CMAT Exam Analysis 2024

• CMAT 2024 Question Paper had 5 Sections and all the sections were compulsory
• Score earned for all the questions in all the 5 sections are counted for final percentile and merit position calculation
• Number of questions and maximum scoring chances in CMAT 2024 are as under:

CMAT 2024 Exam Sections	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks Section-wise
Language Comprehension	20	80
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation	20	80
Logical Reasoning	20	80
General Awareness	20	80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	20	80
Total: Sections-5	100	400

• There are only objective type questions in CMAT exam 2024
• All these questions attract negative marking of 0.25%
• Below is shared the CMAT 2024 exam marking scheme:

Type of Questions in CMAT 2024	MCQs-Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions
Mode of CMAT 2024 Exam	Online Computer Based Test
CMAT Scoring Pattern	+4 Marks for each correct answer
Total Maximum Marks in CMAT	400
Negative Marking	-1 Mark for Each Wrong Answer

The test takers who did not take risk of attempting more difficult questions and avoided negative marking stand better chance to score higher

Following are the section wise estimated good attempts to clear the cut offs

Section	No Of Questions	Good Attempts	Overall LOD
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation	20	15-16	Moderate
Logical Reasoning	20	14-15	Moderate to Difficult
Language Comprehension	20	14-15	Moderate
General Awareness	20	11-12	Moderate to Difficult
Innovation and Entrepreneurship	20	10-11	Moderate
Total	100	64-69	Moderate

CMAT 2024 exam remained of moderate difficulty. A few questions in Quant and Reasoning were found more difficult by the test takers. Overall exam difficulty level was like last year. Section wise CMAT 2024 exam analysis is as below:

5.1 Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

• Number of Questions: 20
• Type of Questions: MCQs
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Good Attempts: 15-16

Key Highlights:

• 3 Questions on Data Interpretation based on Case lets. No Graph or Chart involved
• 17 Questions on Quant included 7 Arithmetic Questions, 2 on Modern Math, 2 on Algebra, 5 on Numbers and 1 on Geometry.
• A few questions had True-False statements and comparison.

Topics	Type and Number of Questions	Total Questions
Arithmetic	Time-speed-distance (2), Ratio-Proportion (1), Profit & Loss (1), SICI (2), Time & Work (1)	7
Geometry	Mensuration (1)	1
Modern Math	Permutation & Combination (1), Probability (1)	2
Number System	Surds (3), Properties of numbers (2)	5
Algebra	Quad equations (1), Quad inequality (1)	2
Data Interpretation	Set of three questions based on Caselet	3
Total	All MCQ Type	20

Source: IMS Coaching

5.2 Logical Reasoning

• Number of Questions: 20
• Type of Questions: MCQs
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
• Good Attempts: 14-15

Key Highlights

• 11 Questions were Based on Non-Verbal Reasoning including Direction sense, Cubes, Counting the number of triangles and squares, Linear Arrangements, Coding
• No question was on Blood Relations
• 9 Questions were based on Verbal Reasoning including Syllogisms, strong and weak arguments, assertion-reason, analogy, odd one out
• The section did not have any Set Based Questions
• All Questions were standalone Questions 
• Questions were of moderate difficulty level and were not lengthy or tricky

Topics	Type and Number of Questions	Total Questions
Non Verbal Reasoning	Direction Sense (2), Cubes (2), Counting Number of Triangles (1), Linear Arrangement (1), Coding (2), Clocks (1), Numerical Puzzle (1), Others (1)	11
Verbal Reasoning	Syllogisms (1), Strong Weak Arguments (1), Assertion-Reason (1), Analogy (1), Statement-Conclusion (1), Statement-Assumption (1), Statement- Assertion (1), Odd one Out (1), Arrange words in Sequence (1)	9
Total	All MCQ Type	20

Source: IMS Coaching

5.3 Language Comprehension

• Number of Questions: 20
• Type of Questions: MCQs
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Good Attempts: 14-15

Key Highlights

• Verbal Ability Questions: 18
• RC Based Questions: 2, based on one passage of 200 words
• RC Passage was easy
• VA questions were of moderate difficulty

Topics	Type and Number of Questions	Total Questions
Verbal Ability	Fill in the blanks (1), Parts of Speech (1), Antonyms (1), One word substitution (1),  Odd one out (1), Replace underlined phrase (1), Passive voice (1), Cloze passage (3 blanks), Jumbled paragraph (1), Grammar -Assertion reasoning and True/False statements (2), Match the idioms with their meanings (2), Match the foreign words with their meanings (2), Synonyms (1)	18
Reading Comprehension	One RC Passage of 200 words on the topic- Impact of Diversity on Education	2
Total	All MCQ Type	20

Source: IMS Coaching

5.4 General Awareness

• Number of Questions: 20
• Type of Questions: MCQs
• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
• Good Attempts: 11-12

Key Highlights:

• Static GK: 15 Questions
• Current Affairs: 5 Questions
• Majority of questions were based on Indian events
• Few questions were on international events

Topics	Type and Number of Questions	Total Questions
Static GK	Constitution of India, Books & Authors, Historical Facts	15
Current Affairs	Sports, Physics, Geography	5
Total	All MCQ Type	20

