How to Prepare for GK Section of IIFT, CMAT and XAT?

How to prepare for GK section of IIFT, CMAT, and XAT is a common query among management entrance exa, aspirants. Since General Knowledge is such a scoring section of any MBA entrance exam, preparation for this section effectively can enhance a candidate's overall performance. The GK sections of these MBA entrance exams typically comprise current affairs, government schemes, awards, summits, social issues, national and international political matters, sports, entertainment, and other issues. To prepare for the GK Section of IIFT, CMAT, and XAT, candidates must have a well-defined strategy and practice some current affairs questions daily from a variety of topics to stay updated with the recent happenings. Reading newspapers daily, Business magazines, and relevant business sites and making short notes may prove beneficial.

Since the GK section syllabus is so vast, without proper guidance candidates can be overwhelmed while preparing for this section. In this article, candidates can find tips to prepare for the GK section, exam weightage, important topics, and books to refer to. 

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How to Prepare for GK Section of IIFT, CMAT, and XAT?

Here are some beneficial tips that candidates must make it a point to follow while preparing for the GK section for IIFT, CMAT, and XAT entrance exams or any other entrance exams with the GK Section are:

Divide the GK Sections into Separate Areas

Dividing the GK areas while preparing for the GK Section will help to complete the syllabus quickly. Candidates will be able to bifurcate the questions and respond to them accordingly. It is advisable to divide the syllabus widely into Current Affairs and Static GK. Politics, Current Affairs, Business & Economy, Government Plans and Schemes, Awards, and Honours should be further added in the Current Affairs section. Candidates can categorize Currencies, Books & Authors, Sports, Company Records, Countries, and their Capitals in the Static GK Section.

To cover all the local, national, and international current affairs or news, it is suggested to read newspapers daily. Also, Doordarshan News is a good option to prepare for this section. However, candidates must ensure to stick to daily updates.

Daily Updates on Current Affairs and News

Candidates must ensure that they are updated on all the daily news and updates. Make it a habit to read the newspaper and all the trending news from wherever possible. Newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, or magazines like India Today, Outlook, etc. will help you improve your comprehension skills. Take notes of any major information happening in the world. Making notes will help to remember them and revise before the exams. Some of the most popular online platforms and websites dedicated to current affairs and GK preparation include GKToday, Jagran Josh, AffairsCloud, etc.

International Events and Affairs

Some international events are impactful and contain a lot of weightage. Candidates must identify them and thoroughly prepare. When, how, and why the event occurred is a major question. Candidates must make sure to find answers to these questions. Also, make sure to collect only authentic and correct information.

Prepare for Business & Economy

The business & economy also carries a heavy weightage. Candidates must be prepared to face questions from economic politics, the latest business news, business awards, and honors, major changes in the corporate and industry, who’s who, logos of companies and their performances, and similar questions. To prepare for such questions, candidates must read business magazines, and refer to business sites, or any other relevant study materials online or offline.

Revise Static GK

Along with revising current affairs, candidates must ensure they revise static GK topics such as history, geography, awards, important personalities, etc. Making concise notes will help in quick revision.

Prepare to Face Twisted and Complicated Questions

It is not necessary that questions will be simple or direct. The questions will be tricky and confusing. While preparing candidates must prepare different questions for the same answer or sentence. It will help them think critically to answer during the exams. Although the answer may be simple, if the question is twisted, candidates must prepare to answer them correctly.

Attempt Mock Tests and Online Quizzes

Many website or pages offer online quizzes. Candidates can check any online quiz for preparation for the GK section. They can also take mock tests to assess their preparation, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and improve their time management skills and accuracy. All the exam pages, IIFT, CMAT, and XAT have mock tests. Candidates must visit them and attempt the mock tests. It is also important to analyze the previous year papers of IIFT, CMAT, and XAT to gain an understanding of the type of questions asked, important topics, and difficulty level. 

Final Revision Before the Exams

Understandably, it is not easy to remember all the topics at once. So, it is best to revise the entire syllabus before the exams. That is why it is recommended to take down notes while studying/reading the news or current affairs. It adds a lot of help during last-minute preparations. Make sure to have all the topics in the finder tips by the end of the day.

Also Read: CMAT Preparation Tips for General Awareness

Weightage of GK Section in IIFT, CMAT, XAT

Here is an average weightage or the number of questions asked from the GK Section in these exams:

Also Read: CMAT Score vs Percentile

Important Topics to Cover in GK Section of IIFT, CMAT, XAT

The GK section is quite vast and is often confusing for candidates to start. So, for reference, here is the list of some of the important topics that candidates will have to prepare for the GK section for the IIFT, CMAT, and XAT exams:

Also Read: Tips to Improve GK for MBA Entrance Exams

Best Books to Refer for GK Section of IIFT, CMAT, XAT

While preparing for IIFT, CMAT, and XAT exams, candidates must follow all the trending and latest news and information available in newspapers, magazines, websites, or online content. However, candidates can take a list of some important study materials to refer to stay updated with the latest information:

• The Economist
• Economic Times
• Business Standard
• Manorama Year Book

Candidates can also refer to newspapers and other convenient study materials. The only key to cracking the GK section is to always stay aware and updated on the ongoing event around the country and the globe. Candidates must also check out the articles mentioned below to know more about exams like the IIFT exam, 
Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), and the Xavier Aptitude Test (XAT).

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