CMAT 2026 analysis is out. The question paper of CMAT exam held today was moderate. Check below detailed CMAT exam analysis.
CMAT 2026 paper analysis
CMAT 2026 analysis – NTA conducted the CMAT exam today across India from 9 am to 12 pm. According to early reviews, the CMAT 2026 question paper was of moderate difficulty level. Detailed CMAT 2026 exam analysis has been shared below. This year, there was only one RC question in English and in GK, 19 out of 20 questions were from static GK. Quant was dominated by Arithmetic as always. The question paper analysis has section wise CMAT difficulty level, topic wise weightage, number of good attempts and expected cut offs.
- CMAT 2026 Analysis: Highlights
- CMAT 2026 Analysis – Sectional Difficulty Level and Number of Good Attempts
- CMAT Exam Analysis 2026: Section Wise
- Expected CMAT 2026 Cut Offs: Top Colleges
CMAT 2026 Analysis: Highlights
This year CMAT exam has been conducted in single shift, so there will be no marks normalization. Check below key highlights of the CMAT paper analysis.
- CMAT 2026 had 100 questions in MCQ format
- Each section of CMAT 2026 question paper had 20 questions.
- Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation section was easy.
- Language Comprehension and Logical Reasoning sections were easy.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship section was moderate.
- General Awareness section was moderate, as usual having questions from recent events.
Commonly asked questions
Since every section of CMAT has 20 questions in total, solving 15 to 18 questions in each section with 80 percent accuracy is considered a good attempt in CMAT, and it can ensure a good percentile in the exam. In the GK section, about 10 to 12 correct attempts will be enough. Out of 100 questions, candidates must try to solve about 70 to 75 questions to achieve a 99 percentile. However, candidates must aim to solve a higher number of questions with maximum accuracy and minimize negative marking. To be able to achieve this target, candidates have to prepare for the CMAT in a disciplined manner. Candidates must set aside about three months to complete the CMAT syllabus, as they have to study five subjects and their numerous topics. If they have appeared for CAT, XAT, and IIFT exams, then they can complete the CMAT syllabus in one month as well. However, it is advised that candidates spend at least three months on CMAT syllabus for complete preparation.
Cracking Logical Reasoning section of CMAT is all about how well and how quickly you understand the puzzles and patterns. To master this section of CMAT exam, sample questions for practice and sectional mock tests for CMAT are the best resource. You should start practicing Logical Reasoning questions early on in the preparation cycle. Pay attention to the topics from which Logical Reasoning questions are asked in CMAT. Prepare for those type of questions only. For Data Interpretation section of CMAT. You should be well versed with reading tables, graphs and charts correctly. For quick calculation, you should strengthen basic mathematical calculations like multiplication, division, square, square roots, cube, cube roots, etc. This section is all about observation and ability to break down information into pieces, so you need to practice a wide range of data interpretation questions.
All the five sections of CMAT have equal weightage of 20 questions and 80 marks. Candidates must prepare keeping in mind, scoring a minimum of 50 in every section is important for a decent score.
Yes, 6 months is enough to prepare for CMAT exam. Make a plan in the following manner:
First 3 months | Cover syllabus |
Next 2 months | Practice mock tests |
Last 1 month | Revision and more mock test |
Read More: CMAT preparation in 6 months
CMAT 2026 Analysis – Sectional Difficulty Level and Number of Good Attempts
CMAT 2026 question paper had questions from usual topics. Most of the questions were straightforward and doable. Check below CMAT difficulty level and number of good attempts.
| CMAT 2026 Sections |
Number of Questions |
Number of Good Attempts |
Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation |
20 |
16-17 |
Easy |
| Logical Reasoning |
20 |
15-16 |
Easy |
| Language Comprehension |
20 |
15-16 |
Easy |
| General Awareness |
20 |
10-11 |
Moderate |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
20 |
11-12 |
Moderate |
| Total |
100 |
70-75 |
Easy |
Also Read:
Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates
1 Apr '26 - 8 Jun '26
28 Jun '26
1 Dec '25 - 30 Jun '26
8 Jun '26
9 Jun '26
10 Jun '26
7 Jun '26 - 14 Jun '26
8 Jun '26 - 14 Jun '26
2 Jan '26 - 30 Jun '26
CMAT Exam Analysis 2026: Section Wise
CMAT 2026 Analysis: Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation
CMAT paper analysis of Quantitative Aptitude section reveals maximum questions were asked from Arithmetic. Check below topic wise break up of the section.
| Quants topic |
Total |
Sub topics |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
7 |
Time and Work (1), Ratio-Proportion(1), Profit & Loss (2), Clock (1), Allegations and Mixtures (1), Percentages (1) |
| Geometry |
3 |
Triangles(1), Mensuration (1), Quadrilateral (1) |
| Modern Math |
1 |
Probability (1) |
| Numbers |
6 |
Surds(1), Indices (1), Fraction(1), Classification (1), HCF – LCM (1), Misc (1) |
| Data Interpretation |
3 |
1 Set of 3 questions (Table) |
CMAT 2026 Analysis: Logical Reasoning
Logical Reasoning section of today’s CMAT exam was easy. As per the CMAT 2026 paper analysis, about 15 to 16 attempts with 80% accuracy can be considered good.
