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How to Prepare for CMAT 2025 in 1 Month - Best Tips and Strategies

How to Prepare for CMAT 2025 in 1 Month - Best Tips and Strategies

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Sep 25, 2024 08:44 AM IST | #CMAT

Are you a CAT aspirant but made a last-minute decision to appear for CMAT 2025? Or have you been preparing for CMAT over the months but haven’t gained the required confidence? If you are wondering how to prepare for CMAT 2025 in 1 month there are some things you need to keep in mind. But before all that, you need to realize that it is a difficult task but definitely doable!

How To Prepare For CMAT 2025 in 1 Month

Being an aspirant, it’s natural that you want to know how to prepare for CMAT 2025 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 2025 Exam

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.

First of all, you need to divide the entire CMAT Syllabus into different sections based on importance and the level of difficulty. It needs to be clear in your head which topics are your strengths and which are your weaknesses. And once that is done, do note down each one of them along with the time you think you need to cover each topic.

It is natural for a student to be scared of an exam, to varying degrees of course but despite this, every aspirant has some favourite topics. You need to make sure whether your favourite topics are really your strengths and rule out any possibility of being overconfident. It is required that you have a balanced approach while allocating time for different topics. After all, you have only limited time to study the entire syllabus. And, no study is complete without practice - a lot of practice!

When you start studying, always do the easy topics first. When you are able to complete one topic after another at a good pace and see the ticks against the topics that you have done, it gives you a psychological boost. If you study the difficult ones first, there are chances that you’ll be stuck with a difficult topic for a long time and also have some uncleared doubts in mind related to that difficult topic which will keep bothering you and prevent you from focusing completely on the other topics you are dealing with. Move on to the second topic after doing the first one in its entirety.

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 Logical Reasoning Questions with Answers
CMAT aspirants can download this eBook and practice questions to boost their score.
Download EBook

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 2025, 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.

Last Day Preparation Strategy for CMAT 2025

  • 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 2025 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

Conclusion

How to prepare for CMAT in 1 month is a commonly asked question. The aspirants already preparing for management entrance exams, do not find it too difficult as the syllabus is very much similar to the syllabus of e CAT, XAT, IIFT and SNAP with of course, some additional things to study. If you are able to stay on the right track and focus on your strong points, you will surely be able to prepare well before the exam and with the right attitude on the day of your test, you will be able to pull it off. Good luck!

Quick Links - Top B-schools Accepting CMAT Scores

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the pattern of CMAT exam 2024?

The CMAT 2024 examination is structured into five sections: Quantitative Technique, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Each section comprises 20 questions, totaling 100 questions for the entire exam. Also, the CMAT does not have a sectional time limit.

2. How many colleges accept the CMAT score?

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level test. The CMAT score is accepted by over 1300 B-schools – all the AICTE-approved and affiliated colleges/ universities. After the result declaration of the CMAT 2024 exam, all such colleges will release the cutoff and conduct the MBA admission process based on the CMAT score. Some of the top colleges accepting the CMAT score in India are JBIMS, PUMBA, Great Lakes, K J Somaiya, GIM Goa, BIMTECH, etc.

3. How can one prepare for CMAT in one month?

One can prepare for CMAT in one month by doing the following:

  • Understand the CMAT Syllabus
  • Focus on time management
  • Strengthening fundamentals
  • Taking Mock Tests regularly 
  • Review Previous Year’s Papers
  • Stay Calm and Focused
4. Does the CMAT have negative marking?

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. 

5. Is the examination online or offline?

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

6. Is the syllabus of CMAT the same as that of CAT?

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

7. Is 1 month sufficient for CMAT preparation?

One month is sufficient for CMAT preparation if you work extra hard and strategize your preparation in a way that will help you cover everything. Practice using mock tests and PYQs to understand the exam pattern and question types. 

8. How to start preparing for CMAT 2024?
  • Understand the exam syllabus and gather study materials accordingly. 

  • Make a study plan that covers all the topics. Include time for revision and practice.

  • Brush up all the basic concepts in quants, verbal ability, and reasoning.

  • Use resources like newspapers and online YT channels for current affairs and GK.

