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

Rini Maria

Updated On: November 03, 2025 06:09 PM

How to Prepare for the GK Section of IIFT, CMAT and XAT? Students must study the best books, create a preparation strategy, have a well-structured timetable, overall idea of the exam pattern.

 

Preparation Tips for GK Section of IIFT, CMAT and XAT

How to prepare for the GK section of IIFT, CMAT, and XAT? 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. Students are eager to know more about effective ways to prepare for the GK section can go through the important tips, tricks, strategies, etc.

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How to Prepare for the 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 as follows.

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 categorise currencies, Books & Authors, Sports, Company Records, Countries, and their Capitals in the Static GK Section.

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. 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 economics and politics, the latest business news, business awards, and honours, 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

Questions don't need to 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 it correctly.

Attempt Mock Tests and Online Quizzes

Many websites 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.

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 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 the average weightage of the number of questions asked from the GK Section in these exams:

Exam

Number of GK Questions

IIFT

20

CMAT

20

XAT

25

Also Read: CMAT Score vs Percentile

Important Topics to Cover in the 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:

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

Current Affairs & Social Issues

Global Summits

Constitution of India and recent amendments

International Current Affairs & Events

Books & Authors

UNO - Wings, HQs, Agencies, Abbreviations

Awards, National, Honours, International days

Company logo identification

Questions related to Geography, History, and General Science

Latest Who’s who

Business & Economics - Fiscal and Monetary policy changes

Countries - Capital, Prominent development, Currency

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

Related Links:

IIFT Extempore, Essay, and GD Topics for MBA Admissions

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CAT vs CMAT, NMAT, XAT, SNAP, IIFT & Other MBA Entrance Exams

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 events 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). For any queries or doubts, reach out to us through the CollegeDekho QnA zone or fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) . Candidates may also call to connect with our experts through the toll-free student helpline number at 1800-572-9877. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates and information.

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FAQs

What are the best GK preparation tips for IIFT, XAT, and CMAT?

Following are some of the best GK preparation tips for IIFT, XAT, and CMAT:

  • Read newspapers and magazines to stay updated with the latest happenings.
  • Solve previous years’ question papers and sample papers.
  • Attempt CMAT mock tests to check your preparation level.
  • Since there is a wide range of topics to study, make a list of the important ones.

What are the most important topics in the GK section of IIFT, CMAT, and XAT?

Some of the most important topics in the GK section of IIFT, CMAT, and XAT are History, Geography, Literature, Politics, Culture, Economics, Indian Constitution, Science & Technology, Sports News, Organizations, etc. Candidates can refer to the previous years’ question paper to get an idea of all the topics that have been asked in the exam.

How many questions are there in the GK section of IIFT, CMAT, and XAT?

The GK section of IIFT has 20 questions. CMAT too has 20 questions in the General Awareness section while there are 25 questions in the XAT GK section. Students preparing for IIFT, CMAT, or XAT must prepare well for the GK section since it is comparatively easier than other sections and can help in improving the overall score.

How should I study for the GK section of MBA entrance exams?

Candidates should study for the GK section of MBA entrance exams by first gathering all the important topics covered in the exam. Then they should study those topics and solve the sample questions as well as previous years’ question papers. Since there is a lot of information to cover from various topics, try to remember the important points.

What are some most common static GK topics?

Some of the most common static GK topics are Rivers and their Tributaries, United Nation Agencies, First Ranked States in Minerals, Sports Cups and Trophies, Mountain Passes, Dams and Reservoirs, Scientific Names of Animals, National Parks, Famous Inventions and Inventors, Important Military Exercises, etc.

What are some most common current affairs topics?

Some of the most common current affairs topics are Polity & Governance, Plan/Policy, Defence, International Relations, India and its Bilateral Relations, International Treaties & Agreements, Biodiversity, New Technology, Health & Disease, National Security, Judiciary, Indian Art, Culture & Heritage, Social Issues & Social Justice, Economy, Ecology & Environment, etc.

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