CMAT Syllabus 2026 PDF Section-Wise Topics, Weightage & Exam Pattern

Overview: Knowing the CMAT syllabus 2026 is the first step to start your preparation the right way. Here’s the complete section-wise CMAT 2026 syllabus with important topics and weightage.

CMAT 2026 Syllabus: Key Takeaways

• Total Questions: 100 | Total Marks: 400
• Sections: 5 (20 questions each)
• Marking: +4 (correct), -1 (incorrect), 0 (unattempted)
• Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours) | Language: English only
• Best approach: Finish syllabus → practise sectionals → attempt mocks + PYQs
• The CMAT 2026 syllabus, prescribed by AICTE, includes sections on Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
• The candidates appearing for the CMAT 2026 exam ensure to cover the CMAT 2026 syllabus with full concentration.
• Candidates must refer to the best CMAT study material to cover all the topics on the CMAT syllabus.

Download Free Study Material for CMAT Exam 2026 by SuperGrads

Continue reading to get the detailed subject-wise CMAT syllabus for the CMAT 2026 exam.

Read More | CMAT Exam Complete Details

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Important Topics (Section-Wise)

The table below highlights the most important topics from each section of the CMAT syllabus 2026.

CMAT 2026 Section	Important Topics
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation	Mixtures & Allegations, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Linear & Quadratic Equations, Time–Speed–Distance, Graphs & DI Sets
Logical Reasoning	Analytical Reasoning, Linear/Circular Arrangements, Series, Puzzles, Blood Relations, Direction & Distance, Coding–Decoding
Language Comprehension	Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Error Spotting, Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles
General Awareness	Economy & Business, National & International Current Affairs, Polity, Sports, Culture, Static GK
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Innovation basics, Entrepreneurship concepts, Start-up ecosystem, Business models, Funding, Growth strategy

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Subject-Wise Topics

Use this section-wise CMAT 2026 syllabus to plan your preparation topic-by-topic.

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

This section broadly covers Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry & Mensuration, Modern Maths, and Data Interpretation.

Topic Bucket	Topics Included
Number System	HCF & LCM, Remainders, Last Digit, Fractions & Decimals, Indices & Surds
Arithmetic	Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Time & Work, Time–Speed–Distance, Mixtures & Allegations
Algebra	Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Progressions, Logarithms
Modern Maths	Set Theory, Permutation & Combination, Probability, Binomial Theorem
Geometry & Mensuration	Lines & Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, 2D & 3D Mensuration, Coordinate Geometry
Data Interpretation (DI)	Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets (focus on calculation speed & accuracy)

Logical Reasoning

This section tests analytical, verbal, and non-verbal reasoning ability.

Analytical & Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Linear & Circular Arrangements
• Matrix Arrangements
• Direction & Distance
• Blood Relations
• Series (Number/Alphabet)
• Visual Reasoning
• Sequencing
• Order & Ranking
• Puzzles

Verbal Reasoning

• Syllogism
• Inference
• Course of Action
• Statement–Assumption
• Statement–Conclusion
• Statement–Argument
• Cause & Effect
• Strong vs Weak Arguments
• Analogy
• Coding–Decoding

Check | CMAT Registration Dates

Language Comprehension

This section evaluates reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar.

• Reading Comprehension
• Grammar & Usage
• Error Spotting
• Sentence Correction
• Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms, One-word substitution)
• Idioms & Phrases
• Para Jumbles
• Fill in the Blanks
• Paragraph Completion

Read More | How to fill CMAT application form

General Awareness

This section includes current affairs as well as static GK and business awareness.

Current Affairs

• National & International events
• Economy & Business updates
• Sports & Awards
• Important personalities in news

Static GK

• History & Indian Polity
• Indian Constitution basics
• Geography
• Science in everyday life
• Culture & Literature

Check | CMAT Subjects covered in the CMAT exam

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

This section focuses on innovation basics, entrepreneurship, start-ups, and business growth.

Theme	Topics Included
Innovation Fundamentals	Concepts of Innovation, Innovation Frameworks, Idea to execution lifecycle
Entrepreneurship Basics	Definition & types of entrepreneurs, models & theories of entrepreneurship, challenges
Start-up Ecosystem	Legal structure of start-ups, business models, market validation
Funding & Growth	Funding basics, marketing & growth strategy, scaling
Policy & Development	Role of government in promoting entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship in economic development, rural & women entrepreneurship

Also Read | CMAT 2026 Total Marks

Admission Process of Top B-Schools

Read | How important is GK For MBA entrance exams

Best Books to Comprehensively Cover CMAT Syllabus 2026

Pick 1–2 solid resources per section and stick to them. Use mocks/PYQs to validate progress weekly.

Books for Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

Name of the Book	Author / Publication
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude	Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations	R. S. Aggarwal

Books for Logical Reasoning

Name of the Book	Author / Publication
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT	Arun Sharma
Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for CAT	Nishit K. Sinha

Books for Language Comprehension

Name of the Book	Author / Publication
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension for CAT	Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT	Nishit K. Sinha

General Awareness Resources

Newspapers & Magazines (Daily/Weekly)

• The Hindu
• The Financial Express
• Business Today
• The Economic Times
• Hindu BusinessLine
• The Wall Street Journal (optional)
• The Financial Times (optional)

Yearbooks

• Manorama Year Book

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Name of the Book / Document	Author / Publisher
National Policy on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship	Government of India
Document on Atal Incubation Centre (AIC)	Government of India
The Innovator’s Dilemma	Clayton M. Christensen
How to Win Friends and Influence People	Dale Carnegie

Also Check | How to download CMAT Admit Card 2026

Enroll in CMAT Online Coaching 2026 by SuperGrads

CMAT Exam Date Latest Schedule 2026

Event	Official Dates
Online Submission of Application Form	17 Oct 2025 to 24 Nov 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
Successful Final Transaction of Fees	Up to 25 Nov 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
Correction in Particulars	26 Nov 2025 to 28 Nov 2025
Date of Examination	25 Jan 2026
Duration	180 minutes (03:00 Hrs)
Language of the Paper	English only
Exam Timing / City Intimation / Admit Card	To be announced on the official website

Note: Dates/timelines are as per the latest official notices; keep checking the official portal for city intimation and admit card updates.

Read | Difference between CAT and CMAT Exam

CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern & Section-Wise Weightage (Official)

• Total Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 400
• Sections: 5 (20 questions each)
• Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
• Medium: English only
• Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted

Section	Questions	Maximum Marks
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation	20	80
Logical Reasoning	20	80
Language Comprehension	20	80
General Awareness	20	80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	20	80
Total	100	400

CMAT 2026 Marking Scheme

• Each question carries 4 marks.
• +4 marks for every correct answer.
• -1 mark for every incorrect answer.
• 0 marks for unattempted questions.

Source: Official CMAT-2026 Information Bulletin (NTA).

Conclusion

Keep track of the latest CMAT syllabus and pattern. This will enable you to understand the format and scoring criteria of the test, which will be useful for preparing your preparation. It will also enable you to manage your time during the exam.

Fully acquaint yourself with the topic-wise CMAT 2026 syllabus. This will ensure that you pay attention to all the major points and help you organize your study time effectively.

Make a note of important dates of the CMAT Exam. The latter refers to deadlines for registration and the exam. Develop a study routine and stick to it to maximize your study time. Stay focused, practice always, and believe in your abilities. Good luck!