CMAT 2025 Question Paper with Solutions (Shift 1 and 2): Free PDF Download

Common Management Admission Test 2026 ( CMAT )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 25 Jan '26

Vipra Shrivastava
Updated on Jan 14, 2026 17:12 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

CMAT question paper 2025 PDF and of previous years are available here for download. Candidates appearing for CMAT 2026 must refer to the official questions papers, specifically the CMAT 2025 question paper to know the latest test structure, difficulty level. Most of you must be busy in last leg preparation for the CMAT which is mock practice and revision. You must make sure that you practice past years' papers too at this point of time. CMAT 2026 exam will be held on January 25, 2026 so use these last few days to understand the CMAT questions, specifically GK questions. 

Table of contents
  • CMAT Previous Year Papers - Official
  • Sample Questions for CMAT Preparation
  • CMAT Preparation Guides
  • CMAT 2025 Question Paper
  • Importance of CMAT Previous Years' Question Papers
  • Official CMAT Question Papers Download Process
  • CMAT Previous Year 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 Previous Year Papers - Official

CMAT 2025 Question Paper

CMAT-2025 Question Paper

CMAT 2024 Question Paper

CMAT_2024 Question Paper

CMAT 2022 Question Paper

CMAT 2022 question paper

CMAT 2021 Question Paper

CMAT 2021 question paper

CMAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1

CMAT 2020 Question Paper

CMAT 2019 Question Paper

CMAT 2019 Question Paper

CMAT 2018 Question Paper Slot 1

CMAT 2018 question paper slot 1

CMAT 2018 Question Paper Slot 2

CMAT 2018 question paper slot 2

Sample Questions for CMAT Preparation

DILR, VARC, Quantitative Aptitude Question Banks with Answers

DILR Questions with Answers for Practice
VARC Questions with Answers for Practice
Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice

CMAT Preparation Guides

How To Prepare for CMAT.pdf
How To Prepare for CMAT
MBA Entrance Exams-All About Time Management.pdf
MBA Entrance Exams-All About Time Management
Important books and topics for all MBA Entrance Exams.pdf
Important books and topics for all MBA Entrance Exams
Important MBA Entrance Exams You Should Not Miss.pdf
Important MBA Entrance Exams You Should Not Miss
How To Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams.pdf
How To Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams
Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exam - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning.pdf
Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exam - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exams- Quantitative Aptitude.pdf
Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exams- Quantitative Aptitude
Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exams- Verbal Ability.pdf
Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exams- Verbal Ability
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CMAT 2025 Question Paper

CMAT 2025 question paper was of moderate difficulty level. The CMAT question paper 2025 of both sessions had similar sectional composition. there was no surprise element and test takes did not face any challenge. Check section wise difficulty level of CMAT question paper 2025. 

CMAT 2025 Sections

Topics

Difficulty Level

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

Time-speed-distance, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, SI-CI, Alligation and Mixtures, Triangles, Probability, Surds & Indices, Quad equation, Linear equation, Pie charts

Easy

Logical Reasoning

Directions, Cubes, Counting the number of squares, Linear Arrangement, Family tree, Clocks, Numerical Puzzle, Misc, venn diagram, Set theory, Number Series, Analogy based sequence , Word based Analogy, Odd one out, Alpha numeric

Easy to Moderate

Language Comprehension

FIB, Replace underlined phrase, Passive voice, Cloze passage [3 blanks], Parajumbles, Jumbled sentence, Grammar (Compound Sentence, Articles, Noun-types), Sentence Correction

Easy to Moderate

General Awareness

Science, sports, Indian constitution, history, India and its culture

Moderate

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Bootstrapping, Startup valuation, Fabian entrepreneur, Angel investment, Lean startup, Trademark, Feasibility analysis,

Moderate

Overall

--

Easy

In CMAT 2025, most of the questions were straightforward and doable in the given time limit. The RC passages were short and majority of the questions were Grammar/Vocabulary based. GK questions were as usual tough. However, 8-10 correct attempts were enough for it. 

Also Read:

CMAT 2025 exam analysis, check difficulty level, good attempts

CMAT 2025 answer key, question paper (shift 1 and 2) PDF download

CMAT Response Sheet 2025 PDF Free Download

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
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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Importance of 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 as it is a speed based exam. The biggest benefit of attempting mock tests and CMAT sample papers is that, they prepare you for every type of questions – tough, easy, lengthy, tricky or surprise questions.

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.

Download Now: CMAT questions with solutions for practice

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 Admit Card 2026

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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Official CMAT Question Papers Download Process

NTA releases CMAT question paper every year in the form of answer key along with candidate response sheet before result declaration. Candidates can download CMAT question paper by using CMAT login IDs and password. Process of downloading CMAT answer keys and question paper is given below.

  • Open the NTA-CMAT website in a new window 

  • Go to 'CMAT answer key/response sheet' tab

  • Enter your CMAT application number and password or date of birth

  • Download CMAT question paper and answer key

You can also get previous years' CMAT question paper provided by Shiksha on this page above. 

CMAT Mock Test for Practice

Check your preparation level by taking this CMAT mock test by Shiksha. These free mock tests are based on actual CMAT questions as in previous years.

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

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CMAT Previous Year Question Papers

CMAT Question Paper 2024

The CMAT 2024 question paper was easy to moderate in terms of difficulty level. Quants and General Awareness sections were moderate whereas Reasoning, English and Innovation & Entrepreneur sections were easy. Check here the section wise difficulty level of CMAT question paper 2024. 

