CMAT Exam Pattern 2019

It is very important to understand the CMAT 2019 exam pattern in order to be completely prepared prior to the exam day. The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is an online examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to PGDM and MBA courses. Candidates who qualify the examination will become eligible for admission in various AICTE approved institutes across the country. To appear for CMAT, candidates must successfully apply for it. For this, candidates can refer to the How to Apply section. After successfully applying for the exam, candidates must carefully go through the CMAT 2019 Exam Pattern.

The exam pattern of CMAT 2019 consists of a few essential things that are visible on the question paper. These comprise the total number of questions, total marks, time duration, marking scheme, the number of questions section-wise, exam timing, etc. Understanding the exam pattern will help in better exam preparation. Candidates must also follow a strategic preparation plan for CMAT 2019, in order to clear the examination with excellent marks. Aspirants can check the detailed exam pattern of CMAT 2019 here to get a clear picture of the question paper and then start preparing for the examination systematically.

Highlights of CMAT 2019 Exam Pattern

CMAT is a computer-based online entrance exam, which is conducted over a duration of 180 minutes (three hours). CMAT tests candidates' abilities across various academic segments, and the ones who qualify get admission in MBA, PGDM and PGCM courses offered at the AICTE-approved B-schools in India. Check out the highlights of CMAT 2019 exam pattern!

Section-Wise Division of CMAT Question Paper 2019

The examination pattern mentioned above is the general pattern that AICTE has been following over the few years for the CMAT examination. 

CMAT 2019 Marking Scheme

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct CMAT 2019 and are responsible for setting up the exam pattern and marking scheme for the examination. The examination previously was conducted by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). According to the official website, the exam pattern has not been changed from its previous version. As the examination is to take place on 28th January 2019, candidates must now start preparing for it keeping in mind the latest exam pattern and marking scheme along with the CMAT 2019 Syllabus.

The CMAT 2019 Marking Scheme will help candidates in understanding the weightage of marks per question and total marks, highlighting the marks deducted for every wrong answer. The total marks for the exam is 400 and the total marks per section is 100. There will be a total of 100 questions comprising of 25 questions in each section and the marks allotted for each question is 4. Candidates must also know that there will be negative marking for every incorrect answer. 1 mark each will be deducted for every wrong answer, with no deduction of marks for the unattempted question/s.

Points to Remember

• The exam will be held online at different certified examination CMAT centers.

• Total time allocated for the examination is 3 hours (180 minutes). There is no sectional time limit for CMAT 2019.

• The test takers will not be permitted to leave the examination room until the examination ends.

• There will be no provision of breaks during the examination.

• The examinees will be provided with separate computer desks with a plain paper for rough works.

• Rough papers given are also to be submitted and no candidate shall carry it outside the exam center. Candidates found guilty will have to face unavoidable consequences.

• Candidates must most importantly remember to bring their CMAT 2019 Admit Card with a valid ID proof, without which no candidate will be entertained at the examination center.

• It is also important to note that the candidates are not supposed to bring any written or printed material apart from Admit Card and ID Proof.

• Candidates found with any such document will be debarred from giving the examination.

• Reporting 45 minutes before the issued timing is also recommended.

1. How many sections are there in the CMAT test?

There are four sections in the test. The sections are Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension and General Awareness.

2. How many questions are there in each section?

There will be 25 questions in each section, as has been declared by NTA.

3. Can I move back and forth between the four sections?

Yes, you are allowed to move back and forth between the sections.
 
4. What is the duration of the test?

The total duration of the online test is 180 minutes i.e. 3 hours.
 
5. Will there be negative marking in the CMAT exam?

Yes, there will be negative marking for every incorrect answer. 1 mark shall be deducted for each wrong answer.
 
6. What is the scoring pattern and rule for negative marking?

For each correct answer, 4 marks will be awarded. For every wrong answer, 1 mark shall be deducted. However, no mark shall be deducted for any unattempted question.

7. What are the different time slots for the test?

There will be no different time slots. The test will begin at 9:30 AM. Candidates must arrive at the test center on or before 8:00 AM for security checks, identity verification, and check-in.

8. What is the reporting time for the examination?

For the test beginning at 9.30 AM, you must reach the test center no later than 8:00 AM.
 
9. What are the permitted things I can bring with me to the test center?

None. You will not be permitted to bring any personal items to the test center, including but not limited to wrist-watch, cellphones, calculators, etc.
 
10. Do I have any breaks during the test?

No, you will not be given any breaks during the test.
 
11. If I complete my exam before three hours, can I leave early?

No. Even if you complete the exam before the scheduled end time, you will not be allowed to leave the exam hall. You will be allowed to leave only after the scheduled three hours of the exam are over.

12. Does the name need to match with the names appearing on the identification documents?

Candidate's name needs to be exactly identical to the name on his/her Xth Mark sheet or equivalent.

Note: If the name has been changed due to events such as marriage, the candidate must show the relevant document such as Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Legal Name Change Document and submit a photocopy at the time of the examination and interview and at the time of joining a programme at an institute.
 
13. Will I be provided with any scratch paper for rough work and calculations during the test?

At the test center, each candidate will be seated at a desk with a computer terminal and he/she will be provided with a scratch paper for calculations. Rough work cannot be done on any other paper/sheet, as nothing will be allowed inside the testing room. On completion of the test, candidates will have to hand over the scratch paper to the administrator.