Scoring high in a speed based exam requires quick action and eye for detail. Take a look at CMAT 2026 preparation and exam day tips to optimise your performance on the CMAT exam day.
CMAT is a three-hour test wherein candidates have to read 100 questions and solve about 70-75 questions accurately. This process can be mentally and physically tiring. Candidates must devise an exam day strategy before hand so that they can optimise their performance in the given time frame. For making a CMAT exam day strategy, ensure that you complete the revision of CMAT syllabus much before and shift your focus to revision of important concepts and formulae. Revise concepts and formulae from Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning, make notes for Language Comprehension and memorise static GK for General Awareness section of CMAT exam.
Latest - CMAT 2026 admit card download- live updates
CMAT 2026 will be held on January 25 in two shifts. Since we all know that good result is the outcome of not only how much you know but how well you use that knowledge. A day before the exam, you should prepare a strategy on how to handle those crucial three hours when you will be writing the CMAT 2026 exam. It’s not the big errors but silly mistakes that affect performance. Thus there’s a need to pay attention to all the aspects of the exam. So, let’s take a look at some CMAT exam day tips that will complement your CMAT 2026 preparation.
Also read: Best books for CMAT preparation 2026
CMAT 2026: Preparing for the Exam Day
First of all, read the guidelines mentioned on the CMAT admit card 2026. For a hassle free exam, you need to know the dos and don’ts. It is very important that you not only read the instructions carefully but also understand and remember them on the exam day.
Listed below are some important CMAT preparation and exam day tips:
- Once you are infront of the computer system to start the test, read the instructions given on the CMAT question paper thoroughly and understand them clearly. Don't rush to the questions, the test screen will anyway not move to questions until it's time.
- CMAT is a computer based test, and you will have to use the computer mouse to punch in your answer. Attempt the official CMAT mock test before the exam day to have an experience of it.
- Only one question will appear on screen at a time. This is a helpful feature as the candidate's focus will be drawn towards only one question at a given time.
- There is no sectional time-limit in CMAT, thus you will be at complete freedom of choosing the order of sections in CMAT 2026. Start with solving the section which is your strength area.
- Keep a close look at the timer. The CMAT exam timer will start the moment you will click on 'Start Test' button. The test will automatically stop once the time is up. Divide three hours in such a way that you get enough time to spend on all five sections of CMAT.
- Unlike several other top MBA entrance exams, in CMAT you have the option to reviewy your answer. If you want to attempt or review a question later, choose the 'flag' button.
- In CMAT, you can even edit your answer at any point of time. To deselect the answers marked, click on 'deselect' button. Be careful in using these features and submit/save your final answer within the time limit.
Commonly asked questions
CMAT has five sections.
Given below is the sectional break up of CMAT exam:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: 20 questions of 4 marks each
- Logical Reasoning: 20 questions of 4 marks each
- Language Comprehension: 20 questions of 4 marks each
- General Awareness: 20 questions of 4 marks each
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: 20 questions of 4 marks each.
Latest CMAT exam pattern is given below:
- Question paper carries 100 MCQs
- Each section has 20 question
- Exam duration is 180 minutes
- Each question carries 4 marks
- There is no negative marking
Questions in MAT are asked from verbal ability, reading comprehension, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, arrangement, coding decoding, graphs and tables, family tree, blood relation, clocks and calendars, time, speed and distance, statements, etc.
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CMAT 2026: Exam Day Guidelines
- Candidates must visit their CMAT 2026 test centre 2 hours before the exam commencement time.
- No stationary other than a blue/black ball point pen will be allowed inside the test hall. Blank paper for rough work will be provided by the invigilator.
- Cell phones, calculators, log tables, book, paper, documents, picture, bag, waist pouch, ear phones, etc. are not allowed inside the exam centre.
- Do not carry eatables, bags, wallets or valuables. Accesories with metal will not be allowed inside the exam venue.
- Diabetic students can carry sugar candy and fruits like banana, orange or apple.
- CMAT is conducted under CCTV surveillance so don’t resort to illegal means or malpractices like cheating.
- No additional time will be given to candidates so they must ensure they don't waste the time and complete the paper within three hours.
- Do carry two copies of your CMAT 2026 admit card to the exam centre. Affix the same passport size photo as uploaded in the application form.
- Carry a copy of the same photo to paste in the attendance form at the CMAT 2026 exam centre.
- CMAT admit card is a mandatory document to be carried to exam hall. No candidate will be allowed to enter tst centre without it
- It is also necessary for each CMAT 2026 candidate to carry a copy of their photo ID proof issued by Government of India or any other competent authority.
Read More:
- Things to carry or not carry on CMAT 2026 exam day
- CMAT 2026 exam day dos and don'ts
- CMAT 2026 last week preparation strategy
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?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
Yes, NTA provides CMAT mock tests. Candidates can practice the official mock tests at NTA website without login. Mock tests help in understanding the exam structure and interface.
Contributor-Level 10
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 3 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 3 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 3 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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