Top MBA Entrance Exams in India
CMAT 2025 – Key Information
- Register online via NTA CMAT
- ₹2,000 – General (Male)
- ₹1,000 – Female / SC / ST / PwD
- Selection via GD / PI / WAT depending on institute
- Registration Opens: Nov/Dec
- Admit Card: Feb/Mar
- Exam Date: Late Mar / Early Apr
- Results: Apr/May
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) – Complete Guide
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). CMAT scores are accepted by 1,000+ management colleges across India, making it a popular choice for MBA aspirants. Compared to exams like CAT or XAT, CMAT is considered moderately difficult and offers wider admission opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria for CMAT
To appear for the CMAT exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
Final-Year Students: Students in their final year of graduation can also apply, provided they complete their degree before admission
Age Limit: No age restriction for CMAT
Work Experience: Not mandatory, though some institutes may prefer experienced candidates
CMAT Exam Pattern
CMAT is conducted in computer-based (online) mode and consists of five sections. Each section carries 20 questions.
CMAT Sections:
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation – 20 questions
Logical Reasoning – 20 questions
Language Comprehension – 20 questions
General Awareness – 20 questions
Innovation & Entrepreneurship – 20 questions (optional)
Exam Details:
Total Questions: 80 (100 if Innovation & Entrepreneurship is attempted)
Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes)
Marking Scheme:
+4 marks for every correct answer
–1 mark for every wrong answer
No negative marking for unanswered questions
The Innovation & Entrepreneurship section is optional, but some B-Schools give extra weightage to candidates who attempt it.
CMAT Syllabus Overview
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Probability, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Tables, Graphs
Logical Reasoning
Series, Analogies, Puzzles, Directions, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Statements & Conclusions
Language Comprehension
Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Para Jumbles, Sentence Completion, Synonyms & Antonyms
General Awareness
Current Affairs, Business News, Economy, Politics, History, Geography, Sports, International Events
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Startup concepts, business models, funding, innovation, entrepreneurship basics
CMAT Scoring & Percentile
Total Score:
400 marks (without Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
500 marks (with Innovation & Entrepreneurship)
Percentile Calculation: Based on relative performance of all candidates
Cutoff Range:
Top colleges: 85–99 percentile
Other institutes: 70–85 percentile
How to Prepare for CMAT
Recommended Study Strategy:
Use Standard Books:
Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
Verbal Ability & RC for CAT by Arun Sharma
Practice Mock Tests: Helps improve speed and accuracy
Solve Previous Year Papers: Understand exam pattern and difficulty
Focus on General Awareness: Read newspapers and business news daily
Time Management: Practice solving questions within time limits
CMAT Preparation Tips
Strengthen basics in Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning
Practice Data Interpretation sets regularly
Improve reading speed for Language Comprehension
Stay updated with current affairs and business news
Take sectional and full-length mock tests consistently
Final Thoughts
CMAT is a student-friendly MBA entrance exam that offers access to a wide range of management colleges across India. With a balanced preparation strategy, regular practice, and smart time management, scoring well in CMAT is absolutely achievable. A strong CMAT score can be your gateway to a successful MBA journey.