CMAT Exam 2025: Dates, Syllabus, Pattern, Information, Preparation, Tips

CMAT Exam Introduction

The Full form of CMAT, or the Common Management Admission Test, is an entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for management programs in India. The exam contains Quantitative Techniques, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship subjects. The CMAT examination is done once a year using a computer-based test (CBT). The candidates appearing for the CMAT exam can apply to top B-Schools of India like Korea University, Sri City, IMT, IPE, XBS, JBIMS, and SIMSREE.

CMAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025

CMAT Exam Reservation Policy 2025

• Scheduled Castes (SC) - Reservation: 15%
• Scheduled Tribes (ST)- Reservation: 7.5%
• Other Backward Classes - Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL)- Reservation: 27%
• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)- Reservation: 10%
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD)- Reservation: 5%

CMAT Exam Highlights 2025

CMAT Exam Important Dates 2025

CMAT Exam Syllabus 2025

CMAT Exam Pattern 2025

Marking Scheme

• +1 for correct MCQ answer
• -1 for incorrect MCQs answer
• 0 for unattempted MCQ

CMAT Exam Strategies 2025

• Time Management: Allocate time wisely across sections. Practice time-bound tests.
• Question Analysis: Identify and attempt easier questions first. Do not spend too much time on any one question.
• Practice Exams: Regularly take mock exams and analyse your performance to identify weak areas.

Health and Well-being

• Sleep: Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep daily to stay refreshed and focused.
• Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein.
• Stress Management: Practice meditation, exercise regularly, and take short breaks to manage stress.

Day of the Exam

• Morning Routine: Have a light breakfast, stay hydrated, and review key formulas or notes.
• What to Bring: Admit card, valid ID proof, and necessary stationery.
• Mindset: Stay calm, confident, and focused. Avoid last-minute cramming.

Post-Exam Tips

• Review: Analyse your performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Next Steps: Relax, and then start preparing for the next phase, be it interviews or further studies.

Exam Success

Achieving success in the CMAT exam requires dedication, consistent practice, and effective time management. Utilising the right resources and strategies can significantly enhance your chances of securing admission to a top Management  institute.

CMAT Exam Preparation Tips 2025

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

1. • Exam Pattern:
     • Five sections: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
     • Analytical Ability and General Knowledge and Current Affairs
     • Types of questions: MCQs.
   • Syllabus:
     • Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
     • Logical Reasoning
     • Language Comprehension
     • General Awareness
     • Innovation & Entrepreneurship
       
       

2. Create a Study Plan

2. • Allocate specific times for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
   • Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
   • Include regular breaks to avoid burnout.
     
     

3. Use Quality Study Material

3. • Refer to standard book
   • Use online resources and apps like BYJU'S, Unacademy, and Khan Academy.
   • Practice with previous years’ CMAT papers and mock tests.
     
     

4. Join Coaching Classes (if needed)

4. • Consider joining reputed coaching institutes
     
     

5. Regular Practice and Mock Tests

5. • Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
   • Analyse your performance in each mock test to identify areas of improvement.
   • Practise sectional tests to strengthen specific areas.
     
     

6. Time Management

6. • Practice managing time effectively during your study sessions and mock tests.
   • Focus on speed and accuracy.
   • Develop strategies for time allocation in each section during the exam.
     
     

7. Work on Weak Areas

7. • Identify and focus on your weak areas.
   • Seek help from mentors, teachers, or peers if you find certain topics challenging.
     
     

8. Stay Updated

8. • Keep yourself updated with current affairs.
   • Read newspapers, magazines, and online articles regularly.
     
     

9.  Online courses:

9. • Byju's CMAT preparation course
   • Unacademy CMAT prep classes
     
     

10. Best Coaching Centres in India for CMAT

10. • T.I.M.E.
    • IMS
    • Career Launcher
    • Byju's
    • Unacademy

Books for CMAT Exam 2025

CMAT Exam Application Process 2025

• Open the CMAT-NTA webpage https://cmat.nta.nic.in/
• Click on the registration link for CMAT 2025.'
• Enter information such as name, date of birth, city, email address, password, and mobile phone number.
• Enter the OTP obtained at your cell phone number and click 'submit'.
• A twelve-digit application number will be presented.
• Enter the CMAT application number and password to log in again.
• Enter academic information into the CMAT application form.
• Enter other personal information and pick test cities.
• Check the information entered in the form and modify the fields as needed.
• Now, submit the CMAT 2025 application form.

CMAT Exam Documentation Process 2025

Step 1: - Personal Details: Ensure you have your personal identification details ready, such as your full name, date of birth, and contact information.

