CMAT 2023 Cut off for JBIMS, Sydenham, SIMSREE, etc., is expected above 99 percentile. To secure 99+ percentile, candidates need to aim for a score of 320+ in CMAT 2023 exam. Check CMAT Score vs Percentile
Common Management Aptitude Test or CMAT is a national level management entrance exam conducted by the NTA for admission to MBA/ PGDM courses in about 1300 AICTE approved B-schools in India including JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, K J Somaiya Institute of Management and Research, PUMBA Pune.
CMAT Admit Card and Exam Day Guidelines
CMAT 2023 Admit Card
CMAT 2023 Admit Card will be available for download only on the official website- cmat.nta.nic.in. The admit card for CMAT 2023 will be issued provisionally to all the registered candidates, subject to the fulfillment of the eligibility criteria.
- NTA will not send the admit card of CMAT by post
- Under no circumstances will a duplicate admit card be issued at the test center.
- In case of any discrepancy in the details mentioned on CMAT admit card 2023, immediately contact NTA helpline between 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
CMAT Admit Card 2023 Download Link
CMAT Admit Card 2023 download link is available under the ‘Candidate Activity’ section on the official NTA CMAT website- cmat.nta.nic.in. You can also find the download link for CMAT Admit Card 2023 here.
CMAT Exam Day Schedule
Activity | Shift 1 | Shift 2 |
Entry to the Examination Hall | 8:15 - 8:30 am | 1:45 – 2:00 pm |
Last Entry to the Exam Hall | 8:30 am | 2:00 pm |
Instructions by Invigilator | 8:45 to 8:55 am | 2:15 to 2:25 pm |
Commencement of CMAT Exam | 9 am | 2:30 pm |
CMAT Exam Concludes | 12 am | 5:30 pm |
CMAT Exam Day Guidelines by NTA
The important guidelines that all candidates need to follow on CMAT exam day are provided below for your reference:
- It is advised to reach the allocated test center at least 2 hours before the exam time
- Carry a printout of CMAT 2023 admit card along with a passport-size photograph to paste on the attendance sheet.
- Carry any one of the below-mentioned photo IDs in original
- PAN card
- Driving License
- Voter ID/ Passport
- Aadhaar Card (With photograph)
- Aadhaar Enrolment No
- Ration Card
- PwD candidates have to carry the disability certificate issued by a competent authority.
- No baggage is allowed inside the exam hall. NTA is not responsible for any belongings of the candidates.
- All rough work and calculations must be done only on the white sheets provided by the invigilators at CMAT exam center.
- Do not indulge in any unfair means to avoid cancellation of candidature. Some of the activities described by NTA as unfair means include:
- Trying to interact with other candidates
- Writing on any material other than the rough sheets
- Not following the rules laid down by the supervisors
- Forcefully entering or leaving the test center
- Having possession of prohibited materials like cellphones, notepads, etc.
The decision of NTA is final and binding in declaring any candidate involved in an activity classified as Unfair Means Case (UMC).
CMAT 2023 Test Cities and Centers
CMAT 2023 will be conducted at 200+ CMAT 2023 Exam Centers located across 110 major test cities all over the country. NTA takes all the efforts to allot the exam center as per the 4 city choices opted by the candidates during CMAT registration. However, in case of some logistic issues, a different test center may be allotted. The final allotted CMAT test center is printed on the admit card and no changes are permitted in the same.
CMAT Exam Pattern
CMAT 2023 Exam Pattern
CMAT 2023 exam pattern is provided by NTA in the official information bulletin. No changes have been introduced in this year’s CMAT exam pattern from last year. The medium of CMAT 2023 question paper will be English only. The details of the paper pattern of CMAT 2023 are tabulated below:
Section | Number of questions |
Language Comprehension | 20 |
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 |
Logical Reasoning | 20 |
General Awareness | 20 |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship (optional) | 20 |
Total | 100 |
It was in CMAT exam 2021 that the section on Innovation and Entrepreneurship was introduced as an optional section with 25 extra questions. Hence, before 2021, CMAT exam had 100 questions divided equally into 4 sections only.