Source: IMS Coaching

5.5 Innovation and Entrepreneurship

• Number of Questions: 20
• Type of Questions: MCQs
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Good Attempts: 10-11

Key Highlights

• Business & Entrepreneurship had 16 Questions
• Business GK included 4 Questions

Topics	Type and Number of Questions	Total Questions
Business & Entrepreneurship	Nascent Entrepreneur; Phases of funding; Reasons for failure	16
Business GK	National and International Business GK questions	4
Total	All MCQ Type	20

Below are the CMAT 2024 score cut off predictions:

CMAT 2024 Score Range out of 400 Maximum Marks	CMAT Score Percentile Range
286-310	99.1 – 99.99
261-285	95-99
241-280	91-94
201-240	81-90
171-200	71-80

 

While CMAT 2024 exam has remained on last year pattern, the key changes in CMAT from 2021 exam are as below:

Sl	CMAT 2024, 2023 & 2022 Exam	CMAT 2021 Exam
1.	5 Section Exam	Both 4 & 5 Section Exam
2.	Compulsory 5th Section on Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Optional 5th Section on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
3.	CMAT Time Duration Reduced & Fixed to 3 Hours	Option to attempt CMAT in Time duration of 3 hours or 3½ Hours
4.	Total Questions Reduced to 100	Total Questions were 125 (Option to attempt 100 or 125 questions)
5.	No additional time for 5th Section	30 Minutes additional time for 5th section
6.	5th section Score counted for Percentile calculation to prepare merit list	5th section Score Not counted for Percentile calculation to prepare merit list
7.	20 Questions in Each of the five Sections	25 Questions in Each of the five Sections
8.	No sectional time limit and candidates can attempt any question in any section within time limit of 3 hours	No sectional time limit and candidates can attempt any question in any section within time limit of 3½ hours
9.	Candidates need not apply for the new course of  Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Candidates had to apply for the new course of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
10.	Number of CMAT Test cities increased to 110	Number of CMAT exam cities were 109

 

Top MBA Colleges accepting CMAT 2024 Scores for admission 2024 are given in the list below. The list contains CMAT 2024 Cut Off for Popular Institutions with expected CMAT Cut Off 2024 from 80 and above percentile with their fees, placements and admission status. Read below the complete list of CMAT colleges rank wise

MBA Colleges	Fees (Rs.in Lakhs)	Placement (Rs.in Lakhs)	Admission Status
BIMTECH Greater Noida	13.00	11.00	Open | Apply Now
JAGSoM	15.95	13.30	Open | Apply Now
IFMR Graduate School of Business Krea University	14.56	13.50	Open | Apply Now
Woxsen University Hyderabad	19.02	8.60	Open | Apply Now
IMI Bhubaneswar	12.99	11.30	Open | Apply Now
SIES Mumbai	9.00	9.11	Open | Apply Now

Other Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score with Admission Open: 70 to 80 %ile

Top MBA Colleges accepting CMAT 2024 Scores include IMT Hyderabad, Jaipuria Noida, NDIM Delhi among others. Read below the list of CMAT colleges with cut off and admission status

MBA Colleges	Fees  (Rs.in Lakhs)	Placement (Rs.in Lakhs)	Admission Status
BIMTECH PGDM-Insurance Business Management	13.00	11.00	Open | Apply Now
IPE Hyderabad	8.00	6.12	Open | Apply Now
Chandragupt Institute of Management - CIMP Patna	7.65	7.00	Open | Apply Now
Delhi School of Business (DSB) Delhi	9.25	8.25	Open | Apply Now
New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM) New Delhi	10.60	7.00	Open | Apply Now
Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS Rohini) Delhi	8.70	7.60	Open | Apply Now
IFIM College Bangalore	9.00	6.00	Open | Apply Now
MET Mumbai	11.05	8.00	Open | Apply Now
BIMTECH PGDM Retail Management	13.00	11.00	Open | Apply Now
Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow	14.50	11.08	Open | Apply Now
AIMS School of Business (AIMS Institutes)	9.06	7.50	Open | Apply Now
BIMTECH PGDM- Retail Management	13.00	9.38	Open | Apply Now
FIIB Delhi: Fortune Institute of International Business	10.10	6.30	Open | Apply Now
Sparsh Global Business School, Greater Noida	15.48	--	Open | Apply Now
NSB Academy Bangalore	8.30	7.10	Open | Apply Now
IIMS Pune: International Institute of Management Studies	Rs. 9.27	Rs. 7.50 LPA	Open | Apply Now
TAPMI School of Business Jaipur	9.51	7.19	Open | Apply Now
Siva Sivani Institute of Management	6.90	7.44	Open | Apply Now
SCMS Cochin School of Business	7.95	7.8	Open | Apply Now
RV University Bangalore	11.00	--	Open | Apply Now
GITAM Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad and Bengaluru	Rs. 10.18	Rs. 6.00 LPA	Open | Apply Now

 

Below are the slot wise CMAT exam Analysis 2024 by IMS, CL, TIME and other top CMAT Coaching Centres:

10.1. CMAT 2024 Exam Analysis by IMS

CMAT 2024 is being conducted on May 15, 2024 in two slots between 9 AM to 12 Noon (Slot 1) and 3.00 PM to 6.00 PM (Slot 2). This is the analysis of the first slot.

