CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern consists of 100 objective type (MCQs) questions which are equally divided into five sections: Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. CMAT exam difficulty level is moderate. CMAT exam duration is 180 minutes. CMAT 2026 exam will be held on January 24, 2026. Read complete details of CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 and previous year CMAT papers below. CMAT Exam Pattern PDF download link is also given below.
CMAT is a government organized computer based national level MBA entrance examination for entry into 1000 AICTE approved management programmes (MBA/PGDM) all over India. More than 75,000 candidates apply for CMAT every year. Highlights of CMAT exam is given below.
| CMAT Exam Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| CMAT Exam Full Form | Common Management Aptitude Test (CMAT) |
| Who conducts CMAT Exam? | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT | K J Somaiya, Welingkar, PUMBA, BIMTECH |
| CMAT Exam Date | January 24, 2026 |
| CMAT Exam Slots | Two Slot Exam of 3 Hrs Duration for each slot |
| Mode of CMAT exam | Online Computer Based Test at Exam Centres |
| CMAT Official Website | exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/ |
| CMAT Exam Application Fees | Rs. 2500 |
| Number of Candidates Registered | 75,000 |
| Total Questions in the Exam | 100 |
| Number of Sections | 5 Sections with 20 Questions in Each Section |
CMAT Exam Pattern is released by NTA in CMAT information bulletin. CMAT 2026 exam duration is 180 minutes. There is no sectional time limit. Based on previous year exam paper patterns, CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 is given below.
| Section | Exam Sections | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks Section-wise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| 2 | Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| 3 | Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| 4 | General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| 5 | Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
CMAT marking scheme is also released by NTA in CMAT information bulletin. Based on previous year exam paper patterns, CMAT Marking Scheme 2026 is given below.
i) Each question carries 04 (four) marks.
ii) For each correct response, candidate will get 04 (four) marks.
iii) For each incorrect response, 01 (one) mark will be deducted from the total score.
iv) Un-answered/un-attempted will be given no marks.
v) To answer a question, the candidate needs to choose one option as correct option.
vi) However, after the process of Challenges of the Answer Key, in case there are multiple correct options or change in key, only those candidates who have attempted it correctly as per the revised Answer key will be awarded marks.
vii) In case a Question is dropped due to some technical error, full marks shall be given to all the candidates irrespective of the fact who have attempted it or not.
Out of total 100 questions in CMAT, 20 questions are based on Language Comprehension section. The Language Comprehension Section in CMAT is divided into 2 parts. The 1st part covers topics on Verbal Ability and the 2nd Part covers Reading Comprehension passages. Check type of questions that appeared in this section in CMAT 2025 exam. Based on this, you can understand CMAT language comprehension section exam pattern 2026.
CMAT 2025 Slot 1: Type of Questions in Language Comprehension Section
CMAT 2025 Slot 1 Language Comprehension section consisted of 5 Reading Comprehension questions and 15 Grammer and English language usage related questions. Details are given in table below.
CMAT 2025 Slot 2: Type of Questions in Language Comprehension Section
CMAT 2025 Slot 2 Language Comprehension section also consisted of 5 Reading Comprehension questions and 15 Grammer and English language usage related questions. Details are given in table below.
| Sub Section | Type of Question | No of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | RC Passage | 5 |
| Verbal Ability | Identify correct/Incorrect usage (Active/Passive, Speech, Verb Usage) | 4 |
| Idioms and meanings | 2 | |
| Assertion-Reason (Grammar Based - Simple Sentences, Adjectives) | 2 | |
| Choose correct sentence (Adjectives, Verb usage) | 2 | |
| Match the following (Types of Pronouns) | 1 | |
| Jumbled Sentences | 1 | |
| Parajumbles | 1 | |
| Synonyms (Match the following) | 1 |
| Sub Section | Type of Question | No of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | RC Passage | 5 |
| Verbal Ability | Identify correct/Incorrect usage (Active/Passive, Speech, Verb Usage) | 4 |
| Idioms and meanings | 2 | |
| Assertion-Reason (Grammar Based - Simple Sentences, Adjectives) | 2 | |
| Choose correct sentence (Adjectives, Verb usage) | 2 | |
| Match the following (Types of Pronouns) | 1 | |
| Jumbled Sentences | 1 | |
| Parajumbles | 1 | |
| Synonyms (Match the following) | 1 |
Out of total 100 questions in CMAT, 20 questions are based on Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section. It tests you on your ability on Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Modern Math, and your skills to analyse the data from Graphs, Charts, Tables etc. Check type of questions that appeared in this section in CMAT 2025 exam. Based on this, you can understand CMAT Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation exam pattern 2026.
