How to Tackle General Awareness for CMAT: Preparation Tips and Important Topics

The Common Management Admission Test, or CMAT, is one of the most competitive entrance exams for MBA aspirants in India. Among all the sections of CMAT, General Awareness is one of the most important yet least prepared sections. Most students find this section tricky, mainly because it encompasses a wide range of topics. With the right approach, however, you can easily conquer the General Awareness section and score well. This blog provides useful preparation tips and highlights the important topics that you should focus on to excel in the CMAT GA section.

Understanding the CMAT General Awareness Section

The General Awareness part of CMAT consists of 25 questions, focusing on current affairs, history, geography, sports, economics, politics, etc. It carries a total of 100 marks. The questions are multiple choice. The section is not at all time-consuming, yet it demands good knowledge and awareness of current events as well as general knowledge.

How to Prepare for the CMAT General Awareness Section

Understanding that section, let's have a look at how one should prepare for it and save time.

1. Stay Updated with Current Affairs

The most important aspect of General Awareness is current affairs. The general awareness section always incorporates the questions based on political happenings, business updates, economic changes, global affair, and sports recently going. So, keeping a hold of current news is quite a task.

Here's how to keep updated:

• Read Newspapers Daily: Reading a good national daily like The Hindu, The Times of India, or The Indian Express will give you a proper update about the current events. Do it with a focus on the politics, business, and international news.

• Use News Apps and Websites: Besides newspapers, there are apps like InShorts, BBC News, or Google News which could provide you with quick updates of all major events.

• Follow Monthly Current Affairs Magazines: Subscribing to magazines such as Pratiyogita Darpan and Competition Success Review will help you stay on top of monthly events and significant developments in various sectors.

2. Focus on Key Topics in General Awareness

The CMAT General Awareness section encompasses a wide range of topics. However, some areas are more frequently tested, so you should give them importance during your preparation. Here are the major topics you should focus on:

• Current Affairs: This is the heart of the GA section. Focus on national and international events, government schemes, awards, sports news, and major economic policies.

• Economics and Business: Stay updated with developments in the Indian economy, financial institutions, budget updates, and economic reforms. Understand key concepts like GDP, inflation, interest rates, etc.

• Polity and Governance: Familiarize yourself with the structure of the Indian government, political parties, important constitutional amendments, and recent Supreme Court rulings.

• Sports: Know the major sports events such as Olympics, World Cup, and other international tournaments. Also, know the prominent athletes and their achievements.

• Science and Technology: Keep track of major advancements in science, technology, and innovation. Focus on important discoveries, tech news, and environmental issues.

• Awards and Honours: Make sure to remember the major national and international awards and the recipients.

• Geography and Environment: Basic knowledge of geography, environmental issues, and key places will help you in this section.

3. Use Reliable Study Material

The best way to study for General Awareness is to use reliable and concise study material. There are many books and online resources that provide summaries of current affairs and general knowledge. Some popular ones include:

• Books for General Awareness: Revisions of static GK and general facts are well done in books such as General Knowledge 2024 by Manohar Pandey or Lucent's General Knowledge.

• Online Resources: Daily and weekly summaries can be availed on sites like GKToday, The Hindu's Current Affairs section, and apps like Pocket News.

4. Revision and Mock Tests

General Awareness is an area where consistent revision can make a huge difference. The more you revise, the better you'll retain important facts and figures. Make sure to follow these revision practices:

• Daily Revision: Set aside some time each day to revise the news articles or topics you've covered. A few minutes of daily review will keep your knowledge fresh.

• Weekly Quizzes: Take online quizzes or test your knowledge with practice papers. Platforms like Career Launcher Kharadi provide GK quizzes and mock tests that simulate the CMAT exam pattern.

• Mock Tests: Taking mock tests is one of the best ways to assess your preparation. CMAT mock tests are available online, and they give you a feel of the actual exam. They also help in managing time effectively during the test.

5. Write Notes and Flashcards

Writing notes and flashcards is a fabulous way of memorizing historical facts. Write down dates of important events, awards presented, political developments, economic news. Use flashcards for instant revision, preferably in the last few days before the exam. And flashcards are also wonderful for quick revision at the last moment.

6. Time Management During the Exam

Although the General Awareness section is relatively short (25 questions in 30 minutes), time management is still crucial. It’s important to read the questions carefully but avoid spending too much time on any one question. Answer the questions you are sure about and move on. The goal is to maximize your score without getting stuck on difficult questions.

7. Stay Calm and Confident

The General Awareness section is a sea of topics and might look like a daunting task, but do not worry. Focus on your strengths and the topics you have prepared for. If you get a question you do not know, just skip it and move on to the next one. So, do not panic; stay calm and composed during the exam.

Career Launcher Kharadi: Helping Hand in CMAT Preparation

Career Launcher Kharadi is one of the best coaching centers in Pune, offering a structured method for CMAT preparation. With expert guidance, the well-organized study material with regular mock tests, Career Launcher Kharadi ensures every student is adequately prepared on all sections of the CMAT exam, including General Awareness. Both conceptual clarity and practical strategies make coaching centers a number one MBA aspirant in Pune focus.

General Awareness of CMAT is quite challenging, but with focused preparation and a proper strategy, you will score well. Keep track of the latest current affairs, focus on important topics, and regularly revise the material. You should utilize good study material and take mock tests in large numbers. By following these tips above, you would be set to nail the CMAT General Awareness section.

Career Launcher Kharadi is one of the best coaching centers in Pune for CMAT preparation if you are searching for expert guidance. This will enable you to confront the General Awareness section confidently with personalized support and tailored resources to your needs

Summary:

The General Awareness section of CMAT requires sustained study and an updated knowledge bank. You can perform well if you stay abreast of current affairs, focusing on key topics such as economics, polity, and sports, and using quality study materials. Career Launcher Kharadi, the best coaching center in Pune, offers expert guidance and resources to help students ace the CMAT preparation and stay ready for the General Awareness section and beyond.