TEST OVERVIEW

The structure of the test and estimates of good attempts are as follows:

Section	No Of Questions	Marks per Question	Maximum Marks	Good Attempts	Overall LOD
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation	20	4	80	16-17	Easy
Logical Reasoning	20	4	80	15-16	Easy
Language Comprehension	20	4	80	15-16	Easy
General Awareness	20	4	80	10-11	Medium
Innovation and Entrepreneurship	20	4	80	11-12	Medium
Total	100		400	70-75

• The test had no sectional timing.
• Incorrect responses invited negative marks (-)1 for each incorrect response

VERDICT

Overall, the difficulty level of slot 1 of CMAT 2024 was similar to that of CMAT 2023 (morning slot).

As is the case generally with CMAT, this time too, time was not a constraining factor. Some of the questions in the five sections were sitters. However, some questions in both General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship sections were challenging. They could become the decisive questions and impact the overall percentile. Based on the feedback received from IMS candidates and experts, we expect the following cut-offs in CMAT 2024:

Score	Percentile
295-305	99.5+
275-285	99
255-265	95
235-245	90
For B-School cut-offs see Note ** at the end

Sectional Analysis

Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation:

This section was relatively easy in terms of Level of Difficulty. Out of 20 questions in the section, 3 were on Data Interpretation and the remaining 17 were on Quantitative Technique. A set of 3 questions on Data Interpretation consisted of questions based on caselets. These questions on Data Interpretation involved simple calculations.  

The questions on Quantitative Techniques were dominated by questions on Arithmetic. Out of 17 questions on Quantitative Techniques, 7 questions were on Arithmetic, which included questions on Time-speed-distance, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, SICI, and Time & Work. There were 2 questions each on Modern Math and Algebra, 5 questions on Numbers and 1 question on Geometry. Most of the questions on Quantitative Technique were easy. Some questions involved True-False statements and Quantitative comparison. 

Area		No of Questions.			Details
	Easy	Medium	Difficult	Total
Arithmetic	6	1	0	7	Time-speed-distance, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, SICI, Time & Work
Geometry	0	1	0	1	Mensuration
Modern Math	0	2	0	2	Permutation & Combination, Probability
Numbers	2	3	0	5	Surds, Properties of numbers
Algebra	0	2	0	2	Quad equations, Quad inequality
Data Interpretation	3	0	0	3	Caselet (Set of 3 questions)

Around 16-17 attempts in this section with 80% accuracy would be good.

Logical Reasoning:

Out of the 20 questions in this section, 11 were on Non-Verbal Reasoning and 9 questions were on Verbal Reasoning. All the questions were standalone questions and there were no set based questions.

The questions on Non-Verbal Reasoning were spread across different topics in Logical. Reasoning such as Directions, Cubes, Counting the number of triangles and squares, Linear Arrangements, Coding etc. The questions on Verbal Reasoning included questions such as Syllogisms, strong/weak arguments, assertion-reason, analogy, odd one etc.

The questions were not lengthy and many questions were straightforward and very easy to solve.

Area	No. of Qs.
Directions	2
Cubes	2
Counting the number of triangles	1
Linear Arrangement	1
Coding	2
Clocks	1
Numerical Puzzle	1
Misc	1
Verbal Reasoning

Syllogisms, strong/weak arguments, assertion reason, analogy, odd one out., Statement Conclusion, Statement-Assumption, Statement Assertion, Arrange words in sequence

9

Around 15-16 attempts in this section, with 80% accuracy, would be a good attempt.

Language Comprehension:

The Language Comprehension Section consisted of 2 Reading Comprehension questions and 18 Non-RC questions. The passage was easy to read.  The non-RC questions were easy as well.

Area	No. of Qs.
Reading Comprehension - 1 Passage - 200 words Topic: Impact of Diversity on Education	2
FIB, Parts of Speech, Antonyms, One word substitution,  Odd one out, Replace underlined phrase, Passive voice, Cloze passage [3 blanks], Parajumble, Jumbled sentence, Grammar [Assertion reasoning and True/False statements], Match the idioms with their meanings, Match the foreign words with their meanings, Synonyms.	18

Around 15-16 attempts in this section with 80% accuracy would be good.

General Awareness:

Out of the 20 General Awareness questions, 15 were based on Static GK. 5 questions were on Current Affairs. The majority of questions were based on Indian events. Only a few questions were on international events. The questions were on  Sports, constitution, history, books and authors, physics, geography, etc. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.

10 to 11 attempts in this section with 80 % accuracy would be a good attempt.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

 Out of the 20 questions, 16 were based on Business and Entrepreneurship concepts (Nascent Entrepreneur; Phases of funding; Reasons for failure etc.). 4 questions were on Business GK. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level. 11 to 12 attempts in this section with 80 % accuracy would be a good attempt.

10.2. CMAT 2024 Exam Analysis Slot 2 by IMS

CMAT 2024 is being conducted on May 15, 2024 in two slots between 9 AM to 12 Noon (Slot 1) and 3.00 PM to 6.00 PM (Slot 2). This is the analysis of the second slot by IMS.

