CMAT Question Paper 2026 – Download PDF with Solutions

Sakunth Kumar

Updated On: November 18, 2025 03:48 PM

CMAT Question Paper 2026 offers a complete overview of how the exam is structured this year. You’ll get an idea of the question style, marking pattern, and what most students need to focus on while preparing.  

logo
CMAT Question Paper 2026

The CMAT question paper consists of 100 questions from five sections: Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. If you are preparing for CMAT 2026 , you're recommended to solve the previous year's question papers to understand the types and difficulty level of questions asked in the exam. Practising them during preparation will also help you manage your time better and give you confidence while attempting the actual exam.

Apart from that, working through CMAT question papers gives the aspirants a clear idea of how the exam is set and what kind of questions can be expected. It helps you see the CMAT exam pattern more clearly and understand which sections may need extra practice.

Also Read:

What is a Good Score in CMAT 2026?

CMAT 2026 Score vs Percentile Analysis

CMAT Question Paper 2026 PDF Download

Students can check out CMAT 2026 question paper for both shifts provided in the table below.

CMAT 2026 Shift 1 Question Paper PDF

Download Here (To be Updated)

CMAT 2026 Shift 2 Question Paper PDF

Download Here (To be Updated)

CMAT Question Paper 2025 PDF Download

You can access the CMAT question paper 2025 PDF download link attached here. Please note that the question papers below are unofficial and based on feedback from exam takers.

CMAT 2026 Shift 1 Question Paper PDF

CMAT Question Paper Download Here

CMAT 2026 Shift 2 Question Paper PDF

CMAT Question Paper Download Here

CMAT Question Paper 2024 PDF Download

Add CollegeDekho as a Trusted Source

google

Aspirants can check out the CMAT 2024 question paper for both shifts provided in the table below.

CMAT 2024 Shift 1 Question Paper PDF

Download Here

CMAT 2024 Shift 2 Question Paper PDF

Download Here

CMAT 2025 Exam Analysis

Get the CMAT 2025 exam analysis for Shift 1 below.

Name of Section

Number of Questions

Difficulty Level

Topics with High Weightage

Good Attempts

General Awareness

20

Moderate

Majority were on Static GK. Questions were on Science, Sports, Indian Constitution, history, India and its culture

13 - 14

Logical Reasoning

20

Moderate

Directions - 1, Cubes -2, Counting the number of squares -1, Linear Arrangement -1, Family tree -1, Clocks -1, Venn Diagram - 1, Set Theory - 1, Number Series - 1, Analogy based sequence -1, Word based Analogy - 1, Odd one out - 1, Alpha numeric -1 , Assertion Reason; Strong/Weak Argument; Assumption; Conclusion - 4

14 - 15

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

Easy but lengthy

Time-speed-distance 3, Ratio-Proportion - 2, Profit & Loss - 2, SI & CI - 1, Alligationand Mixtures - 2,, Triangles - 1, Probability - 2, Surds 1 and indices - 1, Quad equations - 1, Linear equations - 1, 2 Pie charts - Set of 3 questions

16 - 17

Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability

20

Moderate

2 Reading Comprehension based questions and 18 Non-RC questions such as replace underlined phrase, Passive voice, Cloze passage, Parajumbles, Jumbled sentence, Grammar, , Sentence Correction, Miscellaneous

14 - 15

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

20

Moderate

19 were on Business and Entrepreneurship concepts such as Bootstrapping, Startup valuation, Angel investment, Lean startup, Trademark, etc. 1 was on Business GK.

13 - 14

Overall

100

Moderate

70 - 75

The CMAT 2025 exam analysis for Shift 2 is provided here.

Name of Section

Number of Questions

Difficulty Level

Topics with High Weightage

Number of Good Attempts

General Awareness

20

Moderate

15 Static GK and 5 on Current Affairs. Topics included India and its culture, Constitution, History, Sports, Awards, books and authors, science, politics, geography, etc.

14 - 15

Logical Reasoning

20

Easy

Directions - 1, Series - 1, Number of Triangles - 1, Clocks - 1, Set Theory - 1, Family Tree - 1, Coding -1, Arrangements - 1, Numerical Puzzle - 2, Cube - 1, Dice - 1

16

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

Moderate

Percentages - 2, Ratio-Proportion - 1, Mixtures - 1, Time & Work 1, Profit & Loss - 2,

Simple Interest & Compound Interest, Triangles - 1, Mensuration - 1, Circles - 1, Probability - 2, Permutation Combination - 1, Surds - 1 and Indices - 2, Bar Graph - Set of 3 questions

14 - 15

Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability

20

Easy to Moderate

Reading Comprehension  - 5, Active/ Passive, Speech, Verb Usage - 4, Idioms and meanings - 2; Assertion-Reason - 2, Choose correct sentence - 2, Types of Pronouns -1, Jumbled Sentences -1, Parajumbles-1, Synonyms -1

15 - 16

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

20

Easy to Moderate

All questions were based on Economics, Business, Management, and Entrepreneurship concepts.

