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CMAT 2026 Syllabus: Section wise, Download VARC, QA, LR, DI & GK Syllabus PDF

  • By Christy J. Varghese
  • 5 October 2021
All about CMAT syllabus

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CMAT syllabus consists of sections namely Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The important topics to focus on in the CMAT Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section include Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Percentages. In the CMAT Language Comprehension section, questions related to Reading Comprehension and English usage are included. Check below the details regarding the CMAT syllabus 2026, including the sectional breakdown, syllabus topics, total number of questions, weightage, and additional information.

CMAT 2026 Syllabus Overview

The CMAT is considered to have a moderate level of difficulty, and its syllabus can be completed in approximately 2 to 4 months since the subjects are comparable to those found in other MBA entrance examinations. Below are some key topics from the five sections of the CMAT 2026 syllabus. These topics hold greater significance in the CMAT exam compared to the other subjects. Therefore, it is advisable to concentrate more on these topics during your preparation for the exam.

The syllabus of CMAT 2025 is divided into five sections: Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. A summary is given below, and detailed syllabi for each section are given in the following sections.

  • For the Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section, syllabus includes topics like Arithmetic (covering Ratio, Time & Work, Averages, Percentages, and Profit & Loss), Algebra, Geometry, Probability, Number Properties, and Data Interpretation in different formats like tables, pie charts, bar graphs, and charts.
  • In Language Comprehension, the syllabus handles grammar, tenses, vocabulary, sentence correction, jumbled paragraphs, and reading comprehension passages that focus on inference, central themes, idioms, and expression.
  • The Logical Reasoning section contains questions on arrangements (linear as well as circular), puzzles, coding-decoding, statement-conclusion relations, Venn diagrams, and visual reasoning exercises.
  • General Awareness section includes Static General Knowledge, Current Affairs, and Business & Economics-related knowledge including fiscal and monetary policies, international bodies, prominent personalities, and major national happenings.
  • Finally, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship section involves government policies, start-up basics, managing innovation, celebrated entrepreneurs, key terms (including bootstrapping and break-even point), current business trends, and recent policy developments.

CMAT 2026 Syllabus Language Comprehension

The Language Comprehension section of CMAT consists of two segments. The first segment focuses on Verbal Ability, while the second segment includes Reading Comprehension passages. Review the types of questions that were presented in the CMAT 2025 exam. Based on these questions, the CMAT Language Comprehension syllabus has been outlined below.

Topic

Details / Subtopics

Reading Comprehension (RC)

Passages with questions based on tone, inference, facts, vocabulary

Vocabulary

Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Meanings, One-word Substitution, Idioms & Phrases

Grammar

Parts of Speech, Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Articles, Prepositions

Sentence Correction

Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Grammar-based corrections

Para Jumbles

Jumbled Paragraphs, Rearranging sentences logically

Fill in the Blanks

Single & Double Fillers based on context and grammar

Sentence Completion

Completing the sentence meaningfully with correct options

Analogies

Word relationship-based questions

Candidates can refer to the table below to understand the question distribution of the CMAT language comprehension section:

Sub Section

Type of Question

No of Questions

Reading Comprehension

RC Passage

5-6

Verbal Ability

Identify correct/Incorrect usage (Active/Passive, Speech, Verb Usage)

3-4

Idioms and meanings

2-3

Assertion-Reason (Grammar Based - Simple Sentences, Adjectives)

2-3

Choose correct sentence (Adjectives, Verb usage)

1-2

Match the following (Types of Pronouns)

1-2

Jumbled Sentences

1-2

Parajumbles

1-2

Synonyms (Match the following)

1-2

CMAT 2026 Syllabus Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

CMAT exam consists of 100 questions, out of which 20 are for the Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section. This is the section that tests your skills in Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Modern Math, as well as your data interpretation skills from graphs, charts, and tables. Go through the kinds of questions that were asked in the Quant section in CMAT 2025 exam. Therefore, the CMAT Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation syllabus is given below.

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation is the CMAT segment consisting of 20 multiple-choice questions. The general difficulty level of the section is moderate. Though Arithmetic and Algebra hold sway in this section, one should attempt to touch upon all areas because Quants is a potential scoring area and a full score is possible. Preparation for the CMAT Quant section is best done by strengthening your base knowledge and practicing a good number of questions. Refer to the below table for a detailed CMAT syllabus for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation.

