Get in-depth CMAT 2020 paper analysis and expected cut offs by experts, here. Know section-wise difficulty level, types of questions and marking scheme of CMAT 2020 exam.
CMAT 2020 exam was conducted today from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at 245 exam centres across 104 cities across India. As per the initial question paper analysis, the General Knowledge (GK) section was tricky while Maths was tough as usual. Shiksha will provide in-depth CMAT analysis by experts soon which will include discussion on section-wise difficulty level, types of questions asked, topic-wise weightage, number of good attempts, section-wise and overall CMAT cut offs for admission.
Also Read: CMAT 2020 student reactions and reviews
- CMAT 2020 Paper Analysis: Highlights
- CMAT 2020 Question Paper Pattern and Test Structure
- CMAT 2020 Analysis
- CMAT Analysis 2020: Language Comprehension
- CMAT Analysis 2020: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
- CMAT Analysis 2020: Logical Reasoning
- CMAT Analysis 2020: General Awareness
- Expected CMAT Cut Offs 2020
- CMAT Paper Analysis 2019
CMAT 2020 Paper Analysis: Highlights
- This year, CMAT exam was conducted in single session (9:30 am to 12:30 am)
- The CMAT question paper comprised four sections - Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness
- Each section of the question paper had 25 questions of four marks each
- There was negative marking of minus one for every wrong question
CMAT 2020 Question Paper Pattern and Test Structure
CMAT question paper 2020 had questions in MCQ format to be solved in three hours. There was no sectional time-limit in the exam and the candidates could choose the order of questions to solve. Check CMAT exam pattern and test paper structure below.
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| CMAT Features |
Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of exam |
Online |
| Duration of exam |
3 hours |
| Format of questions |
MCQ |
| Sectional time-limit |
No |
| Overall difficulty level |
Moderate to difficult |
CMAT 2020 Analysis
The overall difficulty level of CMAT exam 2020 was moderate. There was no change in the exam pattern or marking scheme. The questions were also asked on the same lines as last year. In fact, the logical reasoning section was easier than that of previous year. However, many students felt the General awareness section was tricky. Check CMAT 2020 question paper break-up, section-wise difficulty level and number of good attempts.
| Section |
Number Of Questions |
Difficulty Level |
Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation |
25 |
Moderate |
22-24 |
| Logical Reasoning |
25 |
Easy |
21-23 |
| Language Comprehension |
25 |
Moderate |
21-23 |
| General Awareness |
25 |
Moderate |
14-15 |
| Total |
100 |
Moderate |
80-85 |
CMAT Analysis 2020: Language Comprehension
This section had a total of 25 questions, out of which 6 were RC based and 19 from verbal ability. The passages were of approximately 350 words and easy to read. The questions were direct and easy. The verbal ability questions were from antonyms, grammar, jumbled paragraphs, odd one out, one word substitution, etc. The difficulty level of Verbal Ability questions was moderate.
According to experts, 21-23 attempts with 85-90 percent accuracy will be good.
Topic-wise break up of Language Comprehension section:
| Topics |
Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension - 1 Passage |
6 |
| Synonyms/Antonyms |
1 |
| FIB (Vocabulary)- 2 Blanks |
2 |
| FIB (Grammar) |
1 |
| Idiom-based |
2 |
| Word definition |
3 |
| Paragraph Jumbles |
2 |
| Meaning of phrase |
1 |
| Antonym/ synonym of underlined word |
5 |
| Spelling |
1 |
| Sentence Correction |
1 |
CMAT Analysis 2020: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
Overall, the Quantitative techniques and Data Interpretation section was of moderate difficulty. The section as divided into 25 questions from Arithmetic, Geometry, Modern Maths. Out of the 25 questions, five were of moderate difficulty, four of high difficulty and 16 easy which required simple application of formulae and concepts.
About 22-24 attempts with 90 percent accuracy will be good in this section.
Topic-wise break up of Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section:
| Topics |
Specifics |
Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic |
Percentages, Time-speed-distance, Time-work, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, Compound Interest, Averages |
10 |
| Geometry |
Mensuration, Triangles |
2 |
| Modern Math |
Probability , Permutation - Combination, Venn Diagram |
5 |
| Numbers |
HCF, LCM |
1 |
| Data Interpretation |
Table |
4 |
CMAT Analysis 2020: Logical Reasoning
The Logical Reasoning section of CMAT 2020 was easier as compared to CMAT 2019. The section had 18 Logical Reasoning sections and 7 Verbal Reasoning sections. All the questions were straight forward and easy.
About 21-13 attempts with 90 percent accuracy will be good in this section.
Topic-wise break up of Logical Reasoning section:
| Topics |
Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Coding-decoding |
2 |
| Blood Relations |
4 |
| Series completion |
2 |
| Logic based |
3 |
| Symbol Based |
1 |
| Venn Diagram |
1 |
| Number Grid |
1 |
| Directions |
1 |
| Miscellaneous |
1 |
| Visual reasoning |
2 |
| Verbal Reasoning |
|
| Strong/Weak Argument |
2 |
| Analogy |
2 |
| Odd one out |
1 |
| Syllogism |
2 |
CMAT Analysis 2020: General Awareness
According to students, the General Awareness section was tough this year. Most of the questions were tricky and on lesser known topics. Out of 25 questions, 24 were from static GK and one was from Current Affairs. However, the experts say, that 14 questions were easy, four were medium and seven were difficult.
About 13 to 15 attempts in this section with 80 percent accuracy would be good.
Topic-wise break up of General Awareness section:
| Topics |
Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Indian Events |
11 |
| International Events |
9 |
| Miscellaneous |
5 |
Expected CMAT Cut Offs 2020
Given below are expected CMAT cut offs for 2020 admissions. These cut offs are based on the assessment of the difficulty level of the CMAT exam.
| 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 |
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Student Forum
Answered Yesterday
Yes, it is important to practice sectional mock tests as the exam has no time limit for each section, unlike CAT. Sectional mocks will help you in have a practice of solving each section in a time bound manner.
E
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
CMAT mock test is an important aspect of exam preparation. You cannot score well in the exam with extensive practice of mock tests.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
In the last week of CMAT 2027 you should practice only one mock test, that too to stay in the online test mode. You must not attempt multiple tests and rather spend time on revision.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
You should start practicing the CMAT mock tests after completing the syllabus. This way, you will be bale to check which topics you have mastered and which ones are your pain areas.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
We suggest to attempt only one CMAT mock test on a given day, as it is a 3 hour long test and you will need time to analyse the result too.
P
Contributor-Level 7
Answered Yesterday
CMAT 2027 exam preparation will require two phase planning – one will be covering the syllabus and another will be practicing mock tests with revision. You should start atleast six months before the exam. You can join a coaching institute or take help from online study material to prepare for the ex
N
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, candidates will need to have a valid Aadhaar number to register for CMAT exam. Until last year, candidates could use other photo IDs too to register for the exam.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
Yes, you can apply for CMAT as only passing marks are required in graduation to apply. However, CMAT accepting colleges accept candidature only above 50% (45% for Reserved categories).
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 days ago
CMAT application fee is non-refundable. Candidates cannot seek fee refund under any circumstances. Thus, they should fill the CMAT registration form correctly.
J
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
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