15 - 16

Overall

100

Easy to Moderate

75 - 78

CMAT 2024 Exam Analysis

Check CMAT exam analysis 2024 for both shifts provided in the tables below.

CMAT Exam Analysis 2024 Shift 1

Sections

No. of Questions

Difficulty Level

Topics with High Weightage

Expected No. of Good Attempts

General Awareness

20

Easy to Moderate Modern and ancient history, Panchayat Raj system, Constitution day
Civilization, Ancient empires, Kathakali
10-11

Logical Reasoning

20

Moderate and Lengthy Directions, Arrangements, Series Completion, Family Tree 15-16

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

Easy to Moderate Time-speed-distance, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, Average 16-17

Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability

20

Moderate to Difficult Reading Comprehension, Incorrect Sentences, Direct & Indirect Speech, Idioms, Synonyms, Antonyms, Para Jumbles 15-16

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

20

Easy to Moderate Entrepreneurship Development Programme, Government of India's Startup India Plan, Market Potential 10-11

Overall

100

- 75-85

CMAT Exam Analysis 2024 Shift 2

Below is the CMAT exam analysis 2024 for Shift 2.

Sections

No. of Questions

Difficulty Level

Topics with High Weightage

Expected No. of Good Attempts

General Awareness

20

Moderate
  • Which was the first country to legalize Euthanasia?
  • Who was the youngest PM of India?
  • Indian Constitution’s Directive Principle of State Policy was taken from?
  • First Bharat Ratna was NOT given to:
  • The Blue Revolution was related to:
10-11

Logical Reasoning

20

Easy Critical Reasoning, Coding/ Series, Analogy, Figure-Based Questions 15-16

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

Moderate Arithmetic, Geometry, Numbers, Probability & Combination 16-17

Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability

20

Easy Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning 15-16

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

20

Easy Shaadi.com is an example of which start-up? - Subscription-based business service model; Becoming an Entrepreneur is more about - Commitment; Factors are not relevant to judging the adequacy of the Market - Labour Market 10-11

Overall

100

Moderate to Difficult

-

75-85

CMAT Question Paper Section-wise Marks Distribution

The section-wise marks distribution for CMAT question paper is as follows:

Section

No of Questions

Marks Per Question

Maximum Marks


Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
20 4 80

Logical Reasoning

20

4

80

Language Comprehension

20

4

80

General Awareness

20

4

80

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

20

4

80

Total

100

4

400

CMAT Previous Year Question Papers

The candidates can download the previous years' CMAT papers by clicking on the links below.

CMAT 2023 Shift 1 Question Paper PDF

CMAT 2023 Shift 2 Question Paper PDF

CMAT 2022 Official Question Paper

CMAT 2022 Unofficial Question Paper PDF

CMAT 2021 Shift 1 Question Paper

CMAT 2021 Shift 2 Question Paper

CMAT 2020 Question Paper

CMAT 2019 Set 1 Question Paper

CMAT 2019 Set 2 Question Paper

CMAT 2019 Set 3 Question Paper

CMAT 2018 Slot 1 Question Paper

CMAT 2018 Slot 2 Question Paper

How to Download CMAT Previous Year Papers?

CMAT previous year question papers can be downloaded by following the simple steps mentioned below –

  • Step 1 : Click on the year-wise PDF links available in the table above

  • Step 2 : The PDF opens on a new tab

  • Step 3 : Click on the Download option so that the question paper gets downloaded in PDF format

Alternative Way to Download CMAT Previous Year Papers

  • Visit the official website of NTA, i.e., cmat.nta.nic.in/

  • Look for the ‘Downloads’ section on Home Page

  • If it's available, you will get the year-wise direct links for old CMAT question papers.

  • Select the year, exam name, and paper.

  • The question papers will be displayed, and you can click on the ‘Download’ button to save.

Advantages of Solving CMAT Previous Year Question Papers

Here are some of the major advantages of solving CMAT previous year papers :

  • Solving CMAT previous year's papers will give an idea of the kind of questions that are frequently asked in the exam.

  • By working through previous question papers, one can get an idea of CMAT syllabus coverage and topics with more weightage.

  • It is always important to analyse the topic-wise weightage basis of the last 3-4 year question papers so that CMAT preparation can be done accordingly.

  • Attempting previous year's papers will improve accuracy, and one can easily manage time while taking the real test.

  • Subject knowledge can be improved through past question papers.

  • Sometimes, certain questions from previous years' papers get repeated, and it is an advantage for aspirants.

Related Articles:

MBA Colleges for Low Percentile/ Score in CMAT 2026

What after CMAT 2026 Result?

What to Expect from CMAT 2026?

CMAT 2026 Last-Minute Preparation Strategy and Tips

Aspirants with doubts can post their queries and get answers from our experts on our Q&A Zone . For admissions-related help, fill out the Common Application Form . (CAF) or talk to our counsellors by calling our toll-free helpline number, 18005729877. Stay tuned with us for the latest updates related to the CMAT and other MBA entrance exams!

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

news_cta

FAQs

How many attempts for the CMAT exam?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts; candidates can appear for the CMAT exam as many times as they wish.

