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CMAT Syllabus 2025

Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Prof. SK Agarwal

CMAT Syllabus 2025: Check Detailed Syllabus; Section wise topics in Revised Syllabus

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2025 is one of the important MBA entrance exams for admission to AICTE approved MBA/PGDM colleges. CMAT Exam Time Duration is of three hours and the exam is divided into five sections of 20 questions in each section.  

Although no major change is announced in the syllabus for CMAT 2025, it is expected that some new types of questions may also be introduced in CMAT exam 2025. Read below all about the CMAT syllabus 2025 and Pattern– its overall and sectional composition, syllabus topics, total questions, weightage 
 

Table of Content

  • 1. Overview of CMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025

  • 2. Overview of CMAT Syllabus and Pattern 2025

  • 3. CMAT Exam Syllabus 2025 for Language Comprehension

  • 4. Type of Questions in CMAT Language Comprehension Syllabus

  • 5. CMAT Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QTDI)

  • 6. Type of Questions in CMAT QTDI Syllabus

  • 7. CMAT Exam Syllabus for Logical Reasoning (LR)

  • 8. Type of Questions in CMAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus

  • 9. CMAT Exam Syllabus for General Awareness (GK)

  • 10. Type of Questions in CMAT GK Syllabus

  • 11. CMAT Exam Syllabus for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E)

  • 12. Type of Questions in CMAT I&E Syllabus

  • 13. How to Download CMAT Syllabus Pdf?

  • 14. Best Books to Prepare for CMAT Syllabus

1. Overview of CMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is online computer based exam conducted in a  single day.   

  • Marks for every correct answer are +4 and - 1 Negative Marking applies for wrong answer 
  • No marking for Unattempted questions 
  • All the MCQ type questions have four options with one correct option 
  • All the 5 sections carry equal weightage
  • Each question in each section carries equal weightage

CMAT 2025 Exam Pattern

CMAT 2024 Exam SectionsNumber of QuestionsMaximum Marks Section-wiseOverall Time Duration: 180 Minutes (3 Hrs)
Language Comprehension2080No Sectional Time Limit
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation2080No Sectional Time Limit
Logical Reasoning2080No Sectional Time Limit
General Awareness2080No Sectional Time Limit
Innovation and Entrepreneurship2080No Sectional Time Limit
Total: Sections-5100400Total Time: 3 Hours
A: The exam will be conducted in a single day as a computer based test
A: The exam is likely to be conducted in two slots of 3 hours duration in a single day
A: It is a computer based test and is conducted at test centres. Last year the exam was conducted in more than 110 test cities.
A: CMAT is a moderate difficulty exam and is easier that CAT, XAT, SNAP
A: Yes, CMAT does not have individual sectional time limit

2. Overview of CMAT Syllabus and Pattern 2025

CMAT Syllabus is divided into five sections – Language Comprehension; Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation; Logical Reasoning; General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Key highlights of CMAT syllabus are:

  • Each of the five sections in CMAT syllabus has equal weightage of 20% with 20 questions
  • The CMAT is not a high difficulty level exam
  • The topics in CMAT syllabus on which Questions are asked are simple and straight and are not twisted
  • CMAT Exam Syllabus PDF Free Download is available at a click of button

2.1 CMAT Entrance Exam Syllabus Section-Wise 
Here is the updated CMAT syllabus for all the sections of CMAT. The CMAT 2025 exam syllabus includes some forgotton topics which may appear again in CMAT exam  

