The CMAT 2026 exam is expected to feature 100 multiple-choice questions across five sections — Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The test carries a total of 400 marks.
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to MBA, PGDM, and PGP programs in top management institutes across India. The official CMAT 2026 notification is likely to be released in the coming months. Candidates planning to appear should understand the exam pattern to prepare strategically.
CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
Understanding the exam structure helps aspirants plan their preparation more effectively. The CMAT paper tests candidates' analytical, verbal, reasoning, and business awareness skills.
Particular | Details |
Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Exam Name | Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) |
Exam Level | National Level |
Purpose | Admission to MBA/PGDM Programs |
Total Questions | 100 |
Total Marks | 400 |
Exam Duration | 3 hours |
Negative Marking | Yes (-1 for each wrong answer) |
Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 Section-Wise Weightage
The CMAT 2026 paper will include five sections, each carrying 20 questions for 80 marks. The exam will be conducted in English and will last for three hours.
Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
Total | 100 | 400 |
CMAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The marking scheme remains consistent with previous years. Each correct response earns four marks, while each incorrect answer results in a one-mark deduction. Unattempted questions carry no marks.
- +4 marks for every correct answer
- -1 mark for every wrong answer
- 0 marks for unattempted questions
Candidates must select only one correct option for each question.
CMAT 2026 Important Topics Section-Wise
A clear understanding of important topics can improve preparation efficiency. The following are the key areas from which questions are usually asked in CMAT.
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
Mean, Mode, Median, Profit and Loss, Geometry, Ratio and Proportion, Simple & Compound Interest, Probability, Number System, Time-Speed-Distance, and Data Charts (Pie, Bar, Line).
Logical Reasoning
Analytical Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Series Completion, Direction Test, Venn Diagram, Linear Arrangements, Statements and Assumptions, and Cause-Effect Reasoning.
Language Comprehension
Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Synonyms, Antonyms, Para Jumbles, Sentence Correction, One-word Substitution, and Idioms.
General Awareness
Current Affairs, Indian Economy, History, Geography, Polity, Sports, Literature, Constitution, and Trade Awareness.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship Concepts, Business Models, Economic Development, Social Entrepreneurship, Rural and Women Entrepreneurship, and Corporate Innovation Models.
