Exams Prep Master | Updated On - Apr 27, 2021
NTA has changed CMAT 2021 Exam Pattern. The exam conducting body has introduced a new optional section of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The section will consist of 25 questions with an additional time limit of 30 minutes. The Syllabus for CMAT has remained the same for the past few years. CMAT 2021 had 5 sections: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and General Awareness. Check CMAT 2021 Preparation
CMAT exam duration is 3 hours with no sectional time limit. 25 questions of 4 marks each are asked from each section. There is a provision of negative marking, every incorrect response will cost 1 mark.
CMAT Latest Updates
- April 22: CMAT Previous Year Papers are available for download. Check here
- April 17: CMAT Toppers suggest section-wise most important topics for preparation. Check here
- April 10: CMAT 2021 Paper Analysis in detail. Check here
- March 31: CMAT 2021 has been conducted today.
| Table of Content |
Exam Pattern 2021
CMAT 2021 Exam Pattern
| CMAT 2021 Exam Pattern | |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Duration | 3 hours (30 minutes extra for candidates opting Innovation & Entrepreneurship) |
| Sectional Time Limit | None |
| Nature of Questions | Objective Type (MCQ’s) |
| Number of Choices | Four Choices, out of which only one choice will be a correct choice |
| Number of Questions | 125 Questions |
| Total Marks | 125 Marks |
| Marks Awarded | +4 for every correct answer |
| Negative Marking | -1 for every wrong answer |
| Medium | English Only |
Must Read News
CMAT 2021 Sections
CMAT 2021 Sections
| Section | Number of questions |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | 25 |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 25 |
| Logical Reasoning | 25 |
| General Awareness | 25 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 25 |
| Total | 100 |
- Each section carries an equal weightage of 25 marks
- Candidates can switch between sections at their convenience
- However, it is recommended that candidates complete a section before moving on to the next.
- Candidates can attempt the questions in any order.
- There is no sectional time limit in CMAT 2021
Marking Scheme
CMAT 2021 Marking Scheme
| Answer Type | Marks Allotted |
|---|---|
| Every Correct Response | +4 |
| Every Wrong Response | -1 |
| Unattempted Question | 0 |
Sectional Exam
CMAT 2021 Sectional Exam Pattern
| Section | Question Type | Important Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | Fill in the blanks, Reading Comprehension, etc. | para-jumbles, fill in the blanks, identification of word meaning by selecting correct synonyms and antonyms, idioms, sentence correction, identification of correct sentences, etc. |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | Standalone Questions | bar graphs, pie charts, tables, Arithmetic operations, Modern Math, Geometry, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Number Systems, Fraction and Decimals, |
| Logical Reasoning | Set-Based Questions/ Standalone Questions | Puzzles, Statements and Conclusions, Cause and effect, Assumptions and Conclusions and missing term |
| General Awareness | Standalone Questions | Conventional, Current and Business & Economics General Knowledge |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Standalone Questions | To be updated |
- Check More About CMAT QA/DI Section
- Check More About CMAT Logical Reasoning Section
- Check Details About CMAT Verbal Ability Section
Syllabus 2021
CMAT 2021 Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Language Comprehension | Jumbled Paragraphs, Reading Comprehension, English Grammar, Sentence Correction, Paragraph Completion, \ Idioms and Phrases, English Usage Errors, Sentence Improvement , One word substitution, Synonyms, Antonyms, Phrases |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | Number Systems, Fraction and Decimals, Geometry, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Tabulation, Partnership, Simple Interest and Compound Interest Probability , Profit and Loss, Percentages, Mensuration, Averages , Work and Time , Graph, Ratios and Proportion of Line, Pipes and Cisterns, Time-Speed-Distance, Allegations and Mixtures, Permutations and Combinations, Algebra Pie Chart, Bar Charts |
| Logical Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning, Statement Assumptions, Analogy Test, Inferences , Statement Arguments, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Cause and Effects, Statement and Conclusion , Blood Relationship, Symbol Based Problems, Sequencing, Matrix Arrangements , Number Series, Coding and Decoding, Direction and Distance Test, Ranking Tests |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs of National and International Economy, Personalities in News, Indian Constitution, Sports News , Trade Awareness, Politics, History, Culture , Geography, Economics, Sports Science in Everyday Life |
Recommended Books
CMAT 2021 Recommended Books
| Subject | Book Name | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | RS Agarwal |
