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What is CMAT?

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a nationwide business aptitude test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to MBA/PGDM programs in AICTE-approved institutions. Initially conducted by AICTE, the responsibility was transferred to the NTA in 2019. CMAT is the third most popular MBA entrance exam in India, following the CAT and XAT, with around 75,000 candidates appearing each year. Approximately 1,300 B-schools across India accept CMAT scores, including prestigious institutions such as the Great Lakes Institute of Management, JBIMS, SIMSREE, K J Somaiya Mumbai, Welingkar Mumbai, and PUMBA. Additionally, candidates can use their CMAT scores to participate in the MAH MBA CAP for admissions.
The CMAT is a 3-hour objective test comprising 100 questions across five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

What is the eligibility criteria for admission to colleges accepting CMAT score?

While there is no minimum graduation marks requirement to appear for the CMAT exam, a criterion exists for admission through CMAT. According to AICTE recommendations, candidates must have completed their graduation from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for reserved category students) to be eligible for admission to UGC-recognized MBA/PGDM programs.
In addition to meeting the academic requirements, candidates must also fulfill the CMAT cut-off criteria. Each institute sets its own CMAT cut-offs based on various parameters, and only candidates who meet these minimum cut-offs are shortlisted for further admission processes, such as Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds or direct admission. Failing to meet the cut-off criteria will disqualify a candidate from being considered for admission. Therefore, it is essential for candidates to check the specific CMAT cut-off percentile of their preferred institutes before applying.

What are the benefits of appearing in CMAT?

There are several advantages of taking the CMAT exam, making it an appealing choice for MBA aspirants. Here are some key benefits:

  1. Timing: CMAT is conducted at the end of the MBA entrance exam season, allowing aspirants to leverage their preparation from earlier exams like CAT, XAT, and SNAP. This reduces the need for extensive additional study.
  2. Wide Acceptance: Over 1,300 MBA colleges across India, including reputable institutions in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, accept CMAT scores. This broad acceptance increases the chances of securing admission.
  3. Moderate Difficulty: CMAT is considered easier compared to other entrance exams like CAT, XAT, IIFT, and GMAT. As a result, it is often easier to achieve a high score.
  4. Reasonable Cut-offs: The CMAT cut-offs for top colleges are generally not as high as those for exams like CAT, allowing candidates with a decent CMAT score to gain admission to good MBA colleges.
  5. No Minimum Graduation Marks Requirement: Unlike some other exams, CMAT does not have a 50% aggregate criterion for application. Candidates who have passed their graduation, irrespective of their marks, can take the exam.
  6. Affordable Application Fees: The CMAT application fee is only INR 1,000 for women and reserved category candidates, which is lower compared to the fees for other exams like CAT, XAT, IIFT, and SNAP.

When can I apply for CMAT?

The next CMAT exam is scheduled for May 2025, with the registration process likely beginning in February 2025. Interested candidates will need to register on the CMAT-NTA website and complete the online application form. The CMAT score is valid for one year, so those appearing for the 2025 exam must secure admission in the same academic year.

In addition to being accepted by around 1,300 B-schools across India, the CMAT score can also be used for admission through the MAH CET CAP. The Maharashtra State CET Cell conducts MBA/MMS admissions for about 300 colleges in Maharashtra through a common counselling process called CAP. CMAT test takers are eligible to participate in this process to secure a seat in these programs.

What is the CMAT registration process?

Since the CMAT is conducted by the NTA, candidates must complete the registration process online. The NTA releases the CMAT application on the CMAT-NTA website, typically for a one-month period between February and March each year. Here is a breakdown of the CMAT registration and application process:

  1. Online Registration: Candidates need to create a login ID on the CMAT-NTA website by providing their name, date of birth, phone number, and email ID. Once registered, an application number is generated, which candidates will use to log in and proceed with the application.
  2. Filling the Application Form: After logging in, candidates must fill out the application form with various details, including personal information, academic qualifications, address, and parents’ details. They also need to upload a recent photograph and signature and select their preferred test cities.
  3. Payment of Application Fees: In the final step, candidates must pay the required application fee to complete the registration process.

What is the CMAT application fee?

The CMAT application fee structure varies based on category and gender, and is payable online only. Here are the details:

  • General Category (Male Candidates): INR 2,000
  • General Category (Female Candidates): INR 1,000
  • Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Male Candidates): INR 1,000
  • SC/ST (Female & Transgender Candidates): INR 1,000
  • Persons with Disability (PwD) Candidates: INR 1,000

The application fee can be paid via debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI wallets. Candidates must ensure that the fee is paid during the application submission, as the form will not be considered complete until the payment is successfully processed. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable, so candidates should verify the payment transaction is successful and check for an email acknowledgment. If the fee payment is not completed by the last date, the application form will remain incomplete, and the candidate will not be eligible to appear for the CMAT exam.

