CMAT Exam Analysis 2026: Check Difficulty Level of Paper, Expected Cut Offs
Common Management Admission Test 2026 ( CMAT )
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.
- 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.
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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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Also Read:
Commonly asked questions
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
CMAT Analysis FAQs
Check here Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CMAT Analysis
Commonly asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered 5 days ago
While CMAT is the primary route, RGPV may occasionally admit based on merit in graduation if seats remain vacant after all CMAT-qualified candidates are placed through College Level Counselling.
R
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
MAT and CMAT both are moderately difficulty exam, but have their own challenges. While, CMAT has one extra section Innovation and Entrepreneurship, MAT has a separate section for Data Interpretation having 30 questions. With focused preparation, you can crack either of the two that you choose.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
CMAT cutoff refers to minimum percentile required for admission to a particular college. Score accepting colleges determine the cut offs individually based on certain parameters. CMAT cut offs for top colleges like JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA are generally 99 percentile and above.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
With 82 percentile in CMAT, you stand a chance of getting colleges like Great Lakes Institute of Management Gurgaon, Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida, IPE Hyderabad, FLAME University Pune, Asia Pacific Institute of Management Delhi, Prestige Institute of Management Indore among others.
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
CMAT total marks is 400. It is usually considered that scoring 270 to 300 marks can convert into good percentile, about 99 percentile. Around 200 marks can get you 90 percentile which is also good if you are targeting private colleges.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
There is no passing mark in CMAT exam, as admission is based on cut offs determined by colleges. A candidate scoring more than 0 in CMAT is eligible for admission will be selected only if they meet minimum cut off.
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a week ago
CMAT 2026 result was declared by February 17, 2026. NTA released the scorecard late night at the official website. Candidates can download their scorecard through login.
E
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
No, GIM Goa does not accept CMAT scores for its PGDM programs for admissions. It only accepts CAT or XAT exam score. CAT score of previous year is accepted and XAT score of current year is accepted.
J
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
No, CMAT scores are not compulsory for admissions into the MBA course at NSUT. Even CMAT scores are not the first priority of the admission committee to shortlist the students. Because the university considers the scores of CAT/ MAT for selecting the students. If the seats get vacant, then only CMAT
I
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
CMAT is one of the important examinations for admission to the MBA course at Biyani Group of Colleges. However, as the MBA course at Biyani Group of Colleges is offered with the affiliation of Rajasthan Technical University. Thus, there are chances that the college can accept the relevant scores of
I
Contributor-Level 10
1420 Institutes accepting CMAT
4.3Srinagar • Public
Can I apply for admission for MBA at RGPV without a CMAT score?