CMAT 2026 Most Scoring Topics: Top Sections, Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

CMAT Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The Common Management Entrance Test or the popularly abbreviated CMAT exam is administrated by the National Testing Agency. The CMAT exam is conducted once a year. The CMAT marking scheme and the CMAT exam pattern are given below for the reference of the candidates.

Topic-Wise Most Scoring Topics for CMAT

Identifying the CMAT scoring topics is necessary for the candidates as it can be beneficial for them in a lot of ways. It helps them to make the most out of the available CMAT preparation time, shortlist the important topics spend more time on those topics and ultimately score better with smart CMAT preparation strategies by learning the CMAT scoring topics. Listed below are the section-wise CMAT scoring topics. They are identified by closely scrutinising the previous year’s CMAT papers, matching the CMAT exam trends and considering the overall difficulty. The candidates are strongly advised to prioritise these topics so that they may be able to answer the maximum number of questions asked under each CMAT topic.

CMAT Most Scoring Topics: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

In the CMAT 2026 exam, 20 questions will be asked from the Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation. This section is expected to be of moderate difficulty and especially time-consuming. Hence, understanding the various CMAT scoring topics under the quantitative aptitude sections can be really beneficial. The topics from which the candidates can expect the largest number of questions from the Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation in the CMAT examination are given below:

Number Systems

The number systems section is observed to be one of the favourite topics of the examiners under the Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation section of the CMAT examination. The questions on the unit digit, roots (squares and cube roots), perfect squares and cubes, fractions and so on are asked. Some of the previous year’s CMAT questions asked from the number systems topic are given below:

1. If the digit in the unit’s place of a two-digit number is halved and the digit in ten’s place is doubled, the number thus obtained is equal to the number obtained by interchanging the digits. Which of the following is definitely true?

1. The sum of the digits is a two-digit number.

2. The digit in the unit’s place is half of the digit in the ten’s place.

3. Digit in the unit’s place and the ten’s place are equal.

4. The digit in the unit’s place is twice the digit in the ten’s place.

2. Arrange the following in increasing order:

(A) 4√3
(B) 3√2
(C) 6√5
(D) 6√7

Choose the correct answer from the options given below: Digit

1. A < D < B < C

2. B < C < A < D

3. A < C < B < D

4. B < A < C < D

3. Match List-I with List-II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A) - (I), (B) - (IV), (C) - (III), (D) - (II)

2. (A) - (III), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (II)

3. (A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (III), (D) - (IV)

4. (A) - (II), (B) - (I), (C) - (IV), (D) - (III)

4. If abc > 0, such that a, b, and c are integers, then which of the following must be true?

1. a / b < 0

2. ab / c > 0

3. bc < 0

4. a > bc

For more practice, the candidates can refer to the articles below, written solely on Number Systems by the experts of Careers360.

Percentage

The CMAT quantitative aptitude topic percentage is also a popular CMAT Scoring Topic that all the CMAT aspirants must master. Apart from the standalone questions from this topic, the applications of percentage will be asked under the concepts of data interpretation, time, speed distance, profit and loss and ratios. Hence, having a good understanding on the topic of percentage can be really helpful for the candidates in their CMAT 2026 exam.

Some of the CMAT previous year’s questions on percentage is given below:

1. Arrange the following in increasing order:

(A) 16 2/3 %
(B) 2/15
(C) 0.17
(D) 0.25 % of 64

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. B < D < A < C

2. A < D < B < C

3. C < D < B < A

4. A < C < D < B

2. A certain amount of money at compound interest grows to ₹66,550 in 3 years and ₹73,205 in 4 years. The rate per cent per annum is:

1. 10%

2. 9%

3. 5%

4. 11%

To gain a deeper understanding of the concept of percentage for the CMAT 2026 preparation, the candidates are requested to study the following articles written by Careers360 experts.

Compound Interest and Simple Interest

A question on both simple and compound interest can be expected in the CMAT 2026 examination. It is projected that the candidates may be asked 2 questions from the topics, which might require them to find the principal, time for repayment or rate of interest and so on.

The CMAT 2024 shift 1 question paper included these questions from Simple and compound interest.

1. Ramesh invests ₹1,200 at 5% simple interest. How much additional money must he invest at 8% simple interest so that his total annual income will be equal to 6% of his total investment during this year?