Step 2: - Educational Qualifications: Collect your academic certificates and mark sheets:

• • • Graduation / equivalent exam certificate.
    • Mark sheets for all years or semesters.
      
      

Step 3: - Scanned Copies of Photograph and Signature:

• • Photograph:
    • Take a recent passport-sized photograph (typically 30mm x 45mm).
    • Ensure the photograph is in JPEG format, with the recommended size (between 4KB to 40KB).
  • Signature:
    • Sign on a white paper in blue or black ink.
    • Scan the signature and save it as a JPEG file  (between 1KB to 30KB).
      
      

Step 4: - Fill Out the Application Form:

• • Enter Personal Details: Input your name, date of birth, gender, contact information, and address.
  • Educational Details: Provide information about your academic qualifications. Upload scanned copies of your degree certificates and mark sheets.
    
    

Step 5: - Upload Documents:

• • Photograph: Upload the scanned photograph as per the specifications provided.
  • Signature: Upload the scanned signature as per the guidelines.
    
    

Step 6: - Choose Exam Center:

• • Select your preferred test city from the available options.
    
    

Step 7: - Payment of Application Fee:

• • General Category Fee: Rs 2000 (males) Rs 1000 (Females)
  • SC/ST/PWD Category Fee: Rs 1000
  • Payment Mode: Complete the payment using a credit/debit card or net banking. Ensure the transaction is successful and get a receipt.
    
    

Step 8: - Review Application:

• • Verify Details: Double-check all entered details and uploaded documents for accuracy.
  • Make Corrections: If necessary, correct any errors before final submission.
    
    

Step 9: - Submit Application:

• • Final Submission: Submit your application form online after ensuring all details and documents are correctly filled and uploaded.
    
    

Step 10: - Download Confirmation Page:

• • Save and Print: After submission, download and print the confirmation page for your records.
    
    

Step 11: - Monitor Updates:

• • Admit Card Release: Check the official CMAT website regularly for updates on admit card availability and other important notifications.

CMAT Exam Registration 2025

Step 1: Visit the official website of CMAT https://cmat.nta.nic.in/

Step 2: Click on the online CMAT 2025 application form,

Step 3: Personal details - Here candidates have to provide name, category, father's and mother's name, etc.

Step 4: Address - Candidates have to provide their residential and correspondence details.

Step 5: Choose Password - Enter the password and confirm the same.

Step 6: Review all the details before submitting the registration form. Review the page after entering creating the password, if any modifications are required candidates can do so by clicking on the edit option.

Step 7: After registration, candidates have to complete the CMAT 2024 application form

Step 8: The photograph should be coloured with the name of the candidate and the date of taking the photograph printed on it.

Step 9: The photograph should not have the candidate wearing a cap or sunglasses. Spectacles are allowed. Polaroid photos are not acceptable. Candidates with an unclear photograph will be rejected.

Step 10: The signature must be in blue or black ink.

Step 11: The candidates can pay the application fees in online mode only For General Category: The fee is Rs 2000. For SC/ST/PWD Category: The fee is Rs 1000). For online payment, candidates can pay through Credit Card/ Debit Card/ Net Banking/Paytm/UPI

Post-Registration:

• Confirmation: Receive a confirmation email and SMS upon successful submission.
• Application Form Printout: Take a printout of the completed application form for future reference.
  
  

Correction Window:

• Edit Details: During the correction window, you can edit certain details such as photograph, signature, and test city preferences.
  
  

Important Tips:

• Early Registration: Register early to avoid last-minute issues.
• Accurate Details: Ensure all details are accurate and match your official documents.
• Document Specifications: Follow the guidelines for uploading documents to avoid rejections.

CMAT Exam Admit Card 2025

1. Release Date: The CMAT exam 2025 admit card is typically released in the third week of January.
   
   
2. How to Download the Admit Card:

• Step 1: Visit the official website of CMAT exam https://cmat.nta.nic.in/
  
  
• Step 2: Click on the 'Login' button then enter your User ID and Password.
  
  
• Step 3: After logging in, you will see a link to download the admit card. Click on the 'Download Admit Card' link.

3.  Details Mentioned on the Admit Card
   
   

• Candidate’s Name
• CMAT Registration Number
• Date of Birth
• Category
• Test Day Instructions
• Photograph and Signature
• Exam Date and Time
• Exam Centre Address
• Emergency Contact Number

4.  Important Instructions
   
   

• Verify Details: Check all the details on the admit card. If there are any discrepancies, contact the help desk immediately.
  
  
• Photo ID: Along with the admit card, carry a valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
  
  
• Reporting Time: Reach the exam centre at least an hour before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card.
  
