CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

Mahima Gupta

Updated On: December 22, 2025 02:42 PM

CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation require preparing DI sets, solving mock papers, taking short performance feedback, etc. 

CMAT Preparation Tips for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation require students to solve mock test question banks, etc. The Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation section is mainly concerned with assessing the knowledge of candidates in mathematical concepts and their skills in data analysis. The Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section of CMAT 2026 consists of 20 multiple-choice questions.
The right answer will give 4 marks, and every wrong answer will deduct -1 mark. Normally, 4 to 8 questions will be from Data Interpretation, and the rest will be from Quantitative Techniques. This section can be tricky, so one should aim to get at least 15 to 17 questions correct for a good score in CMAT 2026 . To do well, you should know the most common types of questions and practice problem-solving strategies. Students eager to know more about the CMAT 2026 preparation tips for quantitative techniques and data Interpretation, etc.

Also Read : CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for General Awareness (GK)

CMAT 2026 Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation Highlights

Check out the highlights for the Quantitative Technique and  Data Interpretation section for CMAT 2026 here:

  • The section consists of 20 Multiple-choice questions.
  • The difficulty level of this section is mostly moderate to high.
  • For many years, it has been observed that this section is dominated by questions from quantitative techniques rather than from Data Interpretation.
  • 17 right attempts are regarded as a good attempt in the  Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation section out of the total 20 questions.
Also Read : CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

CMAT Syllabus 2026 for Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation

Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation contain mathematics-based questions so it is a scoring section for aspirants. Check out the main topics of this section that aspirants must study before appearing for CMAT 2026 below.

Algebra

Geometry

Percentages

Ratio and Proportion

Time-Speed-Distance

Mensuration

Work and Time

In-equations

Partnership

Quadratic, Linear & Differential Equations

Profit and Loss

Allegation & Mixtures

Number System

Probability

Tabulation

Permutations & Combinations

Simple Interest and Compound Interest

Pipes and Cisterns

CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation

To ace the CMAT 2026 Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section, here’s how you can approach it step-by-step via these CMAT 2026 preparation tips:

1. Get to Know the Syllabus

First of all, go through the CMAT 2026 syllabus entirely. The focus should be on all core topics like arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. The syllabus will make you aware of where you are headed.

2. Consolidate Your Fundamentals

It is important to know basic mathematics. Take some time to review the basics, like percentages, ratios, time and work, and simple and compound interest. A strong foundation will make solving problems easier and faster.

3. Practice Frequently

Prepare with consistency for this section. Do problems on different topics daily to increase your problem-solving skills.

4. Time Management

This section may take a lot of time, so it is essential to practice solving problems as fast as possible without compromising accuracy. Learn shortcuts and tricks that save time and can be used during practice sessions to improve speed.

5. Concentrate on Accuracy

Accuracy is paramount, especially since there are negative marks against every wrong answer. Try not to guess answers, but concentrate on solving as many questions as you feel sure of. It is better to have fewer right answers than to attempt more and risk wrong ones.

6. Analyse Your Performance

After solving every CMAT sample paper or practice session, give yourself some time to analyse how you performed. Identify which areas you were weak in and work on improving them.

7. Master Data Interpretation

Practice reading and interpreting data for DI questions. For example, practice reading data from tables, graphs, and charts.

Also Read : CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Language Comprehension

CMAT 2026 Best Books for Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation Preparation

Here are some books candidates can refer to before starting their preparation for the Quantitative Technique & Data Interpretation section.

Name of the Book

Authors

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations

Abhijit Guha (McGraw Hill Education)

The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT

SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana

Mathematics Books for Standard 8, 9 and 10

NCERT

How to prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma

Quantitative Aptitude

Dr RS Aggarwal

Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission Into IIMs

Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant)

Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency for CAT/XAT/IIFT/CMAT/MAT/Bank

Disha Experts

How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT

Arun Sharma

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CMAT 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

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7 Tips to Beat CMAT 2026 with a Bang!

So, students must prepare effectively for the CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, to get good marks. They must review the previous years' question banks, overall exam difficulty levels, sample papers, etc. Furthermore, any queries regarding the CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, log on to our CollegeDekho Q&A Zone or contact our toll-free helpline number 18005729877.

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FAQs

How to prepare for data interpretation for CMAT 2026?

to prepare for data interpretation for CMAT 2026, remember to practice basic math skills such as percentages, ratios, and averages. Practice drawing charts - bar, pie, line, and tables. Take previous years' CMAT papers and mock tests. Work through these tests to get accustomed to question patterns and time management. Enhance calculation speed and accuracy. Keep analyzing performance about weaknesses to develop them further.

How many months are enough for CMAT 2026 preparation?

Most preparation takes about 4-6 months to give the CMAT 2026. This duration allows enough time for covering the syllabus, practice with mock tests, and effective revision. Those whose fundamentals are weak will take at least 7-8 months. More important is that one should study diligently rather than the number of months put into preparation.

How many questions should I aim to answer correctly in CMAT 2026 Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section?

Here's the segmentation in a way to maximize your marks at CMAT 2026- Quant Techniques and Data Interpretation:
- Target: Reach an approximation of 20 to 22 correct out of the 25.
- Accuracy: Emphasis on accuracy to avoid negative marking.
- Sectional Cutoff: There is no sectional cutoff, but a good performance here adds to your overall score.
- This entire score section helps your percentile by a good amount in reaching the top B-schools.

Is there a negative marking in the CMAT 2026 Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section?

Yes, the CMAT 2026 Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation also consists of a negative marking system similar to other sections. It reduces 1 mark for each incorrect answer. However, no mark will be reduced if a question is not answered at all. The correct answer earns 4 marks.

How should I start preparing for the CMAT 2026 Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section?

Start with NCERT math (8th-10th) to strengthen basic concepts. Do lots of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and modern math problems. Parallel to this, get the basics of data interpretation: tables, charts, and graphs. Solve as many different problems as possible from Arun Sharma's Quantitative Aptitude and past CMAT papers. Practice mocks and sectional practice for increasing speed and accuracy. Keep analyzing weaknesses and revise.

What are the best books for the CMAT 2026 Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section?

Arun Sharma's Quantitative Aptitude will form a good base for CMAT 2026 Quant and DI. For DI, one should practice more data analysis from various sources like newspapers and reports. RS Aggarwal's Quantitative Aptitude also proves helpful. The practice of past CMAT papers and mock tests will help the candidate understand the pattern and increase his speed and accuracy for the exam. All these study prep books cover the entire syllabus and provide much practice material.

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