Understanding the CMAT Exam Pattern

CMAT Exam Pattern 2027: Overview
CMAT is composed of 100 questions, and its time duration is three hours. It is an objective test designed to check the general aptitude and knowledge of the candidates. There are no individual sectional time limits in CMAT, which means it is up to the test-taker to maintain a balance among different sections.
Mode
Computer-based
Number of Sections
5
Sections
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Number of Questions
100 (20 questions per section)
Duration of the Test
180 minutes
Number of Shifts
Two
Marking Scheme
+4 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect answer
CMAT Exam Pattern 2027: Sectional Division
The following table shows the section-wise distribution of questions and the marking scheme for CMAT 2027:
Sections
No. of Questions
Total 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
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CMAT Syllabus 2027
The CMAT syllabus covers key areas relevant to management education. The following table outlines the topics for each section, based on official NTA guidelines:
Section
Topics
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Mixtures, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance), Geometry (Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons), Algebra, Mensuration, Number Systems, Modern Math (Permutations, Combinations, Probability), Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs)
Logical Reasoning
Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Ranking & Time Sequence, Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, Series Formation, Syllogism, Statement Assumptions, Conclusions, Arguments, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Seating Arrangements
Language Comprehension
Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms), Grammar (Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks), Analogies, Critical Reasoning
General Awareness
Current Affairs (National & International), Business & Economy, History, Geography, Politics, Sports, Science, Literature, Awards, Books & Authors, Static GK
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
New Business Ideas, Startups & Funding, Business Models, Innovation Concepts, Entrepreneurship Theories, Case Studies, Government Schemes for Startups
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Important Dates for CMAT 2027
The official dates for CMAT 2027 have not been announced by NTA. The following are tentative dates based on the CMAT 2026 schedule. Candidates should check the official NTA website (exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT) for updates.
Event
Tentative Date
Online Registration and Application Submission
November 2026 (expected)
Last Date for Fee Payment
Mid-December 2026 (expected)
Correction Window
Mid-December 2026 (expected)
City Intimation Slip
Mid-January 2027 (expected)
Admit Card Download
Late January 2027 (expected)
Exam Date
Last week of January 2027 (expected)
Answer Key Release
February 2027 (expected)
Result Declaration
February 2027 (expected)
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CMAT Exam Pattern 2027: Analysis
  • CMAT is a three-hour computer-delivered test where difficulty levels, the number of questions, and the time duration of each section are predetermined and the same, regardless of when and where the test is administered.
  • The quantitative and data interpretation section usually contains questions of moderate to difficult difficulty. The important topics in this section are Geometry, Mensuration, Profit & Loss, Number System, Averages, Probability, Logarithms, etc. Regular practice and thorough concept clarity will give you an edge in this section.
  • Developing the habit of reading English newspapers regularly, along with novels and magazines, will help you build your vocabulary and excel in the verbal ability section of CMAT. It covers broad topics, such as Reading Comprehension, Idioms, Vocabulary, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Critical Reasoning, Analogy, Sentence Rearrangement, and more.
  • The Logical and Analytical Reasoning Section consists of questions on Analytical Reasoning, Blood Relations, Input/Output, Alpha-Numeric Series, Visual Reasoning, True/False Statements, Deductive Logic, Data Arrangement, Family Relations, Linear Arrangement, Coding-Decoding, Direction-based Questions, Syllogisms, and Data Sufficiency. The level of difficulty of this section fluctuates each year, so mastering all the concepts, tips, and tricks is essential.
  • The General Awareness section is divided into two broad categories: Current GK and Static GK. The former includes questions on Constitution of India, Fiscal Policy, World Affairs, Sports, Taxation, and General Science, while the latter covers areas like Awards, Politics, and Art and Culture.
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship is a mandatory section in CMAT from 2021. This section requires a good knowledge of business-related current affairs, new developments, and upcoming trends.
FAQs about CMAT Exam Pattern 2027
  1. What is the passing score for CMAT?
    There is no qualifying score in CMAT. However, most reputed B-schools set a cut-off of 95+ percentile, which is equivalent to 280+ marks.
  2. Is CMAT easier than CAT?
    Yes, CMAT is generally easier compared to CAT. If you have prepared for CAT, all you need to focus on are the General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship sections.
  3. Who is eligible for CMAT?
    A candidate in the final year of graduation or having completed their bachelor's degree is eligible for CMAT.
  4. Is CMAT exam online or offline?
    CMAT is a computer-based test and is not conducted in paper-based mode.
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