Can I prepare for CMAT from CAT books?

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.

What is the CMAT Innovation and entrepreneurship syllabus? Which books to study?

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.

Which are the best LR books for CMAT?

Candidates can prepare for CMAT Logical Reasoning with: · Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT by Nishit K. Sinha · How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT by Arun Sharma · A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by RS Aggarwal · Concepts of LR - Logical Reasoning for CAT and Other MBA Exams by Gajendra Kumar

Is CMAT syllabus the same as that of CAT?

Yes, syllabus of CMAT and CAT are same and include: 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.

Are CMAT mock tests enough for exam preparation?

If you have appeared for CMAT before then you can prepare for another attempt only with mock tests as you would be already thorough with the syllabus and topics. You would also know your strengths and weakness. So, with CMAT mock tests, you will be able to revise and prepare accordingly. However, if you haven't appeared for CMAT or any national level MBA entrance exam before, you will need to cover the syllabus and then practice mock tests. In both scenarios, GK section will have to be prepared through year books. Only mock tests will not be helpful for CMAT GK.

Which are the best books for CMAT Quantitative Aptitude preparation?

The Quantitative Aptitude section of CMAT has questions from Arithmetic, Geometry, Modern Math, Numbers, Algebra and Data Interpretation. The questions are of moderate difficulty level and one can prepare for it with the help of best books for CMAT recommended by experts and toppers. We have listed down some of the popular CMAT books that candidates usually refer: 1. NCERT Mathematics Books for Class 8, 9 and 10 2. The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams 3. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 4. Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into Iims by Sarvesh K Verma (Arihant) 5. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by Abhijit Guha (Mc Graw Hill Education) 6. Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal.

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.

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.

Which CMAT section has the maximum weightage?

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.

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.

How can I master Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation topics of CMAT?

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.

Is CMAT syllabus the same as that of CAT?

Yes, syllabus of CMAT and CAT are same and include: 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.

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 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.

CMAT Exam Pattern 2027: Check Total Marks, Marking Scheme, Paper Pattern

5.9K Students Q&A

Updated on Apr 15, 2026 17:29 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

CMAT exam pattern 2027 will be shared by the NTA along with exam notification in October. Candidates preparing for the exam, can refer last year's pattern to understand the requirement. CMAT question paper has 100 questions from Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Each of these five sections have 20 questions. Total time for the CMAT exam is 180 minutes without sectional time limit. Read on this page all about CMAT 2027 exam pattern, including test structure, sectional weightage, marking scheme, etc.

Table of contents

CMAT Exam Pattern 2027: Highlights
CMAT 2027 Pattern: Section wise break up
CMAT 2027: Section Wise Marking Scheme
CMAT 2026 Prep: Tips and Strategy
FAQs on CMAT Exam Pattern 2027

CMAT Exam Pattern 2027: Highlights

CMAT exam is easier than CAT, XAT and NMAT as it has no sectional time limt and the questions are straightforward. Given below are key highlights:

CMAT is a CBT mode exam held at designated exam centres.
Candidates have to mark their answers on screen with the help of computer mouse.
Solving all 100 questions is not mandatory. About 75-80 questions in total will get a good score.
There is negative marking in CMAT, so candidates must opt to attempt only those questions they can solve correctly.
Onscreen calculator is provided to candidates. Loose paper sheets are provided for rough work.

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CMAT 2027 Pattern: Section wise break up

Every section of CMAT question paper carries a weightage of 80 marks. Candidates should not ignore any section otherwise it will affect their overall score negatively.

CMAT Sections	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks Allotted
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation	20	80
Logical Reasoning	20	80
Language Comprehension	20	80
General Awareness	20	80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	20	80

CMAT 2027: Section Wise Marking Scheme

CMAT total marks is 400. Every section carries 80 marks. Check the below table to understand CMAT marking scheme:

CMAT 2027: Status of answer	Marks
Right answer	+4
Wrong answer	-1
Blank question	No deduction

CMAT 2026 Prep: Tips and Strategy

For CMAT exam preparation 2027, candidates must make a strategy that is practical and workable. The strategy must include time bound syllabus coverage and regular practice of sample questions. When it's about two months to the exam, candidates must start full fleged CMAT mock test practice. They should attempt about 25-30 CMAT mocks to be in well control of all types of questions. Daily revision is also critical to CMAT exam preparation.

CMAT Syllabus: Topic wise Details

Check the table below to know which topics to cover while preparing for the CMAT 2027 exam.

CMAT section	CMAT Syllabus
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation	Algebra, arithmetic, geometry, and number systems
Logical Reasoning	Syllogism, clocks, calendars, series, family tree, coding-decoding, blood relations, abstract reasoning
Language Comprehension	English grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension passages
General Awareness	Current affairs, awards, events, economy, business, sports, culture, and society
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Business concepts, theories related to entrepreneurship

Read CMAT preparation articles below to prepare well for the exam:

CMAT Mock Tests by Shiksha

Practicing in the real time environment is very important for scoring well in a time bound entrance test such as CMAT. Shiksha has prepared a free CMAT mock test for aspirants based on the latest exam pattern and latest difficulty level. CMAT 2027 aspirants can take this mock test free of cost to check their preparation level.

CMAT Mock Test 1	CMAT Mock Test 1 Solutions
CMAT Mock Test 2	CMAT Mock Test 2 Solutions

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

FAQs on CMAT Exam Pattern 2027

Check below some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CMAT exam pattern:

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.

Q: How many mock tests to attempt to score 99 percentile in CMAT?

There is no particular number of CMAT mock test that you should target to solve during your preparation phase but on an average it has been seen that about 30-40 CMAT mock tests are good enough to score 99 percentile. Candidates must start solving CMAT mock tests after completing the syllabus as it will help them gauge which are the topics that they have understood well and which are the topics that require more work. 30-34 CMAT mock tests are recommended as, CMAT exam is all about speed and accuracy. The more questions you'll solve in an exam environment, the better you'll get at understanding, choosing and solving questions faster and correctly. Important point to note about practicing CMAT mock test is that one should analyse every mock test to understand the gaps and fissures and what to do to fill them. Another aspect to keep in mind is not to overdo it. When you start to score 98-99 percentile in CMAT mock tests consistently then you should stop and focus on revision, etc.

Q: Are MAT and CMAT syllabi same?

MAT and CMAT syllabi are same for Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. MAT also has GK like CMAT, but the nature of GK questions of MAT are slightly different from that of CMAT. The MAT GK section has more questions from economy and business.