CMAT Question Paper Analysis

The CMAT Question Paper gives a clear idea of the exam structure and difficulty level. The CMAT 2025 Question Paper consisted of 100 questions divided into five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Each section consisted of 20 questions, each worth 4 marks, with a +4 bonus for correct answers and a -1 penalty for incorrect ones. There was no sectional time limit, giving flexibility in time management.

As per the analysis, the CMAT 2025 Question Paper was rated easy to moderate, slightly easier than the 2024 paper. Quantitative and Logical sections were easier, while General Awareness remained the toughest. Practising CMAT Previous Year Papers (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020) helps students understand exam trends, improve speed, and manage time effectively for better performance.

CMAT Question Paper: Sectional Exam Pattern

The CMAT 2025 Exam Pattern is divided into five sections. Each section consists of 20 questions, each carrying 4 marks. Students receive +4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect ones. There is no sectional time limit, giving flexibility to manage time across sections. The overall difficulty ranges from easy to moderate-difficult.

CMAT Question Paper: Previous Year Difficulty-Level Analysis (2021–2025)

The previous year difficulty-level analysis highlights how the CMAT question paper has evolved across sections. Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning usually remain moderate, while Language Comprehension varies from easy to tough. General Awareness is often the hardest, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship stays moderate. Overall, the CMAT question paper is mainly easy to moderate in difficulty.

How Tough Was the CMAT 2025 Question Paper Compared to Previous Years?

According to the CMAT 2025 exam analysis, this year’s question paper was slightly easier than previous years, with a more balanced distribution of difficulty across sections. The exam allowed students to perform better as the questions were convenient to attempt.

Section-wise Insights:

• Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: Easier than past years, with reduced complexity compared to earlier tougher papers.
• Logical Reasoning: Mostly easy questions, making it a scoring section.
• Language Comprehension: Reading comprehension was simple but slightly time-consuming.
• General Awareness: Moderate to tough, with some new and tricky questions.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Continued to be one of the easiest parts of the CMAT question paper.

CMAT 2024 Slot 3 Quantitative Aptitude

CMAT 2026 Application Process

CMAT Application Process 2026 is expected to start from the second week of November 2025. Candidates must register at exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT, fill in their details, upload required documents, and pay the registration fee. Required documents include a passport-size photo, signature, 10th and 12th mark sheets, graduation certificates, ID proof, and caste or PwD certificate if applicable. The registration fee is likely INR 2,500 for General category (male) and INR 1,250 for Gen-EWS/SC/ST/PwD/OBC-(NCL) and third-gender candidates.

The NTA will allow candidates to edit their CMAT 2026 forms during the correction window, tentatively in the last week of December 2025. Candidates must carefully check all details, such as name, category, and test city, as no changes will be allowed once the window closes.

CMAT Application Process 2026: Tentative Dates

Steps To Register

Part 1: Registration

• Access exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/
• Fill in basic information to generate an application number.
• Enter name, mother’s name, father’s name (in capital letters), Date of Birth, Mobile number, and email ID.

Part 2: Fill Complete Application Form

• Enter educational details and category information.
• Provide complete postal address with PIN Code.
• Select up to four cities for examination centres.

Part 3: Upload Scanned Images

• Upload passport-size photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
• Upload PwD certificate if applicable.

Part 4: Payment of Fees

• Review all entered information carefully.
• Pay the fees using SBI Gateway via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI.
• Retain proof of payment for future reference.

CMAT 2026 Application Fees

Payment Mode Charges

Documents Required for Registration

• Class 10th marksheet
• Class 12th marksheet
• Graduation marksheet
• Valid government ID proof (Aadhaar last 4 digits, Passport, PAN, EPIC, etc.)
• Caste certificate (if applicable)
• PwD certificate (50–300 kb, if applicable)
• Signature on white paper
• 6–8 passport-size photos against white background
• Payment details (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking)
• Valid email ID and mobile number

Prescribed Format for Photo & Signature

CMAT Application Form Correction Window

The correction window is available after registration. Candidates can edit details during the correction period only. Steps:

• Open exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/
• Click on ‘Form Correction for CMAT 2026’ tab
• Enter application number, password, and security pin
• Edit application form and upload new documents if required
• Submit after careful review

Important Points to Note

• Provide complete postal address with PIN code as per ID proof.
• Email ID and mobile number must be valid; cannot be changed later.
• No offline changes allowed.
• Application cannot be withdrawn; fees are non-refundable.
• Carefully select test cities; no changes after submission.
• False information may lead to penal actions.
• No need to send confirmation page to NTA; keep 4 copies for reference.