TEST OVERVIEW

The structure of the test and estimates of good attempts are as follows:

Section		No Of Questions	Marks per Question	Maximum Marks	Good Attempts	Overall LOD
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation		20	4	80	16-17	Easy
Logical Reasoning		20	4	80	16-17	Easy
Language Comprehension		20	4	80	16-17	Easy
General Awareness		20	4	80	11-12	Medium
Innovation and Entrepreneurship		20	4	80	11-12	Medium
Total		100		400	70-75

• The test had no sectional timing.              
• Incorrect responses invited negative marks (-)1 for each incorrect response 

VERDICT

Overall, the difficulty level of slot 2 of CMAT 2024 was similar to that of CMAT 2024 (morning slot). As is the case generally with CMAT, this time too, time was not a constraining factor. Some of the questions in the five sections were sitters. However, some questions in both General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship sections were challenging. They could become the decisive questions and impact the overall percentile. Based on the feedback received from IMS candidates and experts, we expect the following cut-offs in CMAT 2024:

Score	Percentile
295-305	99.5+
275-285	99
255-265	95
235-245	90
For B-School cut-offs, see Note ** at the end

Sectional Analysis

Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation:

This section was relatively easy in terms of Level of Difficulty. Out of 20 questions in the section, 3 were on Data Interpretation and the remaining 17 were on Quantitative Technique. A set of 3 questions on Data Interpretation consisted of questions based on Table and Pie Chart.  Most questions on Data Interpretation involved simple calculations. The questions on Quantitative Techniques were dominated by questions on Arithmetic. Out of 15 questions on Quantitative Techniques, 7 questions were on Arithmetic, which included questions on Percentages, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, Time & Work and Mixtures & Allegations. There were 4 questions on Geometry, 3 questions on Modern Math, 2 on Numbers and 1 on Algebra. Most of the questions on Quantitative Technique were easy. 

Area	No of Questions.				Details
	Easy	Medium	Difficult	Total
Arithmetic	6	1	0	7	Percentages, Ratio-Proportion, Mixtures, Time & Work, Profit & Loss
Geometry	2	2	0	4	Triangles, Mensuration, Circles
Modern Math	0	3	0	3	Probability, Permutation - Combination
Numbers	2	0	0	2	Surds
Algebra	0	1	0	1	Linear equations
Data Interpretation	3	0	0	3	Table + Pie chart (Set of 3 questions)

Around 16-17 attempts in this section with 80% accuracy would be good.

Logical Reasoning:

Out of the 20 questions in this section, 14 were on Non-Verbal Reasoning and 6 questions were on Verbal Reasoning. All the questions were standalone questions and there were no set based questions.

The questions on Non-Verbal Reasoning were spread across different topics in Logical

Reasoning such as Directions, Series Completion, Counting the number of squares, Arrangements, Family Tree, Coding etc. The questions on Verbal Reasoning included questions such as Syllogisms, strong/weak arguments, assertion-reason, analogy, odd one etc. The questions were not lengthy and many questions were straightforward and very easy to solve.

Area	No. of Qs.
Directions	2
Series Completion	2
Counting the number of squares	1
Clocks	1
Calendars	1
Family Tree	1
Coding	1
Counting of numbers	2
Arrangements (Linear & Circular)	2
Visual Reasoning	1
Verbal Reasoning
Syllogisms, strong/weak arguments, assertion-reason, analogy, odd one etc.	6

Around 16-17 attempts in this section, with 80% accuracy, would be a good attempt. Language Comprehension:

The Language Comprehension Section consisted of 2 Reading Comprehension questions and 18 Non-RC questions. Most questions were easy to answer.   

Area	No. of Qs.
Reading Comprehension	2
Vocabulary - Synonym, antonym, FIBs, idioms, match the following, etc Grammar - FIB, Identify the correct statement, direct/indirect speech, classify the sentence, question tag, etc Verbal Reasoning - PJ ( 4 statements)	18

Around 16-17 attempts in this section with 80% accuracy would be good.

General Awareness:

Out of the 20 General Awareness questions, 18 were based on Static GK. 2 questions were on

Current Affairs. The majority of questions were based on Indian events. The questions were on  Sports, constitution, history, books and authors, physics, geography, etc. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.

10 to 11 attempts in this section with 80 % accuracy would be a good attempt.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

Out of the 20 questions, 15 were based on Business and Entrepreneurship concepts (Nascent Entrepreneur; Phases of funding; Reasons for failure etc.). 5 questions were on Business GK. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.

10 to 11 attempts in this section with 80 % accuracy would be a good attempt.

