Updated By Intajur Rahaman on 17 Apr, 2024 08:50
Predict your Percentile based on your CMAT performance
Predict NowThe CMAT exam pattern is the structure that will be followed to assess students through the CMAT test. CMAT exam pattern 2024 was released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in the CMAT 2024 notification, which was out on March 29, 2024. 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.
Students appearing for the exam can check the detailed CMAT exam pattern 2024 here to get a clear picture of the question paper.
Check out the highlights of the CMAT exam pattern 2024 here:
Particulars | 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 |
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Total CMAT Exam Duration | 3 Hours or 180 Minutes |
The CMAT Test Pattern 2024 has seen significant changes from time to time and so is the case for the current academic year compared to previous years. Check the main changes:
Latest changes in CMAT Exam Pattern 2024 | |
|---|---|
CMAT 2024 Exam | CMAT 2021 Exam |
All 5 Sections are Mandatory | 4 Sections were Compulsory with one Optional Section |
Two Shifts Are Conducted | Single Shift was Conducted |
CMAT Exam Duration is Reduced & Fixed to 3 Hours | CMAT Exam Duration was of 3 hours or 3½ Hours for Optional Section |
Total Number of Questions is Reduced to 100 | Total Number of Questions was 125 (Option to attempt 100 or 125 questions) |
5th CMAT Section Score is counted for Percentile calculation to prepare the merit list | 5th CMAT section score was not counted for Percentile calculation to prepare the merit list |
There are 20 Questions in Each of the five Sections | There used to be 25 Questions in Each of the five Sections |
The number of CMAT Test cities is increased to 126 | The number of CMAT exam cities was 109 |
The section-wise CMAT paper pattern 2024 can be checked below:
Section | No of Questions | Marks Per Question | Maximum 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 |
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 the CMAT marking scheme:
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.
The total mark for the exam is 400 and the total mark per section is 80.
For every correct answer, 4 marks will be awarded.
1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer.
No marks will be deducted for the unattempted questions.
Enlisted below are steps highlighting how to navigate between sections while answering the questions of CMAT.
Here is a figure depicting the above-mentioned explanation:
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The computer screen of the exam shows the options provided below and candidates can select any one of them to answer the CMAT questions.
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.
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Captured below is a brief analysis of CMAT vs other top MBA entrance exams in India:
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 |
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 |
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 |
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) |
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 |
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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.
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 test 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 paper 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.
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 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 test 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.
The role of administering the CMAT and other admission examinations for higher education institutions was transferred from AICTE to the National Testing Agency (NTA), which was founded by the Government of India as an independent testing organization.
The CMAT 2024 exam pattern is developed by NTA to help management institutions choose qualified recent graduates for admission to all management programs that have been authorized by the AICTE.
It's crucial to remember that all AICTE-approved institutions, university departments, constituent colleges, and affiliated colleges recognize and accept the CMAT result.
Note: AICTE continues to have the ability to approve several PGDM program types at management institutes.
Candidates can also check the CMAT exam pattern for the last 4 academic years to understand the changes that have taken place in terms of CMAT exam pattern. Take a look at the table below:
CMAT 2024 Pattern Vs Previous 4 Years CMAT Exams Pattern | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Exam Details | CMAT 2024, 2023 & 2022 | CMAT 2021 | CMAT 2020 |
CMAT Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) | National Testing Agency (NTA) | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
CMAT Exam Mode | Computer Based | Computer Based | Computer Based |
Changes in the Registration Fees | Rs.2000/- | Rs.2000/- | Rs.1400/- |
Section-wise CMAT Weightage | 5 sections exam with 100 questions | 5 sections exam with 125 questions | 4 sections exam with 100 questions |
Marking Scheme | +4 marks for each right answer | +4 marks for each right answer | +4 marks for each right answer |
Total Marks | 400 | 500 | 400 |
Difficulty Level | Moderate | Moderate to Difficult | Easy |
Want to know more about CMAT
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).
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.
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).
The order of sections in the CMAT question paper is as follows:
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.
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.
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 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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