| Accredited Guide to Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency | Ananta Ashisha | |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation Data Sufficiency | Think Tank of Kiran Prakashan | |
| Logical Reasoning | A modern approach to logical reasoning | RS Agarwal |
| How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT | Arun Sharma | |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Nishit Sinha | |
| Language Comprehension | The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability | Sujit Kumar |
| How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension? | Arun Sharma & Meenakshi Upadhyay | |
| CAT Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Gautam Puri | |
| General Awareness | General Knowledge | Disha Experts |
| Face To Face MAT With 19 Years (1997-2016) | BS Sijwali |
CMAT Recommended Newspapers/Magazines
| Type | Papers |
|---|---|
| Newspapers | The Hindu |
| Business Standard | |
| The Indian Express | |
| Financial Express | |
| Economic Times | |
| Hindu Business Line | |
| Magazine | Business Today |
| Business World | |
| Manorama Year Book | |
| Competition Success Review | |
| Arihant GK | |
| Lucent’s GK |
Comparative Analysis
CMAT vs XAT vs CAT vs SNAP Exam Pattern- Comparative Analysis
| Component | XAT | CAT | SNAP | CMAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Computer Based Test | Computer Based Test | Computer Based Test | Computer Based Test |
| Number of Questions | 100 | 100 | 60 | 100 |
| Total Time Duration | 180 minutes | 180 minutes | 60 minutes | 180 minutes |
| Type of Questions | MCQs | MCQ and Subjective Type | MCQs | MCQs |
| Marking Scheme | +1 mark for a correct answer | +3 mark for a correct answer | +1 mark for a correct answer | +4 mark for a correct answer |
| - 0.25 mark for an incorrect answer | No Negative Marking for subjective questions | - 0.25 mark for an incorrect answer | - 1 mark for an incorrect answer | |
| Beyond 8 unanswered questions, 0.05 marks will be deducted for each unanswered question. | -1 marks for every wrong answer in objective questions | |||
| Sectional Time Limit | None | 1 hour for each section | None | None |
| Sections | Verbal & Reading Comprehension | Verbal and Logical Ability | Analytical & Logical Reasoning | Language Comprehension |
| Quantitative Ability | Decision Making | Quantitative, Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Logical Reasoning | |
| Data adequacy and logical reasoning | Quantitative Ability and Data Interpretation | General English: Reading Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Verbal Ability | General Awareness | |
| General Knowledge | Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation |
Exam Pattern FAQs
CMAT Exam Pattern 2021 FAQs
Ques. What are some of the most important topics in the GK section of CMAT?
Ans. Candidates should try to focus on current affairs, history, economy and personalities in news the most.
Ques. How long should I study GK to prepare for CMAT 2021?
Ans. CMAT Toppers Kshitij Madan and Saras Suhane advise candidates to prepare daily for the GK section at least 3-4 months prior to the exam. This can be done alongside preparation for other exams and can be mixed with preparation for other topics.
Ques. I am appearing for multiple management exams. How should I divide my preparation?
Ans. CMAT 2015 Topper Shubhandeep Basak appeared for many management entrance exams such as XAT, CAT, IIFT, SNAP, NMAT, and MAH CET, aside from CMAT and stated that he utilized the same preparation strategy for all of them:
- After completing a certain section, he would take section-wise mock tests to figure out his weaknesses.
- After working rigorously on his faults, he would take full length mock tests.
- His main objective in completing mock tests included getting comfortable with the test environment.
- For preparation, he used material provided by T.I.M.E institute, as well as Quantum Cat by Sarvesh Sharma, MBA Entrance Examinations by Nishit Sinha, Six Weeks to Words of Power by Wilfred Funk, and Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.
- For GK, he mainly kept himself updated by reading several different newspapers. Guesswork isn’t useful in this section since the applicant either knows the answer or doesn’t.
Ques. What strategy should I use for revising for CMAT 2021?
Ans. Don’t give a lot of mock tests for the sake of completing mock tests. Make sure that whenever you complete a test, you fully analyze it. If you are completing a full mock test, it is important to maintain your concentration for 3 hours so that you can replicate the test environment.
Do not create a very time sensitive timetable, there should be space for flexibility. A subject should preferably be studied for 1-2 hours and not more than that. It is okay to mix subjects up. Since Logical Reasoning is time consuming, it is better to attempt the sections that you are most comfortable with first and not get fixated when you work on the LR section.
Ques. I have accidentally put the wrong address on my CMAT Application form. Can I change it?
Ans. Unfortunately there is no way to change the information on an application form that has already been submitted. You should re-register with the correct information.
