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CMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Check Paper Pattern, Duration and Marking Scheme

Author : Lalita Vishwakarma

January 18, 2025

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Overview: The CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 has been released by the NTA on its official website. The CMAT exam structure has not changed, and it consists of 100 questions asked in the MCQ format. Read on to learn the complete information here!

What's New about the CMAT 2025 Exam?

  • The National Testing Agency officially released the CMAT Exam City Intimation Slip on 17th January 2025.
  • The CMAT exam admit cards will be available from 20th January 2025, and the candidates can download them from the official website.

  • There will be 100 questions with 400 marks that need to be solved in 180 minutes.
  • There will be a total of 5 sections, including Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Continue reading to learn about the CMAT exam structure 2025, the marking scheme and more!

Read More | How to start for CMAT Exam preparation?

CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights

The Common Management Aptitude Test is all set to be conducted on 25th January 2025 by the National Testing Agency.  

Candidates should familiarise themselves with the sections, the number of questions asked, and the CMAT marking scheme. Here is the CMAT exam pattern for 2025.

Five sections of CMAT 2025 need to be completed in 180 minutes. The CMAT exam consists of 100 questions and is worth 400 marks.

CMAT Sections No. of questions Maximum Marks
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation 20 80
Logical Reasoning 20 80
Language Comprehension 20 80
General Awareness 20 80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship 20 80
Total 100 400

 cat toppers list 2024

 cat toppers list 2024

CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 Highlights

More than 1,300 institutions accept the CMAT exam score, including BIMS, KJ Somaiaya, Prin LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Great Lakes Institute of Management, KIIT School of Management, Amity University, BIMTECH, Goa Institute of Management, Xavier Institute of Management and Research, and Gitam School of Management.

Here are the key highlights of CMAT 2025:

CAT Exam Particulars CAT Exam 2025 Details
CMAT Full Form Common Management Aptitude Test (CAT)
Conducting Body National Testing Agency (NTA) [was conducted by AICTE till 2019]
Exam Level National Level Test
Exam Frequency Once a year
Mode of Exam

Conducted in CBT (Computer Based Test) mode

CMAT Exam Date 2025

January 25, 2025

CMAT Entrance Exam Duration 180 minutes (3 hours)
CMAT 2025 Exam Timings 180 minutes or 3 hours
No. of test cities Over 124 
CMAT exam website cmat.nta.nic.in 
Exam helpdesk no.
  • Email- dgmcs.cc@sbi.co.in
  • Contact Number- 18004253800

Read More | Is CAT compulsory for MBA?

Marking Scheme of CMAT Exam 2025

The candidates appearing for the CMAT 2025 exam should be aware of the marking scheme, including:

  • The CMAT exam consists of a total of 100 questions.
  • Each question carries + 4 marks.
  • For each correct response, the candidate will get + 4 marks.
  • For each incorrect response, -1 mark will be deducted from the total score.
  • Unanswered/un-attempted will be given no marks.
  • To answer a question, the candidate must choose the correct option.
  • However, after the challenges of the Answer Key process, if there are multiple correct options or changes in the key, only candidates who have attempted it correctly as per the revised Answer key will be awarded marks.
  • If a Question is dropped due to a technical error, all candidates will be given full marks, regardless of whether they have attempted it.

Also Read |  List of CMAT Subjects

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Read More | CMAT 2025 Complete Details

CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Exam Syllabus

This section will provide a comprehensive overview of the CMAT Exam syllabus. Familiarizing yourself with the syllabus will help you identify key areas to focus on during your preparation.

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation 

The CMAT exam paper pattern and syllabus 2025 have a section on Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation. This section tests candidates' math and data skills. It will feature 20 questions for 80 marks. It concerns Basic Arithmetic, Algebra, Number Systems, Geometry, and Statistics.

Arithmetic

Algebra

Number System Modern Maths  Geometry and Mensuration
  • Averages
  • Percentages
  • Ratios and Proportion
  • Profit and Loss
  • Simple Interest and Compound Interest
  • Time and Work
  • Speed, Time, and Distance
  • Mixtures and Allegations
  • Allegation & Mixtures
  • Unitary Method
  • Pipes and Cisterns
  • Partnership
  • Logarithms
  • Progression
  • Linear Equations
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Inequalities
  • HCF and LCM
  • Indices and surds
  • Remainders
  • Last Digit
  • Fraction and Decimals
  • Set Theory
  • Permutation and Combination
  • Probability
  • Binomial Theorem
  • Coordinate Geometry
  • 2-D and 3-D Mensuration
  • Lines and Angles
  • Triangles
  • Circles
  • Polygons
  • Trigonometry
  • Tabulation, Pie Chart, Bar Chart, Line Graph

Read More | How many students give CAT exam every year

Logical Reasoning - CMAT Exam Pattern and Difficulty Level

The Logical Reasoning part of the CMAT pattern and syllabus. tests candidates' ability to think and to analyze. It will consist of around 20 questions for a total of 80 marks.