CMAT Exam Highlights 2025

CMAT Features

Details

Full Form

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency (NTA)

CMAT 2025 Exam Date

To be announced

Exam Level

National

Exam Frequency

Once a year

Exam Mode

Computer Based Test (CBT)

Exam Duration

180 minutes (3 hours)

Exam Syllabus

– Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

 

– Logical Reasoning

 

– Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability

 

– General Awareness

 

– Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Exam Pattern

100 MCQs (20 questions in each section)

Language

English

Exam Fees

– INR 2,000 (General category male)

 

– INR 1,000 (General category female/reserved category students)

Exam Purpose

Admission to 1,300 MBA colleges

Courses Offered

MBA/PGDM

No. of Test Cities

124

No. of Applicants

Approximately 75,000

Exam Helpdesk No.

011-69227700, 011-40759000

Address

NTA, C-20 1A/8, Sector 62, IITK Outreach Centre, NOIDA-201309

Official Website

https://cmat.nta.nic.in/

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2025

The CMAT eligibility criteria, as set by the NTA, are as follows:

  1. Educational Qualification:
    • Candidates must have a graduation degree or equivalent from a recognized university.
    • Final-year graduation students are also eligible to apply for CMAT 2025.
  2. Minimum Score Requirement:
    • There is no minimum percentage requirement for appearing in the CMAT exam; only passing marks in graduation are necessary.
    • However, MBA colleges accepting CMAT scores may have their own minimum score criteria (usually 50% for general candidates and 45% for reserved categories).
  3. Age Limit:
    • There is no upper age limit for taking the CMAT. Individuals at any stage of their career can apply.

CMAT Syllabus 2025

The CMAT exam syllabus, prescribed by AICTE, covers various topics similar to other MBA entrance exams but includes an additional section on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Here is a detailed breakdown of the CMAT 2025 syllabus:

  1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation:
    • Topics: Arithmetic, Mensuration, Algebra, Time-Speed-Distance, Alligation & Mixtures, Geometry, Graphs, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Tables & Charts, Bar Graphs, etc.
  2. Logical Reasoning:
    • Topics: Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, Coding-Decoding, Family Tree, Clocks and Calendars, etc.
  3. Language Comprehension:
    • Topics: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, English Usage Errors, Fill in the Blanks, Antonyms & Synonyms, Idioms, Word Meanings, Vocabulary, Parajumbles, etc.
  4. General Awareness:
    • Topics: Economy, Business, World Affairs, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society, Famous Personalities, Awards, Arts, Entertainment, Books, Science & Technology, etc.
  5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship:

Topics: Business studies, entrepreneurship concepts, start-ups, and related topics.

CMAT Exam Pattern 2025

CMAT Exam Pattern and Test Structure 2025

CMAT Sections

·         Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

·         Logical Reasoning

·         Language Comprehension

·         General Awareness

·         Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Number of questions

100

Number of questions per section

20

Sectional time-limit

No

CMAT difficulty level

Moderate to Difficult

CMAT exam duration

3 hours (180 minutes)

CMAT Marking Scheme 2025

CMAT Marking Scheme

  • Correct Answer: +4 marks
  • Incorrect Answer: -1 mark
  • Unanswered Questions: 0 marks (no deduction)

Total Marks

  • Maximum Marks: 400

CMAT Admit Card 2025

Here’s how candidates can download the CMAT 2025 admit card from the NTA website:

Steps to Download CMAT 2025 Admit Card

  1. Visit the CMAT-NTA Website: Go to nta.nic.in.
  2. Click on ‘CMAT 2025 Admit Card’ Tab: Look for the tab or link specifically for the CMAT 2025 admit card.
  3. Enter Credentials: Input your application number and date of birth in the required fields.
  4. Click ‘Submit’: This action will log you into your account.
  5. Fill the Self-Declaration Form: Complete any necessary self-declaration forms as prompted to proceed.
  6. Download the Admit Card: Once you access the admit card, download it in PDF format.

It is important for candidates to ensure that they keep a printed copy of the admit card for examination day, as it will be required for entry into the exam venue.

CMAT Exam Day Guidelines

  1. Admit Card:
    • Candidates must carry two printed copies of their CMAT 2025 admit card. Digital, scanned, or photocopies will not be accepted.
  1. Reporting Time:
    • Arrive at the CMAT exam center at the reporting time specified on the admit card.
    • The test center gates will close 15 minutes before the exam starts, and no entry will be permitted after that.
  1. Stationery:
    • Candidates should bring a black/blue ballpoint pen for signing the attendance sheet.
    • Carry two passport-size photographs to affix on the CMAT admit card and the attendance sheet.
  1. Prohibited Items:
    • Electronic items such as phones, wristwatches, pagers, calculators, iPads, etc., are strictly prohibited at the exam venue.
    • Candidates must not carry bags or valuables; only the required documents and a ballpoint pen are allowed inside the exam center. There will be no facility to deposit bags at the test center.
  1. Identity Proof:
    • Along with the CMAT 2025 admit card, candidates must carry a photo ID as a secondary identity proof. Acceptable forms of ID include:
      • Aadhaar card
      • PAN card
      • Voter ID card
      • Passport
      • Driver’s license
      • College/University ID card

CMAT Answer Key 2025

Downloading CMAT 2025 Answer Key

  1. Log on to CMAT-NTA Website: Visit nta.nic.in.
  2. Click on ‘Login’: Look for the login option on the homepage.
  3. Enter Credentials: Input your application number and date of birth or password to access your account.
  4. Click on ‘Answer Key’: Once logged in, find and click on the link for the CMAT 2025 answer key displayed on the dashboard.
  5. Download the Answer Key: Save the CMAT 2025 answer key for your reference.