Below is shared CMAT previous years exam analysis in detail

CMAT 2023 Analysis: Slot Wise

The slot wise CMAT analysis by MBAUniverse.com is published as per following schedule:

CMAT 2023 Exam Shift	Shift-1: May 4, 2023	Shift-2: May 4, 2023
Exam Time	9 AM to 12 Noon (3 Hours)	2.30 PM to 5.30 PM (3 Hours)
Release of CMAT Analysis	12.15 PM (Published)	6.00 PM (Published)

Besides CMAT Paper Analysis 2023 by IMS Coaching is also published below with cut offs. The CMAT 2023 exam analysis on this page covers the following key points to help the aspirants to choose the best CMAT accepting MBA college for admission:

• CMAT Analysis highlighting the key changes in CMAT 2023 exam, scoring pattern, Number of questions, sectional division among others
• CMAT 2023 Analysis with Difficulty level as compared to last year CMAT
• CMAT Analysis Overall as well as CMAT section wise Analysis
• CMAT 2023 expected cut offs for a wide range of percentile
• CMAT 2023 expected cut offs for top MBA colleges like JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA, K J Somaiya, GIM Goa, Great Lakes, IFMR-GSB, BIMTECH among others
• CMAT 2023 Analysis by MBAUniverse.com and also by top coaching institutes like Career Launcher, T.I.M.E., IMS among others
• CMAT city wise cut offs with prominent colleges accepting CMAT score

LIVE! MBAUniverse.com CMAT Percentile Predictor - Check Your % in 5 Minutes Now

CMAT 2023 Analysis: 10 Important Changes
CMAT 2023 exam has following important changes

Sl	CMAT 2023 & 2022 Exam	CMAT 2021 Exam
1.	5 Section Exam	Both 4 & 5 Section Exam
2.	Compulsory 5th Section on Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Optional 5th Section on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
3.	CMAT Time Duration Reduced & Fixed to 3 Hours	Option to attempt CMAT in Time duration of 3 hours or 3½ Hours
4.	Total Questions Reduced to 100	Total Questions were 125 (Option to attempt 100 or 125 questions)
5.	No additional time for 5th Section	30 Minutes additional time for 5th section
6.	5th section Score counted for Percentile calculation to prepare merit list	5th section Score Not counted for Percentile calculation to prepare merit list
7.	20 Questions in Each of the five Sections	25 Questions in Each of the five Sections
8.	No sectional time limit and candidates can attempt any question in any section within time limit of 3 hours	No sectional time limit and candidates can attempt any question in any section within time limit of 3½ hours
9.	Candidates need not apply for the new course of  Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Candidates had to apply for the new course of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
10.	Number of CMAT Test cities increased to 124	Number of CMAT exam cities were 109

CMAT 2023 Slot-1 Analysis
CMAT 2023 Slot-1 Exam was conducted from 9 AM to 12 Noon as the Computer based test of 3 hours duration at test centers. Although the slot-1 of CMAT was not very difficult, but many test takers have reported that some of the questions were of even higher difficulty level than CAT exam. 

Sectional Composition of CMAT Slot-1 Question Paper
NTA conducts CMAT exam on behalf of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). CMAT exam 2023 is conducted in a revised test pattern as AICTE has revamped the CMAT exam pattern. CMAT 2023 Slot-1 had 5 Sections and all the sections were compulsory. Number of questions and maximum scoring chances in CMAT 2023 are as under:

CMAT 2023 Exam Sections	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks Section-wise
Language Comprehension	20	80
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation	20	80
Logical Reasoning	20	80
General Awareness	20	80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	20	80
Total: Sections-5	100	400

CMAT 2023 Score Vs Percentile
Based on the feedback received from the candidates and experts, we expect the following percentiles against scores for CMAT 2023

CMAT Score	Percentile
315-350	100
286-310	99.1-99.99
261-285	90-99
201-260	81-89
171-200	71-80

Check complete range of CMAT score Vs Percentile

CMAT 2023 Slot-2 Analysis

CMAT 2023 was conducted in two shifts – morning and afternoon on Thursday, May 4, 2023.  The exam has brought a few surprises for the test takers with a bit difficult 5^th section on Innovation and Entrepreneurship but moderate Quant, easy LR and a bit lengthy RC. This is the second CMAT exam with 5 mandatory sections and reduced number of questions. Deviating from its earlier question pattern and difficulty level, although the total number of questions in CMAT 2023 have remained 100, but the sectional composition and number of questions in each section have changed.

CMAT Slot-2 Sectional Analysis 2023: Key Highlights & Questions

• The CMAT exam overall difficulty level was moderate
• General Awareness (GK) section was found tough with more questions on Static GK
• Many GK questions were based on Education system, New Education policy, History and other topics

Section-1: Language Comprehension – Key Highlights

• Total Questions: 20
• Reading Comprehension (RC) Based Questions: 5
• Non-RC Based Questions: 15
• Difficulty level: Slightly Difficult
• 3 RC Passages were of 75-100+ words
• Passages were easy to read
• Few questions were indirect
• RC passages were based on Literature, Opinion based
• Overall difficulty level was moderate

Language Comprehension Topics	No. of Qs.
Reading Comprehension	5
Vocabulary - Synonym, antonym, FIBs, idioms, match the following	7
Grammar - FIB, Identify the correct statement, direct/indirect speech, classify the sentence, question tag, etc.	7
Verbal Reasoning – Parajumbles with 4 statements	1

A good attempt of 16-18 questions with 80-85% accuracy can get you around 99%ile

Section-2: Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation - Key Highlights

• Total Questions: 20
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Question Split: 5 on Data Interpretation; 15 on Quantitative Aptitude
• Data Interpretation Questions: Set of 5 questions on DI problem had Table based questions. Most of the DI questions needed simple calculations.
• QA Questions: Arithmetic had maximum number of questions in the Quantitative Techniques section.
• Out of 15 questions, 6 were on Arithmetic that consisted of questions on Time-speed-distance, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, Average and other topics. One question was on Geometry and one was on Modern Maths, 5 questions were on Numbers and 2 questions were on Algebra. Most of the questions were easy.
• Question with Incorrect Answer: Some of the test takers reported that one question on Probability did not have the correct answer option

