- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
- Number systems, arithmetic covering percentage, ratio, averages, profit and loss, interest, time and work, time speed and distance, mixtures and partnership; algebra, geometry, mensuration; permutations, combinations and probability; and data interpretation through tables, graphs and charts.
- Logical Reasoning
- Analytical reasoning through arrangements and puzzles, critical reasoning covering statements, assumptions and conclusions, sequencing, blood relations, coding and decoding, direction sense, syllogisms, matrix arrangements and non-verbal reasoning.
- Language Comprehension
- Reading comprehension passages, para jumbles, sentence correction, error identification, synonyms and antonyms, idioms and phrases, and vocabulary in context. More grammar-oriented than CAT verbal.
- General Awareness
- Current affairs of national and international importance, business and corporate news, economics and finance, government schemes, sports, awards, history, geography, polity and static general knowledge. A knowledge section, prepared through daily reading rather than practice.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Concepts and theories of entrepreneurship, the entrepreneurial process, types of entrepreneurs, innovation and its forms, business models and value creation, start-up ecosystems and funding, intellectual property basics, government schemes supporting entrepreneurship, and notable Indian entrepreneurs and ventures. A finite, coverable body of material.
The innovation and entrepreneurship section deserves specific attention because it is bounded. Unlike general awareness, which is open-ended, this section draws on a defined set of concepts, schemes and examples that can be covered thoroughly in a few weeks. That combination — a full section, learnable in weeks, routinely skipped — makes it the best return available in CMAT preparation.
General awareness sits at the other end of that spectrum: equally under-prepared by CAT-focused candidates, but cumulative rather than bounded. It cannot be assembled in a fortnight and it responds well to a daily reading habit maintained over months. The practical implication is that these two sections need opposite treatment — one is a short project, the other is a long habit — and candidates who treat them the same way tend to leave the habit too late.
The aptitude sections need no CMAT-specific work
Quantitative techniques, logical reasoning and language comprehension are conventional and are covered by any management-entrance preparation. The language section leans a little more on grammar and vocabulary than CAT does, which is worth a few weeks, but nothing here requires a separate study plan.