SectionSyllabus
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation (20 MCQ Type Questions)Questions in this section are usually single and are not based on sets. Major topics in this section are Arithmetic-Ratio, mixtures, work, average, percentage, Time & speed, Profit and loss, interest, basic statistics, Number properties, Probability, Counting principles, Geometry, Algebra, Derivatives ( Maxima-Minima). Data Interpretation questions are mostly in sets of 3-4 questions in the form of Table and pie chart, Bar diagrams and graphs, Charts
Language Comprehension (20 MCQ Type Questions)CMAT Language Comprehension section covers comprehensive English test which includes the test of grammar, tenses, vocabulary, jumbled paragraphs and reading comprehension. Key topics in CMAT Syllabus are Usage of Articles, Non-finites, Dangling Modifiers, Usage on Nouns & Pronouns, Adjectives, Adverbs, Prepositions – regular and followed, Verbs, Syntax, Subject-verb Agreement, Simple, continuous, Perfect tenses and Conditional-unreal past, Jumbled paragraphs, RC passages of 500-600 words. There is no fix rule on framing the questions based on Reading comprehension passage, which is followed by at least 4-5 questions each. The RC based Questions could be based on inference drawn, on the Central idea of the passage, on phrases, idioms, expression in the passage among others.
Logical Reasoning (20 MCQ Type Questions)Logical Reasoning section is a mix of the topics from arrangements like linear, seating, sequencing & arranging with conditions to coding. Major Topics in the Logical Reasoning Syllabus for CMAT are Statement-conclusion, Logical puzzle, Numerical puzzle, Venn Diagram, True/false statements, Visual Reasoning
General Awareness (20 MCQ Type Questions)General awareness section in CMAT Syllabus can be divided into three parts and each part has to be given due weightage - Conventional GK-available in books; Current GK- based on current reading of newspapers and periodicals; Business & Economics GK -for example changes in Fiscal and monetary policy, CRR, Repo Rate, Devaluation and up valuation of Rupee, Business, National and International events, Who’s who, Constitution of India, Currency and Capitals of the countries, States of India, International Organizations, Monetary and Fiscal tools, Emblem, Identification of personalities, companies among others.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship (20 MCQs Type Questions)This section in CMAT exam covers comprehensive test on the knowledge regarding Innovative business practices, Government plans and policies, global entrepreneurs and personalities among others. Key topics are Government Publications, Policies and Practices on Innovation and Entrepreneurship for example who publishes Economic Survey of India; Publication of Gazettes; Process to Sell off the Assets of Bankrupt firm Launch of New Business Ventures with New Ideas like –Who launched the first live Payments Bank in India; Who launched Paytm, Ru Pay, UPI App based Tez, etc. Terminology-like Boot strapping, Liquidator, Mixed Economy, Tenacity, Neuroticism, Environmental Scanning, Innovation Management, Start Ups, Overtrading, Different among Proprietor, Partnership, Private Ltd firms and companies; Marketable Product, Patent, Trade Mark, Break Even Point, Latest Who’s Who, Places, Books in News. You should know basics of business viability; developing Business Plan.
A: CMAT 2025 syllabus remains on the lines of last year syllabus. It is not changed.
A: No, while NTA publishes CMAT exam and scoring pattern, it does not publish CMAT exam syllabus. You can find CMAT syllabus at MBAUniverse.com
A: All the five sections in CMAT exam have equal weightage. As such syllabus for all the five sections need to be covered to score well.
A: If you are devoting time and studying 2-3 hours a day, 3-4 months are considered sufficient to cover the syllabus.

3. CMAT Exam Syllabus 2025 for Language Comprehension

CMAT Language Comprehension carries overall 20% Weightage in CMAT exam. Out of total 100 questions in CMAT, 20 questions are based on Language Comprehension section. The Language Comprehension Section in CMAT is divided into 2 parts. The 1st part covers topics on Verbal Ability and the 2nd Part covers Reading Comprehension passages. Below is shared the topic wise Language Comprehension sectional syllabus with number of questions in the exam and actual CMAT questions that appeared recently in the exam to help you familiarise with the type of questions in CMAT.

Syllabus for Language Comprehension TopicsSyllabus & Topics AskedNo of Questions Appeared in CMAT 2024
Verbal AbilityFill in the blanks (1), Parts of Speech (1), Antonyms (1), One word substitution (1), Odd one out (1), Replace underlined phrase (1), Passive voice (1), Cloze passage (3 blanks), Jumbled paragraph (1), Grammar -Assertion reasoning and True/False statements (2), Match the idioms with their meanings (2), Match the foreign words with their meanings (2), Synonyms (1)18
Reading ComprehensionOne RC Passage of 200 words on the topic- Impact of Diversity on Education2