1. ₹500

2. ₹600

3. ₹1,200

4. ₹1,500

2. Here is the transcription of the question in plain text:

A certain amount of money at compound interest grows to ₹66,550 in 3 years and ₹73,205 in 4 years. The rate per cent per annum is:

1. 10%

2. 9%

3. 5%

4. 11%

To practice more questions and understand how to answer these questions, the candidates can refer to the following study pages of Careers360 related to CI and SI.

The other topics from which the candidates can expect 1-2 questions are Mensuration, Time and Work, Probability, Profit and Loss, Quadratic Equations, Permutation and Combinations, Ratio and Proportions and Time, Speed and Distance.

CMAT Most Scoring Topics: Logical Reasoning

The Logical Reasoning section is considered one of the highest-scoring sections of the CMAT 2026 examination. While the candidates are expected to score better in this section, understanding the CMAT scoring topics related to the logical reasoning section can be an added advantage to the candidates. Now, based on the previous year’s analysis, the following are the CMAT logical reasoning topics from which the largest number of questions are asked.

Distance and Direction

The Distance and Direction topic requires the candidates to find out the distance, direction or both using the conditions and circumstances given in the question. Questions from easy to moderate level difficulty are asked from this section and can be solved easily with practice. Some of the CMAT sample paper questions asked from this section are given below:

1. Miss 'Lilly' started her journey from her house and went 2 km straight. Then, she turns towards her right and goes 1 km. She again turns towards her right and goes 1 km again. If finally she is in the north-west direction from her house, then in which direction did she go in the beginning?

1. North

2. South

3. East

4. West

2. Mr. X starts walking from his house towards the west. After walking a distance of 30 metres, he turned towards right and walked 20 metres. He then turned left and moved a distance of 10 metres, turned to his left again and walked 40 metres. He now turns to the left and walks 5 metres. Finally, he turns to his left. In which direction is he walking now?

1. North

2. South

3. South-East

4. East

For better conceptual clarity and practice on the topic of Distance and Direction, the candidates can read the article below:

Analogy and Odd One-Out

In the analogy section, the candidates are asked to identify the relationships between the given items in the question and find the next item, pair of items or the odd one out. In the CMAT 2026, going as per the previous year’s trends, the candidates can expect 2-4 questions on these topics.

Some of the previous year's CMAT questions on analogy and odd one out are given below:

1. Choose the correct word from the given alternatives which bears the same relationship to the third word as the first two.

Vigilant: Alert:: Viable: ?

1. Active

2. Hopeless

3. Feasible

4. Useful

2. Bald is related to Blond in the same way as Barren is related to?

1. Vegetation

2. Farm

3. Fertile

4. Inhabited

3. Find the odd one out among the following:

1. Bajra

2. Barley

3. Mustard

4. Rice

For learning in-depth about the various CMAT important logical reasoning topics, the candidates can refer to these topic pages designed by Careers360.

Coding and Decoding

In the coding and decoding type of questions, the candidate is given a set of words and their coded form. They are asked to find the coded form or vice versa of a different word.

A few example questions on the topic of coding and decoding based on the CMAT's previous year’s questions are given below:

1. If 'blue means green', 'green means white', 'white means yellow', 'yellow means black', 'black means red' and 'red means brown', then what is the colour of milk?

1. Black

2. Brown

3. Yellow

4. Green

2. In a certain code language, if HAND is written as SZMW, then what will be the code of MILK?

1. ORNP

2. PNRO

3. NROP

4. RNOP

For a detailed understanding of the coding and decoding concept, the candidates can refer to the article given below:

Critical Reasoning

The critical reasoning section is one of the highest-scoring topics of the CMAT examination. The questions on statement and conclusion, statement and assertion and statement and reasoning, etc., are asked under this section. These topics involve analysing and evaluating reasoning patterns, understanding the logical connections between statements, and identifying underlying assumptions, valid conclusions, or persuasive arguments. Some of the examples are given below:

1. Consider the statement given below and the following assumptions and decide which of the assumptions is/are implicit in the statement.

Statement:
You know that your shirt is excellent when people ask about the tailor who tailored the shirt.

Assumptions:
I. People do not ask about your tailor if your shirt is not good.
II. People want to know the criteria for an excellent shirt.

