CMAT Question Papers with Solutions: Free PDF Download (Previous Years' Papers)

Common Management Admission Test 2026 ( CMAT )

Vipra Shrivastava
Updated on Mar 26, 2026 18:43 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

Overview

CMAT question paper practice is an important part of exam preparation. It helps the candidate in understanding the test pattern, topic wise weightage and nature of questions. CMAT aspirants must practice atleast last 5 years' official question papers during the preparation phase. But they must do so after completing the CMAT syllabus. NTA, the exam conducting body releases CMAT question paper every year, in the form of answer key. Shiksha has provided on this page below, CMAT question paper PDFs of previous years, for free download. Candidates planning to appear for CMAT 2027 must refer these previous year papers to prepare for the exam in a better manner. 

 

Table of contents
  • CMAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF
  • CMAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF
  • CMAT 2022 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF
  • CMAT 2020 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF
  • CMAT 2019 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF
  • CMAT 2018 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF
  • CMAT Sample Papers with Solutions by Shiksha
  • Benefits of Practicing CMAT Previous Years' Question Papers
  • FAQs on CMAT Question Papers
View More

Download previous year CMAT question papers and sample papers. Use them for practice and improve your speed and accuracy. You can download CMAT previous year question papers and the preparation guides for free.

CMAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF

CMAT-2025 Question Paper

CMAT 2024 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF

CMAT 2024 Question Paper

CMAT 2022 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF

CMAT 2022 Question Paper

CMAT 2020 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF

CMAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1

CMAT 2019 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF

CMAT 2019 Question Paper Slot 1

CMAT 2018 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF

CMAT 2018 Question Paper Slot 1
CMAT 2018 Question Paper Slot 2
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CMAT Sample Papers with Solutions by Shiksha

Shiksha has prepared CMAT Sample Papers for aspirants to practice a good number of tough questions. These Sample Papers have been prepared keeping in mind the difficulty level of actual questions asked in CMAT, and are accompanied by solutions. 

CMAT Sample Paper 1 CMAT Sample Paper 1 Solutions
CMAT Sample Paper 2 CMAT Smple Paper 2 Solutions

Also Read:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Which is the lengthiest section in CMAT?
A: 

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:   Is there any negative marking in CMAT?
A: 

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 section wise weightage in CMAT?
A: 

CMAT has five sections. 

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. 
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Benefits of Practicing CMAT Previous Years' Question Papers

CMAT previous year papers play a very significant role in CMAT exam preparation. They not only help you to understand the CMAT pattern and question types but also help you to improve your time management skills. The biggest benefit of attempting mock tests and CMAT sample papers is that, they prepare you for every type of questions – tough, easy, lengthy and tricky.

  • Official NTA-CMAT question paper are the only source for original exam questions. Practicing original questions will help you in understanding the nature of CMAT questions. It is specifically useful for practicing RC passages.
  • CMAT question papers of previous years are the best resource for preparation for Innovation and Entrepreneurship as it is a recent addition to the exam and not much study material is available for it. Candidates can practice all the important topics of Innovation and Entrepreneurship from CMAT question paper only. 
  • Another benefit of praticing CMAT previous year question papers is GK prep. It is not possible to memorise every date and every event. So, with the help of offiicial papers,  you can narrow down your preparation to specific subjects and fields from which questions are asked most of the times. 
  • Ask any CMAT topper or expert and they will recommend that you must attempt at least past five years' CMAT question papers for CMAT preparation 2026. However, you must keep in mind to solve official CMAT question papers for practice purpose only after you have completed the CMAT 2026 syllabus. 

Also Read:

CMAT 2026 Exam Dates

CMAT Application Form 2026

CMAT practice questions 

CMAT Mock Test

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

CMAT Cut Offs

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What are the important topics of CMAT syllabus?
A: 

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Logical Reasoning: Family Tree, Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, Coding-Decoding, etc.
  3. 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.
  4. General Awareness: Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society
  5. 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.
Q:   What should be my CMAT exam strategy?
A: 

When making a strategy for CMAT exam keep in mind that it is a speed based exam and there is negative marking. Since, there is no sectional time limit, solving adequate number of questions in every section will be key.