4. Type of Questions in CMAT Language Comprehension Syllabus

Sub-section/ TopicType of QuestionsDescriptionNo of Questions
Verbal AbilityGrammar & TensesFill in the blanks (1), Parts of Speech (1), Passive voice (1), Cloze passage (3 blanks),6
Verbal AbilityVocabularyAntonyms (1), One word substitution (1), Match the idioms with their meanings (2), Match the foreign words with their meanings (2), Synonyms (1), Replace underlined phrase (1)8
Verbal AbilityJumbled ParagraphsJumbled Sentences in a paragraph to be put in coherent order1
Verbal AbilityCritical ReasoningOdd one out (1), Assertion reasoning and True/False statements (2)3
Reading ComprehensionRC Passage of 200 WordsImpact of Diversity on Education2
Total Questions----20

5. CMAT Exam Syllabus for Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QTDI)

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation in CMAT exam carries a weightage of 20%.It tests you on your ability on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, and your skills to analyse the data from Graphs, Charts, Tables etc. Below is shared the topic wise CMAT entrance exam syllabus for QTDI section:

Syllabus for QTDI TopicsSyllabus & Topics AskedNo of Questions Appeared in CMAT 2024
Quantitative TechniquesArithmetic: Time-speed-distance (2), Ratio-Proportion (1), Profit & Loss (1), SICI (2), Time & Work (1) Geometry: Mensuration (1); Modern Math: Permutation & Combination (1), Probability (1) Number System: Surds (3), Properties of numbers (2) Algebra: Quad equations (1), Quad inequality (1)17
Data InterpretationSet of three questions based on Caselet3

6. Type of Questions in CMAT QTDI Syllabus

Sub-section/ TopicType of QuestionsDescriptionNo of Questions
Quantitative TechniquesArithmeticArithmetic: Time-speed-distance (2), Ratio-Proportion (1), Profit & Loss (1), SICI (2), Time & Work (1)7
--GeometryMensuration1
--AlgebraQuad equations (1), Quad inequality (1)2
--Modern MathPermutation & Combination (1), Probability (1)2
--Number SystemSurds (3), Properties of numbers (2)5
Data InterpretationProblem CaseletSet of three Questions3
Total Questions----20

7. CMAT Exam Syllabus for Logical Reasoning (LR)

Logical Reasoning section carries overall 20% Weightage in CMAT exam. Out of total 100 questions in CMAT, 20 questions are based on LR section. Below is shared the topic wise LR sectional pattern with number of questions in the exam and actual CMAT questions that appeared recently in the exam to help you familiarise with the type of questions in CMAT:

Syllabus for LR TopicsSyllabus & Topics AskedNo of Questions Appeared in CMAT 2024
Non-Verbal ReasoningDirection Sense (2), Cubes (2), Counting Number of Triangles (1), Linear Arrangement (1), Coding (2), Clocks (1), Numerical Puzzle (1), Others (1)11
Verbal ReasoningSyllogisms (1), Strong Weak Arguments (1), Assertion-Reason (1), Analogy (1), Statement-Conclusion (1), Statement-Assumption (1), Statement- Assertion (1), Odd one Out (1), Arrange words in Sequence (1)9

8. Type of Questions in CMAT Logical Reasoning Syllabus

Sub-section/ TopicType of QuestionsDescriptionNo of Questions
Non-Verbal ReasoningCubes, Triangles, Direction, Linear Arrangement, OthersDirection Sense (2), Cubes (2), Counting Number of Triangles (1), Linear Arrangement (1), Coding (2), Clocks (1), Numerical Puzzle (1), Others (1)11
Verbal ReasoningStatements, Arguments, Assumptions, Reason, AnalogySyllogisms (1), Strong Weak Arguments (1), Assertion-Reason (1), Analogy (1), Statement-Conclusion (1), Statement-Assumption (1), Statement- Assertion (1), Odd one Out (1), Arrange words in Sequence (1)9
Total Questions--20