  • Practice questions from previous years’ papers and mock tests.

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Questions related to CMAT

Have a question related to CMAT ?

Hello there,

With a 71.5 percentile in CMAT and 77% in BBA, you do have a chance of getting into BK School of Business Management (Gandhinagar Institute of Technology) for MBA, especially if they have a lower cutoff in the 4th offline round. Admission can depend on factors like your performance in the entrance exam, overall profile, and availability of seats. It's also helpful to keep an eye on the specific requirements and trends from previous years to gauge your likelihood better. If possible, consider reaching out to the admissions office for more tailored guidance.

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello aspirant,

One of the most important things to do when beginning a strategy exam preparation is to grasp the CMAT syllabus 2025. Candidates can make an efficient study plan that helps them cover every topic in detail by consulting the CMAT exam syllabus.

To know the detailed syllabus you can visit our website by clicking on the link given below.

https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/cmat-syllabus

Thank you

Hope this information helps you.

An 80 percentile CMAT score is a decent score, but whether you can secure admission to IMS depends on several factors:

  1. Specific IMS Campus: There are multiple IMS campuses with varying admission criteria and cut-offs.
  2. Program Offered: The program you're targeting (PGDM, MBA, etc.) will have different eligibility requirements.
  3. Category: Your category (General, OBC, SC, ST) will influence your chances.
  4. Competition: The overall competition for that particular year and program will determine the final cut-off.

While an 80 percentile score increases your chances, it's essential to check the specific cut-offs for your desired IMS campus and program. Additionally, consider other factors like work experience, academic background, and GD/PI performance, as they might play a role in the final selection.

To improve your chances, research different IMS campuses, understand their admission process, and prepare well for the subsequent selection rounds.

hope this helps you!!

Hello student,

With a CMAT score of 70 percentile in the EWS category and being a Madhya Pradesh (MP) domicile, you may have a chance of getting into some Institutes of Management Studies (IMS) in MP, though admission can be competitive. Here are a few points to consider:

1. Previous Year Cutoffs:

  • Generally, IMS have varying cutoffs based on the course and the number of applicants. Check the previous year's cutoffs for the specific IMS you're targeting, as this will give you a clearer picture of your chances.

    2. EWS Category:

  • Being in the EWS category may provide you with some advantage in terms of lower cutoff requirements in certain institutes, which could enhance your chances of admission.

    3. Counseling Process:

  • Keep an eye on the counseling process and any updates regarding seat allocations. Some IMS might have management quota seats that could also be an option.

    4. Other Admission Criteria:

  • Besides CMAT scores, some institutes may consider other factors like academic performance, work experience, and group discussions/interviews.

    Recommendations:

  • Apply to Multiple Colleges : Don’t limit yourself to just one or two IMS; consider applying to several to increase your chances.

  • Stay Updated : Regularly check the official websites of the IMS for any announcements regarding admissions and counseling schedules.

In summary, while admission with a 70 percentile CMAT score can be competitive, your chances can improve due to your EWS category and MP domicile status.

I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello student,

With a 72 percentile in CMAT, you have a chance at getting into some decent B-schools, though top-tier institutions might be a bit out of reach. Here’s a breakdown of what you can aim for:

1. Tier 2 & 3 Colleges:

  • Colleges like :
    • Indira Institute of Management, Pune
    • IES Management College, Mumbai
    • Prestige Institute of Management, Indore
    • Institute of Public Enterprise, Hyderabad

  • These institutes may have cutoffs around your percentile, and they offer good value, especially with decent placement records.

    2. State-Level B-Schools:

  • You can explore state-affiliated MBA colleges that accept CMAT scores in your percentile range. Institutions from states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat may be a good fit.

    3. Focus on Specializations:

  • Depending on your area of interest (e.g., finance, marketing, HR), some colleges may have stronger programs in specific domains, even if they are not top-ranked overall.

    4. Check Counseling and Quota Options:

  • Some colleges might have management or state quota seats that could work in your favor.

Next Steps :

  • Research individual college cutoffs from last year.
  • Attend counseling sessions for personalized advice.

Though 72 percentile isn't in the top tier, with smart choices, you can still land a solid MBA seat!


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


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