CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Check Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Paper Pattern

The latest CMAT exam pattern as prescribed by the National Testing Agency NTA is as follows: The question paper carries 100 question. The format of questions is multiple choice type where for each question, four options are given to choose the correct answer from. The 100 questions are divided equally between five sections, Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Each of the five sections carry 20 questions. Earlier, there were only four sections in CMAT and each section has 25 questions. In 2021, Innovation and Entrepreneurship was added as the fifth section. The time limit for CMAT is 180 minutes without sectional time limit or break. As per the latest marking scheme, for every correct option 4 marks are awarded and for every incorrect option, one mark is deducted. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

CMAT has five sections. Every section of the CMAT exam has 20 questions. Each question of the five sections carries four marks for correct answer and one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. Therefore, the total marks of each section is 80 and the total marks of the CMAT exam is 400. The CMAT percentile is calculated on the basis of marks scored by candidates on 400. Given below is the sectional break up of CMAT exam: 1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: 20 questions of 4 marks each 2. Logical Reasoning: 20 questions of 4 marks each 3. Language Comprehension: 20 questions of 4 marks each 4. General Awareness: 20 questions of 4 marks each 5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: 20 questions of 4 marks each.

CMAT is one of the easier MBA entrance exams. Despite having an extra section, the overall difficulty level of CMAT exam is generally moderate. However, it has been seen previously that some questions in Logical Reasoning and General Awareness sections of CMAT turn out to be more difficult than questions of Quantitative Techniques, Language Comprehension and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. If a candidate can solve about 70-75 of the total questions with about 80 per cent accuracy in each section, they can score well in CMAT. The sectional difficulty in CMAT is as follows: 1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: Moderate 2. Logical Reasoning: Easy to Moderate 3. Language Comprehension: Easy to Moderate 4. General Awareness: Moderate 5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Moderate For the latest exam pattern and difficulty level of CMAT click here: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cmat-exam-analysis.

All the five sections of CMAT question paper has equal weightage of 20 questions. Each question carries four marks for correct attempt. One mark is deducted per incorrect entry. There is no marks deduction for unanswered question. Therefore, each section of CMAT will have equal weightage of 80 marks. Given below is the sectional weightage of CMAT exam. 1. English Comprehension: 20 questions, 80 marks 2. General Knowledge: 20 questions, 80 marks 3. Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: 20 questions, 80 marks 4. Data Interpretation and Reasoning: 20 questions, 80 marks 5. Innovation and Entrepreneurship: 20 questions, 80 marks Since, all the sections of CMAT have same weightage, it is important for candidates to prepare for each section well. If you will score equally will in every section, only then will your overall score will be good. Also, many colleges consider sectional scores as well for admission shortlist so it is important to perform equally well in all sections of CMAT.

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.

Yes, there is a negative marking in CMAT exam. For each wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted. For example, if a candidate attempts 18 questions from Logical Reasoning and gets 15 questions correct but 3 questions incorrect. Then the candidate's score for this section will be 15x4-3, i.e. 57. However, no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.

Thus, candidates must choose only those questions to solve which they are sure of solving accurately. It is anyway not possible to solve all 100 questions, so candidates must weigh their options viz. Strength and weak areas and then choose questions carefully.

If candidates are not sure of answering a question correctly or it is taking too much time, then they should leave that questions and move to next as they also need to keep a tab on the time limit.

The syllabus of CMAT Innovation and entrepreneurship section includes 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, Women Entrepreneurship, Emerging Trends in Social Entrepreneurship, Principles of Business Organisation, Motivation, Communication and Leadership To study these topics candidates should refer to books like: 1. Innovation & Entrepreneurship by Peter F. Drucker 2. Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R Goal 3. Entrepreneurship - Robert D. Hisrich 4. Manorama Year Book - Mammen Mathew Apart from these books, candidates must solve last two years' CMAT question papers to know the type of questions asked in this section and their difficulty level. These questions will give you an insight into CMAT Innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Syllabus of CMAT exam includes all the important topics of English Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Given below are important topics included in each of these subjects:

• Quantitative Aptitude Geometry, Algebra Alligation and Mixtures, Number System Pie Chart, Lines and Graphs, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Time-Speed-Distance, etc.
• Logical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, Analytical Reasoning, Family Tree, Coding-Decoding, etc.
• Language Comprehension, Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Fill in the Blanks Grammar, Word Meaning, English Usage Errors, Parajumbles, etc. 
• General Awareness, Science, Technology, Inventions, Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Questions related to innovation, entrepreneurship and start up business.

