CMAT Previous Year Question Paper is one of the most valuable resources for aspirants preparing for the CMAT exam. Practising previous year CMAT question papers helps candidates understand the exam pattern, difficulty level, and frequently asked topics. Regularly solving CMAT past papers improves time management, accuracy, and question-selection skills. It also enables better self-assessment, highlights strengths and weaknesses, and enhances overall CMAT 2026 preparation for achieving a high percentile.
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In this article, we have provided CMAT question paper PDF download link, exam pattern, mock test link.
As of now, the agency has not specified any changes in the CMAT paper pattern for 2026 session. However, candidates can get an insight into the expected pattern of the CMAT question paper from the table below.
Section Name | Total 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 |
NTA will release the question paper for CMAT 2026 exam on its official website, exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT. Candidates can download the CMAT paper from the above table to understand the recent changes in the exam pattern, topics from which questions came, the marking scheme, and more to make a plan for CMAT 2026 preparation. Below is the last year CMAT paper pattern, along with good attempts and total marks. The question paper for CMAT 2026 is likely to follow a similar pattern.
CMAT 2026 aspirants can download the CMAT question papers full length from 2018 to 2024 from the table below.
CMAT previous year's question paper PDF free download links | |
CMAT 2024 | |
CMAT 2023 | |
CMAT 2022 | |
CMAT 2021 | |
CMAT 2020 | |
CMAT 2019 | |
CMAT 2018 | |
The CMAT 2026 exam will be held on January 25, 2026 in two shifts. As per trends, the CMAT exam pattern will follow the past year's trends. It is expected to have 100 questions of 400 marks. Questions in the CMAT exam paper 2026 will be asked in 5 sections. The CMAT 2026 question paper PDF download link will be available here after the exam. Candidates will be able to download the CMAT question paper 2026 with solution PDF from the table below.
CMAT exam | CMAT download links |
Last year CMAT analysis | |
Download Last Year CMAT answer key |
Understanding the relationship between the CMAT 2026 score and percentile is crucial for candidates aiming to gauge their performance accurately. Reviewing CMAT question papers helps candidates understand the type and difficulty level of questions, which in turn can affect their scores. Working with CMAT question papers and CMAT question papers PDF allows candidates to practice and improve their chances of achieving a higher score.
Analysing CMAT previous year question papers helps in understanding scoring patterns and percentile trends, which are essential for setting realistic goals and preparing effectively.
CMAT Score Range | CMAT Percentile Range |
345-350 | 100 |
281-340 | 90-99.99 |
201-280 | 81-89 |
171-200 | 71-80 |
141-170 | 61-70 |
Below 116 | 51-60 |
Check out step-by-step guide to downloading CMAT question papers PDFs below.
Step 1: Download CMAT 2026 exam question papers and sample papers.
Step 2: Click on the link above and register first by providing all the necessary details.
Step 3: After registration, login with your Careers360 credentials.
Step 4: One can also use their Google or Facebook account for login purposes and download the CMAT question paper.
Step 5: Now candidates need to visit the CMAT exam question paper store. There, candidates will get the CMAT model question paper.
Step 6: Click on the “Download” button
Attempting CMAT past papers is a proven way to strengthen overall CMAT 2026 preparation and improve exam performance. Practicing previous year CMAT question papers helps aspirants understand the exam structure, build speed and accuracy, recognize important topics, and gain real exam confidence. It also enables better time management and smarter question selection, leading to higher CMAT 2026 scores.
Solving CMAT previous year papers helps aspirants clearly understand the exam pattern, section-wise distribution of questions, marking scheme, and difficulty level. It also reveals recurring question formats and high-weightage topics, allowing candidates to prepare in alignment with actual CMAT exam trends.
Practicing CMAT past papers under timed conditions improves speed and efficiency. Candidates learn how much time to allocate to each section, reduce time spent on difficult questions, and complete the paper comfortably within the exam duration without panic.
Regular analysis of CMAT question papers helps identify strong and weak areas across Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness. This insight allows aspirants to refine their study plan and focus more on low-scoring topics.
Repeated exposure to CMAT-level questions improves problem-solving accuracy and decision-making skills. Aspirants learn to avoid unnecessary guesswork, reduce negative marking, and attempt only well-understood questions, resulting in a better overall score.
Attempting CMAT past papers simulates the real exam experience and reduces exam-day anxiety. This practice builds confidence, improves mental readiness, and ensures aspirants feel comfortable and in control while attempting the actual CMAT examination.
Careers360 has devised its own CMAT sample papers 2026 to help candidates prepare for the exam. These are specifically designed to enhance the score of a candidate. By practising with CMAT sample questions, candidates can get an idea about the CMAT exam pattern.
CMAT Sample Paper | Download Link |
CMAT Sample Paper 1 | |
CMAT Sample Paper 2 |
NTA will also release the CMAT mock test PDF will contain CMAT model questions that will be based on the actual latest CMAT exam pattern 2026. The mock test of CMAT will be available at cmat.nta.nic.in. They provide in-depth sectional analysis to help candidates recognise their weak and strong areas and work on them. There is no individual time limit for any section. Candidates can move from one section to another within the overall time limit in the CMAT.
