CMAT EXAMINATION GUIDE: CMAT Examination Preparation 2020

CMAT Examination: How to Prepare?

Contents

When only a few more days left for the CMAT 2020 examination, it’s time to gear up your preparation. Most of the candidates must be focussing on the CMAT mock tests and working on their mistakes. When just 20 days left for the CMAT exam, here is what you need to focus on:

In this phase of CMAT preparation, spend your time in practicing mock tests and for revision of important concepts and formulae.
You also have to focus on the General Awareness section of CMAT. Start memorizing static GK topics. If you have been following the news regularly, it will take care of the current affairs section.
Keep a notebook handy to write down all the important points pertaining to a given topic, especially tough ones. Go through these notes one day before the exam to refresh your memory.
In case of any doubt on any topic or concept, discuss it within your study group and get it cleared. Practice it well so that you can solve it without any confusion.
Pay attention to the type of questions you are able to solve in the mock tests with speed and accuracy. Look for such questions in the actual exam to reduce the possibility of negative marking.

Also Check How to Prepare CMAT in One Month

CMAT Preparation: Key points

CMAT syllabus includes Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability and General Awareness. CMAT is an online exam and the question paper has a total of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be solved in 3 hours. Now that you have a fair idea of the CMAT syllabus and exam pattern, you have to chart out an exam preparation strategy. Decide whether you prefer to learn from a coaching institute or prepare on your own. If you are going to prepare for CMAT 2020 by self-study, here’s what you need to remember-

You must commence your CMAT preparation for a minimum of six months before the exam.
The exam is usually held in the last week of January each year, so ideally you need to start your CMAT preparation by August.
Use CMAT preparation books and study material
Join online study groups
Download MBA entrance exam preparation apps
Work out your CMAT exam preparation strategy

CMAT Preparation Books and Study Material

Candidates who join MBA coaching institutes are guided by mentors and experts in the field of MBA. Such students are also well aware of the recommended CMAT preparation books and study material. But candidates, who rely on self-study need to get hold of the right books. The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana is one of the highly recommended books for CMAT. Refer to the list of best books for CMAT preparation.

Apart from the CMAT books, practicing the previous year question papers is one of the best materials for exam preparation. Solving these papers will help you get well acquainted with the test structure and pattern. You must also practice CMAT sample papers and online mock tests. These tests will give you exposure to a variety of questions and help in increasing your speed and accuracy.

Also Check CMAT exam pattern

Join online study groups

CMAT comprises of questions from Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and General Awareness. Sometimes you may not be able to understand a particular concept or a question asked. During times like these, online study groups are of great help as you can interact with other members of the group (mentors and students) and find a solution. You can also discuss other topics, concepts, learning tips and tricks of solving tough topics, get guidance on various other aspects.

Download MBA entrance exam preparation apps

Today most candidates can benefit from the advances in technology as well. You can prepare at any time and at any place provided you have a good internet connection. With everyone owning a smartphone, exam preparation has moved from notebooks and classroom to mobile phone apps. Download top MBA prep apps on your phone. These apps have plenty of useful, tutorials, videos, blogs, sample questions, etc.

CMAT exam preparation strategy

Another important aspect of your preparation is the exam strategy. Your exam strategy should have three main phases:

First phase: Completing the CMAT syllabus
Second phase: Practicing sample papers and mock tests
Third phase: Topic-wise revision

First phase: Completing the CMAT syllabus

It is important to understand the different sections that are there in the question paper. For example, the Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section is based on concepts, so your focus should entirely be about understanding and memorizing the concepts and theorems thoroughly. On the other hand, the Logical Reasoning section is based on practice, hence the more you practice these sample questions the better your grasp will be on this section.

Some sections of Verbal Ability (grammar and verbal reasoning) are concept-driven, while some are practice-based (reading comprehension). General Awareness is memory-based so memorize GK topics and events.

Our Advice:

Start with the tough sections and then move on to the easier ones.
Do not start a new topic without completing the previous one
Study only one topic at a time or you will end up getting confused
General Awareness is the easiest section. Prepare for this section at the end.
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Second phase: Practicing sample papers and mock tests

The second phase of CMAT preparation should be about the application of the concepts you studied in the first phase. Practise from the previous years’ CMAT question papers, sample papers and mock test series. An official mock test is also provided to all the registered candidates by NTA, the conducting authority of CMAT.

Our advice:

Don’t start solving sample questions without completing the CMAT syllabus
After taking a CMAT mock test, review your performance
Your aim should be to increase your speed and accuracy
Understand the test structure so that you can prepare topics accordingly
Try to solve a variety of questions

Third phase: Topic-wise revision

Set aside two weeks for revisions. Spend your time for revision of topics that are your weak points, but do not ignore your strong points. Focus on revising all the concepts, theorem, formulae, short cuts and tricks of solving questions.