CMAT Exam Pattern 2024: Section-wise Paper Pattern, Marking Scheme, Important Topics

Updated By Tiyasa Khanra on 18 Mar, 2024 10:52

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CMAT Exam Pattern 2024

CMAT exam pattern 2024 will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in the CMAT 2024 notification. Candidates can check the CMAT 2024 exam pattern on the official CMAT website, cmat.nta.nic.in. The CMAT paper pattern comprises the total number of questions, total marks, time duration, marking scheme, the number of questions section-wise, exam timing, etc.

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a computer-based test that comprises 100 questions in total. There is no sectional time limit for the CMAT exam, so candidates can move between sections in the CMAT 2024 exam. They have to complete the CMAT question paper in 3 hours or 180 minutes. For every correct answer, +4 marks will be awarded while for every incorrect answer, -1 mark will be deducted. There is no CMAT negative marking for unattempted questions. Also, check the CMAT question paper with solution pdf to get an idea about the types and difficulty level of questions asked in the CMAT exam.

CMAT 2024 will have five sections namely, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. In 2021, NTA introduced Innovation & Entrepreneurship as an optional CMAT section with 25 questions and an additional 30 minutes for completing the section. However, in 2022 this section was made compulsory and each section has 20 questions. It is very important to understand the entire CMAT exam pattern 2024 to be completely prepared for the exam. Students appearing for the exam can check the detailed CMAT exam pattern 2024 here to get a clear picture of the question paper.

Also Read:

CMAT 2024 Important Topics

What is a Good Score in CMAT 2024?

What After CMAT 2024 Result?

CMAT 2024 Exam Day Guidelines

Upcoming Management Exams :

CMAT Exam Pattern 2024: Highlights

Check out the highlights of the CMAT exam pattern 2024 here:

CMAT 2024 Exam Pattern Particulars

CMAT 2024 Exam Pattern Details

Total Number of Sections

5 (Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship)

Examination Mode

Online

Examination Language

English

Total Number of Questions

100

Number of Questions in Each Section

20

Type of Questions

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Number of MCQ Options

5

Total Marks

400

Total Marks for Each Section in CMAT 2024

80 

Marking Scheme

  • +4 Marks for Every Correct Answer

  • -1 Mark for Every Incorrect Answer

Total CMAT Exam Duration

3 Hours or 180 Minutes

CMAT 2024 Exam Pattern: Section-wise

The section-wise CMAT paper pattern 2024 can be checked below:

CMAT Section

No of Questions 

Marks Per Question 

Sectional Marks 

Logical Reasoning 

20

4

80

Language Comprehension

20

4

80

Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

20

4

80

General Awareness 

20

4

80

Innovation and Entrepreneurship 

20

4

80

Total 

100

4

400

CMAT 2024 Marking Scheme

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the CMAT 2024 exam and it is also responsible for setting up the CMAT marking scheme and exam pattern for the examination. Here's CMAT marking scheme-

CMAT Marking Scheme 2023

The CMAT 2024 Marking Scheme will help candidates understand the weightage of marks per question and total marks, highlighting the marks deducted for every wrong answer. Here are a few pointers explaining the same.

  • As per CMAT 2024 exam pattern, the total mark for the exam is 400 and the total mark per section is 80.

  • There will be a total of 100 questions comprising 20 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 will be deducted for every wrong answer, whereas no deduction of marks will be carried out for the unattempted question/s.

Top Management Colleges :

CMAT 2024 Exam Pattern Changes

The CMAT 2024 exam is anticipated to be held in April or May 2024. Administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this 3-hour examination is designed for MBA/PGDM admissions to AICTE-approved B-schools. The CMAT exam has undergone significant changes in recent years. Delve into the details below about the revised CMAT 2024 exam pattern.

  • The number of sections in CMAT 2024 has increased to 5 from the previous 4.
  • The duration of the CMAT exam in 2024 has been shortened to 3 hours compared to the earlier 3½ hours.
  • CMAT 2024 will be conducted in two shifts instead of one.
  •  The optional sectional in the CMAT exam has been made a compulsory section for CMAT 2024.
  • Prominent business schools that accept CMAT scores include institutions such as GIM, Great Lakes, K J Somaiya, TAPMI, and IMT Nagpur, among others.