1. Only Assumption I is implicit

2. Only Assumption II is implicit

3. Neither Assumption I nor II is implicit

4. Both Assumptions I and II are implicit

2. Consider the statement given below, followed by two conclusions. Decide which of the conclusions follows from the information given in the statement.

Statement:
Domestic demand has been increasing faster than the production of indigenous crude oil.

Conclusions:
I. Crude oil must be imported.
II. Domestic demand should be reduced.

1. Only Conclusion I follows

2. Only Conclusion II follows

3. Either Conclusion I or II follows

4. Neither Conclusion I nor II follows

3. The following question consists of a statement and arguments I and II. Choose the best option:

Statement:
Should there be a compulsory medical examination of both the man and the woman before they marry each other?

Argument I:
No, this is an intrusion on the privacy of an individual and hence cannot be tolerated.

Argument II:
Yes, this will substantially reduce the risk of giving birth to children with serious ailments.

1. Only Argument I is strong

2. Only Argument II is strong

3. Neither Argument I nor Argument II is strong

4. Both Argument I and Argument II are strong

The critical reasoning section can be tricky due to the varying complexity of the questions asked in it. The candidates can refer to the expertly crafted articles written below to enhance their understanding of the CMAT high-scoring topic, critical reasoning.

After learning these topics, the candidate should move on to topics such as Syllogism, Rank and Ordering, Clock, Missing Numbers, Figure (Counting), Dice and Puzzles because a question can be expected from each of these topics as per the CMAT question paper analysis.

CMAT Most Scoring Topics: Language Comprehension

20 questions asked from the Language Comprehension section of the CMAT 2026 exam can be easily secured with a focused CMAT 2026 Language Comprehension preparation. This section can be a bit challenging for candidates with low language skills but with practice over time, they can perform well in this section. The CMAT Scoring Topics under the Language Comprehension are listed below:

Reading Comprehension

The Reading Comprehension section is an inevitable part of any English Language section of a management entrance examination. The difficulty level of the RC section depends on a variety of factors such as the length of the RC passages, the difficulty of questions asked and so on.Given below are a few sample questions from the CMAT English Language section’s Reading Comprehension part. The candidates can expect a minimum of 3 questions from this topic and hence they must be well prepared.

Read the following passage and answer the next three questions:

To what extent reasoning can (I) ____ a reliable basis for a theory of justice is, of course, itself an issue that has been subject to controversy. (II) ____ first chapter of this book is (III) ____ with the role and reach of reasoning. I argue against the plausibility of seeing emotions or psychology or instincts as independent sources of valuation, without reasoned appraisal. Impulses and mental attitudes remain important, however, since we have good reasons to take note of them in our assessment of justice and injustice in the world. There is no irreducible conflict here, I argue, between reason and emotion, and there are very good reasons for making room for the relevance of emotions.

In the above passage, there are blanks, each of which has been numbered. Find out the appropriate option in each case to replace the given numbers.

1. Pick the appropriate replacement for (I):

1. provide

2. provides

3. provided

4. be provided

2. Pick the appropriate replacement for (II):

1. a

2. an

3. the

4. None of the above

3. Pick the appropriate replacement for (III):

1. concern

2. concerns

3. concerned

4. concerning

Parajumbles

Parajumbles is also another important topic that the students must practice before attempting the CMAT 2026 exam.CMAT Scoring Topics According to the CMAT examination trends, the Parajumbles section is a CMAT Scoring Topic which the candidate should master. In the CMAT 2026 exam as well, the candidates can expect questions worth 8-12 marks from this topic alone.

Some of the CMAT sample questions taken from the CMAT previous year's question papers from the parajumbles section are listed below:

1. Rearrange the following components to get a meaningful sentence.

(A) balanced economic growth
(B) had to plan for
(C) the Indian Government
(D) and development of a huge country

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A), (B), (C), (D)

2. (A), (D), (B), (C)

3. (C), (A), (B), (D)

4. (C), (B), (A), (D)

2. Rearrange the following sentences to get a meaningful paragraph:

(A) All Indian water bodies within and near population centres are now grossly polluted with organic and hazardous pollutants.
(B) India is facing a water situation that is significantly worse than any that previous generations had faced.
(C) That’s why interstate disputes over river waters are becoming intense and widespread.
(D) Not a single Indian city can provide clean water that can be consumed from a tap on a 24 × 7 basis.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (C), (A), (D), (B)

2. (C), (B), (A), (D)

3. (C), (D), (A), (B)

4. (B), (A), (D), (C)

Synonyms and Antonyms (Vocabulary)

Synonym and Antonyms is another topic of high weightage in the CMAT examination. This section involves both standalone questions which can be the meaning of a word, idioms and phrases, opposite of a word and group of words with similar meaning etc as well as can be asked as a part of a Reading Comprehension questions as well. It is guaranteed that the candidates will be asked 3-5 questions on this topic and hence proper practice is required.