CMAT 2023 Marking Scheme
Particulars | Marks Allotted |
For every correct response | +4 |
For every incorrect response | -1 |
For unattempted questions | 0 |
It must be noted that if after the conclusion of the answer key challenge:
- If more than 2 options for any question are found to be correct, then only the candidates who have attempted the same will be given full marks.
- Further, if a question is dropped later, then all candidates will be given full marks irrespective of the attempt.
CMAT Syllabus
CMAT 2023 Syllabus
CMAT 2023 Syllabus is as prescribed by AICTE. CMAT Syllabus 2023 includes the important topics included under the 5 sections:
Subject | Syllabus |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | Speed, Time and Distance, Ratio and Proportion, Percentages, Averages, Profit, Tables, Bar Graphs , Line Charts, Venn Diagrams, Pie Chart, |
Logical Reasoning | Logical Sequence, Number and Letter Series, Binary Logic, Direction Sense, Clocks & Calendars, Puzzles, Syllogism, Seating Arrangement, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations |
Language Comprehension | Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Grammar, Vocabulary-based, Parajumbles |
General Awareness | Current Affairs of National and International Economy, Personalities in News, Indian Constitution, Sports News, Politics, History, Culture, Geography, Economics, Science in Everyday Life. |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Important Events, Budget & Economic Survey, Business & Corporate affairs, New Investments & Schemes, Policies related to Entrepreneurship and Business Promotion, Startups, General Economy, and Current Affairs |
Check CMAT Syllabus PDF
CMAT Topic Wise Weightage
CMAT topic wise weightage is provided here to help you prepare well for the upcoming exam in 2023. Based on the analysis of the past 2 years’ CMAT exam, we have curated the list of topics that have had the highest weightage in CMAT exam.
CMAT Quant Topic Wise Weightage
Topic | Number of Questions in CMAT 2022 | Number of Questions in CMAT 2021 |
Arithmetic | 8 | 11 |
Algebra | 1 | 4 |
Number System | 2 | 4 |
Geometry | 2 | 1 |
Modern Math | 2 | 3 |
Data Interpretation | 5 | 2 |
CMAT Verbal Ability Topic Wise Weightage
Topic | Number of Questions in CMAT 2022 | Number of Questions in CMAT 2021 |
Reading Comprehension | 4 | 14 |
Synonyms/ Antonyms | 2 | 1 |
Phrasal Verbs | 3 | 2 |
Word Meaning & Spellings | 2 | - |
Fill in the blanks (Vocabulary) | 2 | - |
Error Detection | 3 | 1 |
Direct Grammar based questions | 2 | - |
Rephrasing of underlined text (Grammar & Vocabulary based) | - | 5 |
Jumbled Sentences | 1 | - |
Sentence Completion | - | 2 |
CMAT Logical Reasoning Topic Wise Weightage
Topic | Number of Questions in CMAT 2022 | Number of Questions in CMAT 2021 |
Linear Arrangement | 1 | 1 |
Blood Relations | 2 | 2 |
Alphabet Series | 2 | 1 |
Syllogism & Venn Diagram | 1 | 1 |
Number Series | 1 | 1 |
Number based Puzzle | 1 | 1 |
Number Analogy | 1 | 1 |
Circular Arrangement | 1 | 2 |
Order & Ranking | 1 | 2 |
Direction Test | 3 | 2 |
Coding/ Decoding | - | 1 |
Miscellaneous | - | 2 |
Verbal Reasoning |
Assertion Reason | 2 | - |
Analogy | 1 | 1 |
Odd one out | 1 | - |
Statement, Assumption & Arguments | 1 | 1 |
Logical Consistency | - | 4 |
Innovation and Entrepreneurship CMAT
NTA introduced Innovation and Entrepreneurship as an optional section in the 2021 CMAT exam. It has been made a compulsory section from 2022 onwards. This section is quite dynamic in terms of the questions asked.