Quant	No of Questions				Key Topics
-	Easy	Little Difficult	Very Difficult	Total	-
Arithmetic	5	1	0	6	Time-speed-distance, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, SICI, Average, Partnership
Geometry	0	1	0	1	Triangles
Modern Math	0	1	0	1	Probability
Numbers	2	3	0	5	Surds, HCF LCM
Algebra	0	2	0	2	Quad equations, Quad inequality
Data Interpretation	5	0	0	5	Table (Set of 5 questions)

A good attempt of 16-18 in Quant section with 80 to 85% accuracy can get you a high percentile of 98-99%ile

Section-3: Logical Reasoning – Key Highlights

• Total Questions: 20
• Verbal Reasoning Questions: 8
• Non-Verbal Reasoning Questions: 12
• All Standalone questions
• No Set based questions
• Type of Non Verbal Reasoning Questions: The questions on Non-Verbal Reasoning were based on Logical Reasoning topics like Directions, Series Completion, Counting the number of triangles and squares, Linear Arrangements, Family Tree, Coding among others
• Type of Verbal Reasoning Questions: The questions on Verbal Reasoning were based on topics like Syllogisms, strong/weak arguments, assertion-reason, analogy, odd one out
• Difficulty Level: The questions were not lengthy and most of them were easy to answer

Logical Reasoning Topics	No. of Questions
Directions	1
Series Completion	1
Counting the number of triangles and squares	2
Linear Arrangement	2
Family Tree	3
Coding	1
Miscellaneous	2
Verbal Reasoning: Syllogisms, strong/weak arguments, assertion reason, analogy, odd one out	8

A good attempt of 16-18 questions in this section, with 80 to 85% accuracy can fetch around 99%ile  

Section-4: General Awareness Key Highlights

• Total Questions: 20
• Conventional & Static GK Questions: 16
• Current Affairs based Questions: 4
• National & International Coverage: Major part was based on events in India with a few questions on international events
• Key Topics:  Sports, constitution, history, books and authors, physics, geography among others
• Difficulty level: More difficult as compared to other sections
• Good Attempts: 12 to 14 attempts with 85 % accuracy could fetch 98-99 %ile

Section-5: Innovation and Entrepreneurship – Key Highlights

• Total Questions: 20
• Question Split: 16 were based on Business and Entrepreneurship concepts (Nascent Entrepreneur; Phases of funding; Reasons for failure);  4 questions were on Business GK.
• Difficulty Level: Higher Difficulty Level
• Good Attempts: 12-13 attempts in this section with 85 % accuracy could get you around 99 %ile

Percentile Cut off Calculation in CMAT 2023
NTA will determine CMAT percentile out of 400 marks based on the score obtained by the test taker in all the five sections.

 Although CMAT 2023 Cut Offs & Scores will be released alongwith the CMAT result declaration by NTA on its official NTA CMAT website, you can check your expected CMAT percentile with the CMAT Percentile Predictor.

CMAT 2023 Exam Analysis by IMS

CMAT 2023 is being conducted on May 04, 2023 in two slots between 9 AM to 12 Noon (Slot 1) and 2.30 PM to 5.30 PM (Slot 2). This is the analysis of the first slot.

TEST OVERVIEW
The structure of the test and estimates of good attempts are as follows:.

Section	No Of Questions	Marks per Question	Maximum Marks	Good Attempts	Overall LOD
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation	20	4	80	16-17	Easy
Logical Reasoning	20	4	80	16-17	Easy
Language Comprehension	20	4	80	16-17	Easy
General Awareness	20	4	80	11-12	Medium
Innovation and Entrepreneurship	20	4	80	11-12	Medium
Total	100		400	70-75

• The test had no sectional timing.
• Incorrect responses invited negative marks (-)1 for each incorrect response

VERDICT
Overall, the difficulty level of slot 1 of CMAT 2023 was similar to that of CMAT 2022 (single slot).

As is the case generally with CMAT, this time too, time was not a constraining factor. Some of the questions in the five sections were sitters. However, some questions in both General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship sections were challenging. They could become the decisive questions and impact the overall percentile. Based on the feedback received from IMS candidates and experts, we expect the following cut-offs in CMAT 2023:

Score	Percentile
295 - 305	99.5+
275 - 285	99
255 - 265	95
235 - 245	90
For B-School cut-offs, see Note ** at the end

SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation:
This section was relatively easy in terms of Level of Difficulty. Out of 20 questions in the section, 5 were on Data Interpretation and the remaining 15 were on Quantitative Technique. A set of 5 questions on Data Interpretation consisted of questions based on Tables. Most questions on Data Interpretation involved simple calculations.

The questions on Quantitative Techniques were dominated by questions on Arithmetic. Out of 15 questions on Quantitative Techniques, 6 questions were on Arithmetic, which included questions on Time-speed-distance, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, SICI, Average, and Partnership. There was 1 question each on Geometry and modern Maths, 5 questions on Numbers and 2 questions on Algebra. Most of the questions on Quantitative Technique were easy. Students reported that one question on Probability did not have the correct answer in any of the options.

