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CMAT Entrance Exam 2025 Details:
Exam Overview
Exam Info
Paper Pattern
Syllabus
Selection Process
Top Colleges
Prep Strategy
Exam Overview
What is CMAT Entrance Exam?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to various management programs in colleges and universities across India. The CMAT exam is conducted once a year, usually in January.
The CMAT exam consists of four sections: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness. The exam duration is three hours, and the maximum marks are 400. Each correct answer is awarded four marks, and one mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.
The CMAT scores are accepted by more than 1000 participating institutes across India, including some of the top B-schools such as JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, KJ Somaiya Mumbai, Great Lakes Chennai, etc. The admission process usually consists of a group discussion (GD), personal interview (PI), and/or a written ability test (WAT) conducted by the participating institutes.
CMAT is a popular exam among MBA aspirants, and the competition is tough. To crack the CMAT exam, candidates need to have a strong foundation in the core concepts, excellent time management skills, and a thorough understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. Regular practice, solving mock tests, and seeking guidance from mentors can also help candidates ace the CMAT exam.
Exam Info
| Exam Name | Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) |
|---|---|
|
Exam Conducting Body
|
National Testing Agency (NTA)
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|
Exam Level
|
National Level
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|
Exam Frequency
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Once a year
|
|
Exam Mode
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Computer-based test (CBT)
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|
Exam Duration
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180 minutes (3 hours)
|
|
Exam Sections
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Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness
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|
Total Number of Questions
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100
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Maximum Number
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400
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|
Marking Scheme
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Each correct answer is awarded 4 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer
|
|
Accepting Colleges
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Over 1000 participating institutes across India
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|
Popular Colleges
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JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, KJ Somaiya Mumbai, Great Lakes Chennai, etc.
|
Paper Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 | 4 | 80 |
Logical Reasoning | 20 | 4 | 80 |
Language Comprehension | 20 | 4 | 80 |
General Awareness Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 20 | 4 4 | 80 80 |
Total | 100 | 400 |
- The CMAT exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
- Each correct answer carries 4 marks.
- For each incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted as negative marking.
- Unanswered questions do not attract any negative marking.
- The total duration of the CMAT exam is 180 minutes (3 hours).
- The question paper is available in English language only.
Syllabus
The CMAT exam syllabus consists of four sections – Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness. The section-wise syllabus is as follows:
- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
- Arithmetic: Number Systems, LCM and HCF, Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Speed, Time and Distance, Time and Work
- Algebra: Quadratic Equations, Linear Equations, Logarithms, Progressions
- Geometry: Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Quadrilaterals, Mensuration
- Trigonometry: Trigonometric Ratios, Heights and Distances
- Probability: Basic Probability, Bayes’ Theorem, Random Variables, Probability Distributions
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Caselets
- Logical Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning: Analogies, Fact Inference Judgments, Logical Consistency, Statement and Assumptions
- Analytical Reasoning: Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Linear Arrangements, Matrix Arrangements
- Logical Puzzles: Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Clocks and Calendars, Puzzles
- Critical Reasoning: Statements-Arguments, Statements-Assumptions, Statements-Conclusions, Courses of Action
- Language Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension: Comprehension Passages, Antonyms and Synonyms, Fill in the Blanks, Idioms and Phrases, One-word Substitutions
- Grammar: Articles, Pronouns, Adjectives, Prepositions, Tenses, Verbs
- Vocabulary: Analogies, Contextual Usage, Different Usage of Same Word, Antonyms and Synonyms
- Verbal Ability: Sentence Correction, Error Spotting, Sentence Completion
- General Awareness
- Current Affairs: National and International Current Affairs, Awards and Honors, Government and Politics
- Business and Economics: Companies and Founders, Mergers and Acquisitions, Economic Policies, Marketing and Advertising
- Science and Technology: Inventions and Discoveries, New Innovations and Technologies, Medical Advancements, Environment and EcologySpace and Astronomy
- Sports: National and International Sports Events, Famous Sports Personalities, Sports Venues
- Culture: Indian and World Culture, Art and Literature, Music and Dance, Festivals and Celebrations
- History: Indian and World History, Historical Events and Movements, Important Dates and Years
- Miscellaneous: Personalities, Books and Authors, Science and Technology, Geographical Landmarks, International Organizations and their Functions.
CMAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The CMAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship section tests candidates’ understanding of the entrepreneurial process. Topics covered include:
- Business models: Different types of business models and how to choose the right one for your startup.
- Idea generation: How to come up with new and innovative ideas.
- Opportunity assessment: How to identify and evaluate business opportunities.
- Product development: How to develop a product or service that meets the needs of your target customers.
- Marketing & Sales: How to market and sell your product or service to customers.
- Finance & Accounting: How to manage the financial aspects of your startup.
Selection Process
The selection process for CMAT entrance exam generally involves the following stages:
- CMAT Exam: The first step is to appear for the CMAT exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam is usually held in January.
- CMAT Exam Result: The NTA will release the CMAT exam result on its official website. Candidates who qualify for the exam based on the minimum cutoff scores will be eligible to participate in the next stage of the selection process.
- Shortlisting by Participating Institutes: Participating institutes will shortlist candidates based on their CMAT scores and other criteria such as academic record, work experience, etc. Shortlisted candidates will be called for further selection rounds.
- Group Discussion (GD): Shortlisted candidates will have to participate in a group discussion (GD) round. This round is designed to assess a candidate’s communication skills, leadership qualities, and team-building abilities.
- Personal Interview (PI): Candidates who clear the GD round will be called for a personal interview (PI) round. The PI round is conducted to assess a candidate’s personality traits, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities.
- Written Ability Test (WAT): Some institutes may also conduct a written ability test (WAT) round. The WAT round assesses a candidate’s written communication skills.
- Final Selection: The final selection is made based on a candidate’s performance in the CMAT exam, GD, PI, and WAT rounds. The selected candidates will receive an admission offer from the participating institute.
Top Colleges
- Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai
- KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai
- Goa Institute of Management, Goa
- Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
- Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani
- Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai
- T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal
- Institute of Rural Management Anand (IRMA), Anand
- Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Ghaziabad
- Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai
- Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore
- Balaji Institute of Modern Management (BIMM), Pune
- Christ University Institute of Management (CUIM), Bangalore.Note: This list is not exhaustive and there are many more institutes that accept CMAT scores.
Prep Strategy
Here are some key preparation strategies that students can follow to clear the CMAT entrance exam:
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus: It is important to understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly before starting the preparation. This will help in creating a proper study plan and focusing on the important topics.
- Create a study plan: Make a study plan according to your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate enough time for each section and practice regularly.
- Practice mock tests: Practice mock tests regularly to get a feel of the actual exam. This will help in improving speed and accuracy.
- Focus on basics: Ensure that you have a strong foundation of basic concepts before moving on to advanced topics. This will help in solving complex problems easily.
- Analyze mistakes: Analyze the mistakes made in mock tests and previous year papers. This will help in identifying weak areas and working on them.
- Time management: Time management is crucial in the CMAT exam. Practice solving questions within the time limit and try to improve speed and accuracy.
- Stay updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs and general knowledge. This will help in scoring well in the general awareness section.
- Stay motivated: Stay motivated throughout the preparation process and stay positive. Believe in yourself and your abilities to succeed in the exam.