Going by the analysis of questions asked in Innovation and Entrepreneurship CMAT section in the last 2 years, the below-mentioned topics are extremely important:
- Basic Business and Entrepreneurship Knowledge
- Government Schemes, Policies, Events related to Innovation, Startups, Investment, and Entrepreneurship
- Names of Companies and CEOs
- Brand Names and Taglines
- Startup and Venture Development- stages, organizations, problems
- Fund Raising
- Venture Capital
- Investment and Entrepreneurship related terms
CMAT Preparation
CMAT 2023 Preparation
CMAT 2023 exam is amongst the top management admission exams with a large number of candidates appearing for the exam.
So, CMAT exam has a higher competition level, and thorough preparations are required. All exam aspirants must check out below mentioned preparation tricks and tips which will help them have a good score in the exam.
- Solve practice papers and last years’ papers as it helps to know the kind of questions asked in the exam.
- Doing more mock tests is another way to get a good score on the exam. One can improve his/her speed and accuracy by doing more mock tests.
- Don’t take the stress. Always study peacefully and calmly.
Timetable for CMAT 2023 Preparation
Start studying in a more focused and well-planned manner. Make a timetable and adhere to the same throughout your preparations. We have provided below a carefully devised plan for CMAT 2023 daily study plan for your convenience:
Number of Hours a Day | What to Study? |
2.5 hours | Study and Practice Questions on QADI, VA, GK |
2 hours | Practice LR, RC |
0.5 hours | Read newspaper |
1 hour | Study the basics of Innovation and Entrepreneurship CMAT Syllabus |
3 hours | Sectional and Complete Mock Tests on alternate days |
Section-wise CMAT 2023 Preparation Strategy
CMAT 2023 is expected to be conducted in the first week of April 2023,here are some tips to help you out with CMAT 2023 Preparation.
CMAT Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
Based on the analysis of previous year statistics, Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System and DI should be your focus area as these 4 topics alone can get you more than 80% marks.
Topic | CMAT 2022 | CMAT 2021 |
Arithmetic | 8 | 11 |
Algebra | 1 | 4 |
Number System | 2 | 4 |
Geometry | 2 | 1 |
Modern Math | 2 | 3 |
Data Interpretation | 5 | 2 |
CMAT Logical Reasoning
In CMAT logical reasoning, you should practice questions from all the topics of Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning. Verbal Reasoning accounts for about 25% of the questions while analytical reasoning topics like blood relations, series, direction sense test, arrangements, puzzles, coding- decoding, etc., account for 75%.
CMAT Language Comprehension
Practice as many Reading Comprehension passages as possible. Although in 2022, there were only 4 questions, in 2021, there were 14 questions. So, do not leave this topic untouched before the exam. The difficulty level of the passages is not very high, so make sure that you attempt all the questions in the exam.
Usually, grammar and vocabulary have almost equal weightage in the exam. So, practice at least 30-40 questions each on synonyms, antonyms), para jumbles, spelling errors, error detection, phrases and idioms, etc.
CMAT GK
It has been observed that in CMAT GK section, the maximum weightage is of static GK. So, try to revise only the notes or material you have to cover as much as possible. You can expect more questions from politics, economics, and general awareness on awards and events.
CMAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Preparation
You can expect a majority of the questions from basics and business knowledge (about 10-15), 3-4 questions from government schemes and funding, startup and venture development, and only 2-3 questions from brand names and taglines, CEOs of companies, MVP, VC, investment related terms, etc. So, divide your preparation time accordingly to get maximum marks in this section.
Best Books for CMAT Preparation
One can either decide to self-study or seek the assistance of a coaching center, online or offline, for CMAT 2023 exam preparation. In any case, practicing and reading books can prove beneficial for the preparation for CMAT exam. Check Best Books for CMAT Exam Preparation
CMAT Question Papers
CMAT Question Papers
Candidates can download and solve CMAT question papers of previous years using the links given below. These are beneficial in getting good insights into the CMAT question paper pattern and difficulty level.
