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Updated By Soham Mitra on 23 Sep, 2025 12:35
The CMAT 2026 syllabus, set by AICTE, includes five main sections, with Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation focusing on arithmetic, algebra, and numerical problems. No changes are expected in the syllabus this year. A thorough understanding of the CMAT syllabus is crucial for success.
Predict your Percentile based on your CMAT performance
Predict RankThe CMAT 2026 syllabus, set by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), includes five sections: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The CMAT 2026 exam pattern comprises a total of 100 questions with each section having 20 questions, with the exam likely ranging from moderate to high difficulty. The Innovation & Entrepreneurship section, introduced in 2021 and has remained mandatory since 2022, primarily focuses on general knowledge. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will not release an official syllabus but will mention the exam sections. No changes in topics are expected for the exam in 2026. Understanding the syllabus is crucial for candidates to achieve success in the upcoming CMAT 2026 exam.
CMAT syllabus 2026 is meticulously designed to assess candidates' proficiency, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of their management aptitude. Therefore, diligent preparation under the prescribed syllabus is essential for candidates aspiring to secure admission into their desired management programs. The link for the latest CMAT Syllabus 2026 PDF is provided below:
Having 200 marks in the CMAT exam is considered a decent score. Candidates can get admission into MBA colleges accepting CMAT scores of 80 percentile such as BIMTECH, IMT Nagpur, KIIT, Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow, ISBM Pune, JIMS Rohini, etc.
The question paper of CMAT has 100 questions in MCQ format on Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
The CMAT syllabus covers five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Key topics include algebra and arithmetic, data interpretation, syllogisms, grammar, reading comprehension, current affairs, business news, and entrepreneurial skills.
The CMAT 2026 syllabus consists of five sections, each with 20 questions. Candidates appearing for the exam can have a look at the section-wise important topics, number of questions, maximum marks, and difficulty level for each section.
CMAT 2026 Sections | Important Topics | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
General Awareness | Sports, Economics, Business, Personalities, World Affairs, Science, Literature, Politics, and Trade Awareness | 20 | 80 | Easy |
Logical Reasoning | Blood Relationship, Coding-Decoding, Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, and Ranking Tests | 20 | 80 | Easy to Moderate |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | Time-Speed-Distance, Algebra, Profit & Loss, Mensuration, Graph, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Fraction and Decimals, Alligation & Mixtures, Averages, and Partnership | 20 | 80 | Moderate to High |
Language Comprehension | Paragraph Completion, English Usage Errors, Parajumbles, Synonyms and Antonyms, English Grammar, and Reading Comprehension | 20 | 80 | Easy to Moderate |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Topics and Concepts related to Business, Startups, Entrepreneurship, Business & Entrepreneurial Innovation, etc. | 20 | 80 | Moderate |
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The Language Comprehension section of CMAT comprises 20 questions categorized into Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension. Typically, this section includes 2-3 short Reading Comprehension passages that are straightforward to read. Verbal Ability questions cover vocabulary and grammar. The CMAT 2026 Language Comprehension syllabus includes:
English Grammar | Para Jumbles |
|---|---|
Sentence Correction | English Usage Errors |
Paragraph Completion | One-word Substitution |
Idioms & Phrases | Synonyms & Antonyms |
Sentence Improvement | Reading Comprehension |
Cloze Test | |
Important: There are no specific guidelines provided to candidates regarding the types of Reading Comprehension (RC) passages featured in CMAT 2026. However, based on previous exams, RC passages typically range from 500 to 600 words in length and are of moderate difficulty. Candidates with strong reading skills usually find navigating these passages relatively straightforward. The topics of the RC passages can vary widely.
Also Read: CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Language Comprehension
The Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section of the CMAT exam comprises 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Candidates must thoroughly prepare for this section, which covers a wide array of topics. Below is the CMAT 2026 syllabus for Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, designed to aid aspirants in formulating their preparation strategy:
Tabulation | Pie Chart |
|---|---|
Partnership | Bar Chart |
Geometry | Pipes and Cisterns |
Simple Interest and Compound Interest | Time-Speed-Distance |
Probability | Allegation & Mixtures |
Profit & Loss | Permutations & Combinations |
Percentages | Quadratic and Linear Equations |
Mensuration | Algebra |
Averages | Fraction and Decimals |
Graph | Number Systems |
Ratios and Proportion of Line | Work and Time |
Also Read: CMAT Preparation tips for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
Among all sections of the CMAT 2026 Logical Reasoning syllabus, this section is the simplest. The aim of Logical Reasoning (LR) is to evaluate the candidate's skill in recognizing patterns of relationships and deriving essential information. Reasoning encompasses a broad spectrum of topics that require thorough practice since there are no fixed formulas for mastering them. This section include the following topics:
Analytical Reasoning | Linear Arrangements |
|---|---|
| Statement and Arguments | Sequencing |
Matrix Arrangements | Number Series |
Cause and Effects | Analogy Test |
Blood Relationship Tests | Coding and Decoding |
Inferences | Statements and Conclusion |
Non-Verbal Reasoning | Symbol Based Problems |
Direction and Distance Test | Ranking Tests |
Statements Assumptions | – |
Also Read: Tips on How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning Section for CMAT
The CMAT General Awareness syllabus encompasses diverse subjects such as current affairs, business, economics, geography, history, politics, and science & technology. Its questions aim to gauge candidates' understanding of recent events and their overall awareness of the world. The topics in this section include:
Topics of National and International Importance | Business-related Issues |
|---|---|
Static GK and Current GK | Recent Government Schemes |
International Affairs | Books & Authors |
Literature | Indian Constitution |
National and International Economy | Important Personalities |
Sports | Economics |
Science | Culture |
History | Politics |
Trade Awareness | Geography |
Awards | Arts & Culture |
Polity | |
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips for General Awareness
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship section of CMAT evaluates candidates' comprehension of the entrepreneurial process. Despite being exclusive to the CMAT exam, achieving proficiency in this area is not daunting. The topics in this section covered include:
Concepts of Entrepreneurship | Theories and Models of Entrepreneurship |
|---|---|
Overview of Entrepreneurship | Framework of Entrepreneurship Theories |
Evolution of Entrepreneurship in India | Models of Entrepreneurship |
Emerging Trends in Social Entrepreneurship | Dimensions of Entrepreneurship |
Principles of Business Organisation | Entrepreneurial Society |
Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development | Entrepreneurial Culture |
Motivation, Communication and Leadership | Rural Entrepreneurship |
Emerging Models of Corporate Entrepreneurship | Women Entrepreneurship |
Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
The CMAT 2026 exam has five main sections: quantitative techniques, language comprehension, logical reasoning, general awareness, and innovation/entrepreneurship. Below is a comprehensive overview of the CMAT 2026 exam pattern, detailing the number of questions, total marks, and duration for each section.
Name of the Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Marks per Question | Negative Marking | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
General Awareness | 20 | 80 | 4 | -1 | 180 Minutes |
Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 | 4 | -1 | |
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 | 4 | -1 | |
Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 | 4 | -1 | |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 | 4 | -1 | |
TOTAL | 100 | 400 | - | - |
Preparing for the CMAT 2026 exam requires a strategic approach to ensure thorough understanding and optimal performance. To assist you in your preparation journey, here are some essential guidelines to consider. From dedicating specific study hours to mastering challenging subjects and staying abreast of current affairs, these pointers aim to streamline your preparation process and enhance your readiness for the exam. Here are some guidelines to consider when preparing for CMAT 2026:
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Merely going through the entire CMAT syllabus 2026 won't guarantee thorough preparation unless candidates utilize appropriate study resources. It's crucial to use the best books tailored for CMAT exam readiness. Discover the top-recommended CMAT preparation books in the table below:
Exam Section | Best Books for CMAT 2026 |
|---|---|
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation |
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Logical Reasoning |
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Language Comprehension |
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Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
|
General Awareness |
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Want to know more about CMAT
The Quantitative Aptitude section of CMAT includes questions on Arithmetic, Geometry, Modern Math, Numbers, Algebra, and Data Interpretation. These questions typically pose a moderate level of difficulty.
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship section of CMAT 2026 primarily focuses on business knowledge. To excel in this section, candidates must understand concepts related to innovation and business, including Concepts of Entrepreneurship, Theories and Models of Entrepreneurship, Evolution of Entrepreneurship in India, Framework of Entrepreneurship Theories, etc.
The syllabus for CAT and CMAT are largely similar across three sections: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Reading Comprehension, and Verbal and Logical Reasoning. However, CMAT includes two additional sections: General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship which CAT doesn't have.
The important topics for each section in CMAT syllabus 2026 include:
The number of questions for each section in CMAT 2026 comprises 20 questions with a total of 400 marks. The sections are General Awareness, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship, each carrying 80 marks.
The subjects covered in CMAT 2026 include Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. These subjects comprehensively cover essential topics integral to MBA entrance exams in India.
It is recommended to not skip any topics from the CMAT syllabus as questions can be asked from any part of the syllabus. If you do not have enough time to prepare, check the CMAT exam analysis of CollegeDekho to find out the topics which are the most asked in CMAT exam across all previous exams.
All the sections of CMAT have an equal weightage with 25 questions worth 100 maximum marks in each section. Each question in the CMAT test will carry 4 marks each for every correct answer. In total, every section will carry 80 marks which will equal to 400 marks overall.
Ideally, a 3-6 month preparation time is good enough to cover the syllabus of CMAT completely. However, people who are already preparing for other MBA entrance exams as well should be able to prepare for the test in just 1 month.
Yes, the CMAT syllabus can be changed and the students will be notified of the same. Test-takers must keep a check on the official website to be updated on any changes that may have taken place in the CMAT syllabus.
No, the topics included in the CMAT syllabus are mostly from the Class 10th level so the topics themselves are not that difficult to understand. However, the questions asked in CMAT can be deceptive at first look, thus, making the questions seem tough to crack.
You can find the detailed syllabus for CMAT 2026 on our page above. All the important topics from each section are mentioned above, which have been gathered based on the previous year question papers. NTA doesn't release any detailed syllabus on the official website and only mentioned the name of the sections.
The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) is responsible for setting the CMAT syllabus. The National Testing Agency (NTA), acting on behalf of the AICTE, does not release any official CMAT syllabus on its official website and only mentions the sections included in the exam.
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