CMAT exam pattern 2023 was formulated by the National Testing Agency. CMAT 2023 is conducted by the NTA for admission into the management courses offered at several B-schools across the country. The exam paper will contain questions based on Language & Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning & General Awareness.
CMAT Exam Pattern 2023 Highlights
The number of questions that are being asked in the exam, their types and distribution throughout the question paper, and other important layouts can be known with the help of going through CMAT exam paper pattern. Effective preparation can be done. The exam pattern details are highlighted below:
- Each section had 20 questions with each question carrying four marks. A total of 80 questions were asked and CMAT's total marks was 400 (80 x 50).
- Prospective test takers should be aware that there was a negative marking of -1 mark for each incorrect answer as per CMAT 2023 Exam Pattern.
- Questions that are ignored by the exam authority was awarded 4 marks for each question.
- As per CMAT Exam Pattern 2023, the exam was conducted online, in two shifts (Morning and Afternoon).
The time duration of the entrance exam was 3 hours (180 minutes). There will be no sectional time limit. Apart from these further details are given below for the aspirants to take a look at and make a note of the same.
| Specification | Details |
| Mode | Online Mode. |
| Type | Computer-based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Sections | 5 Sections (20 Questions Each) |
| Sections | Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques, and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness. |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Marking | +4 marks for a Correct answer. |
| Negative Marking | -1 mark for an incorrect answer. (CMAT Negative Marking) |
| Duration | 3 hours i.e, 180 minutes |
| Timings | 9:30 to 12:30 |
| Language | English |
CMAT 2023 Exam Pattern Details
Each correct answer was awarded +4 marks and for every incorrect answer mark deduction in CMAT is about 1 mark. This deduction in marks is termed CMAT Negative Marking. The section-wise CMAT Exam Pattern 2023 is given below for the reference of the candidates. The total marks in the exam account for 400 marks.
| Sections | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation and Entreprenuership | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
This year, the conducting authorities have included an additional section, which shall contain 20 questions based on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Just like the other sections, this section had 20 questions, which weigh 80 marks. Hence, each question in this section will carry 4 marks. Candidates can check the topics which will be covered under the Innovation and Entrepreneurship section on CMAT Syllabus 2023 subpage.
Section-Based CMAT Exam Pattern 2023
A graphical overview of CMAT Marking Pattern for all the compulsory sections is given below.
The candidates who wish to attempt the optional subject will have to specify the same while filling out their application form. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship section will also contain 25 questions, where each question will carry 4 marks. Candidates should go through CMAT question pattern thoroughly before starting the preparation for the exam.
CMAT Marking Scheme 2023
The NTA uses the marking criteria to correct and validate the answers given by the candidates. These marking criteria are in accordance with CMAT pattern and are very important. Given below is CMAT marking scheme, which the candidates can refer to.
- Candidates were awarded 4 marks for every right answer.
- CMAT 2023 exam pattern had a negative marking system, hence candidates will lose 1 mark for each wrong/incorrect answer.
- The candidates should be aware that the questions with multiple correct answers were awarded 4 marks if either one of the correct answers is written. Unanswered and wrong answers will be validated as usual.
- + 4 marks was awarded for each question ignored by the exam authority.
CMAT Previous Years' Paper Analysis
The previous year's paper analysis is very important to understand the general pattern and the previous years' CMAT 2023 Exam Question Paper Pattern. Understanding the previous years' question papers and analyzing their pattern allows the candidates to get an idea about the difficulty level of CMAT 2023 Exam Pattern. This way, they will be able to anticipate how the pattern of the current exam could be and accordingly prepare for the same. The difficulty level and overall analysis of the paper is given below for the 2020 and 2019 question papers.
CMAT 2020 Analysis
The analysis of CMAT 2020 Exam Pattern is given below. Candidates can check out the difficulty levels of the 2020 question paper and make a note of the same.
| Section | Level of Difficulty | Number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Average | 25 |
| Logical Reasoning | low | 25 |
| Language Comprehension | Average | 25 |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | Average | 25 |
CMAT 2019 Analysis 1
The analysis for CMAT Exam 2023 paper pattern is given below. Candidates can check out the difficulty levels of the paper pattern and make a note of the same.
The exam pattern for the 2019 analysis is split into two phases. The first phase is given below:
| Section | Level of Difficulty | Number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Difficult | 25 |
| Logical Reasoning | Difficult | 25 |
| Language Comprehension | Difficult | 25 |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | Average | 25 |
CMAT 2019 Analysis 2
CMAT test pattern 2019 analysis second phase is given below for the reference of the candidates.
| Section | Level of Difficulty | Number of questions |
| General Awareness | Difficult | 25 |
| Logical Reasoning | Average | 25 |
| Language Comprehension | Difficult | 25 |
| Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | Difficult | 25 |
CMAT Mock Tests 2023
Candidates are recommended to practise mock tests and sample papers for understanding CMAT Exam Pattern 2023 well. By practising a lot of sample papers, candidates will be able to get a clear idea about the types of questions generally being asked. Practising the sample papers allows the candidates to be efficient in time management.
CMAT Paper Pattern - Guidelines
Guidelines for CMAT Exam Pattern 2023 are highlighted below. Every candidate must know the syllabus for CMAT and Preparation Tips for CMAT 2023 along with the exam pattern to prepare in the best way.
- Test takers can move back and forth between any of the four/five sections, and answer in any order of their preference.
- No negative marking for unanswered questions.
- In CMAT 2023, the candidate will be seated at a desk with a computer terminal and he/she will be provided with scratch paper for calculation.
- Test takers are not permitted to carry scratch paper outside the exam centre and are advised to keep the same at the desk once they complete their examination.
Note: Candidates can regularly visit this page for further updates and information regarding CMAT Exam Pattern 2023 and other associated events. This way, they will be on track and will not miss out on any vital information regarding the exam.
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