| Non Verbal Reasoning |
Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Directions |
1 |
| Cubes |
2 |
| Counting the number of squares |
1 |
| Linear Arrangement |
1 |
| Family tree |
1 |
| Clocks |
1 |
| Numerical Puzzle |
1 |
| Misc |
1 |
| Logical venn diagram |
1 |
| Set theory |
1 |
| Number Series |
1 |
| Analogy based sequence |
1 |
| Word based Analogy |
1 |
| Odd one out |
1 |
| Alpha numeric |
1 |
| Verbal Reasoning |
Number of Questions |
| Assertion Reason; Strong/Weak Argument; Assumption; Conclusion |
4 |
CMAT 2026 Analysis: Language Comprehension
There was only on RC passage of 150 words. It had 2 questions. Out of 20 questions were grammar bases. Check the table below for topic wise composition of Language Comprehension section of CMAT 2026 question paper:
| Area |
No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension: Scientific theories |
2 |
| Cloze Passage (3 blanks) |
3 |
| Jumbled Sentence |
1 |
| Vocabulary (1 meaning of underlined idiom, 1 meaning of a phrase) |
2 |
| Grammar (compound sentence, verb forms, active-passive voice, reported speech, prepositions, degrees of comparison, miscellaneous) |
12 |
CMAT 2026 Analysis: General Awareness
In GK section this year, there was a major change. Out of 20 questions, 19 were from Static GK and 1 was from Current Affairs. Questions belonged to fields such as science, sports, management, history, awards, art, personalities, authors and business.
CMAT 2026 Analysis: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Innovation & Entrepreneur section had the regular concept based questions (bootstrapping, venture capital, factors impacting markets, qualities of entrepreneurs, ambidexterity theory, design thinking. Out of 20 questions, only 3 were from Business GK.
Also Read:
- What is a Good Score in CMAT 2026?
- CMAT Score vs Percentile: How to Calculate?
- What is CMAT Score Normalization Process?
- Top Colleges in India Accepting CMAT score
- Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score 80-90 Percentile
- Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score 70-80 Percentile
- Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score 60-70 Percentile
Expected CMAT 2026 Cut Offs: Top Colleges
The CMAT 2026 cut offs will be determined by the college individually. Check below expected CMAT cut offs 2026.
| Colleges Accepting CMAT score |
CMAT Expected Cut Off Percentiles |
|---|---|
| 99.9 |
|
| 95-99 |
|
| 95-99 |
|
| 99 |
|
| 95-99 |
|
| 90-95 |
|
| 95-99 |
|
| 85 |
|
| 80 |
|
| 85 |
|
| 85 |
|
| 85 |
|
| 85 |
|
| 85 |
|
| 80 |
|
| 80 |
|
| 80 |
|
| 80 |
|
| 85 |
News & Updates
Explore Other Exams
Jul '26 | XAT 2027 registration dates |
Sep '26 | XAT 2027 mock test |
Aug '26 | SNAP 2026 Registration Process |
Nov '26 | SNAP 2026 admit card session 1... |
11 Jun '26 | MAT May 2026 CBT Admit Card |
14 Jun '26 | MAT May 2026 CBT |
Aug '26 | CAT 2026 application process |
Nov '26 | CAT 2026 admit card download |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Registration Window |
Aug '26 | NMAT 2026 Scheduling Window |
Jul '26 | IBSAT 2026 Registration |
Dec '26 | IBSAT 2026 Exam Date |
30 May '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 Result (First... |
29 May '26 | MAH MBA CET 2026 Final Answer ... |
7 May '26 - 30 Jun '26 | ATMA registration 2026 (July) |
28 Jun '26 | ATMA 2026: Last Date of Fee Pa... |
17 Oct '24 - 5 Dec '24 | IIFT 2025 registration and app... |
Mar '25 | IRMASAT 2025 Final Result Anno... |
Feb '25 | IRMASAT Personal Interviews |
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 3 weeks ago
Three months may not be enough for CMAT preparation, if you're doing it from scratch. However, if you are preparing for CAT, XAT, NMAT, you can prepare for CMAT in 3 months as you have clear understanding of the syllabus already and you will need exam specific practice only.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 3 weeks ago
No, candidates are not required to appear in CMAT to be eligible for BTech in CSE + MBA integated course at UIT, Karnavati University. For this course, candidates are required to appear in either JEE Mains or GUJCET to qualify for admissions.
S
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
If you have appeared for CMAT before and have complete conceptual clarity of topics, you can prepare for CMAT with mock test practice only.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
For CMAT English preparation, candidates can refer to High School English Grammar by Wren and Martin and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. These two will help in building grammar and vocabulary.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Manorama Year Book, Lucent's General Knowledge will be a good source to prepare static GK for CMAT. Apart from that, you should refer Pratiyogita Darpan and GK Today for current affairs.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
For CMAT English preparation, candidates can refer to High School English Grammar by Wren and Martin and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis. These two will help in building grammar and vocabulary.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Yes, you should carry a passport size photo along with the CMAT admit card on the exam day. The photo should preferably be the same as uploaded in the application form.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
CMAT 2027 admit card will not be release offline. Candidates will have to download it from the CMAT-NTA website only after logging into their account.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered a month ago
Although reporting time is mentioned on every candidate's CMAT admit card, they should reach at least an hour before the exam starting time.
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, the digital copy of CMAT 2027 admit card will not be acceptable at the test centre. Candidates will have to carry 2 hard copies of the hall ticket on the exam day.
N
Contributor-Level 7
Vipra Shrivastava is MA in English Literature from Delhi University with extensive experience in content writing of over 14 years. She has been handling content for Management, Accounting and Commerce streams for 8
Read Full Bio