CMAT 2026 Cutoff

CMAT Cutoff 2026 will be announced in February 2026, shortly after the results. Cutoff marks depend on several factors such as the number of test takers, exam difficulty, number of seats, and previous years' trends. Top colleges like JBIMS Mumbai and SIMSREE Mumbai generally have exceptionally high cutoffs above the 99th percentile. Other institutes such as Goa Institute of Management, KJ Somaiya, and Great Lakes require scores between the 95th and 99th percentile. Tier-2 colleges like Welingkar, IFIM, and NDIM accept scores between the 80th and 85th percentile, while students scoring around 70th percentile or below can get admission in colleges like BIMTECH, BIT Mesra, and DY Patil School of Management.

Key Dates

Factors Determining CMAT Cutoff 2026

• Total number of candidates appearing for the exam
• Total number of seats available at B-schools
• Previous years' cutoff trends
• Passing percentage of candidates
• Difficulty level of the CMAT question paper

Top Colleges and Expected Cutoff Percentiles

90+ Percentile

80-85 Percentile

75 Percentile and Below

CMAT 2026 Cutoff

CMAT Cutoff 2026 will be announced in February 2026, shortly after the results. Cutoff marks depend on several factors such as the number of test takers, exam difficulty, number of seats, and previous years' trends. Top colleges like JBIMS Mumbai and SIMSREE Mumbai generally have exceptionally high cutoffs above the 99th percentile. Other institutes such as Goa Institute of Management, KJ Somaiya, and Great Lakes require scores between the 95th and 99th percentile. Tier-2 colleges like Welingkar, IFIM, and NDIM accept scores between the 80th and 85th percentile, while students scoring around 70th percentile or below can get admission in colleges like BIMTECH, BIT Mesra, and DY Patil School of Management.

Key Dates

Factors Determining CMAT Cutoff 2026

• Total number of candidates appearing for the exam
• Total number of seats available at B-schools
• Previous years' cutoff trends
• Passing percentage of candidates
• Difficulty level of the CMAT question paper

Top Colleges and Expected Cutoff Percentiles

90+ Percentile

80-85 Percentile

75 Percentile and Below

CMAT Admit Card 2026

CMAT Admit Card 2026 will be released around 4-5 days before the exam at exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT. Candidates must log in using their application number and date of birth. The admit card includes candidate details, roll number, photograph, signature, exam date, timing, reporting time, exam centre address, and instructions.

Important Dates

How To Download the CMAT Admit Card

1. Visit exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.
2. Click on "Click Here To Login" → "Admit Card".
3. Enter application number, date of birth, and security code.
4. Click "Submit" to download the PDF admit card.

Details Mentioned in Admit Card

• Candidate's name & father's name
• Roll number & application number
• Category & gender
• Subject code & name
• Photograph & signature
• Exam date, time, and shift
• Reporting time & gate closing time
• Exam centre address

Errors to Check

• Name should match the application form and ID proof.
• Verify exam date, time, and venue.
• Photograph & signature must be clear.
• Check subject code and application number.

Correction of Errors

Contact helpline desk at 011-69227700 / 0120-3946612 or mail at cmat@nta.ac.in between 9:30 AM and 5:30 PM.

Issues in Downloading

Check internet connection, ensure correct login credentials, and try after 2 hours if traffic is high. Contact helpline if issue persists.

Forgot Password/Application Number

• For password: Click "Forgot Your Password?" on the login page and reset via security question or email link.
• For application number: Click "Forgot Your Application Number?" and enter required details to retrieve it.