CMAT Question Paper | Download Link |
CMAT 2022 Question Paper with Solutions | Click Here |
CMAT 2021 Question Paper with Solutions | Click Here |
CMAT 2020 Question Paper with Solutions | Click Here |
CMAT 2019 Question Paper with Solutions | Click Here |
CMAT 2018 Question Paper with Solutions | Click Here |
For more CMAT previous year papers, click here
CMAT 2023 Mock Tests and Sample Papers
The NTA Provides Mock tests on its official website- nta.ac.in. You can access the same by selecting CMAT exam in the ‘Mock Test’ tab present on the webpage. The test series is designed to mimic the exam setting and covers the entire syllabus in a systematic and time-based manner.
- Regular practice of the mock tests can help in improving accuracy and speed in solving questions and identifying and correcting errors.
- CMAT Mock Test series is based on the latest exam pattern and syllabus, and it comes with detailed explanations and solutions to enhance comprehension.
Also, practicing the CMAT mock tests and CMAT sample papers can help in developing effective revision strategies, improving the retention of concepts, and constructive time management.
Check direct link to take CMAT Mock Test by NTA
CMAT 2023 Test Practice Centers
The purpose of TPC is mainly to organize practice tests for the upcoming NTA exams including CMAT 2023. The Ministry of Human Resource Development has directed the NTA to establish a network of test centers for candidates, especially in remote and rural areas, so that they can practice and feel comfortable in taking the Computer Based Test (CBT). Check CBT Mode Guidelines by NTA for CMAT exam
- This option is completely free.
- Candidates can register online (NTA website) where they will get a convenient TPC near their location for practice.
- It makes taking a Computer Based Test (CBT) easy and convenient.
The purpose is to provide practice tests and questions so that candidates can familiarize themselves with how to log into the system, go through the detailed instructions of the test, use the mouse or on-screen numeric keypad (virtual), scroll to attempt each question, to the next question, navigate between questions, check and change their choices.
CMAT Exam Analysis
CMAT 2023 Exam Analysis
CMAT 2023 Exam Analysis will be updated here soon after the exam concludes. The detailed section-wise CMAT 2023 exam analysis will be updated here based on the analysis by subject-matter experts. Candidates preparing for CMAT 2023 exam can check the previous year’s CMAT paper analysis provided below.
CMAT Previous Year Exam Analysis
Candidates should be well aware of the detailed CMAT Paper Analysis of previous years to know the distribution of questions in various sections, and difficulty level of the questions asked. CMAT exam analysis 2022 is provided below for reference:
Subject | Topic Wise Weightage in CMAT 2022 (No. of Questions) | Difficulty Level |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | - Arithmetic- 8
- Algebra: 3
- Geometry: 2
- Data Interpretation: 5
- Modern Math: 2
| Moderate |
Logical Reasoning | - Verbal Reasoning (Odd one out, analogy, reason assumption, statement conclusion): 5
- Analytical Reasoning (Blood Relation, Puzzle, Arrangement, Direction Test, Alpha-Numeric Series, Coding-Decoding): 10
| Moderate |
Language Comprehension | - Vocabulary: 10
- Grammar: 5
- Reading Comprehension: 4
- Para Jumbles: 1
| Easy to Moderate |
General Awareness | - Current Affairs: 5
- Static GK: 15
| Easy to Moderate |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship | - 90% Static Questions on Brand Taglines, CEO & Company Names, Phases of Entrepreneurship, MVP, Government Intervention, Policies on Entrepreneurship, etc.
- 10% Current Affairs based questions
| Moderate |
CMAT 2023 Answer Key
CMAT 2023 Answer Key will be released by NTA 1-2 weeks after the conclusion of the examination. Candidates will be able to access the answer key, question paper, and response sheet in the login window. The steps to check CMAT Answer Key 2023 are mentioned below:
- Visit NTA-CMAT 2023 Official Website
- Click on the link for ‘Answer Key for CMAT 2023’
- Enter the candidate login details- CMAT registration no. and password
- View/ Download CMAT answer key PDF available on the screen
CMAT Answer Key 2023 (provisional) will be open for challenge for a period of 2-3 days by paying INR 200 per answer/ question challenged. The objections, if any, are accepted by NTA, the provisional answer key will be revised and released along with the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
CMAT 2023 Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. Who will conduct CMAT 2023?
