Great Lakes - PGPM & PGDM 2025
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Extended Application Deadline: 10th Feb 2024
How to prepare for the GK section of CMAT, IIFT, and XAT - In India, all national-level MBA admission examinations, such as the CMAT, IIFT, and XAT, include General Knowledge (GK) questions. This section might be difficult for many students to prepare for since the questions could cover a wide range of topics. Consequently, having a successful plan is essential while studying for the GK portion of these tests.
Topics such as current events, social concerns, global summits, sports, entertainment, national and international politics, and awards are often covered in the GK section. This portion contributes to around 15-25 percent of the exam's weightage, thus it must be given equal attention. In this article by Careers360, candidates who are preparing for the MBA entrance tests will get to know how to prepare for the GK section of CMAT, IIFT, and XAT.
Top MBA Entrance Exams:
The entrance exam to the International Institute of Foreign Trade, also CMAT and XAT asks at least 15-25 questions in the test.
Exam and number of questions
Exam | Number of GK Questions |
CMAT | 20-25 |
IIFT | 15-18 |
XAT | 20 (12 Current Affairs and 8 questions from static GK) |
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Extended Application Deadline: 10th Feb 2024
Last Date of Applications- 28th January | 250+ Companies | Highest CTC 16 LPA | Average CTC 8 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
Since the general knowledge section is very wide as huge as an ocean, candidates can strategise their planning by covering the following topics that are given below:
Current Affairs & Social Issues
Business & Economics - Fiscal and Monetary policy changes
UNO - Wings, HQs, Agencies, Abbreviations
International Current Affairs & Events
Global Summits
Countries - Capital, Prominent development, Currency
Constitution of India and recent amendments
Latest Who’s is who
Awards, National, Honours, International days
Questions related to Geography, History, General Science
Company logo identification
Books, Authors
For IIFT, CMAT, and XAT toppers suggested the following study material to prepare for the GK section in the MBA entrance exam.
While preparing for the MBA entrance exam, candidates should read ‘The Economist’, ‘Business Standard’ and ‘Economic Times’.
Apart from that candidates have to read Manorama Year Book which is recommended by the expert and the MBA entrance exam toppers.
Quick Links -
Here are some tips which would help the candidates to ace the General Knowledge section in the above-mentioned exams:
Before starting preparation for GK, aspirants should divide the areas from which questions are asked in this section as it will help them a lot to categorize the different types of questions further. GK is broadly divided into two sections, that is, Static Gk and Current Affairs. The current affairs section includes questions based on Business & Economy, International Affairs, Government plans and schemes and their implementation, Awards, and Honours. The Static Gk Section mainly includes questions related to Countries and Capitals, currencies, Books & Authors, United Nations, Sports, and Company records.
In order to cover the section on national and international current affairs, candidates must make sure that they read national daily and listen to the news on Doordarshan as major policy-related decisions are announced on it. Moreover reading the newspaper on a regular basis will help the candidates get an idea about the new appointments that are made in different spheres.
Candidates must practice some current affairs questions on a daily basis from different topics to get updated about what is happening all over the world. Making notes from the daily newspaper is one of the best ways to prepare for current affairs questions. Making such notes will not help the candidates memorize what they have learned but during the last-minute preparation, they will also get an opportunity to flip through the pages and revise.
Business & Economy related questions cover a major part of the GK section in exams like IIFT, CMAT, and XAT. The questions mainly revolve around the economic policies, changes in Corporate and industry, latest business news like, who’s who, Business awards & honors, logos of companies and their performance, etc. Candidates can prepare for this section with the help of business magazines, reading newspapers, etc and scanning through relevant business sites, etc.
Some of the questions in the GK section of CMAT, IIFT, and XAT are asked from prominent international events that have taken place. While preparing for international events, candidates could study from prominent international news sites which provide correct and authentic news as well as intensive information. Therefore, it is important for the candidates to regularly go through these websites, see if any new international treaty is signed, who were the signatories to it so on and so forth.
To prepare the GK section of CMAT, IIFT, and XAT candidates should practice mock tests based on the General Knowledge section of the paper, on a regular basis. This will help them to analyze how well they have prepared for the entrance test and how much more effort they will be required to put in. On a periodical basis, candidates must take quiz as this will also help them to improve their general knowledge.
