The General Awareness section in CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) assesses candidates’ knowledge of current affairs, business, economics, and other contemporary issues. As an integral part of the CMAT exam, this section plays a crucial role in determining the overall score and the candidates’ awareness of the business environment. With this article, we aim to provide aspiring CMAT candidates with comprehensive strategies and tips to effectively prepare for the General Awareness section.
Introduction
The CMAT exam, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), includes sections that evaluate various aspects of a candidate’s readiness for management education. The General Awareness section tests candidates’ knowledge of recent developments in the business world, economy, and other domains relevant to management studies. This article outlines a structured approach to mastering the General Awareness section, equipping candidates with the tools needed to excel in this part of the CMAT exam preparation.
Understanding the CMAT General Awareness Section
Before delving into preparation strategies, it’s essential to grasp the key components and expectations of the CMAT General Awareness section:
- Content Coverage: Topics include current affairs, business news, corporate updates, government policies, international events, economic developments, and static GK (General Knowledge).
- Question Types: Typically consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on recent events and factual knowledge.
- Scoring: Each correct answer typically earns candidates one mark, and loses 1 mark for incorrect answers.
Strategies to Prepare for CMAT General Awareness
1. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- Newspapers and Magazines: Regularly read national newspapers like The Hindu, and The Indian Express, and magazines like Business Today, and Economic Times for current affairs.
- Online Resources: Follow reliable websites such as PIB (Press Information Bureau), PRS India, and economic portals like Livemint and Business Standard for updated information.
- Monthly Compilations: Refer to monthly current affairs compilations or magazines to revise and consolidate information.
2. Study Business and Economic News
- Business Newspapers: Focus on understanding business news, corporate mergers, acquisitions, financial results, and industry trends.
- Economic Updates: Stay informed about GDP growth, inflation rates, fiscal policies, and economic surveys released by government bodies.
3. Static GK and Important Dates
- Key Facts and Figures: Memorize essential static GK facts such as national symbols, historical dates, constitutional amendments, and major international organizations.
- Important Dates: Be aware of significant dates related to national and international events, government schemes, and observances.
4. Practice Previous Years’ Papers
- Pattern Familiarization: Solve previous years’ CMAT exam papers to understand the type of questions asked and the difficulty level of the General Awareness section.
- Mock Tests: Take mock tests specifically designed for CMAT General Awareness to simulate exam conditions and improve time management.
5. Group Discussions and Quizzes
- Group Study: Participate in group discussions or join online forums to discuss current affairs and exchange information with peers.
- Quiz Competitions: Engage in online quizzes or participate in quiz competitions related to business, economics, and general knowledge.
6. Review and Revision
- Regular Revision: Schedule regular revisions of current affairs and static GK topics to reinforce learning and improve retention.
- Mind Mapping: Create visual aids or mind maps to organize information and enhance memory recall.
Conclusion
Effective preparation for the CMAT General Awareness section requires a blend of current affairs knowledge, business acumen, and systematic revision strategies. By following the strategies, candidates can enhance their performance in the General Awareness section and boost their overall CMAT score.
