CMAT Exam Pattern 2026, Syllabus, Marking Scheme & Preparation Tips
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The National Testing Agency conducts CMAT 2026 for admission to management programmes in MBA offered by AICTE-approved institutions. Every year, a large number of exam aspirants appear for this Common Management Admission Test to secure a seat into top MBA colleges across India. To score well in the CMAT exam 2026 candidates need to understand the syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme of CMAT. Scroll through the article to know more details and latest changes in the exam pattern to stay updated and start preparation accordingly.
Latest Changes in CMAT Exam Pattern
The CMAT entrance paper pattern has undergone few changes in the recent years under guidance of the National Testing Agency (NTA). In the year 2021 the Innovation and Entrepreneurship section was added as an optional paper with extra time. From 2022 onwards this section was made mandatory for all exam aspirants. NTA has also reduced the number of questions in each section from 25 to 20 bringing the total number of questions asked to be 100 which are equally divided into five subjects. Each question carries four marks for correct response and the total exam duration is now three hours. The scores of the fifth section are also included in the percentile calculation used to prepare the CMAT merit list. For CMAT 2026 the examination will continue to follow this updated exam pattern with 20 questions in each section.
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026
The CMAT 2026 paper consists of 100 MCQs questions divided equally across five sections which are to be attempted in 180 minutes. Each correct answer carries 4 marks and the total marks for the test is 400. Check the table given below for complete paper pattern.
| CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | Common Management Admission Test 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (Online CBT) |
| Medium of Exam | English only |
| Exam Duration | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Total Number of Questions | 100 |
| Questions per Section | 20 questions |
| Number of Sections | 5 |
| Name of Sections |
|
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Marks per Question | 4 marks |
CMAT Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme is important for making a smart strategy in CMAT preparation. Candidates must note that there is no negative marking in the CMAT exam and solving about 85-88 correct questions in total can help you clear the CMAT Cutoffs. The CMAT exam is for 3 hours with no sectional time allotted per section thus candidates need to manage time for each section. If a question is wrongly asked in the exam full marks are awarded to all candidates. Check the table given below for details on the paper pattern of CMAT.
| CMAT Marking Scheme | |
| Response Type | Marks Awarded |
| Correct Answer | +4 marks for every correct response |
| Incorrect Answer | –1 mark for every incorrect response
|
| Unattempted Question | 0 mark for not attempted questions
|
| Negative Marking | No |
CMAT Syllabus 2026
The CMAT syllabus 2026 covers a wide range of topics to assess a candidate’s overall management aptitude. While NTA does not release a fixed topic-wise syllabus, the questions are based on commonly tested areas as outlined below.
| Section | Topics Covered |
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | Basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, profit and loss, averages, algebra fundamentals, geometry basics, number system, tables, charts, and graphs |
| Logical Reasoning | Puzzles, seating arrangements, series, coding and decoding, blood relations, directions, syllogisms, logical sequences |
| Language Comprehension | Reading passages, vocabulary usage, grammar rules, sentence correction, para arrangement, fill in the blanks |
| General Awareness | Current events, business and economy news, awards, sports updates, books and authors, static general knowledge |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Startup ideas, entrepreneurship basics, business models, innovation concepts, government startup initiatives |
Preparation Tips for CMAT 2026
In order to clear the CMAT Cut-Offs candidates need to focus on improving calculation speed by daily practicing for at least 30 minutes. Revising basic tables, formulas, cubes, square roots, and power roots on a daily basis helps reduce calculation time in the quantitative section. Solving arithmetic questions without using a calculator builds confidence, accuracy and reduces exam fear. Along with this practicing different types of reasoning questions and puzzles improves problem-solving skills. Reading articles and editorials from daily newspapers improves comprehension and vocabulary. This also makes you aware of the current business news and current affairs which strengthens the General Awareness section. Attempting at least 1 mock test every week and reviewing mistakes on the same day carefully allows candidates to find the best exam solving approach and manage time better during the day of the CMAT exam.