CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Check The Paper Pattern, Time Duration & Marking Scheme

Key Highlights, Section-Wise Breakup, CMAT Marking Scheme, Sectional Distribution, CMAT Mock Test

Updated on 7th January 2025 | 4:30 pm | #CMATExamPattern

CMAT exam pattern 2025 is designed by its conducting body, i.e. National Testing Agency (NTA) which it usually announces at the time of release of the official notification. Candidates must ensure to review the CMAT paper pattern before planning to take CMAT 2025. The CMAT 2025 exam pattern is expected to be the same as that of the previous year. 

Here’s a brief overview of the CMAT test pattern 2025:

  • It consists of five sections
  • Each section contains 20 questions, making a total of 100 questions in the exam
  • The duration of the exam is three hours
  • The difficulty level varies from medium to difficult


Recently, there has been a revision in the CMAT exam pattern with the addition of Innovation and Entrepreneurship as a mandatory subject.

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CMAT 2025 - Exam Highlights

Knowing about the exam before actually planning to take one is essential; thus, all the CMAT aspirants must look into the exam details well in advance. Below mentioned are the key exam highlights and other important details for your reference:

CMAT 2025

Key Highlights 

CMAT Full Form

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency

CMAT Official Website

https://exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/

Exam Level

National

Exam Frequency

Once a year

Exam Mode

Computer Based Test

Exam Duration

180 minutes or 3 hours

Exam Syllabus

  • Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability
  • General Awareness
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship

CMAT Exam Pattern

100 MCQs (20 questions in each section)

Exam Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate

Time Allotted

180 minutes

Total Questions

100

CMAT Marking Scheme

+4 marks for every correct answer

-1 mark for each wrong answer

Language

English

CMAT Exam Fees

INR 2,500 (General category male)

INR 1,250 (General category female/reserved category students)

No. of Test Cities

124

To keep yourself updated with all the necessary details on CMAT 2025, consider visiting; CMAT Notification 2025.


CMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Number of Sections

The CMAT exam syllabus initially consisted of four sections, but with the addition of Innovation and entrepreneurship, the number of sections has now increased to five, including:

Each section tests a candidate's abilities, knowledge of management studies and problem-solving efficiency. 


Section-Wise Breakup Of CMAT Exam Pattern 2025

The most recent exam pattern issued by NTA for CMAT 2025 consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), an online assessment test that covers all five sections of the exam. 

The CMAT 2024 question paper will have 100 MCQs in total, allowing 20 questions for each section. The marks allotment for each section is given in the table below:

CMAT Sections

Number of Questions

Maximum Marks Allotted

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation (QTDI)

20

80

Logical Reasoning (LR)

20

80

Language Comprehension (LC)

20

80

General Awareness (GA)

20

80

Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E)

20

80

Total

100

400


CMAT Marking Scheme 2025

It is very crucial for the CMAT aspirants to be aware of its marking scheme for effective preparation. The following is the CMAT Exam Pattern 2024 marking scheme:

Note: The total composite score will be calculated by totalling the marks earned or deducted in each section.


CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Important Points

All serious CMAT takers need to keep the following points in mind before taking the exam, as these can significantly contribute to their success:


CMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Sectional Distributions Of Marks

The sectional distribution of the CMAT exam is critical for understanding the examination structure. The chart below shows the amount of questions and marks allotted to each segment, allowing candidates to arrange their preparation more effectively.

CMAT Sections

No. of Questions

Marks per Question

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

4

Logical Reasoning

20

4

Language Comprehension

20

4

General Awareness

20

4

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

20

4

Total

100

Significance Of Different CMAT 2025 Sections

The CMAT exam is a comprehensive test for the evaluation of candidates’ skills and abilities. Candidates must be able to understand the following concepts in order to perform well in the CMAT exam:


CMAT Mock Test 2025

One can purchase a CMAT test series; there are a plethora of test series available online specifically for CMAT. Attempting mock tests has proven to be a useful tool by simulating the actual exam conditions and helps students familiarize themselves with the exam pattern, timings and the type of questions that can be asked in the exam. 

Mock tests offer the opportunity to assess one's preparation levels and identify strengths and weaknesses. Candidates can practice pacing themselves during the exam by taking a CMAT mock examination, which can also aid in the development of good time management skills. 

All things considered, adding practice exams to the study plan can greatly boost self-assurance and raise the possibility of getting a good score on the actual CMAT.


CMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Major Changes

The CMAT exam pattern has significantly changed over the years. The following are the most recent changes:

CMAT Exam Date and Duration:

Section-Wise CMAT Paper Pattern Changes:

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the duration of the CMAT 2025 exam remains three hours, with no specific time limit for each section.

No, there is no choice given in the section exams of CMAT 2025. Candidates are required to attempt all questions in each section.

Yes, all sections of the CMAT exam carry equal weightage. Each section contributes equally to the overall score.

Yes, starting from CMAT 2024, the Innovation & Entrepreneurship section is compulsory in the exam pattern.

No, there is no sectional timing in the CMAT exam; it has a total duration of 180 minutes for all sections.

Yes, some institutes and universities may have sectional cutoffs for the CMAT exam. While the CMAT exam itself does not have an official sectional cutoff mandated by the conducting body.

Suggested Readings

CMAT Preparation Tips CMAT 2024 Analysis CMAT Test Series MBA Online Classes