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FAQs on CMAT Question Papers

Check here Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to CMAT question papers:

Q:   What is the CMAT marking scheme?
A: 
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:   How many questions are asked in GK section of CMAT?
A: 
There are 20 questions from General Knowledge in CMAT. All the questions are in MCQ format. Four options are given for each question to choose the right answer from. The General Knowledge section of CMAT is usually of a higher difficulty level but as it is a memory based section, it can be completed in maximum 15 minutes. The questions pertain to static GK and Current Affairs. Topics included in CMAT GK section are business, politics, awards, inventions, Science and technology, sports, society, world, advertising, trade, books and authors, arts, entertainment, history, geography and politics. Candidates should attempt the GK section in the end as the main criteria for MBA are English Quantitative Aptitude Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation. The candidate's main focus should be on getting maximum questions correct in these three sessions. GK can be handled at the end.
Q:   How many questions should I solve to get a good score in CMAT?
A: 

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.

Q:   Is CMAT easier than CAT?
A: 

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.

Q:   How many mock tests to attempt to score 99 percentile in CMAT?
A: 
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:   Do previous years questions or mock test questions get repeated in CAT, NMAT, CMAT and SNAP?
A: 

In top MBA exams such as NMAT, SNAP, CMAT and CAT, questions from previous years may not get directly repeated. MBA exams are known for its ever evolving question structure with changing economies. Questions in MBA exaqms may not match exactly but might have a similar appraoch for solving.

Q:   What was the difficulty level of CMAT 2025?
A: 

The difficulty level of CMAT 2025 exam was overall moderate. Interestingly, the GK questions were not tough as they usually are. Check below section wise CMAT 2025 difficulty level.

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

Q:   Is CMAT syllabus easier than CAT syllabus?
A: 

CMAT syllabus is somewhat same as CAT syllabus. It has two extra subjects, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and General Awareness. However, these two subjects are not tough and can be covered alongside Quantitative Aptitude, English and Logical Reasoning. Despite having less subjects CAT is tougher than CMAT.

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Answered Yesterday

CMAT response sheet and provisional answer key are same. Since the answer key contains candidate's responses too, it is also called CMAT response sheet.

A

Aarushi Hazarika

Contributor-Level 7

Answered Yesterday

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

J

Jasleen Dixit

Contributor-Level 7

Answered Yesterday

Filing objection against the CMAT answer key is not mandatory for all candidates. Only those candidate who feel a question/s is incorrect and they have proof to support the claim, should raise objection.

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered Yesterday

The CMAT answer key objection fee per question is INR 200. Candidates have to pay it at the time of filling the objection form.

E

Esha Singh

Contributor-Level 7

Answered Yesterday

CMAT answer key helps the candidate in checking their performance and it is also a window for NTA to communicate transparency in result preparation number.

M

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 7

Answered Yesterday

Objection cannot be raised against the final answer key of CMAT, as it contains the answers evaluated again after objections by candidates.

A

Anyam Kalra

Contributor-Level 7

Answered Yesterday

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.

A

Anya B

Contributor-Level 7

Answered Yesterday

Provisional answer key of CMAT refers to the document released by the NTA indicating answers marked by candidate and correct options. This document tell candidates about how many of their attempts are right. 

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Vipra Shrivastava

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Validity of CMAT score is one year in most of the colleges. There are a very few and Tier 3 colleges that may accept CMAT score from previous years. So, if they wish to drop a year, they should appear for the exam again in the next session.

P

Pallavi Gupta

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

The first criteria is CMAT cut off. Candidates should shortlist all the colleges whose cut off is same or lower than their score. Thereafter, check fees, location, accreditation, curriculum, pedagogy and placement reports to choose one foe themselves.

N

Nitesh Vimal

Contributor-Level 7

1434 Institutes accepting CMAT

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