  
• Prohibited Items: Do not carry any electronic gadgets, calculators, watches, or any other prohibited items to the exam centre.
  
  
• COVID-19 Guidelines: Follow the COVID-19 guidelines (if applicable) as specified by the exam authorities.

5.  Common Issues and Solutions

• Forgot User ID/Password: Use the ‘Forgot User ID/Password’ link on the login page to retrieve your credentials.
  
  
• Browser Issues: Ensure you are using the latest version of your browser. Clear your cache and cookies if you face any issues.
  
  
• Printing Problems: Make sure the printer has enough ink and the paper is of good quality to avoid any printing issues.

6.  Contacting the Helpdesk
   
   If you face any issues while downloading the admit card or find any discrepancies, contact the helpdesk:
   Email: cmat@nta.ac.in
   Phone: 011-69227700, 011-40759000

CMAT Exam 2025 Answer Key

Release Date: The provisional answer key is usually released within a week after the exam date.

How to Download:

Step 1: - Visit the official website of CMAT exam - https://cmat.nta.nic.in/

Step 2: - Log in  using your User ID and Password.

Step 3: - Download Answer Key: Find and click on the link for the "CMAT exam Answer Key". Download the answer key and the response sheet.

Raising Objections: If you find discrepancies or errors in the answer key, you can raise objections within the specified period. Submit your objections online through the official website, providing detailed explanations and supporting documents.

CMAT Exam 2025 Results

CMAT Result Announcement Date:

The results are typically announced within a month of the exam.

How to Check CMAT Results?

• Visit the Official CMAT exam Website: https://cmat.nta.nic.in/
• Log In: Use your User ID and Password to log in.
• Download Scorecard: Click on the "CMAT exam 2025 Result" link to view and download your scorecard.

CMAT Exam Details on Scorecard:

• Scaled scores for each section
• Overall scaled score
• Percentile score for each section and overall

CMAT Exam Cutoff 2025

CMAT Exam College Selection Process 2025

When selecting colleges for CAT, consider the following:

1. Institute Reputation and Rankings:

1. • Look at top B-schools like FMS Delhi, XLRI Jamshedpur, SPJIMR Mumbai, and MDI Gurgaon.
     
     

2. Program Specialisations:

2. • Evaluate the specialisations and courses offered by each institute.
   • Check if the programs align with your career goals.
     
     

3. Placement Records:

3. • Review the placement statistics, average salary packages, and job profiles of recent graduates.
     
     

4. Location and Campus Facilities:

4. • Consider the location and campus facilities like libraries, hostels, and infrastructure.
     
     

5. Fees and Financial Aid:

5. • Compare tuition fees and look into available scholarships or financial aid options.
     
     

6. Alumni Network and Industry Connections:

6. • A strong alumni network can provide valuable connections and career opportunities.

CMAT Exam Admission Process 2025

Step 1: Shortlisting

• Criteria: Institutes shortlist candidates based on CMAT scores, academic records, and sometimes work experience.
• Process: Shortlisted candidates are invited for further rounds like GD (Group Discussion), and PI (Personal Interview).
  
  

Step 2: Group Discussion (GD)

• Purpose: Evaluates communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
• Process: Participate in a discussion on a topic with other candidates.
  
  

Step 3: Personal Interview (PI)

• Purpose: Assesses personality, academic background, work experience, and suitability for management education.
• Process: Attend an interview with a panel of experts.
  
  

Step 4: Final Selection

• Criteria: Selection is based on a composite score, which includes CMAT score, GD/PI performance, academic records, and work experience.
• Process: Institutes release final admission lists.

FAQs

1. What is the CMAT for?
   The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a National Level Entrance Examination for admission to management programmes
   
   
2. Is CMAT required for MBA?
   CMAT score is accepted for admission to MBA/PGDM programmes in over 1,300 colleges across India.
   
   
3. Which is harder, CAT or CMAT?
   CAT is much harder than CMAT.
   
   
4. How many times CMAT is conducted in a year?
   CMAT is conducted once a year.
   
   
5. Who is eligible for the CMAT exam?
   A candidate who has a bachelor's degree or appearing in the last year.
   
   
6. Can I get an IIM by CMAT?
   No, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) does not accept a CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) score.
   
   
7. What is a good score in CMAT?
   Between 250 and 345 marks are good in CMAT.
   
   
8. How many attempts for CMAT?
   There are not any fixed attempts for CMAT, a person can give as many times he/she wants.
   
   
9. Does CMAT have negative marking?
   Yes, -1 for incorrect answers.
   
   
10. Is CMAT online or offline?
    CMAT is a computer-based Test (Online)