Previous Years CMAT Question Papers with Solutions (2018-2025): Free PDF Download

Common Management Admission Test 2027 ( CMAT )

Vipra Shrivastava
Updated on Sep 7, 2026 14:51 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

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.Shiksha has provided on this page below, CMAT question paper PDFs of previous years, for free download. 

  • NTA, the exam conducting body releases the CMAT question paper every year, in the form of answer key.  
  • Candidates planning to appear for CMAT 2027 must refer these previous year papers to prepare for the exam in a better manner. 
  • Candidates must practice official question papers after completing the CMAT syllabus.

 

Table of contents
  • CMAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF
  • CMAT Previous Year Question Papers
  • CMAT Sample Papers with Solutions by Shiksha
  • Benefits of Practicing CMAT Previous Years' Question Papers
  • FAQs on CMAT Question Papers
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CMAT 2025 Question Paper with Answer Key PDF

In 2025, the exam was moderately difficult. General Awareness was toughest of all five sections. Check CMAT 2025 question paper PDF with answer key below:

Paper Question Paper PDF
CMAT 2025 question paper  Download Paper with Answer Key 

CMAT 2025 Question Paper Analysis 

The CMAT 2025 question paper had a total of 100 questions. Overall difficulty level was easy and about 70-75 attempts were considered good.

CMAT 2025 Sections

Number of Questions

Number of Good Attempts

Difficulty Level

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

16-17

Easy

Logical Reasoning

20

15-16

Easy

Language Comprehension

20

15-16

Easy

General Awareness

20

10-11

Moderate

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

20

11-12

Moderate

Total

100

70-75

Easy

Prepare for CMAT 2027 exam with official CMAT question papers of previous years. Practice actual questions to know the trend of past few years and make an estimation of what can be expected in the CMAT exam 2027. 

CMAT Previous Year Question Papers

CMAT 2024 Question Paper

CMAT 2024 Question Paper

CMAT 2022 Question Paper

CMAT 2022 Question Paper

CMAT 2020 Question Paper

CMAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1

CMAT 2019 Question Paper

CMAT 2019 Question Paper Slot 1

CMAT 2018 Question Paper

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

Along with official CMAT question papers candidates must also practice sample papers for pracrice purpose to master a variety of questions.Ideally candidates must pratice 2000-3000 CMAT sample questions to be in complete control of the exam. 

For the benefits of candidates, Shiksha has prepared CMAT Sample Papers from official sources. While preparing the sample papers, we have kept in mind the difficulty level of actual exam. Download free CMAT sample papers PDFs with solutions below:

CMAT Sample Paper 1 Download Sample Paper 1 Download Solutions
CMAT Sample Paper 2
Download Sample Paper 2  Download 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 2027?
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 will help you in understanding the nature of questions. It is specifically useful for practicing RC passages.
  • For preparing Innovation and Entrepreneurship section too, the CMAT question papers of previous years are the best resource. 
  • Previous years'  CMAT question papers are specifically helpful in preparing General Awareness section. You can check in the past papers dominant fields from whoch GK questions are asked and prepare in a focussed manner.

Also Read:

CMAT 2027 Exam Dates

CMAT Application Form 2027

CMAT Practice Questions 

CMAT Mock Test

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2027

CMAT Cut Offs

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
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.

Q:   How to use CMAT answer key to calculate score?
A: 

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

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.
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FAQs on CMAT Question Papers

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

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:   How many questions should I solve to get a good score in CMAT 2027?
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 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:   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:   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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CMAT Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

CMAT is a domestic exam conducted for admission to MBA/PGDM courses in MBA colleges located in India. It is not conducted outside India.

S

Sreetama Tyagi

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

CMAT exam is conducted in 124+ cities across India.The centre is alloted to the candidate on the basis of their choice as mentioned in the CMAT application form. 

N

Nishtha Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

MCA colleges in Ahmedabad without CMAT are in this table. Check courses and fees. 

MCA Colleges in Ahmedabad without CMAT

Total Tuition Fee

Silver Oak College of Computer Application (SOCCA) MCA

INR 1.64 lakh

Indus University MCA Courses

INR 1.72 Lakh 

L D College of Engineering MCA

INR 10, 600

Silver5 University MCA Courses

INR 1.2 Lacs - INR 1.3 Lakh

Sabarmati University MCA INR 90,000
Sardar Vallabhbhai Global University MCA CoursesINR 2.18 Lakh

Note: All info. is from official sites and can change. 

S

Syed Aquib Ur Rahman

Contributor-Level 10

1501 Institutes accepting CMAT

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