Here we may consider arrangements, jigsaw, blood relationships, codding-decoding, reasoning, and critical thinking.

Candidates are supposed to examine information and make inferences to answer the questions appropriately.

Analytical Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning

  • Linear Arrangements

  • Analogy Test

  • Symbol Based Problems

  • Circular Arrangements

  • Matrix Arrangements

  • Blood Relationship Tests

  • Direction and Distance Test

  • Coding and decoding

  • Numerical puzzles

  • Number and Alphabet Series

  • Direction and Distance

  • Order and Ranking

  • Visual Reasoning

  • Sequencing

  • Syllogism

  • Course of Action

  • Inference

  • Statement Assumptions

  • Statements and Conclusion

  • Statements and Arguments

  • Cause and Effects

  • Strong and Weak arguments

Read More | CMAT 2025 Exam Date Announcement

 CAT Online Coaching

 CAT Online Coaching

Language Comprehension - CMAT Exam Pattern and Difficulty Level

The Language Comprehension segment of the CMAT paper pattern and syllabus. Tests one's understanding of English. This part will have 20 questions with a total of 80 marks. It will cover grammar, vocabulary, and reading. The test will include questions on Para Jumbles, Sentence Correction, and Comprehension passages.

Reading Comprehension

One-word substitution 

Synonyms and Antonyms 

 Sentence correction 

Grammar/Vocabulary based fill in the blanks Idioms and phrases 
Para jumbles  Error Spotting  Foreign language words used in English 
English usage errors English Grammar Paragraph Completion
Paragraph Completion Verbal Ability

Know More | How to crack CAT exam 2024

General Awareness - CMAT Exam Pattern and Difficulty Level

General Awareness of the CMAT paper pattern and syllabus comprises topics of current affairs, business, and general knowledge, which test candidates’ knowledge.

The test will have 20 questions for a total of 80 marks. Candidates should know about the latest events in the country and abroad.

This includes economics, politics, science, sports, and culture.

Literature Geography

Culture

Trade Awareness

Science in everyday life Sports News
Personalities in News Politics Indian Constitution
History Economics Current Affairs of National and International Economy

Read More | Colleges Accepting CMAT score

Innovation & Entrepreneurship- CMAT Exam Pattern and Difficulty Level

.Innovation and Entrepreneurship are key in the CMAT paper pattern and syllabus. It tests the skill and ability of the students in these areas. This section will assess candidates' entrepreneurial mindsets, the capability to formulate workable solutions, and their intellectual structures about the business and startup environment.

Innovation Entrepreneurship
  • Concepts of Innovation
  • Innovation Framework
  • The legal structure of start-ups
  • Marketing and growth strategy
  • Entrepreneur - Definition, Types
  • Types of Entrepreneurs
  • Entrepreneurship Challenges
  • Models of Entrepreneurship
  • Theories of Entrepreneurship
  • Role of the Government in Promoting Entrepreneurship
  • Funding of Start-ups
  • Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Development
  • Rural Entrepreneurship
  • Women Entrepreneurship

The Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness sections of the CMAT exam question paper pattern demonstrate a distinct pattern of question distribution and topic level.

Through this familiarization, you can plan time and resources per section and respectfully align a suitable preparation plan for each section.

Read More | How to score 99 percentile in CAT exam

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 CAT Online Coaching

Conclusion

  • Get to know about the CMAT syllabus and exam pattern. This will help you understand how the test is made. This will equip you well. It will help with preparation and time management.
  • You must regularly keep in touch with the CMAT Pattern 2025 Exam dates. This includes registration deadlines and exam dates. Make your schedule so that you have enough time to cover all the topics.
  • Know the CMAT exam question paper pattern. This includes the section distribution, marking scheme, and syllabus. That will make you well aware of what you will be asked to do in the test. It will boost your confidence and your chances of success. Good luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing marks for CMAT 2024?

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Is CMAT tough or easy?

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What is the paper pattern of CMAT 2024?

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Does GK in CMAT have negative marking?

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How many hours is CMAT?

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How many CMAT total questions are in the exam, and what is the distribution across sections?

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