Area	No of Questions				Details
-	Easy	Medium	Difficult	Total	-
Arithmetic	5	1	0	6	Time-speed-distance, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, SICI, Average, Partnership
Geometry	0	1	0	1	Triangles
Modern Math	0	1	0	1	Probability
Numbers	2	3	0	5	Surds, HCF LCM
Algebra	0	2	0	2	Quad equations, Quad inequality
Data Interpretation	5	0	0	5	Table (Set of 5 questions)

Around 16-17 attempts in this section with 80% accuracy would be good.

Logical Reasoning:
Out of the 20 questions in this section, 12 were on Non-Verbal Reasoning and 8 questions were on Verbal Reasoning. All the questions were standalone questions and there were no set based questions.

The questions on Non-Verbal Reasoning were spread across different topics in Logical Reasoning such as Directions, Series Completion, Counting the number of triangles and squares, Linear Arrangements, Family Tree, Coding etc. The questions on Verbal Reasoning included questions such as Syllogisms, strong/weak arguments, assertion-reason, analogy, odd one etc.

The questions were not lengthy and many questions were straightforward and very easy to solve.

Area	No. Of Qs.
Directions	1
Series Completion	1
Counting the number of triangles and squares	2
Linear Arrangement	2
Family Tree	3
Coding	1
Miscellaneous
Verbal Reasoning
Syllogisms, strong/weak arguments, assertionreason, analogy, odd one etc.	8

Around 16-17 attempts in this section, with 80% accuracy, would be a good attempt.

Language Comprehension:
The Language Comprehension Section consisted of 5 Reading Comprehension questions and 16 Non-RC questions. The lengths of the three RC passages were in the range of 70 to 100 words. The passages were easy to read. The topics of RC passages were: Gandhi’s principles; Opinion on the subject of Poetry; Extract from a story. Most questions were easy to answer. The non-RC questions were easy as well.

Area	No. of Qs.
Reading Comprehension	5
Vocabulary - Synonym, antonym, FIBs, idioms, match the following, etc	7
Grammar - FIB, Identify the correct statement, direct/indirect speech, classify the sentence, question tag, etc.	7
Verbal Reasoning - PJ ( 4 statements)	1

Around 16-17 attempts in this section with 80% accuracy would be good.

General Awareness:
Out of the 20 General Awareness questions, 16 were based on Static GK. 4 questions were on Current Affairs. The majority of questions were based on Indian events. Only a few questions were on international events. The questions were on Sports, constitution, history, books and authors, physics, geography, etc. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.

11 to 12 attempts in this section with 80 % accuracy would be a good attempt.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Out of the 20 questions, 16 were based on Business and Entrepreneurship concepts (Nascent Entrepreneur; Phases of funding; Reasons for failure etc.). 4 questions were on Business GK. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.

11 to 12 attempts in this section with 80 % accuracy would be a good attempt.

CMAT 2022 Exam Analysis

Below is shared CMAT previous years exam analysis in detail  

CMAT 2022 Analysis: 10 Important Changes from Last Year
CMAT 2022 exam has following important changes as from last year:

Sl	CMAT 2022 Exam	CMAT 2021 Exam
1.	5 Section Exam	Both 4 & 5 Section Exam
2.	Compulsory 5th Section on Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Optional 5th Section on Innovation & Entrepreneurship
3.	CMAT Time Duration Reduced & Fixed to 3 Hours	Option to attempt CMAT in Time duration of 3 hours or 3½ Hours
4.	Total Questions Reduced to 100	Total Questions were 125 (Option to attempt 100 or 125 questions)
5.	No additional time for 5th Section	30 Minutes additional time for 5th section
6.	5th section Score counted for Percentile calculation to prepare merit list	5th section Score Not counted for Percentile calculation to prepare merit list
7.	20 Questions in Each of the five Sections	25 Questions in Each of the five Sections
8.	No sectional time limit and candidates can attempt any question in any section within time limit of 3 hours	No sectional time limit and candidates can attempt any question in any section within time limit of 3½ hours
9.	Candidates need not apply for the new course of  Innovation & Entrepreneurship	Candidates had to apply for the new course of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
10.	Number of CMAT Test cities increased to 124	Number of CMAT exam cities were 109

CMAT Analysis 2022: Sectional Composition of Question Paper
CMAT 2022 has 5 Sections and all the sections are compulsory. Number of questions and maximum scoring chances in CMAT 2022 are as under:

CMAT 2022 Exam Sections	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks Section-wise
Language Comprehension	20	80
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation	20	80
Logical Reasoning	20	80
General Awareness	20	80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship	20	80
Total: Sections-5	100	400

CMAT 2022 Score Vs Percentile
Based on the feedback received from the candidates and experts, we expect the following percentiles against scores for CMAT 2022

CMAT Score	Percentile
315-350	100
286-310	99.1-99.99
261-285	90-99
201-260	81-89
171-200	71-80

Check complete range of CMAT score Vs Percentile 

CMAT 2022 Exam Analysis by IMS

CMAT 2022 was conducted on April 9, 2022 between 3 PM and 6 PM. The test is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). 