CMAT Logical Reasoning topics are similar to CAT so the preparation is also to be done in a similar manner. The Logical Reasoning questions of CMAT are not very difficult. One can crack it with some practice and revision. If you are planning to appear for CMAT exam, prepare for the Logical Reasoning section from the following books. 1. Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha 2. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma 3. A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal 4. Concepts of LR - Logical Reasoning for CAT and Other MBA Exams by Gajendra Kumar Apart from these books, you must practice previous year CMAT question papers to be familiar with the latest type of Logical Reasoning questions asked.

If you are preparing for CAT your work is almost over for CMAT. I was also a student who prepared for CAT immediately after my graduation. The important things which you should look into while preparing for this exam are as follows: 1. Select one of the best coaching centers which offer quality education- TIME is one of the famous coaching centers for CAT. 2. Dedication- Be focused on the aim which you need to achieve. 3. Try to read Hindu newspaper editorial. Most of the passages which appear in CAT are from Hindu editorial. 4. Try to maximum number of online mock test. You will definitely clear CAT by doing the above. 5. Try to read as much as you can and make note of points. 6. Revision of each week topics is very important. 7. Mathematical ability questions will be little twisted try to do as faster as you can.

Yes, the syllabus of CMAT is the same as CAT for Quantitative Aptitude Logical Reasoning, Data Interpretation and Verbal Ability sections. The topics included in both CAT and CMAT syllabi are same as listed below: 1. Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: Mensuration Number System Algebra Time-Speed-Distance, Allegation and Mixtures, Geometry, Graph, Quadratic and Linear Equations, etc. 2. Logical Reasoning: Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, etc. 3. Language Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Ability, Vocabulary, Grammar, English Usage Errors, Para jumbles, etc. However, CMAT has two extra sections - General Knowledge and Innovation and Entrepreneurship, topics of which are mentioned below: 4. General Awareness: Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society, Arts, Awards, Inventions 5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Questions related to innovation, entrepreneurship and start up business, models of entrepreneurship, Emerging Trends in Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Society, Rural Entrepreneurship, etc.

Yes, CMAT candidates can refer to the books recommended for CAT exam preparation as the syllabus is same for both exams, but they must also solve mock tests and sample questions specific to CMAT to get the hang of it. The CMAT exam is easier than CAT but if you don't know the nature of CMAT questions, you may find it difficult to crack. Candidates can refer to these books for studying the concepts: 1. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (McGraw Hill Education) 2. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into Iims by Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant) 3. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (McGraw Hill Education) 4. NCERT Mathematics Books for Standard 8, 9 and 10 5. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by Dr RS Aggarwal To know more similarities between CAT and CMAT read this article: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/is-cmat-easier-than-cat-know-the-differences-and-similarities-blogId-58019.

Yes, 6 months are a decent time duration to prepare for CMAT exam, if one does it with dedication and discipline. Candidates who have appeared for CMAT or any other MBA entrance exam before, will find 6 months more than enough to prepare for the exam. Those, who are appearing in CMAT for the first time, can also prepare in 6 months but they will have to give extra time to it. If you plan a CMAT preparation in six months, make a three stage plan. In the first stage, which will be of 3 months, complete the CMAT syllabus, in the second phase, which will be of 2 months, practice sample papers and mock tests. In the third stage, which will be of 1 months, do revision of important topics and gain control over all that you have studied before. Keep in mind to solve enough number of CMAT mock tests (30-35) for better preparation in short time. Read More: CMAT preparation in 6 months

 

Solving previous year CMAT question papers is very important for optimising your performance in the exam. There are several benefits of practicing the official CMAT question paper but one of the most important benefits is that the candidate will know the latest exam pattern and difficulty level. The CMA question papers are set by the examination authority on the basis of questions asked in last 10 years or so. Thus, if you practice CMAT previous year papers, you will be familiar with all types of questions asked in the exam in the last few years. Since, MBA entrance exams are all about speed and accuracy, it is very important to be familiar with the types of questions. CMAT question papers help you in time management skills as well as the skill to choose the right questions to ask. Candidates must solve CAT question papers of at least last five years for best results.

Cracking Logical Reasoning section of CMAT is all about how well and how quickly you understand the puzzles and patterns. To master this section of CMAT exam, sample questions for practice and sectional mock tests for CMAT are the best resource. You should start practicing Logical Reasoning questions early on in the preparation cycle. Pay attention to the topics from which Logical Reasoning questions are asked in CMAT. Prepare for those type of questions only. For Data Interpretation section of CMAT. You should be well versed with reading tables, graphs and charts correctly. For quick calculation, you should strengthen basic mathematical calculations like multiplication, division, square, square roots, cube, cube roots, etc. This section is all about observation and ability to break down information into pieces, so you need to practice a wide range of data interpretation questions.

