CMAT Exam: Eligibility, Registration, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Colleges, Cutoff, Fees & Preparation Tips (Complete 2000-Word Guide)
The CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) is one of India’s most popular national-level MBA entrance exams. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), CMAT is accepted by more than 1,300+ AICTE-approved management colleges across India. With its moderate difficulty level, simple exam pattern, and affordable fees, CMAT has become an excellent choice for MBA and PGDM aspirants.
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This comprehensive and SEO-friendly 2000-word guide covers everything about the CMAT exam—its eligibility criteria, registration process, pattern, syllabus, preparation tips, top colleges, cutoffs, fees, and career scope.
What is CMAT?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance exam for admission into MBA and PGDM programs in India. The exam assesses a student’s proficiency in:
- Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Techniques
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
CMAT is considered easier than CAT, XAT, and IIFT, making it ideal for students who want an MBA without facing extremely tough competitive exams.
Key Highlights of CMAT Exam
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | CMAT |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Courses Offered | MBA, PGDM |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Negative Marking | Yes (-1) |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
Why Choose CMAT?
Students prefer CMAT for several reasons:
1. Wide Acceptance
Over 1,300 AICTE-approved colleges accept CMAT scores.
2. Moderate Difficulty Level
Syllabus is straightforward, helpful for non-engineering students too.
3. Affordable Registration Fee
CMAT is one of the most cost-effective MBA entrance exams.
4. Transparent Process
Computer-based exam with clear marking scheme.
5. Ideal for Middle-Range MBA Colleges
You can secure admission to excellent institutes without extreme competition.
CMAT Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
1. Educational Qualification
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree in any stream
- Final-year students are also eligible
- Minimum percentage required depends on institute
2. Age Limit
- No age limit for CMAT
3. Nationality
- Indian citizens can apply
- International students cannot take CMAT
CMAT Exam Pattern
Its simple and predictable pattern is one of the main reasons CMAT is popular.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
Total Questions: 100
Total Marks: 400
Marking Scheme:
- +4 for correct answer
- -1 for wrong answer
CMAT Syllabus (Section-Wise)
Below is a simple and complete breakdown of the CMAT syllabus.
1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
This section tests mathematical ability.
Topics Include:
- Number System
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration
- Profit & Loss
- Ratio & Proportion
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Probability
- Permutation & Combination
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
2. Logical Reasoning
This section evaluates analytical thinking.
Topics Include:
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Series
- Puzzles
- Syllogisms
- Direction Sense
- Analogies
- Statement & Conclusion
- Matrix Arrangement
Difficulty: Moderate
3. Language Comprehension
This section tests verbal and reading skills.
Topics Include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Error Detection
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Correction
- Fill in the Blanks
Difficulty: Moderate
4. General Awareness
This section tests awareness about current and static events.
Topics Include:
- Indian Economy
- National & International Events
- Polity
- Geography
- Awards & Sports
- Books & Authors
- Science & Technology
- Government Schemes
- History & Culture
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship
This section was introduced recently.
Topics Include:
- Basics of Innovation
- Startup Ecosystem
- Entrepreneurship Concepts
- Government Startup Schemes
- Leadership
- Business Strategies
- Business Ethics
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
CMAT Registration Process
CMAT registration is conducted online on the official NTA website.
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official CMAT portal
- Register using email & mobile
- Fill the online application form
- Upload documents
- Pay the application fee
- Download confirmation
Application Fee
- General Male: ₹2,000
- General Female: ₹1,000
- OBC/EWS: ₹1,000
- SC/ST: ₹1,000
(Fee may vary by year.)
CMAT Exam Centers
CMAT is conducted across 100+ cities in India.
Students can choose their nearest test center during application.
CMAT Admit Card
Admit cards are available online before the exam.
It contains:
- Roll Number
- Exam Center
- Date & Time
- Instructions
Candidates must carry:
- CMAT Admit Card
- Valid ID proof
- Passport-size photo
CMAT Cutoff (Expected)
Cutoffs vary depending on colleges.
Below are average cutoffs:
| College | Expected CMAT Score |
|---|---|
| JBIMS (through CAP) | 320+ |
| Sydenham SIMSREE | 300+ |
| KJ Somaiya | 280+ |
| Welingkar Mumbai | 260+ |
| PUMBA | 250+ |
| Great Lakes Chennai | 240+ |
| BIMTECH | 230+ |
| IMT Hyderabad/Nagpur | 220+ |
Top Colleges Accepting CMAT
CMAT opens doors to excellent B-schools like:
1. JBIMS Mumbai
2. KJ Somaiya Institute of Management
3. Great Lakes Institute of Management
4. SIMSREE Mumbai
5. Welingkar Institute (WE School)
6. PUMBA Pune
7. BIMTECH Greater Noida
8. IMT Nagpur / Hyderabad
9. XISS Ranchi
10. Amity Business School
More than 1,300 colleges accept CMAT.
CMAT Selection Process
After results, students must apply separately to each college.
Selection Stages Include:
- Shortlisting
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Personal Interview (PI)
- Written Ability Test (WAT)
- Final Merit List
Each institute follows its own criteria.
CMAT Preparation Tips
Follow these simple strategies for scoring 300+ in CMAT.
1. Understand Exam Pattern
Start by studying the overall structure and marking scheme.
2. Build Strong Basics in Quant
Practice NCERT level questions first.
3. Practice Reading Comprehension Daily
Read newspapers, magazines, and practice mock RC passages.
4. Solve Previous Year Papers
CMAT repeats concepts frequently.
5. Improve Current Affairs Knowledge
Daily news and monthly GK PDFs help.
6. Give Mock Tests Regularly
Try to solve at least 30–40 mock tests.
7. Work on Time Management
The exam has 100 questions in 180 minutes—accuracy + speed is essential.
8. Focus on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
This section gives easy marks if you prepare basics well.
9. Make Notes for Revision
Short notes help during the last few days.
10. Stay Calm During Exam
Avoid stress, attempt questions carefully to avoid negative marking.
Best Books for CMAT
Quantitative Techniques
- RS Aggarwal – Quantitative Aptitude
- Arun Sharma – Quant
- NTA CMAT Official Guide
Logical Reasoning
- MK Pandey – Analytical Reasoning
- R.S. Aggarwal – Logical Reasoning
Language Comprehension
- Word Power Made Easy
- Norman Lewis Vocabulary
- Arihant Verbal Ability
General Awareness
- Manorama Yearbook
- Newspapers (The Hindu, TOI)
- Monthly GK Capsules
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Government startup portals
- NTA CMAT syllabus documents
Benefits of Cracking CMAT
✔ Chance to join top MBA colleges
✔ Affordable exam fee
✔ Moderate exam level
✔ Multiple career options
✔ Accepted widely across India
After completing MBA/PGDM, students can work in:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Business Analytics
- Operations
- Supply Chain
- Entrepreneurship
- Consulting
Conclusion
The CMAT exam is one of the most student-friendly national-level MBA entrance tests in India. With its moderate difficulty level, simple syllabus, and high acceptance among top management colleges, CMAT allows students to pursue an MBA without extreme competition. By understanding the exam pattern, practicing regularly, and preparing strategically, scoring high in CMAT becomes easy and achievable.
Whether your goal is to join JBIMS, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar, Great Lakes, BIMTECH, or PUMBA, CMAT is a great pathway toward a successful management career.
