CMAT
National-level test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for MBA/PGDM admission in 1,000+ AICTE-approved institutes, including JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, K J Somaiya and GIM Goa.
Eligibility
A bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university; candidates in the final year of graduation may also apply. There is no age restriction and no limit on the number of attempts. Indian citizenship as per AICTE norms applies.
Age limit: No age limit
Exam pattern
Computer-Based Test (CBT) of 180 minutes with 100 questions in five sections of 20 each: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. All questions are Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) marked +4 for correct and −1 for wrong, for a total of 400 marks. There are no sectional time limits, and the exam is usually held in one or two shifts on a single day.
Syllabus at a glance
Quantitative Techniques covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry and tabular/graphical data interpretation. Logical Reasoning tests arrangements, series, syllogisms and analytical puzzles. Language Comprehension includes reading passages, grammar and vocabulary. General Awareness spans static GK, economics and current affairs, while Innovation & Entrepreneurship covers startup ecosystems, business models and entrepreneurship concepts.
Upcoming dates
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification and application open (CMAT 2027) | Mid-Oct 2026 (expected; CMAT 2026 registration opened 17 Oct 2025) | expected |
| Application closes | Late Nov 2026 (expected; CMAT 2026 closed 24 Nov 2025) | expected |
| Exam date | Late Jan 2027 (expected; CMAT 2026 was held 25 Jan 2026) | expected |
| Result | Mid-Feb 2027 (expected; CMAT 2026 result came 17 Feb 2026) | expected |
Expected dates follow the usual calendar; confirm on the official notification before planning.
Free prep material
Standard books
- The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT — S.K. Sinha, S. Satyanarayan & J.S. Rana (Arihant)
- How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for the CAT — Arun Sharma
- A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning — R.S. Aggarwal
- Word Power Made Easy — Norman Lewis
- Manorama Yearbook — Malayala Manorama (for General Awareness)
How toppers play it
- CMAT is an accuracy exam: JBIMS and SIMSREE cut-offs sit at the 99.9+ percentile, so a handful of errors can cost thousands of ranks — prioritise accuracy over attempt count.
- With 180 minutes for 100 questions, time is generous — use the surplus to re-verify answers, since at +4/−1 every question swings five marks.
- General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship are the score separators — read business news daily and revise startup and entrepreneurship basics alongside static GK.
- Practise on the NTA mock-test platform beforehand so the CBT interface and navigation rules hold no surprises on exam day.
- There are no sectional time limits, but do not leave General Awareness for the end — its quick factual marks are the cheapest in the paper.