Complete Guide to Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)
Your comprehensive resource for CMAT exam preparation – covering eligibility criteria, exam pattern, detailed syllabus, preparation strategies, recommended books, and everything you need to succeed.
180 Minutes
Exam Duration
100 Questions
Total Questions
400 Marks
Maximum Score
1000+ Colleges
Accepting CMAT Scores
CMAT Exam Overview
What is CMAT?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national level entrance exam for admission to management programs across India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it’s a computer-based test that assesses candidate’s ability in various areas critical for management education.
Exam Frequency & Timing
CMAT is typically conducted once a year, usually in the first quarter. The exact dates are announced by NTA through official notifications. The application process usually begins two to three months before the exam date.
Why Choose CMAT?
- Accepted by AICTE-approved institutions and universities across India
- Single-window test for multiple management institutes
- No negative marking for wrong answers
- Tests skills essential for management education
- National level recognition and acceptance
Important: CMAT scores are accepted by all AICTE-approved institutions and participating universities for their MBA/PGDM programs. Always check the specific admission criteria of your target institutes.
Eligibility Criteria for CMAT
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree of minimum 3 years duration in any discipline from a recognized university. Candidates appearing for the final year of bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply.
Minimum Percentage Requirements
There is no minimum percentage requirement specified by NTA for appearing in CMAT. However, individual participating institutions may specify their own eligibility criteria regarding percentage marks.
Additional Requirements
- Indian nationals are eligible to apply
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in CMAT
- Candidates can attempt CMAT any number of times
Note: Eligibility criteria for specific institutes may vary. Always check the detailed eligibility requirements of the institutes you wish to apply to before filling the CMAT application form.
CMAT Exam Pattern
Section-wise Distribution
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 | 45 minutes |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 | 45 minutes |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 | 45 minutes |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 400 | 180 minutes |
Marking Scheme
- Each question carries 4 marks
- There is no negative marking for wrong answers
- No marks are deducted for unattempted questions
Exam Mode & Language
- Computer Based Test (CBT) mode
- English language only
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Detailed CMAT Syllabus
- Number Systems: Divisibility, Remainders, LCM & HCF
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Time-Speed-Distance, Time & Work, Averages, Mixtures & Alligations
- Algebra: Linear Equations, Quadratic Equations, Sequences & Series
- Geometry & Mensuration: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Area, Volume
- Modern Math: Permutations & Combinations, Probability, Set Theory
- Data Interpretation: Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets
- Analytical Reasoning: Arrangements, Sequencing, Grouping
- Verbal Reasoning: Syllogisms, Statements & Assumptions, Statements & Conclusions, Arguments, Course of Action
- Puzzles: Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding
- Critical Reasoning: Strengthening & Weakening Arguments, Inference, Assumption
- Series: Number Series, Letter Series, Analogies
- Reading Comprehension: Passages followed by questions
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Analogies, Word Usage
- Grammar: Parts of Speech, Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Prepositions, Articles
- Verbal Ability: Para Jumbles, Sentence Correction, Idioms & Phrases
- Summary Questions: Identifying key points in passages
- Current Affairs: National & International events of the past year
- Business & Economy: Corporate news, Economic policies, Budget, Stock market
- Sports: Major tournaments, Awards, Records
- Books & Authors: Award-winning books, Bestsellers
- Science & Technology: Recent developments, Innovations, Space technology
- Personalities: Who’s who in various fields
- History & Geography: Important events, Places in news
- Innovation: Types of innovation, Innovation management
- Entrepreneurship: Start-up ecosystem, Business models, Funding options
- Social Entrepreneurship: Concepts, Case studies
- Business Terminology: Key terms in innovation and entrepreneurship
- Government Initiatives: Schemes supporting entrepreneurship
CMAT Preparation Strategies
General Preparation Approach
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly
- Create a realistic study plan with daily, weekly, and monthly targets
- Focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote learning
- Practice regularly with mock tests and previous year papers
- Analyze your performance to identify strengths and weaknesses
Quantitative Techniques Preparation
- Master basic mathematical concepts and formulas
- Practice mental calculations to improve speed
- Focus on shortcuts and approximation techniques
- Solve different types of data interpretation questions
- Regular practice is key to improving accuracy and speed
Logical Reasoning Preparation
- Develop a systematic approach to solve puzzles
- Practice different types of reasoning questions
- Improve analytical thinking skills
- Learn to identify patterns quickly
- Time management is crucial in this section
Language Comprehension Preparation
- Read regularly from diverse sources – newspapers, magazines, journals
- Build vocabulary by learning new words daily
- Practice grammar rules through exercises
- Improve reading speed without compromising comprehension
- Solve previous years’ questions to understand the pattern
General Awareness Preparation
- Read newspapers daily – The Hindu, Economic Times, etc.