CMAT 2024 Sections

No. of Questions

Expected Difficulty Level

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

20

Moderate

Logical Reasoning

20

Easy

Language Comprehension

20

Easy

General Awareness

20

Moderate

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

20

Easy

Total

100

Easy to Moderate

Also Read: CMAT 2024 Question Paper and Answer Key Download PDF

CMAT Question Paper 2023

The CMAT 2023 question paper was moderate. The exam was held in two shift and the CMAT question papers of both the shifts had same topic-wise composition. Most of the questions were straightforward. Take a look at the table below for sectional breakup of CMAT question paper 2023. 

CMAT 2023 Sections

No. of Questions

Good Attempts/Difficulty Level

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

20

16-17 (Moderate)

Logical Reasoning

20

16-17 (Easy)

Language Comprehension

20

16-17 (Easy)

General Awareness

20

11-12 (Moderate)

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

20

11-12 (Easy)

Total

100

70-75 (Easy to Moderate)

Also Read: CMAT 2023 question paper and answer key (download PDF)

CMAT 2022 Question Paper

CMAT question paper 2022 was of easy to moderate difficulty level. The GK sections was tough. Check below section wise difficulty level of CMAT 2022 question paper:

CMAT 2022 sections

Number of questions

Good Attempts/Difficulty Level

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

16-17 (Moderate to High)

Logical Reasoning

20

16-17 (Easy to Moderate)

Language Comprehension

20

16-17 (Easy to Moderate)

General Awareness

20

8-10 (Easy)

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

20

7-9 (Moderate)

Also Read:

CMAT 2021 Question Paper

CMAT question paper 2021 was of moderate difficulty level. It was same as 2020 exam, but had an additional section called Innovation and Entrepreneurship. This section was introduced for the first time in the CMAT exam. To solve this section of CMAT 2021 question paper, extra 30 minutes were given to candidates in the exam. Given below is the break up of CMAT 2021 question paper:

CMAT 2021 Sections

No. Of Questions

Good Attempts/Level of Difficulty

Language Comprehension

25

17-19 (Easy)

Logical Reasoning

25

21-23 (Easy to Moderate)

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

25

18-20 (Moderate)

General Awareness

25

9-11 (Difficult)

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

25

15-16 (Moderate)

Also Read:

CMAT 2020 Question Paper

The overall difficulty level of CMAT question paper 2020 was moderate. There were no suprise elements in the main four subjects. However, the General Awareness section was tricky. Check below CMAT 2020 question paper break-up:

CMAT 2020 Sections

Number Of Questions

Difficulty Level

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

25

Moderate

Logical Reasoning

25

Easy

Language Comprehension

25

Moderate

General Awareness

25

Moderate

Total

100

Moderate

Also Read:

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
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
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.
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FAQs on CMAT Question Papers

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

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
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:   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.
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CMAT Exam

Student Forum

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

Answered 4 days ago

GIBS (GIBS Business School) encourages people who have completed either the National Level Entrance Exam (or all of these exams) and taken other state-level exams - such as the CAT, XAT, MAT, CMAT, GMAT, ATMA, and the State CET exam - to apply for PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) and MBA (

...Read more

M

Mohammed Maqsood

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

No, GIM Goa does not accept CMAT scores for its PGDM programs for admissions. It only accepts CAT or XAT exam score. CAT score of previous year is accepted and XAT score of current year is accepted.

J

Jaya Sharma

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

No, CMAT scores are not compulsory for admissions into the MBA course at NSUT. Even CMAT scores are not the first priority of the admission committee to shortlist the students. Because the university considers the scores of CAT/ MAT for selecting the students. If the seats get vacant, then only CMAT

...Read more

I

Indrani Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

CMAT is one of the important examinations for admission to the MBA course at Biyani Group of Colleges. However, as the MBA course at Biyani Group of Colleges is offered with the affiliation of Rajasthan Technical University. Thus, there are chances that the college can accept the relevant scores of

...Read more

I

Indrani Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

CMAT 2026 admit card will be available for download until exam day (January 25). After that, link to download it will be deactivated. Candidates must download CMAT-NTA admit card as soon as it is released and save it.

A

Anya B

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

CMAT 2026 admit card will be released 4-5 days before the exam. Since CMAT 2026 is scheduled on January 25, the admit card can be expected to be released by January 20, 2026. NTA has not announced any date for CMAT 2026 hall ticket release, though.

A

Anyam Kalra

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

After the declaration of CMAT result, PIGM Indore will start the selection process. The candidates who shall have passed the CMAT exam will be required to fill the application forms for admission. Aspirants will need to apply on the basis of their score and cut offs fixed by PIGM Indore. If a candid

...Read more

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Tanu Rao

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

With the release of the CMA June 2025 results, 5,491 candidates completed Intermediate Course of the Institute. Such candidates were marked eligible for the practical training.

R

Rohini Bisht

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks ago

According to Shiksha, CMAT score is accepted by over 1600 MBA colleges in India. These include, government, government aided and private institutions. So, you can select any college based on its cut offs, ranking, location, fees, placements and infrastructure.

E

Esha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 4 weeks ago

There is no provision of result evaluation in CMAT. The scores mentioned on result will be final and cannot be challenged. Candidates can only challenge the provisional answer key which is released before CMAT result.

M

Manisha Singh

Contributor-Level 6

1423 Institutes accepting CMAT

Guwahati University - GU

Guwahati Public

Guwahati U
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    • 26,500
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time
      • 2 years
      • |
      • Full Time

      University of Mumbai [MU]

      Fort, Mumbai Public

      University
        • 2 years
        • |
        • Full Time

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