Ques. Who should I talk to in regards to my certificate requirements? How soon will I get a response?
Ans. CMAT Customer Care Support is available on phone and email from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. The helpline numbers are 8429996897, 9453827201, and 9453827203. To email the customer care support, you can contact customercare@aicte-cmat.in.
Queries will be responded to within 2 business days or 48 hours.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
CMAT 2021 : 11 answered questions
VIEW ALLQues. What is the CMAT cut off?
Ans. CMAT is an entrance exam for students looking to pursue MBA or PGDM at AICTE approved management institutes. It is a three-hour computer-based test and it will assure you admission to AICTE approved MBA/PGDM courses. It is a moderately difficult exam and includes around 100 questions in total that are further divided into four sections. These are Quantitative techniques and Data interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness. All of these sections constitute 25 questions each on the test. Moreover, if you are looking for a comparison, CMAT is quite easy as compared to CAT or XAT. Other than this, here are a few cutoffs for some of the popular colleges across the country for 2020: College Cutoff JIBMS Mumbai 99+ Goa Institute of Management 95+ KSOM, Bhubaneshwar 95+ Jaipuria Institute of Management 85+ IMT, Hyderabad & Nagpur 80+ Additionally, the selection procedure also varies from college to college. Each of them also has its own admission portal as well. It is advisable to go through the list of colleges and their admission portals before you plan to appear for the exam. You need to clear your basics, have a good speed and accuracy, and a decent presence of mind. All these factors coupled together will help you crack the exam easily. You can also look to attempt mock tests and practice them.Read more
Ques. What is the CMAT exam pattern like?
Ans. CMAT or Common Aptitude Management Test is a computer-based test conducted by NTA (previously by AICTE). This exam is of objective nature. The internal mentor of mine from TIME Institute informed us that the CMAT question paper contains 100 MCQs with four options each to choose the right answer from. You are allowed to submit your responses in 3 hours, following which the test window will be closed automatically. Similar to other management entrance tests, the exam has four sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: You need to focus on Arithmetic and Modern Maths and have strong basics and good familiarity with all possible questions that could be framed from these two topics. Data Interpretation demands to focus on bar graphs and pie charts. Along with this, you need to be comfortable and confident in topics such as Algebra, Mensuration, Geometry, Number Systems, Trigonometry, etc. Logical Reasoning It is an analytical way of thinking about a given problem statement, analyzing and evaluating information gathered from observation and experience, to reach certain conclusions. Critical/Logical Reasoning clarifies goals considering certain assumptions, apprehends hidden values, and evaluates evidence to assess rational conclusions. You should work on skills like observation, interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, estimation, and explanation. General Awareness General awareness includes topics on history, geography, current affairs – economic, business, sports, corporate events, etc. Questions related to entertainment, politics, and the environment are also asked. You are advised to stay updated with the recent important events happening in India and across the globe. You can follow good English dailies and good magazines such as The Hindu, Competition success review, etc. Language Comprehension Traditional reading comprehension is basically a paragraph with 5 questions revolving around the author’s viewpoint, idea, etc. CMAT’s language comprehension would be easier as compared to that of other competitive exams, as direct questions would be asked. Develop a habit of reading, as it will eventually build your Comprehension skills. Vocabulary includes Para-jumbles, Antonyms & Synonyms, and grammar (idioms & phrases, Sentence correction, Sentence completion, fill in the blanks, Interference & Judgement, Facts, analogy, etc). Here is an overview of the marking scheme: Subject No of questions Marks Quantitative Ability 25 100 Verbal Ability 25 100 Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation 25 100 General Awareness 25 100 Each section comprises 25 questions, where each question carries four marks. This makes each section weigh 100 marks equally and hence the entire exam is graded out of 400 marks. However, unanswered questions do not cause mark deductions. You are advised to take more and more mock tests for CMAT, to get more familiar with the exam pattern, and to develop the required temperament for the exam.Read more
Ques. Which is the best B school to get in using a CMAT/MAT score?
