Which are the top colleges for MBA with CMAT score of 65-75 percentile?

Candidates with CMAT score of 65-75 percentile, must not feel bad about their comparatively low score. There are number of good MBA colleges in India which accept CMAT scores in this range for their postgraduate management courses. Some of the college that accept CMAT score of 65-75 percentile include, BIMTECH-Greater Noida, BIT-Mesra, DY Patil School of Management-Pune, DY Patil School of Management-Pune, Calcutta Business School, New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM) New Delhi, Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME) Chennai, IES Management College And Research Centre, Mumbai, Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida, FIIB Delhi: Fortune Institute of International Business, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII Ahmedabad), VESIM Mumbai, Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies, Delhi School of Business, EMPI Business School New Delhi, Jaypee Business School (JBS) Noida, International Institute of Management Studies (IIMS) Pune among others.

Which are the top colleges for MBA with CMAT score of 80 to 85 percentile?

If you score between 80 to 85 percentile CMAT you need not worry about admission. There are a large number of MBA colleges that accept candidates with CMAT score in the range of 80 to 85 percentile. A number of government as well as private institutes with good infrastructure and placements are within your reach. Some of those popular colleges include, Welingkar Institute of Management-Mumbai, Welingkar Institute of Management-Bangalore, Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management, IFIM-Bangalore, IFMR- Chennai, NIBM-Pune, NL Dalmiya Institute of Management, IMT Hyderabad, IMT Nagpur, XISS Ranchi, ITM Navi Mumbai, Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida, Xavier Business School-Xavier University, Great Lakes Institute of Management-Gurgaon, BIMTECH-Greater Noida, XIME-Bangalore, ISBM-Pune, Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow, KIIT School of Management, IPE Hyderabad, SIES College of Management Studies-Navi Mumbai and Chetana Institute of Management and Research-Mumbai among others.

What is the section wise weightage in CMAT?

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.

What is the latest CMAT exam pattern?

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

How many questions are asked in GK section of CMAT?

There are 20 questions from General Knowledge in CMAT. All the questions are in MCQ format. Four options are given for each question to choose the right answer from. The General Knowledge section of CMAT is usually of a higher difficulty level but as it is a memory based section, it can be completed in maximum 15 minutes. The questions pertain to static GK and Current Affairs. Topics included in CMAT GK section are business, politics, awards, inventions, Science and technology, sports, society, world, advertising, trade, books and authors, arts, entertainment, history, geography and politics. Candidates should attempt the GK section in the end as the main criteria for MBA are English Quantitative Aptitude Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation. The candidate's main focus should be on getting maximum questions correct in these three sessions. GK can be handled at the end.

How many questions should I solve to get a good score in CMAT?

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.

How many questions should I solve to get a good score in CMAT?

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.

How much time will be required to cover Innovation and Entrepreneurship syllabus of CMAT?

Innovation and Entrepreneurship syllabus of CMAT is not a very difficult section. The syllabus pertains to business studies, economy and entrepreneurship. So, it will not require must time to cover the syllabus. Candidate can dedicate one month to this section towards the end, while preparing for other sections. You can refer to books - Innovation and Entrepreneurship by Peter F. Drucker and Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R. Gopal, Entrepreneurship by Robert D. Hisrich and Manorama Year Book by Mammen Mathew.

CMAT Exam Analysis 2026: Check Difficulty Level of Paper, Expected Cut Offs

5.9K Students Q&A

Updated on Jan 25, 2026 18:10 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

CMAT 2026 analysis has been shared below. This year, the exam was moderate and there was no surprise element. Sectional composition was same as last year, so those who solved previous year CMAT papers before the exam, must have felt they are in a familiar space while giving CMAT 2026.

Analysis of the CMAT question paper 2026 consists of detailed discussion of section wise difficulty level, topic wise weightage, number of good attempts and expected CMAT cut offs for top institutes. CMAT 2026 test takers can use the analysis to evaluate their performance and know their expected score. Read below CMAT exam analysis 2026 highlights and paper review of previous years.

