying to.

    Many private and some government MBA colleges in India accept MAT and/or CMAT scores . However, not all colleges accept both exams , so you must check the specific college’s admission criteria.

    Required percentile (approximate):

    • MAT: Usually