NTA administers the CMAT exam on behalf of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). The CMAT 2024 exam will be conducted with a revised test pattern as AICTE has changed various aspects of the CMAT exam pattern 2024.

How to Navigate between Sections in CMAT 2024?

Enlisted below are steps highlighting how to navigate between sections while answering the questions of CMAT.

  • Sections in the online question paper will be displayed on the top bar of the screen.
  • Questions in the desired section can be viewed by simply clicking on the section name.
  • The highlighted section will be the one that the candidate will be viewing at that time.
  • After clicking on the 'Save & Next' button on the last question for a section, candidates will be automatically taken to the first question of the next section.
  • Aspirants can shuffle between questions and sections anytime during the exam as there will be no sectional time limit.

Here is a figure depicting the above-mentioned explanation:

Navigating between sections in CMAT

CMAT Exam Pattern 2024: How to Answer Questions in CMAT 2024?

The computer screen of the exam shows the options provided below and candidates can select any one of them to answer the CMAT questions.

  • Save & Next: This option will save the answer of the desired question and the next one will be displayed on the screen.
  • Clear: Candidates can choose this button to clear or deselect their already entered response of any desired question.
  • Save & Mark for the Review: Applicant can answer the question and mark it for review. Candidates can select this option in case of doubt of confusion. They are free to review, come back and make changes accordingly.
  • Mark for Review & Next: Candidate can mark a question for review without answering it and move on to the next one. Applicants can re-visit and attempt the question at any time.

Applicants will not be allowed to use the keyboard to answer the CMAT questions. They can only use the mouse to do so. Candidates will have the option to make changes or modify their answers anytime during the entire exam. Captured below are the different icons that will appear on the computer screen and their respective indications.

Answering questions in CMAT 2024

CMAT vs Other Top MBA Entrance Exams: Comparative Analysis

Captured below is a brief analysis of CMAT vs other top MBA entrance exams in India:

CMAT Vs CAT

Check out the basic difference between CMAT and CAT exam.

Components

CMAT

CAT

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test

Computer-Based Test

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

IIMs

Exam Frequency

Once/Year

Once/Year

Total Sections

05

03

Total Questions

100

100

Total Marks

400

300

Time Duration

3 Hours

2 Hours

Type of Questions

MCQs

MCQs, Non-MCQs (TITA)

Negative Marking

Yes

Yes

Marks per Correct Answer

04

03

Marks per Incorrect Answer

-1

-1

Sectional Time Limit

No

60 Minutes/ Section

CMAT Vs XAT

Given below are the components comparing CMAT and XAT exam. 

Components

CMAT

XAT

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test

Computer-Based Test

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

XLRI Jamshedpur

Exam Frequency

Once/Year

Once/ Year

Total Sections

05

04

Total Questions

100

100

Total Marks

400

100

Time Duration

3 Hours

3 Hours

Type of Questions

MCQs

MCQs

Negative Marking

Yes

Yes

Marks per Correct Answer

04

01

Marks per Incorrect Answer

-1

-0.25 (GK MCQs does not follow the negative marking scheme)

Sectional Time Limit

No

No

CMAT Vs SNAP

Gathered here is information highlighting the similarities and differences between CMAT and SNAP.

Components

CMAT

SNAP

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test

Online Test

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

Symbiosis International Deemed University

Exam Frequency

Once/Year

Once/ Year

Total Sections

05

04

Total Questions

100

100

Total Marks

400

60

Time Duration

3 Hours

1 Hour

Type of Questions

MCQs

MCQs

Negative Marking

Yes

Yes

Marks per Correct Answer

04

01

Marks per Incorrect Answer

-1

-0.25

Sectional Time Limit

No

No

CMAT Vs NMAT

Here are a few components outlining the key features of CMAT and NMAT exam.

Components

CMAT

NMAT

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test

Computer-Based Test

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

GMAC

Exam Frequency

Once/Year

Can be re-taken within the prescribed exam dates

Total Sections

05

04

Total Questions

100

108

Total Marks

400

0-360

Time Duration

3 Hours

2 Hours

Type of Questions

MCQs

MCQs

Negative Marking

Yes

No

Marks per Correct Answer

04

01

Marks per Incorrect Answer

-1

No

Sectional Time Limit

No

22 Minutes (Language Skills)

38 Minutes (Logical Reasoning)

60 Minutes (Quantitative Skills)

CMAT Vs ATMA

Provided below are the basic highlights of CMAT and ATMA exams.