Table of contents

CMAT 2026 Analysis: Sectional Break up and Difficulty Level
Expected CMAT 2026 Cut Offs for Admission
CMAT 2025 Analysis: Section Wise
CMAT 2024 Analysis – Section wise Topics
Previous Years' CMAT Analysis
CMAT Analysis FAQs

CMAT 2026 Analysis: Sectional Break up and Difficulty Level

CMAT 2026 exam was held in single shift from 9 am to 12 pm
There was be no sectional time limit
There were 5 sections having 20 questions each
English section was on the easier side
Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning were moderate
Innovation and Entrepreneurship waseasy
GK questions were moderate to tough
Overall, 70-75 questions with maximum accuracy can be considered good attempts

CMAT 2026 Analysis: Section wise difficulty level

None of the 5 sections of CMAT 2026 exam was tough. Questions were straightforward and thus doable.

CMAT section	Number of questions	Difficulty Level
Language Comprehension	20	Easy
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation	20	Easy
Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning	20	Easy
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	20	Moderate
General Awareness	20	Moderate

CMAT 2026 Exam Analysis: Section Wise

CMAT 2026 Analysis: Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation

In this section of CMAT 2026, 7 questions were from Arithmetic, 3 were from Geometry, 6 were from Number and 1 from Modern Math. Rest three questions were based on Data Interpretation set.

CMAT 2026 Analysis: Logical Reasoning

In CMAT 2026 Logical Reasoning, there were 16 non-verbal reasoning questions and 4 verbal reasoning questions, like last year. Non verbal reasoning questions were asked from Directions, Cubes, Counting figures, Linear Arrangements, Family tree and clocks, etc. Verbal reasoning questions were based on Assertion Reason; Strong/Weak Argument; Syllogisms (3 statements); Analogy.

CMAT 2026 Analysis: Language Comprehension

There was only one RC passage with 2 questions in Language Comprehension. Nearly 12 questions were directly based on English grammar. This section of CMAT 2026 question paper was easy and doable in 10-12 minutes.

CMAT 2026 Analysis: General Awareness

General Awareness section of CMAT 2026 had usual questions from history, science, sports, management, history, awards, art, personalities, authors and business. 19 questions were from Static GK and only one was from current affairs.

CMAT 2026 Analysis: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

CMAT paper analysis 2026 of Innovation & Entrepreneur section says that the question were moderate in terms of difficulty level. Most of the questions were based on concepts like bootstrapping, venture capital, factors impacting markets, qualities of entrepreneurs, ambidexterity theory, design thinking. Three questions were from Business GK.

Also Read:

Expected CMAT 2026 Cut Offs for Admission

Listed below are CMAT cut off percentiles of some of the popular MBA colleges accepting CMAT score.

Colleges Accepting CMAT score	CMAT Expected Cut Off Percentiles
JBIMS, Mumbai	99.9+
Goa Institute of Management	95-99
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management	95-99
SIMSREE, Mumbai	99+
Great Lakes Institute of Management	95-99
IPE Hyderabad	90-95
University of Pune, Dept of Management Sciences	95-99
Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai	85
Welingkar Institute of Management, Bangalore	80
Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management	85
IFIM, Bangalore	85
IFMR, Chennai	85
NIBM, Pune	85
NL Dalmiya Institute of Management	85
IMT Hyderabad	80
IMT Nagpur	80
XISS Ranchi	80
ITM Navi Mumbai	80
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida	85

Also Read:

CMAT 2025 Analysis: Section Wise

Difficulty level of both shifts of CMAT 2025 exam was easy. There was no change in the exam pattern or topic wise weightage. The CMAT paper analysis contains detailed discussion on difficulty level of the exam, topic wise questions asked, number of good attempts and expected CMAT 2025 cut offs. The CMAT 2025 exam analysis will help candidates in assessing their performance and estimating their exam scores.