Documents to Carry on Exam Day

• Admit Card with self-declaration/undertaking (printed)
• Passport-size photograph (same as uploaded)
• ID Proof (PAN, Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport)
• PwD certificate/UDID card (if applicable)
• Name change certificate (if applicable)

Allowed Items

• Original ID proof and two copies of admit card
• Transparent ballpoint pen
• Transparent water bottle
• Fruits/sugar tablets for diabetics

Prohibited Items

• Books, notebooks, loose papers
• Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, earbuds, electronics
• Jewellery with metal, accessories
• Food items (except approved fruits/sugar)
• Closed shoes, caps, jackets with pockets, hoodies
• Bags, wallets, money

Exam Day Instructions

• Report 2 hours before the exam. Registration closes 90 minutes before.
• Take assigned seats immediately. Changing seats is unfair practice.
• Present admit card at entry.
• Verify subject code matches your opted paper.
• Calculations should be done on provided rough sheets, which must be returned after the exam.
• Sign and paste photograph on the attendance sheet.

CMAT City Intimation Slip 2026

1. Visit exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT
2. Click the "City Intimation" link
3. Enter login credentials and submit
4. Download the slip in PDF format

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026

The CMAT Exam 2026 consists of 100 questions across five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Each section carries 20 questions and 80 marks. Total marks are 400, with a 180-minute duration. Each correct answer gives +4 marks, and incorrect answers have a -1 penalty. There is no sectional time limit, and all questions are multiple-choice.

Key Highlights

Section-wise Pattern

Section-wise Question Types

• Language Comprehension: RC Passages (5), Grammar/Usage (4), Idioms (2), Assertion-Reason (2), Sentence correction (2), Para jumbles, Synonyms, Matching etc.
• Quantitative Techniques & DI: Arithmetic (8-10), Geometry (1-3), Modern Math (2-3), Numbers (2-3), Algebra (2), Data Interpretation (3)
• Logical Reasoning: Directions, Cubes, Number Series, Linear/Family Arrangements, Clocks, Numerical Puzzles, Venn Diagram, Set Theory, Alphanumeric, Analogy-based reasoning, Verbal Reasoning (6)
• General Awareness: Science (4-5), Sports (4-5), Indian Constitution (3-4), History (3-4), Culture (1-2)
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Bootstrapping, Start-up valuation, Angel investment, Lean startup, Trademark, Feasibility analysis (18-19), Business GK (1-2)

Marking Scheme

• Correct Answer: +4 marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
• Unattempted Questions: 0 marks
• If a question is dropped due to technical issues, full marks are awarded to all candidates.

CMAT Syllabus 2026

• Quantitative Techniques & DI: Arithmetic, Mensuration, Algebra, Time-Speed-Distance, Alligation & Mixtures, Geometry, Graphs, Quadratic & Linear Equations, Tables & Charts, Bar Graphs
• Logical Reasoning: Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationships, Coding-Decoding, Family Tree, Clocks & Calendars
• Language Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, English Usage Errors, Fill in the Blanks, Antonyms & Synonyms, Idioms, Vocabulary, Para jumbles
• General Awareness: Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society, Personalities, Awards, Art, Entertainment, Books, Science & Technology, Fiscal & Monetary Policies, National Events
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Business Studies, Management, Entrepreneurship, Start-ups, Government Schemes, Innovation Management, Key Entrepreneurs, Terminology (Bootstrapping, Break-even point), Recent Developments in Business and Policy

Preparation Tips

• Start preparation at least six months before the exam.
• Create a 6-hour daily study plan covering all sections.
• Practice online mock tests and previous year papers.
• Read newspapers to improve General Awareness.
• Watch tutorials on Quantitative Techniques, DI, and Logical Reasoning for shortcuts and strategies.

CMAT Syllabus 2026

CMAT Syllabus 2026 consists of five key sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The exam is conducted in CBT format with 100 MCQs and a duration of 3 hours. Each correct answer awards +4 marks, and -1 mark is deducted for incorrect answers.

