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.

How many questions should I solve to get a good score in CMAT?

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

5.9K Students Q&A

Exam On - 25 Jan '26

Updated on Dec 5, 2025 15:53 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. Total marks of CMAT is 400. Difficulty level of the CMAT is moderate. Read below all CMAT 2026 exam pattern, including test structure, sectional weightage, marking scheme, etc.

Table of contents

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights
Section-Wise Break-Up of CMAT Exam Pattern 2026
CMAT Marking Scheme
Latest Changes in CMAT Exam Pattern
How to Prepare for CMAT 2026? Tips and Strategy
CMAT Mock Test for Practice

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Highlights

CMAT is a popular entrance exam among MBA aspirants as its 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?

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.

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.

Section-Wise Break-Up of CMAT Exam Pattern 2026

There are 100 questions in CMAT. Attempting all questions is not mandatory, but candidates must attempt about 15-18 questions per section to get a good overall score. Check below sectional weightage 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 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: 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.

CMAT Marking Scheme

CMAT exam is of 400 marks. 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.
There is negative marking in CMAT, so candidates must opt to attempt only those questions they can solve correctly.
There is no sectional time limit in CMAT, thus candidates will need to set a time limit for each section themselves in order to complete maximum questions from all sectionns.
There will be onscreen calculator for candidates to use. Loose paper sheet will also be provided to candidates for rough work

Latest Changes in CMAT Exam Pattern

CMAT exam pattern was last revised in 2022, when Innovation and Entrepreneurship section was made a mandatory section.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship was introduced in CMAT in 2021 as an optional section.
Before that CMAT used to have 4 sections only - Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension and General Awareness
The CMAT exam has always been of 100 questions. When it was 4-section test, the number of questions per section was 25.
After introduction of Innovation and Entrepreneurship the sectional weightage was reduced to 20.
No change has been announced for 2026 exam. The CMAT exam pattern will be same as last year.

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. Those who are preparing for CAT, XAT, MAT will find these topics familiar and will take less time in preparation.

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: 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: 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.

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:

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Sets Triangle Statistics Probability Number System Permutations and Combinations Algebra Mensuration Binomial Theorem Straight Lines Relations and Functions Sequences and Series Conic Sections Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry Types of Triangles Pythagoras Theorem Isosceles Triangle Equilateral Triangle Algebraic expressions Algebraic identities Linear Algebra Algebraic Equations Basic of Algebra Algebra questions Sets Triangle Statistics Probability Number System Permutations and Combinations Algebra Mensuration Binomial Theorem Straight Lines Relations and Functions Sequences and Series Conic Sections Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry Types of Triangles Pythagoras Theorem Isosceles Triangle Equilateral Triangle Algebraic expressions Algebraic identities Linear Algebra Algebraic Equations Basic of Algebra Algebra questions Personal Interview (PI)Group Discussion (GD)Reading Comprehension Pronouns with Exercises Parajumbles with Exercises Prepositions with Exercises Subject-Verb Agreement Types of Clauses Examples of Articles Phrases Modifiers Parts of Speech Errors in Tenses Data Interpretation Logical Reasoning Venn Diagrams Percentages Number Systems Approximation & Conversion Techniques

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Which entrance exams are accepted for PGDM and MBA admissions at GIBS (e.g., CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, ATMA, GMAT)?

Answered 3 days ago

Hi.

For PGDM and MBA admissions at GIBS Business School, Bangalore, the following entrance exams are accepted:

Accepted Entrance Exams

Exam	Type / Level
CAT – Common Admission Test	National-level MBA entrance exam
XAT – Xavier Aptitude Test	National-level MBA entrance exam
MAT – Management Aptitude Test	National-level MBA entrance exam
CMAT – Common Management Admission Test	National-level MBA entrance exam
GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test	International / National-level MBA entrance exam
ATMA – AIMS Test for Management Admissions	National-level MBA entrance exam
State CET (e.g., Karnataka PGCET)	State-level MBA entrance exam for Karnataka candidates

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

Which entrance exam scores are accepted at GIBS for admission (CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, State CET)?

Answered 3 days ago

Hi.

GIBS considers any one valid score from these exams for shortlisting candidates.

Some exams (like CAT, XAT, CMAT) are preferred for national-level merit-based selection, but State CET scores are also accepted for Karnataka domicile candidates.

Along with the entrance score, academics, work experien

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

I want to get admission in Marvadi University. What is the fee for MBA? What is the cutoff of CMAT score to get admission in the same?

Answered a week ago

Marvadi University's MBA Programme involves a total course fee of approximately Rs. 2.5 Lacs over the duration of your two years. The fee for first-year students is approximately Rs. 1.3 lakh. While hostel fees are different depending on whether you're male or female, they are billed separately. Mar

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 10

What is the CMAT 2026 expected cutoff?

Answered 2 weeks ago

GGSIPU CMAT cutoff 2026 is expected to be around in the range of 95 to 99 percentile according to the previous years cutoff data. For admission to the MBA programmes at GGSIPU, candidates are expected to appear for the CMAT exam and clear the selection round of their chosen college. For more details

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

What is the CMAT cutoff for NIA Pune?

Answered 3 weeks ago

According to the NIA Pune expected CMAT Cutoff, the overall percentile required for admission to NIA Pune MBA course was 95 for the students belonging to the General All India category. For more information, click here.

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

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