Components

CMAT

ATMA

Exam Mode

Computer-Based Test

Online & Offline

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

Association of Indian Management Schools

Exam Frequency

Once/Year

Five/ Year

Total Sections

05

06

Total Questions

100

180

Total Marks

400

180

Time Duration

3 Hours

3 Hours

Type of Questions

MCQs

MCQs

Negative Marking

Yes

No

Marks per Correct Answer

04

01

Marks per Incorrect Answer

-1

No

Sectional Time Limit

No

30 Minutes/ Section

CMAT 2024 Exam Instructions

Here are some important points regarding the CMAT 2024 exam that aspiring students must be aware of:

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

  • The total time allocated for the CMAT 2024 examination is 3 hours (180 minutes).

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

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

  • The examinees will have separate computer desks with plain paper for rough work.

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

  • Candidates must remember to bring their CMAT admit card 2024 with valid ID proof, without which no candidate will be entertained at the examination centre.

  • 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 taking the examination.

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

How to Prepare for CMAT?

The CMAT exam pattern is the first thing that aspirants must pick when beginning their preparation for CMAT. The exam pattern must be understood by aspirants to plan their preparation according to each section of the CMAT exam. The CMAT exam pattern will help candidates understand which areas of the CMAT exam are easier for them to tackle and which areas they need to put more effort into. Ideally, candidates must start preparing for the CMAT exam 6 months before the actual exam date.

One of the biggest advantages of understanding the CMAT exam pattern is that candidates will be able to devise an effective examination and preparation strategy for CMAT based on their own strengths and weaknesses. This will help them enhance their performance during the exam and maximize their overall score.

CMAT Mock Test

The CMAT mock test is one of the most useful tools that aspirants can use to understand the CMAT exam pattern thoroughly. The official CMAT mock test follows the exact CMAT exam pattern as that of the actual exam, which enables aspirants not only to test their preparation level for CMAT but also to devise an examination strategy based on the CMAT exam pattern to ensure they give an excellent performance.

Aspirants must not only practice the official CMAT mock test but also other mock tests available online to enhance their preparation level and understanding of the CMAT exam pattern. Additionally, aspirants must also include CMAT previous year question papers and CMAT sample papers in their CMAT preparation to learn more about the CMAT exam pattern.

Want to know more about CMAT

FAQs about CMAT Exam Pattern

Who is responsible for setting the CMAT 2024 exam pattern?

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for setting the CMAT 2024 exam pattern.  NTA will conduct the CMAT 2024 and will be in charge of developing the CMAT 2024 marking scheme. The examination previously was conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

What are the main points to be noted in the CMAT 2024 exam pattern?

The main points to be noted in the CMAT 2024 exam pattern are candidates from the General category must have a minimum of 50% in their UG degree. Candidates from the Reserved category can register for the CMAT 2024 examination with 45% of their UG degree marks.

How many sections does CMAT have?

The CMAT Exam Pattern is divided into five sections: quantitative techniques and data interpretation, logical reasoning, language comprehension, general awareness, and innovation and entrepreneurship. The exam will last 180 minutes in total, and there will be 100 questions (total marks are 400).

Do the sections of CMAT appear in a fixed order?

The order of sections in the CMAT question paper is as follows: 

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

Can I switch between sections in CMAT?

There is no segment time limit when taking the CMAT in 2024, and candidates are free to move between sections. Candidates should be aware that each incorrect response will result in a deduction of one mark, and there will be no credit for any questions that are not attempted.

Does CMAT have a sectional time limit?

CMAT is an objective test meant to assess candidates' overall aptitude and knowledge. CMAT has no particular sectional time constraints, so it is up to the test-taker to establish a balance between sections.

How many questions are there in CMAT?

The exam will last 180 minutes in total, and there will be 100 questions (total marks are 400). According to the CMAT Exam Pattern 2024, candidates will receive a +4 for each valid answer and a -1 for each incorrect answer. 

What is the total time duration of CMAT?

The exam will last 180 minutes in total, and there will be 100 questions (total marks are 400). According to the CMAT Exam Pattern 2024, candidates will receive a +4 for each valid answer and a -1 for each incorrect answer. The question paper will be written in English.

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