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

Q: What is the CMAT Syllabus?

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.

Q: 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.

Q: Which are the best books for CMAT Logical Reasoning preparation?

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.

Q: 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.

Q: Is CMAT syllabus the same as that of CAT?

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.

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. 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.

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: Can I prepare for CMAT in 6 months?

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

Q: 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.

Q: What is the time duration of CMAT exam?

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.

6K Students Q&A

Updated on Sep 14, 2025 12:27 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

CMAT exam pattern has been prescribed by the NTA. The question paper of CMAT has 100 questions in MCQ format on Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. CMAT exam has no sectional time limit but the test is to be completed in 180 minutes. Total marks of CMAT is 400. Read below all CMAT 2026 exam pattern, including test structure, sectional weightage, marking scheme, etc.

Q: What is the difficulty level of CMAT exam?

Q: What is the latest CMAT exam pattern?

Table of content

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Detailed Breakdown
Section-Wise Break-Up of CMAT Exam Pattern 2026
CMAT Marking Scheme: Detailed Breakdown
How to Prepare for CMAT 2026? Tips and Strategy
CMAT Mock Test for Practice
FAQs Regarding CMAT Exam Pattern 2026

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Detailed Breakdown

CMAT is a popular entrance exam among MBA aspirants as the score is accepted by over 1,300 B-Schools in India. The exam has simple structure, but being a speed based test, it can pose a challenge if a candidate is not well prepared. The exam pattern of CMAT 2026 will be same as previous years. Given below are the highlights of CMAT exam pattern 2026 and test structure:

CMAT Exam Structure	CMAT Key Highlights
Number of sections	5 (Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
Mode of examination	Online (Computer Based Test)
Duration of exam	180 minutes
Number of Shifts	One
Number of questions	100
Section wise questions	20 per section
Total Marks	400
Number of answer choices	5
CMAT Marking scheme	+4 marks for every correct answer -1 mark for every incorrect answer

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Commonly asked questions

Q: Is there any negative marking in CMAT?

Q: What is the CMAT marking scheme?

Section-Wise Break-Up of CMAT Exam Pattern 2026

In CMAT, there are 100 questions in MCQ format. Attempting all questions is not mandatory. However, candidates must aim to solve 2/3rd of the total questions in all the sections of CMAT 2026 for scoring a good overall percentile. Check below the sectional weightage of the latest CMAT question paper:

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the CMAT Syllabus?

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

Q: Which are the best books for CMAT Logical Reasoning preparation?

CMAT Marking Scheme: Detailed Breakdown

In CMAT four marks are awarded for every correct attempt and one mark is deducted for every incorrect attempt. There is no deduction of marks for skipping questions. There is no non-MCQ in CMAT so one needs to be extra careful in marking answers. Check the below table to understand CMAT marking scheme:

CMAT 2026: Status of answer	Marks
Right answer	+4
Wrong answer	-1
Blank question	No deduction

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Key Points to Note

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.
Candidates must opt to attempt only those questions they can solve correctly to avoid negative marking.
Negative marking can lead to unnecessary drop in marks which will effect overall percentile.
There is no sectional time limit in CMAT, so candidates need set a time limit for every section themselves.
Candidates can solve the CMAT question paper in any order they want. They can toggle between questions too.
There will be onscreen calculator for candidates to use.
Loose paper sheet will also be provided to candidates for rough work

Commonly asked questions

Q: Can I prepare for CMAT from CAT books?

Q: Is CMAT syllabus the same as that of CAT?

How to Prepare for CMAT 2026? Tips and Strategy

For CMAT exam preparation 2026, candidates must make a strategy that is practical and workable. Since CMAT is an exam of moderate difficulty level, starting exam preparation six months in advance will be good. However, if you haven't studied Maths after Class 10, then you must brush up the basic before starting full fledged CMAT preparation. Also, if you will be appearing in CMAT for the first time, then you must start preparing atleast 9 monhts before. If your English Comprehension is weak, start CMAT Language Comprehension preparation much before.

CMAT Syllabus: Topic wise Details

Check the table below to know which topics to cover while preparing for the CMAT 2026 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:

Commonly asked questions

Q: Can I prepare for CMAT in 6 months?

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

CMAT Mock Test for Practice

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 2026 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