In the 2024 CMAT examination, the following questions were asked under the synonyms and antonyms topic of the Language Comprehension section.

1. Pick the word opposite in meaning to the word "OBLIGATORY":

1. Compulsory

2. Exclusionary

3. Voluntary

4. Exemplary

2. "Speech without any preparation" is known as _____________.

1. Ready-made

2. Natural

3. Present minded

4. Extempore

3. Which of the following are synonyms of the word "CAJOLE"?

(A) Coax
(B) Entice
(C) Bully
(D) Disenchant

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A) and (B) only

2. (A) and (C) only

3. (B) and (C) only

4. (C) and (D) only

Apart from the above-mentioned questions that carry the maximum weightage, the candidates should also practice topics such as Sentence Structures, Odd One Out, Verb, One-word Substitutions and Passive Voice.

CMAT Most Scoring Topics: General Awareness

The syllabus of the General Awareness section of the CMAT examination is broad and hence requires a lot of time for preparation. Due to this, the candidates face a lot of difficulties while answering this section of the CMAT exam. As far as the general awareness section of the CMAT exam is concerned, knowing the various important topics of the CMAT exam is helpful for reducing the preparation time for the CMAT exam. During the preparation, the candidates should give emphasis on current affairs because it is guaranteed that questions will be asked from this section of the CMAT exam.

Sports

Questions from the topic Sports include: sports personalities, terms associated with sports, national sports of countries, awards and honours in sports, major tournaments and events, sports equipment and venues, historical milestones in sports, sports organizations and governing bodies, team and individual records, fitness and training in sports. Some of the sample questions from the previous year's papers on sports include:

1. The famous football player Lionel Messi belongs to which country?

1. Jamaica

2. Portugal

3. Argentina

4. Spain

2. The 20th Asian Games – 2026 is scheduled to be held in which country?

1. China

2. Japan

3. India

4. Thailand

Indian History

Questions from the topic Indian History include ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization, prominent dynasties such as the Maurya and Gupta empires, famous historical figures like Ashoka and Akbar, significant events like the Revolt of 1857, cultural developments, and the freedom struggle leading to India's independence. Some exemplar questions are given below:

1. Which of the following statements is NOT correct?

1. Chittaranjan Das was not a member of Swaraj Party.

2. N. C. Kelkar was among the founding members of Swaraj Party.

3. The foundation of Swaraj Party was laid on January 1, 1923.

4. In the election held in 1923, the Swaraj Party captured 45 out of 145 seats.

2. Match List-I with List-II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A) - (I), (B) - (IV), (C) - (III), (D) - (II)

2. (A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (III), (D) - (II)

3. (A) - (IV), (B) - (II), (C) - (III), (D) - (I)

4. (A) - (IV), (B) - (I), (C) - (III), (D) - (II)

Important Dates

Questions from the topic Important Dates include national and international observance days, significant historical events, independence days of countries, landmark treaties and agreements, dates of major revolutions, and anniversaries of renowned personalities or achievements. In the previous year a lot of questions were asked about this topic and a few of them are listed below:

1. Arrange the following important National Days of India in chronological sequence:

(A) National Science Day
(B) National Teacher’s Day
(C) National Youth Day
(D) National Hindi Day
(E) National Children’s Day

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A), (C), (B), (E), (D)

2. (B), (A), (D), (C), (E)

3. (C), (A), (B), (D), (E)

4. (C), (B), (A), (E), (D)

2. We celebrate National Constitution Day on:

1. 26th December

2. 9th December

3. 15th August

4. 26th November

Famous Personalities

Questions from the topic Famous Persons include renowned leaders in politics, legendary sportspersons, celebrated authors and poets, famous scientists and inventors, iconic artists and musicians, and globally recognized social reformers and activists. In all the CMAT question papers, 2-3 questions are generally asked from this topic alone. Some of the example questions are given below:

1. Who is known as "The Father of Green Revolution in the world"?

1. M.S. Swaminathan

2. Dr. Verghese Kurien

3. Norman E. Borlaug

4. P.C. Mahalanobis

2. The first foreigner honoured with the Bharat Ratna Award was:

1. Muhammad Ali Jinnah

2. Benazir Bhutto

3. Sirimavo Bandaranaike

4. Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

As soon as the candidates complete the above CMAT scoring topics in the General Awareness section, they must also go through topics such as the Indian Constitution, Indian Art and Culture, Books and Authors, Indian Politics and Awards and Honors because one question may be asked from each topic.

