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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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