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Vocabulary Assessment test Level - 1
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60 questions40 min
Next: Exam on 7 Feb 2027
Conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA)
Online (CBT)
CMAT preparation guide
Everything you need to crack CMAT
Exam pattern, eligibility, previous year papers, mock tests and topic-wise practice, all on this page. Pick a test, start it here, and get your score with solutions.
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What is the CMAT exam?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to management programs across India. CMAT is conducted once a year in online (CBT) mode, with scores accepted by 1,300+ MBA and PGDM colleges nationwide, which makes it a popular choice for aspirants who want a wide range of B-school options.
The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions across five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. There is no sectional time limit, so you can manage the full three hours as you like. If you are preparing for CMAT, you need a clear study plan and a strong understanding of the CMAT syllabus. Regular practice, solving previous years' question papers, and attempting full-length mock tests are essential to succeed. With consistent effort and the right guidance, you can improve your chances of securing admission to a good B-school.
Which CAT & MBA Entrance exam comes first?
CMAT beside the other CAT & MBA Entrance exams, soonest first, with where registration stands for each.
CAT ExamNext up
Indian Institute of Management, Indore
Registration closed on 15 Sept 2026Exam date: 29 Nov 2026
In 43 daysSymbiosis International (Deemed University)
Registration open till 25 Nov 2026Exam date: 13–26 Dec 2026
In 57 daysXLRI Jamshedpur
Registration open till 6 Dec 2026Exam date: 3 Jan 2027
In 78 daysCMATThis exam
National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam date: 7 Feb 2027
In 113 days
No dates announced yet: PU MET
What is the CMAT exam pattern and marking scheme?
The CMAT exam is conducted in online (computer-based) mode and has 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) divided into five sections. Each section has 20 questions and carries equal weightage. The total duration is 180 minutes (3 hours), and there is no sectional time limit, so you can move between sections and manage your time as you like.
CMAT Marking Scheme
Each correct answer is awarded +4 marks. For each wrong answer, 1 mark is deducted. There is no penalty for unattempted questions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Duration | 180 minutes |
| Correct Answer | +4 marks |
| Wrong Answer | -1 mark |
| Unattempted Question | No marks deducted |
| Sectional Time Limit | None |
CMAT Exam Pattern: Section-Wise Number of Questions & Maximum Marks
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Note: The pattern above is based on the format followed in recent years. NTA releases the official pattern in the information bulletin each cycle, and this page will be updated as soon as it is confirmed.
Who is eligible for CMAT?
To appear for CMAT, you must hold a Bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized Indian university or institution, or an equivalent qualification approved by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. Candidates from every stream, such as engineering, commerce, arts, science and law, can apply.
1. Graduation Requirement for CMAT
- A Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university is required.
- Final-year students and candidates awaiting their final-year results can also apply, as long as they complete the degree within the timeline set by the college they apply to.
2. Minimum Marks for CMAT
NTA does not decide the minimum marks required for admission. Each college sets its own cut-off. Most MBA and PGDM colleges ask for around 50% marks in graduation (about 45% for SC, ST and Persons with Disability), but this varies by institute, so check the admission criteria of every college you plan to apply to.
3. Age Limit for CMAT
There is no age limit to appear for CMAT. This makes the exam equally open to fresh graduates and working professionals who want to move into management roles.
4. Number of Attempts for CMAT
CMAT is conducted once a year, and there is no restriction on the number of attempts. You can appear again in the next cycle if you want to improve your score.
5. Not Sure If You Qualify?
Eligibility questions are common among final-year students, candidates with professional qualifications such as CA, CS or CMA, and those with degrees from distance or open universities. If you are unsure whether your qualification meets the CMAT criteria, our counsellors at Aptitude360 can help you check your eligibility before you register.
How are candidates selected after CMAT?
How candidates are shortlisted and admitted after the CMAT results.
NTA conducts CMAT and releases the scorecard, but it does not run admissions. Each participating college or state authority shortlists candidates and runs its own selection process. The usual steps are given below.
Round 1: Score-Based Shortlisting
Colleges use your CMAT score along with the other criteria given below to shortlist candidates for the next round.
- CMAT Score: Your overall score or percentile is the main filter. Each college sets its own cut-off, and the cut-off changes every year.
- Academic Profile: Your marks in 10th, 12th and graduation are given certain weightage.
- Work Experience: Some colleges award points for the duration and relevance of your work experience.
- Diversity Factors: Some colleges give extra weightage to gender and academic background.
Round 2: GD / WAT / PI
Shortlisted candidates are called for the second round. The format depends on the college, and may include:
- Personal Interview (PI): Followed by almost every college.
- Group Discussion (GD): Used by many colleges to check communication and teamwork.
- Written Ability Test (WAT): An essay-writing round, used by some colleges in place of or along with GD.
Final Selection and Admission
Colleges combine your CMAT score, academic profile, work experience and Round 2 performance into a final merit list. Selected candidates then complete document verification and pay the admission fee to confirm their seat. Some state-level admission processes also accept CMAT scores and run their own centralized rounds, so check the process of each state you are interested in.
Tips for Candidates
- Apply to a mix of colleges, since cut-offs and selection criteria vary a lot.
- Prepare for GD, WAT and PI while you wait for the results.
- Keep your academic documents ready for verification.
Practice questions, by topic
162 topic-wise quizzes covering every CMAT syllabus area. Pick a topic and start practising it.
Arithmetic (16 topics)Number System (10 topics)Algebra (8 topics)Geometry (8 topics)Logical Reasoning (7 topics)Analytical Reasoning (5 topics)Series & Sequence (2 topics)Data interpretation (3 topics)English Language (2 topics)Verbal / Basic Reasoning (2 topics)
View all 63 practice topics →Assessments
Take a short benchmark test to see where you stand, then move on to topic-wise practice.
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Colleges that accept CMAT
From the Aptitude360 college directory, by NIRF rank. Fees and cutoffs change every year, so check the college’s own website before you apply.
NIRF #32Private
Chandigarh University
Fee ₹7 L · Avg package ₹8.5 LPA
MohaliPunjab
NIRF #36Private
UPES
Fee ₹19.11 L · Avg package ₹7.88 LPA
DehradunUttarakhand
NIRF #41Autonomous
Jaipuria Institute of Management
Fee ₹15.5 L · Avg package ₹12.34 LPA
NoidaUttar Pradesh
NIRF #44Private
Lovely Professional University
Fee ₹9.6 L · Avg package ₹7.5 LPA
PhagwaraPunjab
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Start your CMAT preparation
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