While making notes or attempting questions throughout the preparation for the GK section, candidates should not only answer one question if asked from a particular topic, instead should create as many extra questions as they can from that particular question so that more knowledge could be gained on a particular topic. For example - suppose a question is asked related to the topic of international affairs and the answer is in the form of the name of the country. Here, candidates should not only answer which country is the correct option but also should pay attention to other information relevant to that country such as capital, currency, current leader, etc., of the country as well.
We know that to retain a particular thing in memory for a long time, it is essential to revise again and again. Hence, therefore it is needless to say that whatever notes one makes on a daily basis, one must revise their notes before going to bed every day. It will definitely help them to have the answer to all the questions at their fingertips.
Also Read
Particulars | Details |
Number of Questions | 25 questions |
Marking Scheme | 1 mark is awarded for each right answer |
Number of options for each question | 5 |
Difficulty level of XAT GK | Moderate to Difficult |
Duration | 20 mins |
Preparing for the General Knowledge (GK) section of the XAT 2025 exam involves covering a broad range of topics. To make your preparation more effective, it's essential to divide the topics into manageable sections. Start with current affairs, focusing on events from the past six months to a year, as these are likely to be relevant for the exam. This includes news related to national and international affairs, sports, awards, and important appointments.
Next, dive into static GK, which covers topics that don't change over time. This includes subjects like history, geography, economics, and important books and authors. It's also crucial to brush up on significant days and events, as these often feature in the exam. Another important area is business and economy, where you should focus on major economic events, business mergers, acquisitions, and stock market trends.
Finally, don’t overlook the environment, science, and technology sections, as questions from these areas frequently appear in the XAT GK section. A systematic approach to covering these topics, coupled with regular revisions, will help you stay confident and well-prepared for the exam.
When preparing for the Current Affairs section of XAT 2025, it's important to stay updated with the latest news and events. Start by regularly reading newspapers, especially focusing on the national and international headlines. Pay attention to significant developments in politics, economics, and global affairs, as these are often the core areas of current affairs questions.
In addition to newspapers, follow credible news websites and watch news summaries to get a quick overview of daily events. Monthly magazines that cover current affairs can also be a helpful resource, providing in-depth analysis and summaries of important events. Make sure to cover topics such as major government policies, international summits, sports achievements, awards, and notable appointments.
Since the XAT exam often includes questions from the past six months to a year, it's essential to maintain a consistent study routine. Regularly revisiting and revising the information will help you retain key facts and details. Staying informed about the world around you will not only help you in the GK section but also enhance your overall awareness, which is beneficial for the entire exam.
To prepare for Business and Economy questions in XAT 2025, focus on major corporate events like mergers, acquisitions, and leadership changes. Keep up with economic policies, RBI updates, and trends in the stock market. Pay attention to key sectors like technology and finance, and stay informed about global economic events that might impact businesses. Regularly following business news will help you cover this section effectively.
For XAT 2024 GK preparation, regularly attempting quizzes and mock tests is crucial. These help you evaluate your knowledge and identify areas where you need improvement. Quizzes can keep you updated on current affairs and static GK, while mock tests create the actual exam environment, improving your time management and accuracy. By consistently practising with these XAT 2025 exam preparation tools, you can build confidence and enhance your performance in the XAT General Knowledge section.
After analyzing the previous year’s XAT question papers, the following topics are fond to be the most important.
Topics |
Current Affairs |
History |
Geography |
Movies and Entertainment |
Science and Technology |
Miscellaneous (Culture, Festivals, Traditions) |
Sports |
Literature |
Economics |
Using XAT General Knowledge (GK) previous year question papers is a smart way to prepare for the exam. These papers give you a clear idea of the types of questions asked and the topics covered. Here’s how you can make the most of them:
Understand the Pattern: By reviewing past papers, you get familiar with the exam pattern, the kinds of questions asked, and the distribution of topics.
Identify Important Topics: You can identify which topics are frequently covered in the GK section, helping you focus your study efforts on the most important areas.
Improve Time Management: Practicing with previous year papers helps you improve your time management skills, allowing you to answer more questions in the actual exam.
Evaluate Your Preparation: Solving these papers gives you a benchmark to evaluate your preparation level. You can identify your strengths and areas that need improvement.
Boost Confidence: Regular practice with past papers can boost your confidence as you become more comfortable with the exam format and question types.
Let us discuss a few previous year’s XAT questions.
