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
- Previous Years' CMAT Analysis
- CMAT Analysis FAQs
CMAT 2026 Analysis: Sectional Break up and Difficulty Level
- CMAT 2026 exam was held in single shift
- The number of test takers this year was about 53,000
- There were 5 sections in the CMAT question paper 2026, having 20 questions each
- English section was on the easier side
- Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning questions were moderate
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship was easy, as always
- GK questions were moderate to tough
- Overall, 70-75 questions with maximum accuracy were good attempts
CMAT 2026 Analysis: Section wise difficulty level
Overall, the exam had the same pattern and difficulty level were same as previous years. There were surprises. Most of the questions were easy and straightforward.
| 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:
Commonly asked questions
CMAT final answer key is released as a downloadable PDF. Candidates can download it by visiting the NTA-CMAT website and simply downloading the document.
Objection cannot be raised against the final answer key of CMAT, as it contains the answers evaluated again after objections by candidates.
Candidates can use the CMAT answer key to calculate the score in the following manner:
· Check number of correct attempts
· Check number of incorrect attempts
· Add 4 marks for every correct attempt
· Subtract 1 mark for every incorrect attempt
· Sub total will be CMAT score
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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 Analysis FAQs
Check here Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CMAT Analysis
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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31 May '26
CMAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week 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 a week 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 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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 2 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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
4.3
Are three months enough for CMAT preparation?