CMAT 2025 Analysis: Sectional Break up

The CMAT 2025 question paper had five sections having 20 questions each. Check section-wise CMAT difficulty level below.

CMAT 2025 section	Number of questions	Difficulty Level
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation	20	Easy
Logical Reasoning	20	Easy
Language Comprehension	20	Easy
General Awareness	20	Moderate
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	20	Moderate

Also Read:

CMAT 2025 answer key, question paper (shift 1 and 2) PDF download

CMAT Response Sheet 2025 PDF Free Download

CMAT 2025 student reactions and reviews

Check below section wise CMAT 2025 exam analysis. Also, know CMAT difficulty level of every section as well as number of good attempts:

CMAT 2025 Analysis: Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation

All 20 questions in this section of CMAT 2025 were easy. Arithmetic dominated with 10 questions. There was one question from Geometry, 2 questions each from Algebra, Numbers and Modern Math There was one Data Interpretation set (3 questions) which was based on Pie Charts. Around 16 – 17 attempts with 80% accuracy would be good in this section.

CMAT 2025 Analysis: Logical Reasoning

There were 16 non-verbal reasoning questions and 4 verbal reasoning questions. Non verbal reasoning questions were asked from Directions, Cubes, Counting the number of squares, Linear Arrangements, Family tree and clocks. Verbal reasoning questions pertained to Assertion Reason, Strong/Weak Argument, Assumption, and Conclusion. Around 15 – 16 attempts with 80% accuracy would be good in this section.

CMAT 2025 Analysis: Language Comprehension

There was only on RC passage with 2 questions in Language Comprehension section of CMAT 2025. Rest of the 18 questions were grammar and verbal ability based. In this section too, about 15-16 attempts with 80 percent accuracy will be considered good.

CMAT 2025 Analysis: General Awareness

This year, all the General Awareness questions in CMAT were based on Static GK. Most of the questions were based on Indian events from science, sports, Indian constitution, history, India and its culture. The questions were moderate and 10 to 11 attempts with 80 % accuracy would be considered a good attempt.

CMAT 2025 Analysis: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In this section, questions were based on Bootstrapping, Startup valuation, Fabian entrepreneur, Angel investment, Lean startup, Trademark, Feasibility analysis, etc). Only 1 question was based on Business GK. In this section 11 to 12 attempts with 80% accuracy will be considered good attempt.

CMAT 2024 Analysis – Section wise Topics

CMAT 2024 saw no change in the exam pattern or test structure from previous years. The CMAT 2024 difficulty level was moderate. Check below, section wise CMAT exam analysis 2024:

CMAT 2024 Analysis: Language Comprehension

In the Language Comprehension section of CMAT 2024, the questions were majorly based on grammar. The RC passages were easy. Questions ranged from parajumble, fill in the blanks, idioms/phrases, nouns, pronouns, articles, adjectives, adverbs, vocabulary, etc. About 16-17 correct attempts will be considered good in this section.

CMAT 2024 Analysis: Quantitative Techniques

The Quantitative Techniques section of shift 1 of CMAT 2024 was moderate. The questions were asked from Arithmetic, Number System, Probability, Permutation & Combination, Set Theory, etc. About 16-17 correct attempts will be considered good in this section.

CMAT 2024 Analysis: Logical Reasoning

This section of CMAT 2024 had questions from arrangements, blood relations, series, statements, venn diagram, coding, statements, etc. Overall, the section was easy and 16-17 correct attempts will be considered good.

CMAT 2024 Analysis: Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Innovation & Entrepreneurship section of CMAT 2024 was easy as always. Questions were based on entrepreneurship, business affairs, corporate, new schemes, policies, markets and economy. 16-17 correct attempts will be considered good.

