CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Check Paper Pattern, Duration and Marking Scheme

Overview: If you’re searching for the CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern, this guide explains the section-wise structure, number of questions, total marks, time duration, and marking scheme. We’ve also summarised the CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 in a table so you can plan your prep with clarity.

CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern: The paper has 5 sections with 100 MCQs for a total of 400 marks. The exam duration is 180 minutes. Each correct answer carries +4 marks and each wrong answer has -1 negative marking. The paper is in English only.

What's New about the CMAT 2026 Exam?

• CMAT 2026 will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
• The exam is scheduled on 25 January 2026 for a duration of 180 minutes (03:00 Hrs).
• The question paper will be available in English only.
• The City of Examination intimation and Admit Card download dates will be announced on the official website prior to the examination.

Tip: Keep checking cmat.nta.nic.in for the latest public notices and updates.

Download Free Study Material for CMAT Exam 2026 by SuperGrads

Continue reading to learn about the CMAT exam pattern 2026 marking scheme and more!

Read More | How to start for CMAT Exam preparation?

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Latest Changes

More than 1,300 institutions accept the CMAT exam score, including BIMS, KJ Somaiya, Prin LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Great Lakes Institute of Management, KIIT School of Management, Amity University, BIMTECH, Goa Institute of Management, Xavier Institute of Management and Research, and Gitam School of Management.

The CMAT exam pattern follows a computer-based format and tests candidates across five sections: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Here are the key highlights of CMAT 2026:

CMAT Particulars CMAT 2026 Details CMAT Full Form Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) Conducting Body National Testing Agency (NTA) (conducting CMAT w.e.f. 2019) Exam Level National Level Exam Frequency Once a year Mode of Exam Computer Based Test (CBT) CMAT Exam Date 2026 25 January 2026 Exam Duration 180 minutes (03:00 Hrs) Language of the Paper English Only Official Website cmat.nta.nic.in Exam Helpdesk (NTA) Phone: 011-40759000 | Email: cmat@nta.ac.in

Read More | Is CAT compulsory for MBA?

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Key Highlights

Here are the official highlights of the CMAT exam pattern you should know before starting your preparation. The Common Management Aptitude Test is all set to be conducted on 25th January 2026 by the National Testing Agency.  

Candidates should familiarise themselves with the sections, the number of questions asked, and the CMAT marking scheme. Here is the CMAT exam pattern 2026.

Five sections of CMAT 2026 need to be completed in 180 minutes. The CMAT exam consists of 100 questions and is worth 400 marks.

CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern (Section-wise Questions & Marks)

The CMAT 2026 question paper has 5 sections with a total of 100 questions. Each question carries 4 marks, so the paper is for 400 marks.

Here are the official highlights of the CMAT exam pattern you should know before starting your preparation.

CMAT Section	Number of Questions	Marks per Question	Section Marks
Language Comprehension	20	4	80
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation	20	4	80
Logical Reasoning	20	4	80
General Awareness	20	4	80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	20	4	80
Total	100	—	400

CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern: 5 sections, 100 MCQs, 400 marks, 180 minutes. Each correct answer carries +4 marks and each wrong answer has -1 negative marking.

Attempt Free CMAT Mock Test for CMAT Exam 2026 by SuperGrads

CMAT 2026 Marking Scheme

• Correct answer: +4 marks
• Wrong answer: -1 mark
• Unattempted: 0 marks

Exam duration: 180 minutes (03:00 Hrs) | Language: English only

Also Read |  List of CMAT Subjects

CMAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2026: Important Topics Subject Wise

This section will provide a comprehensive overview of the CMAT Exam syllabus. Familiarizing yourself with the syllabus will help you identify key areas to focus on during your preparation.

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QTDI) – Important Topics

• Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion
• Average, Mixtures & Alligation
• Simple & Compound Interest
• Time, Speed & Distance
• Time & Work
• Algebra (equations, inequalities)
• Number System
• Geometry & Mensuration
• Permutations & Combinations / Probability (basics)
• DI: Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts

View full QTDI topic list

• Arithmetic (percentages, ratio, average, interest, time-work, time-speed-distance)
• Algebra (linear/quadratic, inequalities, functions basics)
• Geometry & Mensuration
• Number System
• Modern Math (P&C, probability – basics)
• Data Interpretation sets (tables, charts, caselets)

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Logical Reasoning – Important Topics

• Seating Arrangement (linear/circular)
• Blood Relations
• Syllogisms
• Series & Analogies
• Coding–Decoding
• Direction Sense
• Statements & Assumptions / Conclusions
• Cause & Effect
• Calendars & Clocks
• Puzzles (ordering, grouping)

View full Logical Reasoning topic list

• Puzzles & Arrangements
• Critical reasoning (arguments, inferences)
• Verbal reasoning (syllogism, statement-based)
• Non-verbal reasoning (figure series, mirror/water images – if you cover)

Read More | CMAT 2026 Exam Date Announcement

Language Comprehension – Important Topics

• Reading Comprehension (short passages)
• Vocabulary (synonyms/antonyms)
• Para jumbles
• Fill in the blanks
• Error spotting
• Sentence correction
• Idioms & Phrases
• One-word substitution
• Inference-based questions
• Grammar basics

View full Language Comprehension topic list

• RC + verbal ability mix
• Grammar + usage
• Vocabulary + contextual usage

Know More | How to crack CAT exam 2024

General Awareness – Important Topics

• Current affairs (last 6–10 months)
• Indian Economy basics
• Polity & Constitution basics
• History & Geography basics
• Science & Technology
• Business & Brands
• Books & Authors
• Sports
• Awards & Honours
• Important national/international organisations

View full General Awareness topic list

• Static GK + current affairs mix
• National/international news, government schemes, summits

Read More | Colleges Accepting CMAT score

Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Important Topics

• Basics of entrepreneurship & start-ups
• Business models
• Innovation types & process
• Funding basics (bootstrapping, angel, VC)
• Marketing basics (4Ps, positioning)
• Leadership & decision-making
• Ethics & social entrepreneurship
• IPR basics (patents/trademarks – overview)
• Government start-up ecosystem (overview)
• Caselets / scenario-based questions

View full Innovation & Entrepreneurship topic list

• Start-up ecosystem + business fundamentals
• Innovation + product-market fit basics
• Funding + scaling + operations basics

Through this familiarization, you can plan time and resources per section and respectfully align a suitable preparation plan for each section.

Read More | How to score 99 percentile in CAT exam

Conclusion

• Get to know about the CMAT exam pattern.and syllabus. This will help you understand how the test is made. This will equip you well. It will help with preparation and time management.
• You must regularly keep in touch with the CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern Exam dates. This includes registration deadlines and exam dates. Make your schedule so that you have enough time to cover all the topics.
• Know the CMAT exam question paper pattern. This includes the section distribution, marking scheme, and syllabus. That will make you well aware of what you will be asked to do in the test. It will boost your confidence and your chances of success. Good luck!

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