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

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: What is the difficulty level of CMAT exam?

CMAT is one of the easier MBA entrance exams. Despite having an extra section, the overall difficulty level of CMAT exam is generally moderate. However, it has been seen previously that some questions in Logical Reasoning and General Awareness sections of CMAT turn out to be more difficult than questions of Quantitative Techniques, Language Comprehension and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. If a candidate can solve about 70-75 of the total questions with about 80 per cent accuracy in each section, they can score well in CMAT. The sectional difficulty in CMAT is as follows: 1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: Moderate 2. Logical Reasoning: Easy to Moderate 3. Language Comprehension: Easy to Moderate 4. General Awareness: Moderate 5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Moderate For the latest exam pattern and difficulty level of CMAT click here: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cmat-exam-analysis.

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 many questions are asked in GK section of CMAT?

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?

Since every section of CMAT has 20 questions in total, solving 15-18 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 10-12 correct attempts will be enough. Out of 100 questions, candidates must try to solve about 70-75 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 need to prepare for the CMAT in a dedicated and disciplined manner. Candidates must set aside a minimum of three months to complete the CMAT syllabus, as they have to study five subjects and their numerous topics. If they have appeared for the 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 the CMAT syllabus for complete preparation.

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: Is CMAT easier than CAT?

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: Is CMAT syllabus easier than CAT syllabus?

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.

Q: What was the difficulty level of CMAT 2025?

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: Which is the lengthiest section in CMAT?

Since the Language Comprehension section of CMAT includes reading comprehension passages, it can be considered a lengthy section. However, there is a possibility of any other section to be lengthier. For example, Logical Reasoning questions or Data Interpretation questions can also be lengthy, due to multiple levels of calculations. The weightage of each section is same in CMAT I. e. 20 questions and 80 marks, so it doesn't really matter which section is lengthy as candidates have to meet sectional cut offs to be able to get a good overall score. It is not mandatory to solve all 100 questions in CMAT so candidates have the choice of dropping lengthy questions and solving easier questions. So, the best option is to skip the lengthy questions and solve other questions correctly. Doing so will ensure that the candidate doesn't fall short of time as well as good questions to solve.

6K Students Q&A

Updated on Sep 25, 2025 16:03 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

CMAT question paper 2025 PDF and of previous years are available here for download. Candidates who are planning to appear for CMAT 2026 must refer to the official questions papers during their preparation specifically the CMAT 2025 question paper to know the latest test structure, difficulty level.

Ideal time to practice CMAT previous year papers for CMAT 2026 exam preparation will be the last month of the exam, but one must check the CMAT previous year question papers in the earlier stage of exam preparation also to understand the pattern and question types. CMAT 2026 exam may be held in January 2026, so candidates must start preparations accordingly.

Previous Years CMAT Question Paper PDFs Download

CMAT 2025 Question Paper	CMAT 2019 Question Paper Slot 1
CMAT 2024 Question Paper	CMAT 2018 Question Paper Slot 2
CMAT 2022 Question Paper	CMAT 2018 Question Paper Slot 1
CMAT 2020 Question Paper Slot 1

Table of content

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

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 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

MBA Entrance Exams-All About Time Management

Important books and topics for all MBA Entrance Exams

Important MBA Entrance Exams You Should Not Miss

How To Prepare for MBA Entrance Exams

Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exam - Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning

Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exams- Quantitative Aptitude

Preparation Guide for MBA Entrance Exams- Verbal Ability

CMAT 2025 Question Paper

Overall the CMAT 2025 question paper was easy with no surprise elements. The exam was based on same pattern as previous years. The CMAT question paper 2025 of both sessions had similar difficulty level and sectional composition. Check here all about CMAT 2025 question paper and download PDF.

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

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is CMAT syllabus easier than CAT syllabus?

Q: What was the difficulty level of CMAT 2025?

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, i.e. how much time is to be spent on which type of question. 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 is critical to understanding the nature of the exam.

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.

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: What should be my CMAT exam strategy?

Q: What are the important topics of CMAT syllabus?

Official CMAT Question Papers Download Process

NTA releases the CMAT question paper every year after the exam in the form of answer key along with the candidate response sheet. Registered candidates can download the CMAT question paper by using their respective CMAT login IDs and password. The 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

The CMAT question paper and answer key is made available for download for a few days only (until the objection window is open). So, it is important to download both as soon as it is released. Otherwise, there is no way to get the response sheet.

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:

Commonly asked questions

Q: Which is the lengthiest section in CMAT?

Q: Is there any negative marking in CMAT?

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