Topic

Sub-Topics

1. Number System

Properties of Numbers, Divisibility Rules, LCM & HCF, Remainder Theorem

2. Arithmetic

Percentages, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Averages, Ratios & Proportions, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, Pipes & Cisterns, Mixtures & Allegations, Partnerships

3. Algebra

Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Indices & Surds, Polynomials, Progressions (AP, GP, HP), Logarithms, Set Theory

4. Geometry

Lines & Angles, Triangles, Circles, Quadrilaterals, Coordinate Geometry, Area & Perimeter

5. Mensuration

2D & 3D Geometry, Surface Area & Volume, Areas of Complex Figures

6. Trigonometry

Trigonometric Ratios, Heights & Distances, Trigonometric Equations

7. Probability & Statistics

Probability Theory, Permutations & Combinations, Mean, Median, Mode, Standard Deviation, Variance

8. Data Interpretation

Tables, Bar Charts, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, Data Sufficiency, Data Comparison, Visual Representation of Data

9. Mathematical Reasoning

Number Series, Logical Sequences, Mathematical Puzzles

10. Data Analysis & Interpretation

Complex Data Sets, Interpretation of Graphs, Charts, and Tables, Percentage-based DI Problems

11. Miscellaneous

Speed Math Techniques, Approximation, and Estimation Techniques

Candidates can refer to the table below to understand the question distribution of the CMAT quantitative technique section:

Area

No. of Questions

Details

Arithmetic

10

Time-Speed-Distance (3), Ratio-Proportion (2), Profit & Loss (2), Simple Interest/Compound Interest (1), Alligation & Mixtures (2)

Geometry

1

Triangles (1)

Modern Math

2

Probability (2)

Numbers

2

Surds (1) and Indices (1)

Algebra

2

Quadratic Equations (1), Linear Equations (1)

Data Interpretation

3

2 Pie Charts (Set of 3 questions)

CMAT 2026 Syllabus Logical Reasoning

The Logical Reasoning section of the CMAT includes 20 multiple-choice questions. A majority of the questions focus on logic, so candidates should concentrate on fundamental concepts and practice a substantial number of sample questions to achieve a good score. Below is a detailed breakdown of the CMAT syllabus for Logical Reasoning:

Topic

Sub-Topics

1. Logical Deduction

Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams, Statements & Conclusions, Assumptions & Inferences, Data Sufficiency

2. Series Completion

Number, Alphabet, Letter/Symbol, Analytical Series

3. Seating Arrangement

Linear, Circular, Complex, Direction Sense

4. Blood Relations

Direct/Indirect Relationships, Symbol-based Relations

5. Direction Sense

Orientation, Distance-based Problems

6. Analogy

Verbal, Numerical, Letter Analogies

7. Coding & Decoding

Number, Letter, Symbol Coding, Decoding, Pattern Recognition

8. Puzzle Solving

Logical, Situational Puzzles

9. Statement & Assumption

Identifying Assumptions, Validity of Arguments

10. Venn Diagrams

Set Theory, Relationships between Sets

11. Critical Reasoning

Assumptions, Arguments, Conclusions, Fallacies

12. Clocks & Calendars

Time-related Problems

13. Logical Games

Strategy and Problem Solving

14. Symbol-based Problems

Mathematical/Linguistic Symbol Logic

15. Statement & Conclusion

Validity of Conclusions from Statements

Candidates can refer to the table below to understand the question distribution of the CMAT logical reasoning section:

Sub-section/Topic

Type of Questions

No. of Questions

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Directions (1), Cubes (2), Counting the number of squares (1), Linear Arrangement (1), Family Tree (1), Clocks (1), Numerical Puzzle (1), Misc (1), Logical Venn Diagram (1), Set Theory (1), Number Series (1), Analogy Based Sequence (1), Alphanumeric (1)

14

Verbal Reasoning

Assertion Reason; Strong/Weak Argument; Assumption; Conclusion; Word-Based Analogy; Odd One Out

6

Total Questions

-

20

CMAT 2026 Syllabus General Awareness

The General Awareness section of the CMAT consists of 20 questions that deal with a mix of current affairs and static general knowledge. Candidates should focus on memorizing even the smallest facts about events while preparing, as the question can be asked from any aspect of a particular event. Most of the questions are based on Static GK, so more emphasis should be given to those areas. Static GK can be approached by the candidates later during their CMAT 2026 study using Year Books as study material. Since this section is more dependent on memory, it is recommended not to resort to guessing when attempting questions. For the purpose of a thorough understanding, go through the detailed syllabus outline of the CMAT General Awareness.