CMAT 2024 Analysis: General Knowledge

The GK section was moderate. There were questions on Lionel Messi's birth place, Kathakali dance, Asian Games 2026, father of Green Revolution, Author of My Life, panchayat system, constitution day, civilization, ancient empires, etc. About 10-12 correct attempts will be good in this section.

Also Read:

CMAT 2024 exam analysis - shift 1 and 2

CMAT 2024 answer key and question paper - shift 1 and 2 PDF

Previous Years' CMAT Analysis

Check here previous years' CMAT exam analysis to know the exam pattern and difficulty level of the exam over the years.

Check CMAT Cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting CMAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CMAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict CMAT Admission Calls

CMAT Analysis FAQs

Check here Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CMAT Analysis

Q: Is CMAT easier than CAT?

Yes, CMAT is much easier that CAT exam. Despite the fact that CMAT and CAT syllabus are same and that CMAT has two more sections than CAT the former is much easier than the latter. The CAT exam is usually of moderate to high difficulty level, whereas the CMAT exam is of easy to moderate difficulty level.

There are key differences between CMAT and CAT which make the former easier. There is no sectional time limit in CMAT so candidates do not face the pressure of completing a given section within certain time limit. In CAT there are 4-5 Reading Comprehension passages which are 500-600 words, and 12-14 question.

In CMAT there is usually, only one Reading Comprehension passage, having 4 questions. The Quantitative Aptitude questions of CMAT are also easier than CAT and so are Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation questions. It is easier to score high percentile in CMAT as the number of applicants is more than one Lacs less in CAT.

Q: Is there any negative marking in CMAT?

Yes, there is a negative marking in CMAT exam. For each wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted. However, no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.

Q: What is the CMAT marking scheme?

CMAT marking scheme is straightforward. If they can recall their attempts or have the answer key with them then they can calculate their CMAT raw score by adding and subtracting scores as per correct and incorrect attempts. Check CMAT marking scheme below: 1. For every correct attempt, 4 marks is awarded and for every incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted. 2. For every unanswered question, the candidate will be marked zero. Given below is the process of calculating the CMAT score with the help of the CMAT answer key. Every section has 20 questions, so suppose in Quantitative Techniques section you got 14 questions right, 2 questions wrong and skipped 4 questions. So, your score will be 54 out of 80. Similarly, calculate the score of other sections. After the add all five to arrive as overall raw score. For example, you scored 54, 44, 75, 60 and 40 in five sections, then your sum total will be 203/400. You can read more about CMAT scoring process here: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/cmat-score-vs-percentile-how-to-calculate-blogId-19977 https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/what-is-cmat-score-normalization-process-blogId-53987.

Q: What are the important topics of CMAT syllabus?

CMAT has five sections - Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Important topics of CMAT across all the five sections are listed below:

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: Time-speed-distance, Ratio-Proportion, Profit and Loss, SICI, Average, Partnership, Triangles Probability Surds, HCF-LCM, Quad equations, Quad inequality, Graphs, Tables, Bar, Pie Chart.
Logical Reasoning: Family Tree, Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, Coding-Decoding, etc.
Language Comprehension: Synonym, Antonym, Fill in the Blanks, Idioms, Match the Following, Reading Comprehension, Identify the Correct Statement, Direct/Indirect Speech, Classify the Sentence, Question Tag, Parajumble.
General Awareness: Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society
Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Concepts of Entrepreneurship, Overview of Entrepreneurship, Evolution of Entrepreneurship in India, Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development, Theories and Models of Entrepreneurship, Framework of Entrepreneurship Theories, Models of Entrepreneurship, Emerging Models of Corporate Entrepreneurship, Dimensions of Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Society, Entrepreneurial Culture, Rural Entrepreneurship, etc.

Q: Which is the lengthiest section in CMAT?

Sectional weightage of CMAT is same. Since the Language Comprehension section of CMAT includes reading comprehension passages, it can be considered a lengthy section. However, any other section can also be lengthier due to nature of the questions.