1. Which city hosted the recently concluded Asian Games 2022 (which happened in 2023)? Options :
Incheon
Hangzhou
Jakarta
Guangzhou
Busan
2. Which of the following countries has NOT been invited to join the BRICS in the BRICS’ expansion plan for 2024? Options :
Egypt
Ethiopia
Saudi Arabia
Iran
Pakistan
3. Why has Dr. Akshata Krishnamurthy been in the news recently? Options :
She is the first Indian citizen to command a rover mission on Mars.
She is the first Indian citizen to lead the Big Bang Observatory.
She is the first Indian citizen appointed to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory.
She is the first Indian citizen to be heading the pharmaceutical giant Pfizer.
She is the first Indian citizen to make a major breakthrough in the genome sequencing of Jamun
The candidates are advised to download and study the previous year’s XAT question paper
In the XLRI Admission 2025 process, General Knowledge (GK) plays a crucial role as it helps assess a candidate's awareness of current events and general awareness, which are essential for future business leaders. A strong performance in the GK section demonstrates a well-rounded personality and the ability to stay informed about the world, which is vital in the dynamic business environment. Additionally, good GK knowledge can give candidates an edge in personal interviews and group discussions, where a broad understanding of various topics can enhance their arguments and viewpoints, making them stand out in the competitive selection process.
There are 15–25 questions covering both static GK and current events in the GK component of the IIFT, CMAT, and XAT examinations.
For GK preparation, toppers advise reading publications like The Economist, Business Standard, Economic Times, and Manorama Year Book.
GK can be divided into Static GK (e.g., countries, capitals, currencies) and Current Affairs (e.g., business & economy, international events, government schemes).
Read national newspapers daily like The Hindu, follow news websites, and make notes of important events. Watching Doordarshan for government policy updates is also recommended.
Hello there,
With a 53 percentile in CAT , the chances of receiving a call from XISS (Xavier Institute of Social Service) may be limited, as their typical cutoff for CAT is generally higher than this, especially for their flagship programs like MBA or PGDM .
However, admission depends on several factors such as:
Though the
CAT percentile
is a key factor, you might still be considered based on your overall profile if you apply to their
PGDM programs
. It's always worth checking with the college directly for the specific eligibility criteria and cutoffs for the year you're applying.
I would recommend you to use CAT College Predictor Tool by Careers360 to get the list of possible colleges you can get with your rank.
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.
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a highly competitive entrance exam in India for admission to prestigious management programs like the MBA, primarily at the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other top business schools. It tests a candidate's aptitude in areas such as quantitative ability, verbal ability, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. CAT is valuable for students aspiring to build a career in business, management, or entrepreneurship, as it opens doors to world-class education, exceptional networking opportunities, and lucrative career prospects. Excelling in CAT demonstrates analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership potential, essential qualities for success in the corporate world.
Hello there,
With a 77.38 percentile in CAT and sectionals of 61/89/67 , it may be challenging to secure admission to NIT Tiruchirappalli for an MBA, as their cutoff tends to be higher. However, there are still some possibilities, and you could consider these steps:
NIT Tiruchirappalli (MBA):
Generally, the cutoff for NIT Trichy’s MBA program is around 85-90 percentile, depending on the year and category. Your chances might be slim, but it’s always good to check with the college directly for their specific cutoff.
Other Colleges to Consider:
Other Entrance Exams: You could also look at other entrance exams like XAT, NMAT, or SNAP to apply to colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur, NMIMS Mumbai, or Symbiosis Institutes.
Additionally, considering your strong sectional score in DILR (89), you could focus on colleges with a more flexible approach to sectionals and percentile aggregation.
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 there,
With a 65 percentile in CAT and belonging to the General category , getting admission to USMS (University School of Management Studies) can be challenging, as their cutoffs are generally higher, typically around 85-90 percentile or more. However, admission can depend on factors like:
Category-wise cutoff
: Sometimes, the cutoff for the General category can be higher, but you may still apply as there might be specific reservation relaxations or fluctuations based on the number of applicants.
Interviews and GD
: Even if you meet the minimum cutoff,
interviews and group discussions
are a mandatory part of the selection process. They assess your communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall fit for the program.
