Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). CMAT exam scores are accepted by more than 10000 B-schools all over the country. It is a three-hour computer- based test consisting of 100 MCQ questions. For every correct answer you will get +4 marks, and -1 mark for every wrong answer. CMAT comprises of five sections: Language Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

This is all you need to know about the exam. Now, let’s focus on the preparation part. Here are some tips that can help you prepare for the exam.

PREVIOUS YEAR PAPER

Start by solving the previous year’s question paper. This will give you a fair idea about how the actual exam is going to be. You will become familiar with topics and can accordingly prioritize them.

SCHEDULE

Once you become familiar with the topics and sections, make a proper schedule. Allocate time to each section, based on your hold on each section. Ensure that all the topics are covered and practiced and revised regularly. Make sure you thoroughly clear your basics of every section. After working on your basics, start with easier set of questions making your way up to difficult ones. Note down your mistakes, tricks, and shortcuts and follow them up.

MOCK TESTS

Taking CMAT level mock tests will help you to analyse your strengths and weaknesses, so that you can devise a strategy. Try to take at least 1-2 mock tests per week. Focus on the time assigned to each question. Try not to assign more than 2 minutes per question. Look for the questions that you are comfortable with and come back to the difficult ones. All this will help you feel confident and increase your chances of getting a good score. 

REVISION

Revision is most important during the whole preparation. Learning new concepts and not revising on time can be damaging to your whole preparation. Timely, revise your weaker areas and basics, and brush up your tables, formulas, grammar and important concepts.

GENERAL AWARENESS AND INNOVATION

These two sections are the ones that make all the difference. Regularly read the newspapers like The Hindu, Economist, The Indian Express, etc. and keep yourself updated with the latest happenings in the county and around the world. Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a newly introduced compulsory section. Keep yourself updated with business news.

CMAT is a fairly easy exam as compared to other MBA entrance exams if you prepare well and remain consistent with your preparation. You can prepare for the exam on your own or you can take the guidance of a coaching institute.