All About CMAT - The What, Why, and How of CMAT

What is CMAT?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). CMAT 2027 is expected to be held in over 100 cities across India, with approximately 60,000 aspirants taking the exam each year. CMAT scores are accepted by all AICTE-approved or affiliated institutes, with more than 1,000 institutes in India providing admission based on CMAT scores. The exam is considered comparatively easier than other MBA entrance tests like CAT, XAT, and others. Due to its scope and relatively moderate difficulty, more MBA aspirants are opting for CMAT each year.
When is CMAT conducted?
CMAT 2027 is generally expected to be conducted in the month of March or April. During the registration process, candidates will need to choose four test cities from the available options. The CMAT 2027 application process will be conducted online, and admit cards are expected to be available a few weeks before the exam date.
For more details, candidates can refer to the official website: cmat.nta.nic.in
What is the structure of CMAT?
CMAT is a computer-based test lasting 180 minutes. It consists of objective questions divided into five sections, each carrying equal weightage. However, there are no sectional time limits. The exam includes a mix of easy to moderate-level questions designed to assess the general aptitude of MBA aspirants.
The CMAT exam structure remains as follows:
CMAT Exam Pattern 2027
Details
Information
Number of sections
5 (Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
Mode of examination
Online (Computer-Based Test)
Duration of exam
180 minutes
Number of shifts
One
Number of questions
100
Section-wise questions
20 per section
Total Marks
400
Number of answer choices
5
CMAT Marking Scheme
+4 marks for every correct answer, -1 mark for every incorrect answer!
Key highlights of the exam pattern:
  • Each question carries 4 marks.
  • There is negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
  • Candidates can attempt the sections and questions in any order.
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Syllabus for CMAT 2027
There is no fixed syllabus for CMAT, but the following key topics are often observed in the exam. These topics have been curated based on previous years' patterns.
CMAT Syllabus 2027 - Topics
Section
Topics
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
Tabulation, Pipes and Cisterns, Geometry, Time-Speed-Distance, Profit and Loss, Permutations & Combinations, Percentages, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Mensuration, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Bar Chart, Ratio and Proportion, etc.
Logical Reasoning
Analogy Test, Blood Relationships, Coding-Decoding, Statements and Arguments, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Symbol-Based Problems, Number Series, etc.
Language Comprehension
Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence Correction, Idioms, Parajumbles, etc.
General Awareness
Literature, Trade Awareness, Geography, Indian Constitution, Economy, Science in Everyday Life, Business, Current Affairs, etc.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Evolution of Entrepreneurship, Role in Economic Development, Social Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial Culture, Motivation, Leadership, etc.
(Note: Each section carries 80 marks)
Who can appear in CMAT?
Candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements for CMAT 2027:
  • Indian citizens with a Bachelor's Degree (3 years) in any discipline are eligible to apply.
  • Final-year students of Bachelor's Degree are also eligible, provided their results are expected before the start of the academic session for 2027-28.
  • Eligibility criteria may vary depending on the MBA/PGDM program and the respective B-schools. Always check the official website of the B-school for specific requirements.
Which Institutes accept CMAT scores?
AICTE-recognized institutes, both government and private, accept CMAT scores. Some top institutes include:
JBIMS Mumbai (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies)
SIMSREE Mumbai (Sydenham Institute of Management Studies)
K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research (Mumbai)
IMT Ghaziabad
BIMTECH Noida
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
Goa Institute of Management (GIM)
Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai
Amity University, Noida
NDIM, New Delhi
XIME, Bangalore
IFMR Chennai
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Admission Process of CMAT-accepting Institutes
Post-results, institutes shortlist candidates based on their CMAT scores and prepare merit lists. The subsequent rounds may include:
  • Group Discussion (GD)
  • Written Ability Test (WAT)
  • Personal Interview (PI)
In some institutes, additional group exercises may be conducted. Each component of the selection process is assigned different weightage, and CMAT score, along with performance in subsequent rounds, determines final admission.
ROI of Programs offered by CMAT-accepting Institutes
The Return on Investment (ROI) for an MBA program depends on the reputation of the institute, placement records, and course offerings. Top institutes accepting CMAT scores have excellent placement statistics across multiple sectors.
Preparation Tips for CMAT 2027
Here are some useful tips to prepare for CMAT 2027:
  1. Conceptual Clarity: Build a strong foundation in core concepts, starting with difficult areas like Quantitative Techniques, DI, and Logical Reasoning.
  2. Regular Reading: Develop a habit of reading newspapers, magazines, and books daily to improve vocabulary and general awareness.
  3. Practice: Consistent practice through sample papers, previous years' papers, and mock tests will help you understand the exam pattern better and develop time management skills.
  4. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on your weak sections, especially during mock tests.
  5. Review and Analyze: After taking mock tests, analyze the results to understand areas of improvement.
  6. Strategic Time Management: Manage your time wisely during the exam, as CMAT does not have sectional time limits.
FAQs Regarding CMAT
  1. What is CMAT for?
    CMAT is used for admission to MBA/PGDM programs and equivalent courses offered by AICTE-affiliated institutes.
  2. Is CMAT easier than CAT?
    Yes, CMAT is considered easier than CAT in terms of question difficulty and marking criteria.
  3. How many students appear for CMAT every year?
    About 50,000 to 60,000 students take CMAT every year.
  4. Can I prepare for CMAT without coaching?
    Yes, with proper study planning and dedication, CMAT can be prepared for without coaching.
  5. What is the validity of the CMAT score?
    The CMAT score is valid for one year.
  6. What is a good score in CMAT?
    To get into top B-schools, target a score of 250-300 marks, which corresponds to a 95-99 percentile.
  7. Are there sectional cut-offs in CMAT?
    Generally, CMAT does not have sectional cut-offs, but some institutes may apply their own criteria.
  8. How many times can I take CMAT?
    There is no limit to the number of times you can appear for CMAT.
  9. Is there an age restriction for CMAT?
    No, there is no age limit for appearing in CMAT.
  10. What is the CMAT application fee?
    The application fee is ₹2,000 for male candidates and ₹1,000 for female candidates.
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