TEST OVERVIEW
The structure of the test and estimates of good attempts are as follows:

Section		No Of Questions	Marks per Question	Maximum Marks	Good Attempts	Overall LOD
Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation		20	4	80	16-17	Easy
Logical Reasoning		20	4	80	16-17	Easy
Language Comprehension		20	4	80	16-17	Easy
General Awareness		20	4	80	8-10	Difficult
Innovation and Entrepreneurship		20	4	80	7-9	Difficult
Total		100		400	63-70
	The test had no sectional timing.

• Incorrect responses invited negative marks (-)1 for each incorrect response

VERDICT
Overall, the test was slightly tougher than CMAT 2021.

As is the case generally with CMAT, this time too, time was not a constraining factor. Some of the questions in the five sections were sitters. However, some questions in both General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship sections were challenging. They could become the decisive questions and impact the overall percentile. Based on the feedback received from IMS candidates and experts, we expect the following cut-offs in CMAT 2022:

Score	Percentile
295 - 305	99.5+
275 - 285	99
255 - 265	95
235 - 245	90
For B-School cut-offs, see Note ** at the end

SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation:
This section was relatively easy in terms of Level of Difficulty. Out of 20 questions in the section, 5 were on Data Interpretation and the remaining 15 were on Quantitative Technique. The 5 questions on Data Interpretation consisted of questions based on Tables and Pie charts.  Most questions on Data Interpretation involved simple calculations.  

The questions on Quantitative Techniques were dominated by questions on Arithmetic. Out of 15 questions on Quantitative Techniques, 8 questions were on Arithmetic, which included questions on Percentages, Averages, Ratios, Compound Interest, Time-Speed-Distance and Time & Work). There were 2 questions each on Numbers, Geometry and Modern Mathematics (Probability) and one question on Algebra. Most of the questions on Quantitative Technique were easy. Students reported that one question on Probability did not have the correct answer in any of the options.

Area		No of Questions.			Details
	Easy	Medium	Difficult	Total
Arithmetic	6	2	0	8	Percentages,       Time-speed-distance,	Time-
					work,    Ratio-Proportion,             Profit    & Compound Interest, Averages	Loss,
Geometry	2	0	0	2	Mensuration, Triangles
Modern Math	3	1	1	2	Probability
Numbers	2	0	0	2	Properties of Numbers
Algebra	1	0	0	1	Simple equations
Data Interpretation	3	2	0	5	Table, Pie Chart

Around 16-17 attempts in this section with 80% accuracy would be good.

Logical Reasoning:
Out of the 20 questions in this section, 15 were on Non-Verbal Reasoning and 5 questions were on Verbal Reasoning. All the questions were standalone questions and there were no set based questions.

The questions on Non-Verbal Reasoning were spread across different topics in Logical Reasoning such as Directions, Series Completion, Arrangements, and Family Tree etc. Students reported that one question in Family Tree did not have the correct answer matching with any option.

The questions were not lengthy and many questions were straightforward and very easy to solve.

Area	No. of Qs.
Directions	3
Series Completion	3
Number relations	2
Linear Arrangement	2
Family Tree	2
Coding	1
Misc Arrangement	1
Set Theory	1
Verbal Reasoning
Reasoning-based: assumptions, assertion-reason, analogy, odd word.	5

Around 16-17 attempts in this section, with 80% accuracy, would be a good attempt.

Language Comprehension:
The Language Comprehension Section consisted of 4 Reading Comprehension questions and 16 NonRC questions. The length of the passages was around 350 words.. The non-RC questions were easy.

Area	No. of Qs.
Reading Comprehension - Organization and Development of megacities	4
Vocabulary - Antonyms, synonyms, FIBs, idioms, spellings, etc	10
Grammar - FIB, Identify the correct statement, direct speech	5
Verbal Reasoning - PJ	1

Around 16-17 attempts in this section with 80% accuracy would be good.

General Awareness:
Out of the 20 General Awareness questions, 16 were based on Static GK. 4 questions were on Current Affairs. Around 11 questions were based on Indian events, 4 were on international ones and the remaining 5 were miscellaneous ones. Most of the questions were on Sports, constitution, history, books and authors, awards, physics, geography, etc. Overall, this section was difficult. 8 to 10 attempts in this section with 80 % accuracy would be a good attempt.

Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Out of the 20 questions, 13 were based on Static GK. 7 questions were on Current Affairs. There were no RC passage based questions this year. Questions on business, economics, management, government schemes dominated this section. Overall, this section was difficult. 7 to 9 attempts in this section with 80 % accuracy would be a good attempt.

**Note:

Approximate Cut-Off for CMAT Based colleges

The following B-School admissions (based on CMAT score) generally close at these percentiles:

MMS Programs - (All India Seats)

JBIMS - 99.99 percentile

Sydenham – 99.95+ percentile

KJ Somaiya - 99.94

Welingkar Institute of Management- 99.9

PGDM Program

Great Lakes, Chennai – 90 + percentile + profile based

GOA Institute of Management - 95+ percentile

KJ Somaiya - 95 + percentile

IFMR - 85 + percentile

NIBM - 90 + percentile

Welingkar Institute Of Management - 70 + percentile (eligibility) + profile based

Short name: 

Analysis