Category

Subtopics / Examples

Static General Knowledge

Indian History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern), Indian Geography (Physical, Political), Indian Polity & Constitution,  Indian Economy (Basics, Budget, RBI), Science & Technology (Inventions, Discoveries), Art & Culture, Heritage, Sports (Tournaments, Winners), Environment & Ecology

Current Affairs

National & International Events, Government Schemes & Policies, Budget & Economic Survey Highlights, Major Appointments & Resignations, Awards & Honours, Sports News, Corporate & Business Updates, International Summits & Conferences

Business & Economics

Trade Terminologies, Business Awareness, Famous Companies & CEOs, Mergers & Acquisitions, Major Brand Ambassadors, Startups & Unicorns

Literature & Media

Important Books & Authors, Nobel & Other Literary Awards, Media Channels & Personalities

Miscellaneous

Important Days & Themes, Science in Daily Life, Cultural Events, Famous Personalities, Defence (Missiles, Exercises)

Question distribution of General Awareness section of CMAT 2026 is as follows:

Topic Area

Expected No. of Questions (Approx.)

Remarks

Static GK

13–17

Major focus area; covers history, polity, geography, etc.

Current Affairs

3–5

Mostly from the last 4–6 months

Indian Polity & Constitution

2–3

Fundamental rights, articles, recent amendments

Indian Economy & Budget

2–3

Budget highlights, GDP, fiscal terms

Business & Corporate GK

2–3

CEOs, mergers, brands, business news

Awards & Honours

1–2

National/international awards, recent recipients

Books & Authors

1–2

Important books, authors, Nobel prizes

Sports

1–2

Recent tournaments, winners, Olympic updates

Important Days & Themes

1

UN days, national days with relevant themes

Science & Tech / Environment

1–2

Discoveries, missions, climate summits, ISRO/DRDO news

CMAT 2026 Syllabus Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The subject Innovation and Entrepreneurship is quite interesting to those who wish to be managers, and hence preparation is quite easy. The subject is only given in CMAT, and the candidates can do well with basic preparation based on questions given in previous years. The subject resembles Business Studies, and therefore those who have learned the subject while undergoing Higher Secondary education and undergraduate study will find preparation easy.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship is a section that has 20 questions carrying a total of 80 marks. There are questions based on passages, as well as those testing Economics and Business knowledge. In general, the section is not tough and a month of steady preparation would be sufficient.

Here's the detailed breakdown of CMAT 2026 syllabus for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

Topic Area

Key Concepts & Subtopics

1. Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship

Definition and evolution of entrepreneurship, Entrepreneur vs Intrapreneur, Types of entrepreneurs

2. Theories & Models

Schumpeter’s Theory, McClelland Theory, Innovation models (disruptive, incremental, etc.)

3. Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Role of family, society, and culture, Rural, social, and women entrepreneurship

4. Corporate Entrepreneurship

Intrapreneurship, Innovation in large organizations, Risk,taking and leadership traits

5. Business Organization & Planning

Forms of business (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP), Organizational structure, Business plan components

6. Idea Generation & Opportunity Evaluation

Environmental scanning, Creativity and innovation process, SWOT & PESTLE analysis

7. Feasibility Analysis

Financial feasibility, Technical feasibility, Market and HR analysis

8. Startup Project Management

Project lifecycle, Resource planning, Time & cost estimation

9. Funding & Finance

Angel investors, VCs, Bootstrapping, Bank loans, equity, crowdfunding

10. Government Schemes & Policies

Startup India, Make in India, Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), SIDBI, MUDRA, PMEGP

11. Innovation Management

Types of innovation, Innovation vs invention, Role of R&D in startups

12. Business Terminology

Terms like unicorn, MVP, bootstrapping, ROI, lean startup, etc.

13. Leadership & Motivation

Traits of successful entrepreneurs, Motivation theories

Question distribution of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Section is as follows:

Topic Area

Expected No. of Questions (Approx.)

Type of Questions

Entrepreneurship Basics & Types

2–3

Definitions, types, traits of entrepreneurs

Theories & Models

1–2

Theoretical frameworks, innovation models

Startup Ecosystem & Trends

2–3

Ecosystem actors, policy relevance, startup case studies

Business Planning & Feasibility

2–3

Business plan elements, SWOT/PESTLE, feasibility studies

Government Schemes & Initiatives

3–4

Startup India, Make in India, MUDRA, SIDBI, PMEGP, AIM etc.

Funding & Finance

2–3

Angel investors, bootstrapping, crowdfunding, VC, banks

Business & Innovation Terminology

2–3

Terms like MVP, unicorn, pivot, lean startup

Corporate & Social Entrepreneurship

1–2

Intrapreneurship, social/rural entrepreneurship

Comprehension / Case-based

1–2 (passage-based, 3–4 Qs)

Business case study with 3–4 follow-up questions

Current Affairs & GK

2–3

Recent startup news, budget schemes, rankings (e.g., GII)

 

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Christy J. Varghese

Christy J. Varghese is a communications specialist who graduated in the field of Journalism & Mass Communication before going on to write for The Pioneer, a daily newspaper, for almost 2 years.

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