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CMAT exam pattern 2025 is set by the NTA authorities. It contains questions based on Language & Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning & General Awareness. Students must acknowledge that there will be 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQ) in each section for 80 marks in the exam.
As per the CMAT 2025 exam pattern, every correct response will receive 4 marks and 1 mark will be deducted for every unattempted or wrong response. CMAT 2025 exam will be conducted in CBT mode and the medium of instruction will be English. There will be 100 questions (20 questions for each section) and the exam paper will be for 400 marks. Candidates are advised to go through the CMAT Preparation tips 2025 to score better in the exam.
CMAT Exam Pattern Highlights
The number of questions that are being asked in the CMAT exam 2025, their types and distribution throughout the question paper, and other important layouts can be known with the help of going through the CMAT exam paper pattern. Effective preparation must be done.
The CMAT exam pattern 2025 details are highlighted below:
- Each section has 20 questions with each question carrying four marks. A total of 80 questions will be asked and CMAT total mark is 400 (80 x 50).
- Prospective test takers should be aware that there shall be a negative marking of -1 mark for each incorrect answer as per the CMAT 2025 Exam Pattern.
- Questions that are ignored by the exam authority will be awarded 4 marks for each question.
- As per the paper pattern, the exam will be conducted online, in two shifts (Morning and Afternoon).
The time duration of the entrance exam is 3 hours (180 minutes). There will be no sectional time limit. Apart from these further details are given below for the aspirants to take a look at and make a note of the same. Candidates are advised to get their hands on the best CMAT books 2025 to prepare well for the exam.
| Specification | Details |
| Mode | Online Mode |
| Type | Computer-based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Sections | 5 Sections (20 Questions Each) |
| Sections | Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness. |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Marking | +4 marks for a Correct answer |
| Negative Marking | -1 mark for an incorrect answer (CMAT Negative Marking) |
| Duration | 3 hours i.e, 180 minutes |
| Timings | 9:30 to 12:30 |
| Language | English |
CMAT 2025 Exam Pattern Details
Each correct answer will be awarded +4 marks. While the CMAT Negative Marking is 1 for each wrong attempt. The section-wise CMAT Exam Paper Pattern 2025 is given below for the reference of the candidates. The total marks in the exam account for 400 marks. Along with the paper pattern, also go through the CMAT syllabus 2025 to check the list of topics included in all the sections.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation and Entreprenuership | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Additional Section in CMAT Exam Pattern: Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This year, the conducting authorities have included an additional section, which shall contain 20 questions based on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Just like the other sections, this section has 20 questions, which weighs 80 marks. Hence, each question in this section will carry 4 marks. Candidates can check the topics which will be covered under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship section on the CMAT Syllabus 2025.
Section Wise CMAT Exam Pattern 2025
A graphical overview of the CMAT Marking Pattern for all the compulsory sections is given below.
The candidates who wish to attempt the CMAT optional subject will have to specify the same while filling out their CMAT application form 2025. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship section will also contain 25 questions, where each question will carry 4 marks. Candidates should go through the CMAT question pattern thoroughly before starting the preparation for the exam.
CMAT Marking Scheme 2025
The NTA uses the marking criteria to correct and validate the answers given by the candidates. These marking criteria are in accordance with CMAT pattern and are very important. Given below is CMAT marking scheme, which the candidates can refer to.
- Candidates will be awarded 4 marks for every right answer.
- There will be a negative marking system, hence candidates will lose 1 mark for each wrong/incorrect answer.
- The candidates should be aware that the questions with multiple correct answers will be awarded 4 marks if either one of the correct answers is written. Unanswered and wrong answers will be validated as usual.
- + 4 marks will be awarded for each question ignored by the exam authority.
CMAT Previous Years Paper Analysis
The CMAT previous year paper analysis is very important to understand the general pattern and the previous years' CMAT Exam Question Paper Pattern. Understanding the previous years' question papers and analyzing their pattern allows the candidates to get an idea about the difficulty level of the exam.
This way, they will be able to anticipate how the pattern of the current exam could be and accordingly prepare for the same. The difficulty level and overall analysis of the paper are given below for the 2020 and 2019 question papers.
CMAT 2020 Exam Analysis
The CMAT paper analysis of the CMAT 2020 Exam is given below. Candidates can check out the difficulty levels of the 2020 question paper and make a note of the same.
| Section | Level of Difficulty | Number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Average | 25 |
| Logical Reasoning | low | 25 |
| Language Comprehension | Average | 25 |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | Average | 25 |
CMAT 2019 Paper Analysis: Phase 1
The analysis for CMAT Exam held in 2019 is given below. Candidates can check out the difficulty levels of the paper pattern and make a note of the same.
The exam pattern for the 2019 analysis is split into two phases. The first phase is given below:
| Section | Level of Difficulty | Number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Difficult | 25 |
| Logical Reasoning | Difficult | 25 |
| Language Comprehension | Difficult | 25 |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | Average | 25 |
CMAT 2019 Paper Analysis: Phase 2
CMAT test pattern 2019 analysis second phase is given below for the reference of the candidates.
| Section | Level of Difficulty | Number of questions |
| General Awareness | Difficult | 25 |
| Logical Reasoning | Average | 25 |
| Language Comprehension | Difficult | 25 |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | Difficult | 25 |
CMAT Mock Tests 2025
Candidates are recommended to practise CMAT mock test 2025 and sample papers to understand the exam pattern well. By practising a lot of sample papers, candidates will be able to get a clear idea about the types of questions generally being asked. Practising the sample papers allows the candidates to be efficient in time management.
CMAT Paper Pattern Guidelines
Guidelines for CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 are highlighted below. Every candidate must know the syllabus for CMAT and Preparation Tips for CMAT 2025 along with the exam pattern to prepare in the best way.
- Test takers can move back and forth between any of the four/five sections, and answer in any order of their preference.
- No negative markings for unanswered questions.
- In CMAT 2025, the candidate will be seated at a desk with a computer terminal and he/she will be provided with scratch paper for calculation.
- Test takers are not permitted to carry scratch paper outside the exam centre and are advised to keep the same at the desk once they complete their examination.
Note: Candidates can regularly visit this page for further updates and information regarding CMAT Exam Pattern 2025 and other associated events. This way, they will be on track and will not miss out on any vital information regarding the exam.
FAQs on CMAT Exam Pattern
Q: What are the 5 Sections in CMAT exam pattern 2025?
A: The CMAT exam pattern consists of 5 sections that students must acknowledge and prepare referring to the syallbus. The five sections of CMAT exam pattern 2025 are Language & Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning & General Awareness.
Q: What is the marks weightage in the exam paper as per CMAT 2025 exam pattern?
A: According to the exam pattern of CMAT 2025, each section consists of 20 questions in the paper and the 20 qjestions in each section carry 80 marks. Further, the CMAT exam paper consists of 100 questions of 400 marks.
Q: Whar is the CMAT 2025 exam marking scheme according to the paper pattern?
A: As per the CMAT 2025 exam pattern, every correct will receive +4 marks and unatempted or wrong response will receive -1 marks. In case of multiple responses on the same question, the correct ones will be counted if any and the candidates will be awarded +4 marks in the paper.