Section-wise Weightage

Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights

• Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Number of Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 400
• Time Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes), no sectional limit
• Marking Scheme: Correct +4, Incorrect -1, Unattempted 0
• Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT: KJ Somaiya, Welingkar, PUMBA, BIMTECH

Section-wise Topics

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

• Tabulation, Mean, Mode, Median
• Geometry
• Pipes & Cisterns
• Simple & Compound Interest
• Time-Speed-Distance
• Probability, Allegation & Mixtures, Profit & Loss
• Permutations & Combinations, Percentages
• Work & Time, In-equations
• Quadratic & Linear Equations, Mensuration, Algebra
• Line Graphs, Number System, Ratio & Proportion, Binomial Theorem
• Pie Charts & Bar Charts

Logical Reasoning

• Analytical Reasoning, Analogy Test
• Direction & Distance, Linear Arrangements
• Blood Relationship & Ranking Tests
• Statements, Arguments, Coding-Decoding, Sequencing, Inferences
• Statements & Conclusion, Matrix Arrangements, Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Symbol-based Problems, Number Series, Cause & Effect, Venn Diagram

Language Comprehension

• Reading Comprehension Passages
• English Usage Errors, Synonyms, Antonyms
• Paragraph Completion, Jumbled Para
• Sentence Correction, Idioms, Phrases, One-Word Substitution

General Awareness (GK)

• Literature, Trade Awareness, Geography, Indian Constitution
• Politics, History, Current Affairs (National & International)
• Government Schemes & Policies, Economics, Culture, Personalities, Sports News
• Science in Daily Life, Summits & Conferences

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

• Concepts & Evolution of Entrepreneurship in India
• Creativity & its stimulation, Role in Economic Development
• Theories, Models & Frameworks of Entrepreneurship
• Emerging Trends: Corporate, Rural, Women, Social Entrepreneurship
• Principles of Business Organization, Entrepreneur vs Manager, Idea Management Systems
• Motivation, Communication & Leadership

Preparation Tips

• Learn shortcuts in arithmetic, algebra, and geometry for speed and accuracy.
• Develop analytical and critical thinking by solving puzzles and patterns.
• Practice reading passages to improve comprehension skills.
• Read newspapers (The Hindu, Business Today) and magazines (The Economist) for GK enhancement.
• Follow monthly GK capsules and static GK books (e.g., Lucent).
• Refer to startup news, NITI Aayog reports, and innovation articles for Entrepreneurship.
• Attempt online mock tests and previous year papers regularly.

Recommended Books

CMAT Result 2026

CMAT Result 2026 is expected in February 2026 at exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/. Candidates can download their scorecards using application number and date of birth. The scorecard includes section-wise scores, percentiles, overall score, rank, and exam date.

Important Dates

Result Highlights

• Mode: Online only
• Validity: 1 year
• Required to download scorecard: Application number & Date of Birth
• Scorecard details: Section-wise & overall scores, rank, candidate details
• Score-accepting colleges: 1000+ AICTE approved colleges (JBIMS, BIMTECH, Great Lakes, PUMBA, etc.)

How to Check CMAT Result 2026

1. Visit exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/
2. Click on the 'CMAT 2026 Scorecard' tab
3. Enter application number, password, date of birth and security pin
4. Click 'Submit' to access the dashboard
5. View and download your CMAT Result 2026

Details in the Scorecard

• Candidate’s name
• Roll number & Application number
• Date of birth & Gender
• CMAT exam date and shift
• Section-wise scores & percentile
• Overall score & percentile
• All India Rank
• Signature of CMAT Chairperson

Score Calculation

• Correct answer: +4 marks
• Incorrect answer: -1 mark
• Unattempted question: 0 marks
• Total raw score is converted to percentile
• Percentile formula: 100 × (No. of candidates with raw score ≤ your score / Total candidates)

Score vs Rank (Approximate)

CMAT Answer Key 2026

1. Open cmat.nta.nic.in
2. Click on 'login'
3. Enter application number, date of birth, or password
4. Click on the 'Answer Key' link
5. Download the CMAT Answer Key 2026 in PDF format

Expected CMAT Cutoff 2026

Next Steps After Result

1. Colleges shortlist candidates based on CMAT scores.
2. Qualified candidates are invited for Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.
3. GD evaluates communication and analytical skills in a group setting.
4. PI evaluates confidence, knowledge, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
5. Final selection is based on CMAT score, GD & PI performance, and past academic records.
6. Colleges release their merit list, and selected candidates proceed with admission formalities.