What kind of questions are asked in the CMAT exam?

According to the latest CMAT exam pattern, the question paper of CMAT 2026 will include subjects such as logical reasoning, quantitative techniques and data interpretation, language comprehension, general awareness, and Innovations and Entrepreneurship.

Can I clear CMAT in 1 month?

Yes, you can prepare for CMAT in 1 month with a well-structured study plan. Emphasize on understanding the syllabus, practicing mock tests, and revising key topics regularly.

How to score 99 percentile in CMAT?

On the CMAT exam, a candidate should aim for a raw score of 300 or higher if they want to achieve at least the 99th percentile. A candidate can expect to receive between 320 and 340 marks, or a 99 percentile score if they are able to attempt 80 to 85 questions out of 100 in the entire CMAT question paper. Candidates have to attempt 17 to 19 questions with remarkable accuracy to achieve a very high percentile score. There are roughly 15 questions in each section that must be correctly answered by candidates for them to expect a score in the 99th percentile.

Does CMAT have sectional cutoff requirements?

Sectional CMAT cutoffs may or may not be taken into consideration in the selection criteria used by CMAT participating institutes. Candidates can apply to institutions where the cutoff is equal to or lower than their score by using the scorecard, which includes sectional scores and percentiles. The candidate who receives the highest score typically receives a 100 percentile in CMAT. However, sectional scores and sectional percentile also factor into the percentile score. Therefore, it's possible for candidates with different scores to also have the same overall percentile.

How many sections are there in the CMAT question paper?

The CMAT question paper has five sections in total. The CMAT exam pattern has gone through major changes in the last few years with the introduction of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship section. The Innovation & Entrepreneurship section was introduced as an optional section in CMAT 2021 and was made a compulsory part of the CMAT question paper in 2022. According to the latest exam pattern, the CMAT exam has the following sections:

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

Is the CMAT question paper tough?

Generally speaking, the CMAT exam is of a moderate difficulty level. As evidenced by the last few years, the exam's quantitative aptitude section is typically harder than the other sections. Candidates can pass the CMAT after roughly three months of rigorous preparation because the questions are easier and there is no sectional time limit. Candidates who anticipate getting a raw score of 260-300 may score well in the CMAT exam based on percentile trends from previous years. More than a thousand MBA colleges and business schools in India accept CMAT scores.

What is the CMAT marking scheme?

The CMAT test will be administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is also responsible for developing the CMAT's scoring system and exam format. The All India Council for Technical Education administered the exam in the past (AICTE). The CMAT's marking scheme is as follows:

  • There will be a total of 100 questions divided into five sections in the CMAT exam, with 20 questions in each section. Each question is worth 4 marks in CMAT.
  • For each incorrect response, one mark is subtracted, in the CMAT exam. However, there is no mark reduction for a question or questions that are not attempted.

View More
/articles/cmat-question-paper/

Next Story

View All Questions

Related Questions

I need to apply for LPU certificate. Please help!

-NikitaUpdated on December 09, 2025 06:48 PM
  • 40 Answers
vridhi, Student / Alumni

To apply for a certificate from LPU you should typically use the university's online portal, specifically the university management sysytem (UMS). log in with your credentials and navigate to the certificate request or a similar section. fill out the necessary form upload any required documents like ID proof and fee receipts, and make the prescribed payment online. you can also track the status of your application through the portal.

READ MORE...

How approachable are GIBS professors for doubt‑clearing and career guidance outside class?

-PreethiUpdated on December 09, 2025 04:15 PM
  • 1 Answer
Dewesh Nandan Prasad, Content Team

Dear Student, 

GIBS Business School Bangalore professors are highly approachable for doubt-clearing and career guidance outside class, fostering a student-centric environment with open-door policies and dedicated mentoring systems. Student reviews consistently highlight faculty availability via WhatsApp even late at night, one-on-one sessions, workshops, and clubs for academic support and placement prep, with a low 1:15-1:16 faculty-student ratio enabling personalised attention. Many describe professors as supportive like family, using real-world examples and feedback to aid growth, while the career cell offers resume building, mock interviews, and industry insights. This accessibility enhances practical learning and professional readiness. We hope that we were …

READ MORE...

How does GIBS select its faculty and what minimum qualifications are required?

-PreethiUpdated on December 09, 2025 04:11 PM
  • 1 Answer
Dewesh Nandan Prasad, Content Team

Dear Student, 

GIBS Business School, Bangalore, selects faculty through a rigorous process emphasising academic credentials, teaching prowess, and industry exposure to ensure practical learning. Minimum qualifications vary by level: Assistant Professors require a PhD or Master's with NET/SET and 2-3 years teaching experience; Associate Professors need a mandatory PhD, 2+ years post-PhD experience, and 5+ years total teaching; Professors demand a PhD, 10+ years experience including 4 as Associate, and significant research output. Candidates with strong records in relevant research areas are prioritised, often featuring alumni from top firms like Deloitte and Infosys for real-world insights. We hope that we …

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent Articles

Recent News

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Top 10 Management Colleges in India

View All