Ans. CMAT, commonly known as the Common Management Aptitude Test, is a computer-based entrance exam conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for admission to MBA/PGDM courses in over 1000 B-schools across India. The duration of the exam is three hours with the question paper consisting of 100 questions from Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness. You can refer to the table given below for the cutoffs released by various B schools, analyzed as per the previous year's trends. These colleges have been recommended by our mentor from Erudite Institute. Listed below are the names of the colleges and their cut offs: Name of the College Cutoff JBIMS, Mumbai 99.99 %ile Sydenham(SIMREE), Mumbai 99.92%ile SIES Mumbai 99.8%ile MET, Mumbai 98%ile KJ Somaiya, Mumbai 97%ile Goa Institute of Management Great Lakes Institute of Management PUMBA, Pune Indira Institute of Management, Pune 95%ile IPE Hyderabad IFMR, Chennai 90%ile NIBM, Pune Welingkar Institute, Mumbai N.L Dalmia Institute, Mumbai 85%ile XISS Ranchi HR IMT Navi Mumbai ISME, Mumbai 80%ile Welingkar Institute, Bangalore Soil Institute of Management NIA Pune 75%ile ADANI Institute of Infrastructure Management 70%ile These colleges may not be Tier 1 institutions but are good B Schools that admit students on the basis of their CMAT scores. These management institutes conduct group discussions and personal interviews to select candidates for MBA/PGDM programs post declaration of CMAT exam results. The admission process of each institute is independent and according to their academic cycle.Read more
Ques. What is the benefit of the CMAT rather than the MAT?
Ans. The CMAT exam is conducted by the National Test Agency and is accepted by many top colleges for their MBA programs compared to the MAT exam. CMAT also has a greater number of colleges that accept CMAT scores for their admission process. CMAT also enjoys better recognition compared to the MAT exam. Many tier 1 CMAT colleges enjoy better brand recognition in the industry. Even further some of the tier 1 colleges that used to accept MAT scores such as Great Lakes Chennai are now considering CMAT scores for their screening process. The major differences in the pattern of the CMAT and the MAT tests are tabulated below, Criteria CMAT MAT Duration of the Exam 3 Hrs (180 minutes) 2 Hrs 30mins (150 minutes) Number of Sections 4 sections 5 sections Total Mark of the exam 400 marks. 100 marks for each section. 200 Marks. 40 marks for each section. Marks for Correct Answer +4 Marks +1 Marks Marks for Incorrect Answer -1 Marks. No negative marking for unattempted questions. -0.25 Marks. No negative marking for unattempted questions. CMAT does not have any sectional time limits. The exam comprises 4 sections namely Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, General Awareness, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension. MAT exam also does not have any sectional time limits. The exam comprises 5 sections namely Language Comprehension, Intelligence and, Critical Reasoning, Data Analysis and Sufficiency, Mathematical Skills, and Indian and Global Environment. Unlike the CMAT exam MAT exam is conducted both in online and offline modes. Thus, the CMAT exam has many more benefits and opportunities compared to the MAT exam.Read more
Ques. Is the difficulty level of exams like the NMAT, Snap, and the CMAT the same?
Ans. NMAT, SNAP, and CMAT are some of the Management entrance aptitude tests conducted by different exam bodies in India. All these exams have a set of colleges that accepts these scores. All three exams are computer-based and follow Objective Type Questions (MCQ) question format. These three exams have varying difficulty levels. SNAP conducted by Symbiosis University is tough compared to the other two exams NMAT and CMAT. NMAT and SNAP have a similar level of difficulty but SNAP has a tough choice of questions compared to NMAT. CMAT is the least difficult exam among all the three exams. The pattern differences between the exam are tabulated below, Criteria CMAT NMAT SNAP Duration of the Exam 3 Hrs (180 minutes) 2 Hrs (120 minutes) 1 Hr (60 minutes) Number of Sections 4 sections 3 sections 3 sections Total Mark of the exam 400 marks. 100 marks for each section. 120 Marks 60 marks Marks for Correct Answer +4 Marks +1 Mark + 1 Mark Marks for Incorrect Answer -1 Marks. No negative marking for unattempted questions. No negative marking for incorrect answers and unattempted questions. -0.25 marks for each incorrect attempt. Sectional Time Limits: CMAT does not have any sectional time limits. The exam comprises 4 sections namely Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, General Awareness, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension. Whereas NMAT has sectional time limits. Language Skills (22 mins), Quantitative Aptitude (60 mins), Logical Reasoning (38 mins). SNAP exam does not have sectional time limits. The exam comprises 3 exams namely No sectional time limits. General English, Quantitative-Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency, Analytical & Logical Reasoning. Section selection: Candidates can answer from any section of their choice in CMAT. In NMAT candidates can choose the order of sections of their choice. The questions will appear in the order chosen by the candidates. In short, if the exams are to be arranged based on difficulty then SNAP> NMAT> CMAT. SNAP is the most difficult followed by NMAT and then CMAT.Read more