CMAT 2025 Slot 1: Type of Questions in Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
CMAT 2025 Slot 1 Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section consisted of 20 questions, of which only 3 questions were on Data Interpretation and the remaining 17 were on Quantitative Technique. A set of 3 questions on Data Interpretation consisted of questions based on pie charts. The questions on Quantitative Techniques were dominated by questions on Arithmetic. Out of 17 questions on Quantitative Techniques, 10 questions were on Arithmetic. There were 2 questions each of Modern Math, Numbers and Algebra, 1 question on Geometry. Check detailed break up in table below.
CMAT 2025 Slot 2: Type of Questions in Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
CMAT 2025 Slot 2 Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section was similar to slot 1. Check details in table below.
| Area | No of Questions | Details |
|---|---|---|
| - | Total | - |
| Arithmetic | 10 | Time-speed-distance(3),Ratio-Proportion(2)Profit & Loss (2),SICI(1), Alligation and Mixtures(2) |
| Geometry | 1 | Triangles(1) |
| Modern Math | 2 | Probability(2) |
| Numbers | 2 | Surds(1) and indices(1) |
| Algebra | 2 | Quad equations(1), Linear equations(1) |
| Data Interpretation | 3 | 2 Pie charts (Set of 3 questions) |
| Area | No.of Questions. | Details |
|---|---|---|
| - | Total | - |
| Arithmetic | 8 | Percentages(2),Ratio-Proportion(1), Mixtures(1), Time & Work(1), Profit & Loss(2), SICI(1) |
| Geometry | 3 | Triangles(1), Mensuration(1), Circles(1) |
| Modern Math | 3 | Probability(2), Permutation - Combination(1) |
| Numbers | 3 | Surds(1) and Indices(2) |
| Algebra | 0 | - |
| Data Interpretation | 3 | Bar Graph (Set of 3 questions) |
Out of total 100 questions in CMAT exam, 20 questions are based on Logical Reasoning section. Check type of questions that appeared in this section in CMAT 2025 exam. Based on this, you can understand CMAT Logical Reasoning exam pattern 2026.
CMAT 2025 Slot 1: Type of Questions in Logical Reasoning Section
In CMAT 2025 Slot 1 exam, out of the 20 questions in this section, 14 were on Non-Verbal Reasoning and 6 questions were on Verbal Reasoning. All the questions were standalone questions and there were no set based questions. Check detailed break up in table below.
CMAT 2025 Slot 2: Type of Questions in Logical Reasoning Section
In CMAT 2025 Slot 2 exam, out of the 20 questions in this section, 12 were on Non-Verbal Reasoning and 8 questions were on Verbal Reasoning. All the questions were standalone questions and there were no set based questions. Check detailed break up in table below.
| Sub-section/ Topic | Type of Questions | No of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Directions (1), Cubes (2), Counting the number of squares (1), Linear Arrangement (1), Family tree (1), Clocks (1), Numerical Puzzle (1), Misc (1), Logical Venn diagram (1), Set theory (1), Number Series (1), Analogy based sequence (1), Alpha numeric (1) | 14 |
| Verbal Reasoning | Assertion Reason; Strong/Weak Argument; Assumption; Conclusion, Word based Analogy and Odd one out | 6 |
| Total Questions | - | 20 |
| Sub-section/ Topic | Type of Questions | No of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Directions (1), Series (1), Counting the number of triangles (1), Clocks (1), Set theory (1), Family Tree (1), Coding (1), Arrangements (Circular) (1), Numerical Puzzle (2), Cube (1), Dice (1) | 12 |
| Verbal Reasoning | Reverse Syllogisms, Logical Sequence, Strong/Weak Arguments, Assumptions, Conclusions, Assertion-Reason, Analogies | 8 |
| Total Questions | - | 20 |
CMAT 2025 Slot 1: Type of Questions in Logical Reasoning Section
In CMAT 2025 slot 1 exam, all 20 questions were based on Static GK. The questions were on different sections like Science, Sports, Indian constitution, History, Culture of India, among others. Most of the questions were based on Indian GK, only a few questions were on international events.