Title | Download Link |
CMAT 2026: 10 Free Mock Tests PDF with Detailed Solution |
Familiarity with Exam Pattern: Working with CMAT question papers helps candidates get accustomed to the latest exam pattern, including the types of questions and their formats. This familiarity can ease exam-day anxiety and improve performance.
Practice and Preparation: Solving CMAT question papers allows candidates to practice a wide range of questions. This practice helps in refining their time management skills and enhances their ability to handle different types of questions effectively.
Understanding Difficulty Level: Reviewing CMAT previous year question papers provides insights into the difficulty level of past exams. This understanding helps candidates gauge the level of challenge they might face and adjust their preparation strategy accordingly.
Identifying Important Topics: Analysing previous papers aids in identifying recurring topics and question trends. This targeted approach allows candidates to focus their study efforts on areas that are more likely to appear in the exam, improving their overall preparation.
Along with CMAT previous year papers, candidates can pick up the following books for CMAT 2026 preparation. They must pick the latest versions of these books. Candidates can also get hold of CMAT study material of renowned CMAT coaching institutes. CMAT syllabus should be referred to for knowing CMAT important topics and preparation plan should be made accordingly.
Recommended books for CMAT | Author name |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Arun Sharma |
Quantitative Aptitude for the CMAT and Other MBA Entrance Examinations | Jaimin Shah |
Quantitative Aptitude Quantum CAT Common Admission Tests for Admission into IIMs | Sarvesh K Verma |
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT | Arun Sharma |
CMAT Books | Author name |
General Knowledge | Manohar Pandey |
General Knowledge | Disha Experts |
India Year Book | |
Manorama Year Book |
CMAT Best Books | Author name |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT | Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay |
The Pearson Guide to Verbal Ability | Sujit Kumar |
Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension | Ajay Singh |
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT | Nishit K. Sinha |
Book Name | Author Name |
How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for CAT | Arun Sharma |
A Modern Approach To Logical Reasoning | R. S. Aggarwal |
Analytical Reasoning | M K Pandey |
The Hand On Guide To Analytical Reasoning And Logical Reasoning | Peeyush Bharadwaj |
CMAT 2026 eBooks for exam preparation are a smart and structured way to build strong concepts and improve problem-solving skills. These eBooks cover the latest CMAT syllabus, updated exam pattern, and topic-wise practice questions with detailed solutions. Designed for self-paced learning, they help aspirants revise efficiently, strengthen weak areas, and boost overall CMAT performance.
TITLE | DOWNLOAD LINK |
CMAT 2026: Mastering All Sections with 1000+ Expertly Crafted Questions and Detailed Answers | |
CMAT 2026 General Awareness Questions with Answers | |
CMAT 2024 Language Comprehension Questions with Solutions |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Solving CMAT previous year question papers helps you understand the actual exam pattern, question difficulty, and topic weightage. It improves time management, accuracy, and exam temperament while highlighting important and frequently asked areas in CMAT.
Ideally, candidates should practice at least the last 5–7 years of CMAT question papers. This range is sufficient to identify recent trends, repetitive question types, and changes in the CMAT exam pattern.
CMAT past papers are extremely important but should be used along with concept learning and mock tests. While they help in revision and self-evaluation, strengthening fundamentals through study material ensures better performance.
Both approaches are useful. Initially, solving them topic-wise helps build understanding. Closer to the exam, attempting CMAT previous year papers as full-length timed mocks improves speed, accuracy, and exam readiness.
Yes, NTA provides a free CMAT mock test on its official website.
The CMAT exam is generally considered to be of easy to moderate difficulty. It tests a range of skills including quantitative ability, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness. While the questions may not be extremely tough, they do require a good understanding of basic concepts and effective time management. With proper preparation and practice, many candidates find it manageable.
CMAT 2025 will be held in computer-based mode in May 2025.
CMAT is a multiple-choice-based exam with an objective format (MCQs). The CMAT question paper is divided into four mandatory parts called Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness.
In order to prepare for CMAT 2026, candidates must have the books as per the topics. Apart from that, solving the previous year's question paper will also assist significantly.
It can be considered to be of moderate difficulty.
On Question asked by student community
Hello aspirant,
The CMAT 2026 exam is set for January 25, 2026, and registration began in October 2025. In two sessions, the computer-based CMAT 2026 will be administered in more than 120 Indian cities. The CMAT syllabus and exam format have not changed for 2026.
For more information you can
Yes, DSM DTU (Delhi Technological University, Department of Management Studies) does accept CMAT score for admission to its MBA programme. Many management institutes in India use CMAT as one of the valid entrance exams along with CAT, MAT, or GMAT, and DTU’s management department is among those that consider CMAT
Hello
You have scored 92 percentile in CMAT, which is a good score, and you have a higher chance of getting admission into a good college. But, if you're targeting only SVNIT Surat, then it's quite tough because SVNIT usually looks for a higher score for the PG course, like
Hello,
The link to the website of careers360, where the preferred colleges and percentiles are mentioned, is attached herewith. You can also get the details of colleges.
https://bschool.careers360.com/articles/mba-colleges-accepting-80-90-percentile-in-cmat-exam
Thank you.
Hello
With an 80 percentile in CMAT, you can get admission in decent Tier-2 MBA colleges.
Good options include Jaipuria Institute, IMT Nagpur/Hyderabad, SDMIMD Mysore, and XIME.
Top IIMs are not possible, but these colleges offer reasonable placements and exposure.
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