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

Author : Avinash Mishra

October 30, 2024

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Overview: To ensure success in the CMAT exam, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the CMAT syllabus and exam pattern. This blog provides a deep analysis of the paper pattern to help you prepare well and get your desired score.

If you want to succeed in your CMAT exam in 2025, you should be well-acquainted with CMAT exam pattern. Although knowing the common structures and formats of the test is critically important, revising them is also important for increased preparation. This will help you divide your time proportionally between the exam sections and make an effective strategy for your exam.

Read More: How to start for CMAT Exam preparation?

What is the CMAT Exam Pattern?

  • The CMAT syllabus and exam pattern are designed to evaluate not only the efficiency of the candidates but also their performance across different domains.
  • The CMAT comprises up to 100 questions embarking on five sections and these sections are to be attempted in the 3 hours.
  • The CMAT exam paper pattern consists of the following five main sections: The CMAT pattern consists of the following five main sections:   
  1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
  2. Logical Reasoning
  3. Language Comprehension
  4. General Awareness
  5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship embarking
  • Candidates are evaluated on whether they can demonstrate their competency in these areas or not. The composite score of each section of the exam defines the overall score of the candidates.
  • The CMAT syllabus and exam pattern knowledge help in efficient preparation and eventually lead to success. It is an effective way of structuring your study plan so that you focus on the most vital topics. As you plan, you will also use the time most productively.

Read More: Is CAT compulsory for MBA?

About CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Important Dates

CMAT Exam 2025 Events CMAT Exam Date 2025
CMAT Exam Date 2025 Registration Date starts  29 March, 2025
CMAT Exam Date 2025 Registration Date ends  18 April 2025 (upto 11:50 P.M.)
CMAT Exam Date Correction Window  19 April, 2025 to 21 April, 2025
Intimation of Cities of exam centres  To be announced later on the website
CMAT Exam Admit Card  To be announced later on the website
Date of Examination  15 May, 2025
Duration  180 minutes (03:00 Hrs)
Timing of Examination  To be announced later on the website
Language of the Paper  English Only

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About CMAT Exam Pattern - CMAT Exam 2025 Highlights

CMAT Exam 2025 Particulars

Exam Details
Exam Name   Common Management Aptitude Test
Conducting Body  National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Level  National Level Test
CMAT Exam Date 2025 15 May, 2025
Duration  180 minutes (3 hours)
Exam Frequency  Once a year
Mode of Application  Online
Application Fees
  • UR Male- Rs. 2000
  • UR Female- Rs. 1000
  • Gen-EWS/ SC/ST/PwD /OBC-(NCL) Male- Rs. 1000
  • Gen-EWS/ SC/ST/PwD /OBC-(NCL) Female- Rs. 1000
  • Third gender- Rs. 1000
Age Limit  No age limit
Eligibility
  • The candidate must hold a Bachelor's Degree in any discipline.
  • The candidate must be a citizen of India.
  • There is no age restriction for appearing in CMAT exam 2025.
Mode of Examination  CBT (Computer Based Test) mode
Number of Applicants  Over 75,000
Number of Test Cities  Over 110 
Exam Timing  To be announced later on the website
Exam Sections
  1. Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
  2. Logical Reasoning
  3. Language Comprehension
  4. General Awareness
  5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Courses Offered  MBA/ PGDM/ MMS Programs
Exam Helpdesk Number
  • Email- dgmcs.cc@sbi.co.in
  • Contact Number- 18004253800
Website  cmat.nta.nic.in 

Read More: CMAT 2025 Complete Details

About CMAT Exam Pattern 2025

In this section, we will provide you with an overview of the CMAT Exam paper pattern. We will discuss the format of the exam, including its duration and mode (computer-based test). 

CMAT Exam Paper Pattern

Mode of Examination Computer Based Test (CBT-Mode)
Duration of Examination 180 minutes (3 Hours)
Number of questions 100
Total marks in CMAT Exam 2025  400
Negative Marking -1 per wrong answer
Language of paper English 
Number of Sections 5
Sections in CMAT Exam 2025
  • Quantitative Techniques or Comprehension & Data Interpretation
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Language Comprehension
  • General Awareness
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship


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About CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Marking Scheme

The correct understanding of the scoring system of the CMAT for planning your performance in the test is fundamental at this point. The assessment of the CMAT exam is aimed at deducting points and rewarding candidates by following special guidelines and rules. Here's what you need to know: 

  • The CMAT 2025 test will aggregate 400 marks.
  • Each right answer will add 4 marks to the total score.
  • And for every wrong answer 1 point will be deducted.
  • Unattempted questions will lead to no effect on the total score.
  • There is no sectional time limit for the exam.

Section-wise Distribution

Section Number 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


The CMAT question paper pattern comprises different sections such as quantitative ability, data interpretation, logical reasoning, verbal ability, general awareness, and innovation & entrepreneurship. By knowing the weightage and duration of sections, you can chalk out a suitable strategy for exams and try your best to achieve your goals.

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About CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Exam Syllabus

In this section, we 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.

Check: Attempt Free CMAT mock test 

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation - CMAT Paper Pattern and Difficulty Level

The CMAT exam paper pattern and syllabus 2025 has a section on Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation. It tests candidates' math and data skills. This part will feature a total of 20 questions of total 80 marks. It is concerned with Basic Arithmetic, Algebra, Number System, 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
  • Alligation & 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

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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

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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 of total 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

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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

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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 be devoted to assessing 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 align a suitable preparation plan to each section respectably.

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Conclusion

  • Get to know the about 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 dates of the CMAT Pattern 2025 Exam. This includes registration deadlines and exam dates. Make your schedule so that it gives you enough time to cover all the topics.
  • Know 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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