CMAT 2025 Slot 2: Type of Questions in Logical Reasoning Section
In CMAT 2025 slot 2 exam, out of the 20 General Awareness questions, 15 were based on Static GK. 5 questions were on Current Affairs. The questions were on Sports, Awards, India and its culture, constitution, history, books and authors, science, politics, geography, among others.
The Innovation & Entrepreneurship Section in CMAT exam pattern tests the knowledge on Innovative business practices, Government plans and policies, global entrepreneurs and personalities among others. Check type of questions that appeared in this section in CMAT 2025 exam. Based on this, you can understand CMAT Logical Reasoning exam pattern 2026.
CMAT 2025 Slot 1: Type of Questions in Innovation & Entrepreneurship Section
Out of the 20 questions, 19 were based on Business and Entrepreneurship concepts (Bootstrapping, Startup valuation, Fabian entrepreneur, Angel investment, Lean startup, Trademark, Feasibility analysis). 1 question was on Business GK. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.
CMAT 2025 Slot 2: Type of Questions in Innovation & Entrepreneurship Section
Out of the 20 questions, all 20 were based on Business, Management, Economics, and Entrepreneurship concepts. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.
CMAT Exam Pattern PDF download link is given below. This document includes CMAT Exam Pattern by section, as publish in this article. Download CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 PDF from link below.
CMAT Vs CAT exam pattern has many similarities as well as differences. A brief CMAT & CAT comparison is shared below:
CMAT Vs CAT Exam Pattern
In conclusion, CMAT Exam Pattern consists of 100 objective type (MCQs) questions divided into five sections. CMAT exam difficulty level is considered as moderate. CMAT exam duration is 180 minutes. CMAT 2026 exam will be held on January 24, 2026. Read complete details of CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 in above article.
| Component | CMAT 2025 | IIM- CAT 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Total questions | 100 | 66 |
| Overall time limit to attempt the exam | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Type of questions | All MCQs | 48 questions are MCQs, rest 18 Non-MCQs |
| Answer options for MCQs | 4 | 4 |
| Marks awarded for each correct answer | 4 | 3 |
| Negative marking | -1 | -1 only for MCQs; No negative marking for Non-MCQs |
| Exam difficulty level | Moderate | Comparatively high |
| Number of sections | 5 | 3 |
| Name of section-1 with number of questions | Language Comprehension-20 | Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension- 24 |
| Name of Section-2 with number of questions | Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation-20 | Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning -20 |
| Name of Section-3 with number of questions | Logical Reasoning-20 | Quantitative Ability-22 |
| Name of Section-4 with number of questions | General Awareness-20 | NA |
| Name of Section-4 with number of questions | Innovation and Entrepreneurship-20 | NA |
| Facility to choose order of sections | Any section from the question paper | No, has to follow pre specified sectional order |
| Individual Sectional time limit | No | Each section with 40 minutes time limit |
Q: What is the pattern for the CMAT 2026?
A: CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern consists of 100 objective type (MCQs) questions which are equally divided into five sections: Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Q: What are the total marks for CMAT?
A: In CMAT marking scheme each question carries 04 marks. Since there are total 100 questions in total marks in CMAT exam are 400.
Q: Is CMAT tough or easy?
A: CMAT difficulty level is easy to moderate. CMAT questions are much easier than CAT or XAT. However, CMAT exam has GK, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship section, which require separate preparation from other MBA entrance exam.