CMAT Paper Pattern 2025 (Released) - Marking Scheme, Exam Format, Exam Time, Negative Marking

CMAT Paper Pattern 2025 (Released) - Marking Scheme, Exam Format, Exam Time, Negative Marking

Edited By Himanshu Shekhar | Updated on Jan 25, 2025 01:22 PM IST | #CMAT

CMAT exam pattern 2025 has been released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on its official website along with the official CMAT 2025 notification. As per the CMAT exam pattern, the question paper for CMAT 2025 will have 5 sections with 100 questions in MCQ format. Each section of the CMAT question paper will have 20 questions. The duration of the CMAT 2025 exam is 3 hours. Reach this article by Careers360 to know all the latest CMAT exam pattern changes and syllabus mentioned on this page. Also, know more about the CMAT exam date 2025, CMAT marking scheme, sectional time limit, CMAT format, etc.

This Story also Contains
  1. CMAT Exam Pattern 2025
  2. CMAT Paper Pattern - Changes over the years
  3. CMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-wise Questions & Marks
  4. CMAT Marking Scheme 2025
  5. CMAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Points to consider
  6. CMAT Previous Year Paper Analysis
  7. How to Prepare for CMAT 2025? Tips and Strategy
  8. CMAT Mock Test/ Sample Paper
CMAT Paper Pattern 2025 (Released) - Marking Scheme, Exam Format, Exam Time, Negative Marking
CMAT Paper Pattern 2025 (Released) - Marking Scheme, Exam Format, Exam Time, Negative Marking

CMAT Exam Pattern 2025

The CMAT exam is conducted on January 25, 2025, in two shifts. The questions will be asked about the following subjects:

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

CMAT Paper Pattern - Changes over the years

Take a look at the changes made in the CMAT exam pattern and syllabus over the years.

  • The CMAT paper pattern has been revised twice by NTA in the last two years.
  • In 2021, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship section was added as an optional paper and allotted an additional 30 minutes. Meanwhile, this section has been made mandatory by 2022.
  • The NTA reduced the number of questions in each section from 25 to 20. However, the CMAT total questions is 100, which is divided into five sections (each question will carry four marks).
  • According to the CMAT paper pattern, the CMAT 2025 exam will have five sections with no choice.
  • CMAT exam time duration has been reduced to three hours.
  • There is no additional time limit for the Innovation and Entrepreneurship section.
  • The Innovation and Entrepreneurship section score is counted for percentile calculation to prepare the merit list.
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CMAT Exam Paper Pattern 2025: Overview

CMAT is a popular entrance test among MBA aspirants, as the score is accepted by more than 1,300 B-schools in India. An overview of CMAT exam pattern 2025 pdf and test structure is given below:

CMAT Exam Structure

CMAT Exam Details

Number of sections in CMAT

5 sections

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

Mode of CMAT exam

CBT mode

CMAT exam duration

180 minutes (3 hours)

CMAT exam timings
  • Shift I: 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon
  • Shift II: 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M

CMAT total questions

100 questions

CMAT total marks

400 marks

Number of answer choices

5

CMAT Marking scheme

  • +4 marks for every correct answer
  • -1 mark for every incorrect answer

Language of CMAT paper

English

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CMAT Exam Pattern 2025: Section-wise Questions & Marks

As per the CMAT 2025 paper pattern, the exam will have a total of 100 questions and the total time allotted will be 180 minutes. Check below the sectional weightage of the CMAT 2025 question paper:

CMAT 2025 Section-Wise Break-Up

CMAT Sections

Number of Questions

Marks Allotted to the Sections

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

80

Logical Reasoning

20

80

Language Comprehension

20

80

General Awareness

20

80

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

20

80

CMAT Total Questions
100400

CMAT exam pattern breakup

CMAT Marking Scheme 2025

In CMAT 2025, four marks will be awarded for each correct answer and one mark will be deducted for each wrong answer. Marks will not be deducted if a question is left unanswered. Refer to the table below to understand the CMAT marking scheme:

Status of answer

Marks

Right answer

+4

Wrong answer

-1

Blank question

No deduction

Know all about the CMAT Syllabus here

CMAT Marking Scheme: Key Points

  • Candidates will have to use the computer mouse to answer the question
  • Solving around 75 to 80 questions will considered as good attempt
  • CMAT is CBT-based entrance exam, and candidates are not required to carry any stationary item inside the exam hall (apart from a ball point pen)
  • A rough work sheet will be provided inside the CMAT exam centre.
  • Before leaving the CMAT exam hall, candidates will have to hand over the roughsheet to the invigilator.
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CMAT 2025 Exam Pattern: Points to consider

  • At the time of taking CMAT 2025, candidates can switch from one section to another, and there is no sectional time limit.
  • Candidates must note that CMAT negative marking of one mark for each incorrect response and for every unattempted question no mark will be given.
  • No stationary item will be allowed inside the CMAT examination hall except a pen or pencil.
  • CMAT is a Computer-based test, students will be provided a rough sheet for extra work.
  • No bio breaks will be allowed at the time of the CMAT entrance exam.

CMAT Previous Year Paper Analysis

The CMAT 2024 exam was held in two slots. According to last year's CMAT paper analysis, the question paper ranged from easy to moderate difficulty. The Language Comprehension section had a Reading Comprehension section with four questions, the Verbal sub-section had 16 questions on Vocabulary, and the Reasoning section had Grammar. There were 15 non-verbal reasoning and 5 verbal reasoning questions.

In the Quantitative Techniques section, there were 5 data interpretation questions and 15 quantitative technique questions on tables and pie charts. Check below last year's section-wise difficulty level of CMAT:

CMAT section

Number of questions

Difficulty Level

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

Moderate to High

Logical Reasoning

20

Easy to Moderate

Language Comprehension

20

Easy to Moderate

General Awareness

20

Easy

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

20

Moderate

How to Prepare for CMAT 2025? Tips and Strategy

For CMAT 2025 exam preparation, candidates should develop a practical and actionable strategy. Since CMAT is an exam of moderate difficulty level, it is better to start exam preparation.

However, if you haven't studied math after class 10, you should prepare for CMAT earlier. If your English comprehension is weak, you should start preparation for CMAT Language Comprehension earlier. To prepare well for the exam, read the CMAT preparation articles and take the CMAT mock test below:

CMAT Mock Test/ Sample Paper

At the time of CMAT preparation, candidates should include the sample paper or CMAT mock test so that they can get familiar with the CMAT paper pattern, the CMAT question paper, and the duration of the CMAT exam. By solving the CMAT sample paper, candidates can gain accuracy and speed in all the CMAT sections. Apart from that, they can also get to know their strong and weak areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will NTA release the official syllabus of CMAT 2025?

No, the NTA will not specify any syllabus pertaining to CMAT 2025.

2. Will there be any negative marking for unattempted questions?

There will be no marking for any unattempted questions.

3. What is the CMAT exam time duration?

Candidates will get a total of 180 minutes to solve the entire CMAT question paper.

4. How many exam centres for the CMAT 2025 Exam?

There will be a total of 107 exam centres to be allotted for the CMAT 2025 entrance exam.

5. Will NTA release a mock test for the CMAT exam?

Yes, the National Testing Agency (NTA) will release an official mock test for the exam on the basis of the CMAT exam pattern 2025 on the official website.

6. Is there a negative marking in CMAT?

Yes, there will be a negative marking scheme applicable for CMAT 2025 exam, for each correct answer candidates will be awarded 4 marks. For wrong answers, 1 mark will get deducted.

7. Can I use a calculator for the CMAT exam? Which is easy CAT or CMAT?

No, calculators are not allowed in the CMAT exam hall. Candidates will have to use an on-screen calculator. CMAT is comparatively easier than the CAT exam as suggested by experts of management entrance exams. Check out the CMAT Exam Day Guidelines here.