Since every section of CMAT has 20 questions in total, solving 15-18 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 10-12 correct attempts will be enough. Out of 100 questions, candidates must try to solve about 70-75 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 need to prepare for the CMAT in a dedicated and disciplined manner. Candidates must set aside a minimum of three months to complete the CMAT syllabus, as they have to study five subjects and their numerous topics. If they have appeared for the 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 the 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 Entrepreneurshiip by Peter F. Drucker and Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R. Gopal, Entrepreneurship by Robert D. Hisrich and Manorama Year Book by Mammen Mathew.

Since the Language Comprehension section of CMAT includes reading comprehension passages, it can be considered a lengthy section. However, there is a possibility of any other section to be lengthier. For example, Logical Reasoning questions or Data Interpretation questions can also be lengthy, due to multiple levels of calculations. The weightage of each section is same in CMAT I. e. 20 questions and 80 marks, so it doesn't really matter which section is lengthy as candidates have to meet sectional cut offs to be able to get a good overall score. It is not mandatory to solve all 100 questions in CMAT so candidates have the choice of dropping lengthy questions and solving easier questions. So, the best option is to skip the lengthy questions and solve other questions correctly. Doing so will ensure that the candidate doesn't fall short of time as well as good questions to solve.

To prepare for CMAT exam you need to do two things. Cover the exam syllabus and practice mock tests. After you decide to appear for CMAT the first thing you should do is check the CMAT syllabus. Make a list of topics that you are familiar with and topics that you have never studied before. Start with topics that you are unfamiliar with as those topics will take time. Move to easier topics after that. Do practice sample questions after completing each topic to know how to apply concepts to a problem. Once you have completed the CMAT syllabus, move to the next phase of preparation, I. e. practicing mock tests and sample questions. Dedicate about 40-45 days in practicing CMAT mock tests, to gain not only speed and accuracy but also control on the topics. You should also join online study groups to take help from mentors and peers in exam preparation. Doubt clearing sessions are very helpful in exam preparation. Also stick to CMAT books as recommended by experts. Some of the books you need to refer are: 1. The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana 2. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 3. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 4. High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin English 5. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 6. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education). .

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.

CMAT has five sections. Every section of the CMAT exam has 20 questions. Each question of the five sections carries four marks for correct answer and one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. Therefore, the total marks of each section is 80 and the total marks of the CMAT exam is 400. The CMAT percentile is calculated on the basis of marks scored by candidates on 400. Given below is the sectional break up of CMAT exam: 1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: 20 questions of 4 marks each 2. Logical Reasoning: 20 questions of 4 marks each 3. Language Comprehension: 20 questions of 4 marks each 4. General Awareness: 20 questions of 4 marks each 5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: 20 questions of 4 marks each.

Common Management Admission Test is an online computer based test conducted by the National Testing Agency, India. It is a national-level admission test for facilitating institutions to select suitable students for admission in all management programmes approved by AICTE. According to the exam pattern, the CMAT syllabus for MBA admission is divided into five sections namely, Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. If you plan to prepare for CMAT exam, then you have to at least put in four to six hours daily into studying. 345 to 350 marks are expected to secure the 100 percentile and those securing in the range of 285 to 340 marks will obtain 99 to 99.99 percentile. CMAT merit list will include names of all the aspirants scoring CMAT score vs percentile from 0.005 to 100 percentile. Speed is not an issue at all as you have ample time available. Solving 100 questions in 3 hours is quite easy; hence time is not as important as accuracy is. I have slept for 20 to 40 minutes after completing test every year! The range of topics covered has become very important.

The CMAT exam is conducted for three hours or 180 minutes. There is no sectional time limit in CMAT unlike in CAT or XAT. No break is given to candidates in between the exam. Extra 30 minutes are granted to PwD candidates for completing the paper. Candidates must manage the three hours in such a way that they get enough time to spend on every section of CMAT exam. Candidates can divide time among all five sections of the CMAT question paper according to their convenience. They must make a time management strategy ahead of the exam so that they are able to solve a good number of questions in each section and reach the sectional cut off. GK is a memory based section and you need to get 8-10 questions correct to get meet the sectional cut off. So attempt it in the end and not spend more than 10 minutes on it.