9. CMAT Exam Syllabus for General Awareness (GK)

General Awareness section has 20% questions in CMAT exam. The score in this section has equal weightage like other sections. GK plays an important role in getting all India rank and can push your score up or down. In-depth and regular reading of GK helps more as sometimes a few GK questions in CMAT appear more tricky and need intensive reading. Below is shared the topic wise CMAT entrance exam GK section pattern with type of questions

Syllabus for GK TopicsSyllabus & Topics AskedNo of Questions Appeared in CMAT 2024
Static GKConstitution of India, Books & Authors, Historical Facts15
Current AffairsSports, Physics, Geography5

10. Type of Questions in CMAT GK Syllabus

Sub-section/ TopicType of QuestionsDescriptionNo of Questions
Static GKHistorical Facts, Indian Constitution & Polity, Books, AuthorsConstitution of India, Books & Authors, Historical facts of India15
Current AffairsSports, Physics, GeographyVarious types of Sports, events, latest innovation in Physics, Geographical changes and exploration5
Total--20

11. CMAT Exam Syllabus for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E)

Innovation and Entrepreneurship section in CMAT exam carries 20% weightage in the exam with 20 question out of 100 questions. The I&E section is the comprehensive test on the knowledge regarding Innovative business practices, Government plans and policies, global entrepreneurs and personalities among others. Key topics in CMAT on Innovation & Entrepreneurship are:

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship is recently included 5th Section in CMAT exam syllabus
  • This section was included as optional section in CMAT 2021 with 25 questions and additional time limit of 30 minutes. Later on, this section on Innovation and Entrepreneurship has been made a compulsory section with reduced number of 20 questions.
  • CMAT Syllabus 2024 on Innovation and Entrepreneurship section consists of questions on Business & Economy, Latest Who’s Who, Comprehension passages among others. 
  • Total number of questions in CMAT 2024 syllabus are reduced to 100 with each of the 5 sections having 20 questions of MCQ type instead of 125 questions 
  • Total CMAT exam time duration including the 5th section is reduced to 3 hours as compared to 3½ hours in CMAT 2021 
Syllabus for I&E TopicsSyllabus & Topics AskedNo of Questions Appeared in XAT 2024
Business & EntrepreneurshipNascent Entrepreneur; Phases of funding; Reasons for failure16
Business GKNational and International Business GK questions4

12. Type of Questions in CMAT I&E Syllabus

Sub-section/ TopicType of QuestionsDescriptionNo of Questions
Business GrowthBusiness & EntrepreneurshipNascent Entrepreneur; Phases of funding; Reasons for failure16
Global Business UnderstandingBusiness GKNational and International Business GK questions4
Total--20

13. How to Download CMAT Syllabus Pdf?

The updated CMAT syllabus PDF can help you boost your CMAT preparation as per the current CMAT pattern. The CMAT Syllabus 2025 PDF download is available online. The CMAT Syllabus Pdf 2025 contains the existing and expected topics alongwith the type of questions expected in XAT exam. 

CMAT Syllabus & Exam Pattern

14. Best Books to Prepare for CMAT Syllabus

Every year different types of questions appear in the exam. During the last few years, the CMAT exam pattern has been modified. So, while choosing the best books for CMAT preparation, it should be kept in mind that the books are conversant with the changed exam pattern and difficulty level. 

The Best Books for Preparation should keep pace with the changing exam pattern. Most of the preparation books in the market are based on the previous exam pattern but the best books shared here are the updated books which have incorporated changes with the anticipated question type in the exam. Every year different types of questions appear in the exam. During the last few years, the exam pattern has been modified completely. So, while choosing the best books for exam preparation, it should be kept in mind that the books are conversant with the changed exam pattern and difficulty level. Few things to check in the books are:

  • Should Provide conceptual clarity on the relevant topic
  • Rich on the exercises, practice questions and Mocks given after each topic
  • Caters your need to focus more on the weak areas with variety of practice questions  
  • Latest edition of preparation Book offers the updated exam pattern and syllabus also

14.1 Section-Wise 10 Best books for CMAT Preparation
If you are self-preparing for the exam or are preparing with the support of coaching institute, in both the cases, the latest edition of the books for preparation as shared below section wise will help you in getting more conceptual clarity, practice questions and attempting the sample papers

14.2. Preparation Books for Language Comprehension

 

14.3 Preparation Books for Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

 

14.4 CMAT Preparation Books for Reasoning

 

14.5 CMAT Preparation Books for General Awareness (GK) 
One of the important sections for CMAT preparation is the General Awareness (GK). Your GK preparation for CMAT should cover all the important topics and events and changes at national and international level. GK for CMAT exam is as important as other sections and cannot be avoided. To prepare GK for CMAT, you should gather the CMAT Exam GK material. GK section in CMAT exam can be divided in three parts and each part has to be given due weightage. 