8. What is the syllabus for the CMAT 2025 exam?

CMAT syllabus for the MBA is divided into five parts: Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Language Comprehension.

9. What is the duration of the CMAT 2025 exam?

The total time duration for the CMAT 2025 exam is 180 minutes.

10. Will there be any subjective questions in the CMAT exam?

No, there will be no subjective questions in the CMAT exam. The CMAT question paper will carry only MCQs.

11. Is the a sectional time limit in the CMAT exam? Is CMAT a negative mark?

No, there will be no sectional time limit in the CMAT 2025 exam. CMAT has a negative marking scheme.

12. What is the paper pattern of CMAT? CMAT is of how many marks?

The CMAT exam pattern 2025 is as follows: 

Section name

Number of questions

Marks

Quantitative techniques and data interpretation

20

80

Logical reasoning

20

80

General awareness

20

80

Language comprehension

20

80

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

20

80

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Questions related to CMAT

Have a question related to CMAT ?

In Ahmedabad, several colleges offer MCA programs without requiring the CMAT exam. Here are some options:

1. Gujarat University – Admissions are based on the Gujarat Common Entrance Test (GUJCET) and the ACPC process, not CMAT.

2. L D College of Engineering – This government college also accepts GUJCET scores and follows the ACPC admission process.

3. Indus University – Offers merit-based admissions, considering academic performance rather than entrance exams.

4. Silver Oak College of Computer Application – Provides admissions based on academic records without needing CMAT scores.

You can check the eligibility criteria and admission process on the official websites of these colleges or visit their admission offices for detailed information.

Hi Riya Dwivedi ! Congrats on your admission.

There is no direct guarntee on fee concession for EWS category at NIT allahabad, if your family income is below a certain limit(currently 4.5lakhs) you can remission your tuition fee through the Merit-Cum-Means-cum-Distance (MCM-D) scholarship.

Hello Ankit,

Admission to the International Institute of Professional Studies (IIPS) in Indore is competitive, with CMAT cutoffs varying annually based on several factors. Here's an overview:

CMAT Cutoff Trends:

  • For general category candidates, the CMAT cutoff typically ranges between the 90th percentile and above.


  • Specific cutoff data for OBC candidates is not explicitly available. However, OBC candidates often benefit from relaxed cutoffs compared to the general category.

Your CMAT Score:

  • With an 83rd percentile in CMAT and belonging to the OBC category, your chances of securing admission to IIPS Indore are moderate.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, then feel free to share your questions with us, we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.

Hello

Admission to the International Institute of Professional Studies (IIPS) in Indore is primarily based on the Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya Common Entrance Test ( DAVV CET ). CMAT scores are generally not considered for admission to IIPS Indore.

Admission Process :

1. Eligibility : Candidates must meet the specific eligibility criteria for their desired course.

2. Entrance Exam : Applicants are required to appear for the DAVV CET, conducted by Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya.

3. Selection: Admission is granted based on merit, determined by DAVV CET scores and other relevant academic qualifications.

Recommendations:

Prepare for DAVV CET : Focus on the subjects relevant to your intended course to perform well in the entrance test.

Stay Updated: Regularly check the official IIPS Indore website or contact the admissions office for updates on application deadlines and procedures.

Understand Reservation Policies: Familiarize yourself with the reservation criteria and ensure you have the necessary documentation if applying under a reserved category.

By aligning your preparation with the DAVV CET and staying informed about the admission process , you can enhance your chances of securing admission to IIPS Indore.

Hello,

For the 2025 admissions, NIBM Pune's CMAT cutoff for the NC-OBC category is expected to be around the 88th percentile. Your 80th percentile score is below this threshold, making admission less likely.

However, factors like academic records, work experience, and interview performance also play a role in the final decision. You should to apply to multiple institutions to increase your chances.

Hope it helps !

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