Recommendations:
Top MBA colleges based on CAT, XAT, SNAP, and NMAT scores include some of India’s best institutions. For CAT, the IIMs (Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta) and FMS Delhi are highly regarded. XAT results in prestigious colleges like XLRI Jamshedpur and XIMB. SNAP is known for Symbiosis Institutes, such as SIBM Pune and SCMHRD. NMAT scores open doors to NMIMS Mumbai, SPJIMR Mumbai, and ISB Hyderabad. Each exam has unique eligibility requirements, and their cutoffs vary, so it's important to research the specific criteria and select based on your preferences and strengths.
A career as Marketing Director is also known as a marketing expert who is responsible for the overall marketing aspect of the company. He or she oversees plans and develops the company's budget. The marketing Director collaborates with the business team to plan and develop the marketing and branding strategies for the company's products or services.
A Business Development Executive (BDE) is a professional responsible for identifying growth opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance a company's market position. Typically, a BDE conducts market research, analyses industry trends, and identifies potential clients or business prospects. He or she plays a crucial role in developing and implementing sales strategies to achieve revenue targets.
A BDE often collaborates with cross-functional teams, including marketing and product development, to align business objectives. Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills are essential for success in this role. BDE strives to expand the company's customer base, drive sales, and contribute to overall organisational growth in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Content Marketing Specialists are also known as Content Specialists. They are responsible for crafting content, editing and developing it to meet the requirements of digital marketing campaigns. To ensure that the material created is consistent with the overall aims of a digital marketing campaign, content marketing specialists work closely with SEO and digital marketing professionals.
A sales manager is a revenue-generating source for a company. Any organisation or company which sells a commodity or service requires sales to generate revenue. A Sales manager is a professional responsible for supervising the sales team. An Individual as a sales manager works closely with salespeople, assigns sales territories, sets quotas, mentors the members of the sales, assigns sales training, and builds a sales plan.
The Sales Manager work also includes hiring and laying off sales personnel after evaluating his or her work performance. In bigger entities, sales quotas and plans are usually set at the executive level. He or she is responsible for overseeing the set target or quotas met by salespeople or upholding any policy. He or she guides his or her fellow salespeople and allows them to sell.
Individuals who opt for a career as a business analyst look at how a company operates. He or she conducts research and analyses data to improve his or her knowledge about the company. This is required so that an individual can suggest the company strategies for improving their operations and processes.
In a business analyst job role a lot of analysis is done, things are learned from past mistakes and the successful strategies are enhanced further. A business analyst goes through real-world data in order to provide the most feasible solutions to an organisation. Students can pursue Business Analytics to become Business Analysts.
A marketing manager is a person who oversees a company or product marketing. He or she can be in charge of multiple programmes or goods or can be in charge of one product. He or she is enthusiastic, organised, and very diligent in meeting financial constraints. He or she works with other team members to produce advertising campaigns and decides if a new product or service is marketable.
A Marketing manager plans and executes marketing initiatives to create demand for goods and services and increase consumer awareness of them. A marketing manager prevents unauthorised statements and informs the public that the business is doing everything to investigate and fix the line of products. Students can pursue an MBA in Marketing Management courses to become marketing managers.
An SEO Analyst is a web professional who is proficient in the implementation of SEO strategies to target more keywords to improve the reach of the content on search engines. He or she provides support to acquire the goals and success of the client’s campaigns.
Digital marketing is growing, diverse, and is covering a wide variety of career paths. Each job function aids in the development of effective digital marketing strategies and techniques. The aims and objectives of the individuals who opt for a career as a digital marketing executive are similar to those of a marketing professional: to build brand awareness, promote company services or products, and increase conversions. Individuals who opt for a career as Digital Marketing Executives, unlike traditional marketing companies, communicate effectively through suitable technology platforms.
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Extended Application Deadline: 10th Feb 2024
Last Date of Applications- 28th January | 250+ Companies | Highest CTC 16 LPA | Average CTC 8 LPA | Ranked as Platinum Institute by AICTE for 6 years in a row | Awarded Best Business School of the Year
Highest CTC 35 LPA | Median CTC 9.27 LPA | 172+ Recruiters
FINAL Deadline: 30th January'25 | No more Deadlines | UGC Approved Programs | 100% Placement Record | Up to 100% Scholarships | Highest CTC 21.74 LPA
Average CTC 15.22 LPA | Ranked 91 by NIRF in Management Category 2024 | Highest Stipend – 1.2 Lakhs | Average CTC 15.22 LPA
India’s first Urban Multidisciplinary University | Case-based pedagogy