CMAT Most Scoring Topics: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In the CMAT 2026 exam, the following topics of the CMAT Innovation and Entrepreneurship are considered to be crucial.

Some of the sample questions asked from this section include:

1. The entrepreneur:

1. is an aggressive catalyst for change in the world of business.

2. is an independent thinker who dares to be different amid a background of common events.

3. is a mere creator of business.

4. Both (1) and (2)

2. A corporate manager who starts a new initiative for their company/organisation which entails setting up a new distinct business unit can be regarded as:

1. Ecopreneur

2. Technopreneur

3. Intrapreneur

4. Businessman/Businesswoman

3. Which type of entrepreneur works primarily with multiple businesses simultaneously?

1. Novice entrepreneur

2. Portfolio entrepreneur

3. Drone entrepreneur

4. Intrapreneur

4. Benchmarking in entrepreneurship is used for:

1. Comparing performance with industry leaders

2. Identifying internal inefficiencies

3. Setting competitive goals

4. All of the above

5. The BRIC countries are significant for entrepreneurship due to:

1. Large consumer bases

2. High GDP growth rates

3. Emerging market potential

4. All of the above

How to Prioritise Most Scoring Topics of CMAT 2026

Prioritising high-yield topics in CMAT 2026 requires analysing previous question weightage, accuracy–time trade-offs, and concept density. Focus on areas with repetitive models, low learning curves, and predictable difficulty. A data-driven study plan maximises score gains per hour while reducing negative marking risk.

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QTDI)

Focus on Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, profit–loss), basic Algebra, and modern math like averages with applications. These topics dominate QTDI and require formula clarity, not heavy computation. Practise DI sets with tables and bar graphs, emphasising approximation skills. Aim for high accuracy under two minutes per question to optimise sectional returns.

Logical Reasoning (LR)

Prioritise arrangements, series, coding–decoding, and syllogisms, as CMAT repeats similar frameworks yearly. Master diagrammatic representation to cut solution time. Avoid puzzle-heavy questions early if they appear computation-intensive. LR rewards pattern recognition over theory, making it a fast-scoring section once standard templates and elimination techniques are internalised.

Language Comprehension

Focus on vocabulary-in-context, parajumbles, and grammar error detection. CMAT language questions are application-based rather than rule-heavy. Build strength in contextual reading instead of memorising obscure rules. Practising short passages improves both speed and accuracy. This section offers stable scoring opportunities with relatively low preparation time compared to quantitative areas.

General Awareness (GA)

Prioritise static GK (economics basics, business terminology, awards, geography) over daily current affairs. CMAT favors conceptual awareness, not news recall. Prepare business and economic indicators, government schemes, and recent appointments of national importance. GA is memory-driven, structured notes and spaced revision can convert this section into a high ROI scorer.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Study fundamentals like startup lifecycle, business models, intellectual property basics, and innovation types. Questions are theory-oriented and directly sourced from standard definitions. Avoid overthinking; CMAT tests awareness, not case analysis. This is the most scoring section because questions are straightforward and the preparation scope is limited and clearly defined.

Exam Strategy & Section Order

Attempt high-accuracy sections first, Innovation, GA, and Language, to lock easy marks. Move to LR before QTDI to preserve mental freshness. Skip time-consuming calculations initially and mark them for review. Prioritisation is not just topic-based but also sequence-based, significantly impacting total score through better time and risk management.

Important Resources for CMAT 2026

Preparing for CMAT 2026 requires the right mix of concept-building and exam-oriented resources. Prioritise materials aligned with the latest CMAT pattern, focusing on clarity, practice depth, and revision efficiency. The best resources simplify complex topics, provide ample mock exposure, and help identify high-scoring areas systematically.