Challenging the CMAT Answer Key

  • Procedure: To challenge the official CMAT answer key, candidates need to:
    1. Fill out an online form available on the NTA website.
    2. Provide supporting documents to substantiate their claims regarding any discrepancies.
  • Validity Check: If any objections are found to be valid, the CMAT answer key will be revised accordingly.
  • Result and Final Answer Key: The CMAT 2025 result and final answer key will be prepared after analyzing the objections received.
  • Challenge Window: The challenge window will remain open for 2-3 days after the release of the answer key. After this period, no requests regarding objections will be accepted.

CMAT Result 2025

  1. Log on to the CMAT Official Website: Visit nta.nic.in.
  2. Click on ‘CMAT 2025 Scorecard’ Tab: Locate and click on the link for the CMAT 2025 scorecard.
  3. Enter Login Credentials: Input your CMAT 2025 login credentials, which include your application number and either your password or date of birth.
  4. Click on ‘Submit’: After entering your credentials, click the submit button.
  5. Download the Result: Once your result is displayed, download the CMAT 2025 result cum scorecard.

Important Notes

  • The CMAT 2025 result cum scorecard will include essential information such as the candidate’s details, exam scores, and percentile.
  • The scorecard will be available for download for a limited period, so candidates are advised to download it as soon as possible.
  • Additionally, the NTA may announce a merit list that includes candidates’ names, their scores, and All India Rank (AIR).

CMAT Cut Offs 2025 and Top Colleges

College/Institution

Expected CMAT Cut-Offs 2025

JBIMS, Mumbai

99.9+

Goa Institute of Management

95-99

KJ Somaiya Institute of Management

95-99

SIMSREE, Mumbai

99+

Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai

95-99

University of Pune, Dept of Management Sciences

95-99

Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi

95

SOIL Institute of Management

90

Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai

85

Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management

85

IFIM, Bangalore

85

IFMR, Chennai

85

NIBM, Pune

85

NL Dalmia Institute of Management

85

NDIM, Delhi

85

Welingkar Institute of Management, Bangalore

80

IMT, Hyderabad

80

IMT, Nagpur

80

XISS, Ranchi

80

ITM, Navi Mumbai

80

Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida

85

Xavier Business School, Xavier University

85

Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon

85

BIMTECH, Greater Noida

80

XIME, Bangalore

80

ISBM, Pune

80

KIIT School of Management

80

IPE Hyderabad

80

IES’s Management College and Research Centre

80

SIES College of Management Studies, Navi Mumbai

80

Woxsen University, Hyderabad

70

Note:

  • Cut-off scores may vary each year based on various factors such as the number of applicants, exam difficulty, and college-specific criteria.
  • It is advisable for candidates to check the official websites of these institutions for the most accurate and updated information regarding admissions and cut-offs.

CMAT Admission Process 2025

  1. Shortlisting of Candidates:
    • Institutes accepting CMAT scores set their own cut-offs to shortlist candidates for further evaluation. These cut-offs vary by institution and may depend on factors such as overall performance in the exam, number of applicants, and the difficulty level of the test.
  1. Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI):
    • Candidates who meet the cut-off criteria are typically called for GD and PI rounds, which are conducted by individual B-schools. Some institutes may opt for Essay Writing instead of a GD.
    • These rounds assess candidates’ communication skills, critical thinking, leadership qualities, and overall fit for the program.
  1. Final Selection:
    • Based on the performance in the GD/PI rounds and the CMAT score, the final selection for MBA/PGDM admission is made.
    • Each institute may have its own evaluation criteria, which could include weightage for past academic performance and other factors.

Important Notes for Aspirants

  • Admission Forms: Candidates must complete and submit the admission forms for their preferred institutes within the specified timelines.
  • NTA’s Role: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the CMAT exam, but it does not participate in the MBA admission process. Each B-school independently manages its admissions based on the CMAT scores and the evaluation rounds.

CMAT 2025 Contact Information

National Testing Agency (NTA) Contact Information

Address:

  • Registered Office:
    Department of Higher Education
    Ministry of Human Resource Development
    West Block – 1, Wing No. 6, 2nd Floor
    R K Puram, New Delhi – 110016
  • Correspondence Address:
    Block C-20/1A/8, Sector 62
    Gautam Budh Nagar, Noida – 201309 (UP)

Telephone Numbers:

  • General Inquiry: 0120-6895200
  • Technical Support: 0120-3946612

Email ID:

  • cmat.nta2019@gmail.com

Help Line:
For technical support, contact during working days between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Official Website:
CMAT Official Website

Important Notes

  • Ensure to reach out during the specified hours for timely assistance.
  • Check the official website for the latest updates and announcements regarding CMAT.