  • Conventional GK-available in books;
  • Current GK- based on current reading of newspapers and periodicals; 
  • Business & Economics GK -for example changes in Fiscal and monetary policy, CRR, Repo Rate, Devaluation and up valuation of Rupee.  
  • Get CMAT GK sample questions from CMAT Mocks and CMAT previous test papers
  • Read regularly the news papers and create your own CMAT GK question bank. A good source of preparation for updated GK questions for CMAT is Manorama Year Book
  • Your CMAT GK Material should be as per CMAT GK syllabus
  • CMAT GK topics to prepare broadly are International current affairs and details about international organizations like ASEAN, TPP, BRICS and also know basic details about them, the headquarters, the year of establishment
  • Topics and GK sample questions for CMAT preparation should also include National current developments, Government schemes like UDAN Scheme, Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, JAM, Demonetisation, GST among others; latest who’s who; achievements; pacts and agreements

14.6 CMAT Preparation Books & Study Material for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Innovation and Entrepreneurship is the recently added new mandatory section in CMAT exam. Some of the updated and comprehensive best books on CMAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship section as per the CMAT syllabus, study material, practice papers and questions are:

  • National Policy on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship - Published by Govt of India
  • Document on Atal Incubation Centre (AIC)
  • MSME Market Development Program by Govt of India
  • Woman Entrepreneurship Platform by Government of India  
  • Venture Capital Scheme by Govt of India
  • End to End Energy Efficiency Scheme of Govt of India
  • Standup India program by Govt of India
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Peter F. Drucker 
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R. Gopal  

The questions in CMAT exam in Innovation and Entrepreneurship section are framed on concepts of innovation and business; Innovation of the life cycle; Entrepreneurship and its devlopment, Start ups, Make in India, How to start a venture, Government policy and guidelines on Entrepreneurship

Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT by Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
Publisher
McGrawHill
Year of Publication
2022
Price MRP
RS. 1020
Price Discounted
RS.732 Save: Rs.288
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
Publisher
Pearson
Year of Publication
2020
Price MRP
RS. 1050
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VARC
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension by Ajay Singh
Publisher
arihant
Year of Publication
2018
Price MRP
RS. 845
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RS.599 Save: Rs.245
LOGICAL REASONING
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
Publisher
McGraw Hill
Year of Publication
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Price MRP
RS. 845
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Word Power
Word Power Made Easy By Norman Lewis
Word Power Made Easy By Norman Lewis
Publisher
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Year of Publication
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Price MRP
RS. 199
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RS.150 Save: Rs.49
QUANTITATIVE APTITUDE for CAT
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Arun Sharma
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Publisher
McGraw Hill India
Year of Publication
2024
Price MRP
RS. 1050
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RS.739 Save: Rs.311
Data Interpretation for CAT
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma
Publisher
McGrawHill
Year of Publication
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Price MRP
RS. 845
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RS.589 Save: Rs.256
Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
Publisher
Pearson
Year of Publication
2020
Price MRP
RS. 1000
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RS.950 Save: Rs.50
Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT by Sarvesh K Verma
Publisher
Arihant
Year of Publication
2020
Price MRP
RS. 845
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RS.439 Save: Rs.406
LOGICAL REASONING
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma
Publisher
McGraw Hill
Year of Publication
2023
Price MRP
RS. 845
Price Discounted
RS.599 Save: Rs.245
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K Sinha
Publisher
Pearson
Year of Publication
2020
Price MRP
RS. 845
Price Discounted
RS.599 Save: Rs.245
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