- Follow reliable news websites and apps
- Make notes of important events, awards, and personalities
- Revise regularly as this section is memory-based
- Focus on business, economic, and sports news
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Preparation
- Read about successful startups and entrepreneurs
- Understand basic business and economic concepts
- Follow business news and trends
- Learn about government initiatives for startups
- Study case studies of innovative businesses
CMAT Cut-off Trends
Overall Cut-off Trends
The CMAT cut-off varies each year based on the difficulty level of the exam, number of test-takers, and available seats. Top institutes generally have higher cut-offs ranging between 95-99 percentile, while good B-schools may have cut-offs in the range of 80-94 percentile.
Top Institute Cut-offs
| Institute | Approximate Cut-off (Percentile) |
|---|---|
| JBIMS, Mumbai | 99.5+ |
| KJ Somaiya, Mumbai | 95+ |
| Great Lakes Institute, Chennai | 90+ |
| SIMSR, Mumbai | 85+ |
| XIME, Bangalore | 80+ |
Factors Affecting Cut-offs
- Difficulty level of the exam
- Number of candidates appearing for the exam
- Number of available seats in management institutes
- Previous year’s cut-off trends
- Reservation policies of individual institutes
Note: Cut-off scores are indicative and may vary across institutes. Always check the specific cut-off criteria of the institutes you’re interested in, as some may have section-wise cut-offs in addition to overall cut-offs.
Recommended Books for CMAT Preparation
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT
Comprehensive guide for quantitative aptitude with practice exercises.
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT
Excellent resource for mastering logical reasoning concepts.
Word Power Made Easy
The best book for vocabulary building and English language skills.
High School English Grammar & Composition
Classic reference for English grammar rules and practice.
Manorama Yearbook
Comprehensive resource for current affairs and general knowledge.
CMAT Official Guide
Official guide with previous years’ papers and practice tests.
Online Platforms for CMAT Preparation
Mock Test Platforms
- Career Launcher Test Series
- Time AIM Test Series
- Byju’s CMAT Prep
- TestFunda
- Oliveboard
These platforms offer full-length mock tests simulating the actual exam environment.
Learning Platforms
- Unacademy CMAT Course
- Gradeup CMAT Preparation
- YouTube Educational Channels
- Khan Academy (for Quant basics)
- Meritnation CMAT Prep
Video lessons, concept explanations, and doubt-solving sessions.
Current Affairs Resources
- Insights on India
- GKToday
- Gradeup Current Affairs
- Bankersadda Daily GK Update
- Newspaper Apps (The Hindu, ET)
Daily and monthly current affairs compilation for GK preparation.
Practice Platforms
- IndiaBIX
- Testbook Practice Questions
- Adda247 Question Bank
- CareerRide Sectional Tests
- Pagalguy Forum for Discussions
Topic-wise practice questions and discussion forums.
CMAT Study Plan
Phase 1: Foundation Building (2-3 months)
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus
- Assess your current level with a diagnostic test
- Build conceptual understanding of all topics
- Focus on strengthening weak areas
- Develop a consistent study routine
Phase 2: Practice & Application (2 months)
- Start solving topic-wise questions
- Take sectional tests regularly
- Work on improving speed and accuracy
- Learn shortcuts and time-saving techniques
- Begin reading newspapers daily for GK
Phase 3: Mock Tests & Analysis (1.5 months)
- Take full-length mock tests weekly
- Analyze performance after each test
- Identify patterns in mistakes
- Work on time management strategies
- Revise formulas and concepts regularly
Phase 4: Revision & Final Preparation (1 month)
- Focus on revision of all topics
- Take mock tests in exam-like conditions
- Work on test-taking strategies
- Update current affairs knowledge
- Stay calm and confident
Pro Tip: Customize this study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate more time to sections you find challenging while maintaining proficiency in your strong areas.
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