Ans. CMAT 2023 will be conducted by NTA. CMAT exam is conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) since 2018. Prior to this year, the Common Management Aptitude Test or CMAT was conducted by AICTE as per the provisions of the Government of India.
Ques. Does CMAT happen twice a year?
Ans. No, CMAT happens only once every year in March or April. Unlike other top MBA exams like NMAT, MAT, IBSAT, CMAT is held only on one day in one or two shifts. CMAT 2023 will be conducted in two shifts for a duration of 3 hours each. The exam date announced on NTA CMAT official website is May 4, 2023.
Ques. Is CMAT easier than CAT?
Ans. Yes, CMAT is easier than CAT in terms of the overall difficulty level of the questions and the level of competition. Although CAT does not have the General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship sections, the difficulty level and application of concepts of CAT questions in the other 3 sections is still higher than CMAT. You can also practice CAT previous year papers as CMAT mock tests.
Ques. Do IIMs accept CMAT scores?
Ans. No, CMAT exam scores are not accepted by any of the IIMs. IIMs accept only CAT scores for offering admission into MBA courses. There are various other top MBA/ PGDM colleges in the country that provide admission based on CMAT results.
Ques. Is CMAT tough or easy?
Ans. CMAT is of easy to moderate level difficulty. The QADI section has a mix of easy and tough questions. The GK and Innovation and Entrepreneurship sections are highly unpredictable making it difficult to prepare for them. LR and VARC on the other hand are easy to moderate with only a few tricky sections.
Ques. Is CMAT 2023 registration open?
Ans. No, CMAT 2023 registration is no longer open. CMAT 2023 registration last date was March 13, 2023, for all the eligible candidates to apply.
Ques. Is CMAT compulsory for MBA?
Ans. No, CMAT is not compulsory for MBA in India. CMAT is just one of the many MBA entrance exams in India. Other than CMAT, you can also appear in other exams like CAT, NMAT, MAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP, IBSAT, MAH CET, TANCET, etc. to pursue an MBA course in India.
Ques. What is a good score in CMAT exam?
Ans. Based on previous year cut off trends, a CMAT score above 300 is considered good for getting admission to top MBA colleges including ITM Navi Mumbai, Great Lakes, JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE, We School, MET Mumbai, XISS Ranchi, Acharya Business School, etc.
Ques. What are the changes introduced in CMAT 2023 exam pattern?
Ans. No changes have been introduced in the exam pattern of CMAT 2023 from last year. The total number of questions in CMAT 2023 exam is 100. These 100 multiple choice questions are divided equally into 5 sections with each comprising 20.
Ques. Is there any section-wise cut off for CMAT?
Ans. Yes, many institutes release section-wise cut off along with the overall CMAT cut offs. The expected sectional cut off for CMAT 2023 is tabulated below after expert analysis:
Section | Expected Cut Off |
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 50 |
Language Comprehension | 50 |
Logical Reasoning | 40 |
General Awareness | 45 |
Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 40 |
Ques. What to do if there is a discrepancy in the admit card for CMAT 2023?
Ans. In case of a discrepancy in your CMAT admit card 2023, you can contact NTA CMAT customer support via email or phone. The email id for contact is cmat@nta.ac.in. The NTA helpline numbers for CMAT related queries or doubts are- 011-69227700 and 011-40759000.
Ques. What is the duration of CMAT exam?
Ans. The total duration of the NTA CMAT exam is 3 hours or 180 minutes for attempting 100 MCQs. However, here is no provision of sectional time limit in CMAT examination.
Ques. What are the best coachings to prepare for CMAT 2023?
Ans. The best online coaching to prepare for CMAT 2023 is -
City | CMAT Coaching Center |
IMS India | BYJUs |
mba.hitbullseye | Career Launcher |
Catking | T.I.M.E 4 Education |
Endeavor Careers | Unacademy |