The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level management entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is a gateway for admission to over 1,000 AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM programs in India. Known for its balanced difficulty level, CMAT is an excellent choice for management aspirants aiming for top B-schools. Here’s everything you need to know about the exam, including its structure, fees, eligibility, syllabus, and preparation tips.
What is CMAT?
The CMAT is designed to evaluate candidates’ aptitude in Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The exam provides opportunities to enter reputed management institutions and kickstart a successful career in management.
To appear for CMAT, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
Educational Qualification:
A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Final-year undergraduate students are also eligible.
Age Limit:
There is no age limit for the CMAT exam.
Exam Pattern
The CMAT consists of five sections, each focusing on a distinct skill set. Here is the detailed structure:
Section
Number of Questions
Marks per Question
Total Marks
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
20
4
80
Logical Reasoning
20
4
80
Language Comprehension
20
4
80
General Awareness
20
4
80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
20
4
80
Total
100
4
400
Note: Negative marking of -1 applies for incorrect answers.
Application Process
Registration:
Visit the official CMAT website (cmat.nta.nic.in).
Register with your email ID and phone number.
Fill Application Form:
Provide personal, academic, and work experience details.
Select up to four preferred exam centers.
Upload Documents:
Recent passport-sized photograph and signature.
Pay Application Fee:
Pay online via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Syllabus Overview
Section
Topics Covered
Quantitative Techniques & DI
Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation, Probability
Logical Reasoning
Arrangements, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Series Completion
Language Comprehension
Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Para Jumbles
General Awareness
Current Affairs, Business News, Economics, Geography
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Case Studies, Concepts of Entrepreneurship, Decision-Making
Preparation Tips
Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the sections and the types of questions.
Create a Study Plan: Allocate specific time slots for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Practice Mock Tests: Regular mock tests will improve your speed, accuracy, and time management.
Focus on Innovation & Entrepreneurship: This unique section requires practical knowledge and critical thinking.
Stay Updated with GK: Read newspapers and current affairs magazines regularly.
Important Dates for CMAT 2024 (Tentative)
Event
Date
Notification Release
December 2023
Registration Begins
January 2024
Admit Card Release
February 2024
Exam Date
March 2024
Result Declaration
April 2024
Fee Structure for Top MBA Colleges via CMAT
Institute Name
Average Fee (INR)
Average Placement Package (INR)
JBIMS Mumbai
6-8 Lakhs
20-22 Lakhs
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management
15-16 Lakhs
10-12 Lakhs
Great Lakes Institute of Management
14-15 Lakhs
12-15 Lakhs
Goa Institute of Management
17-18 Lakhs
11-13 Lakhs
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH)
12-13 Lakhs
8-9 Lakhs
CMAT vs. Other Management Entrance Exams
Feature
CMAT
CAT
MAT
Conducting Body
NTA
IIMs
AIMA
Mode of Exam
Computer-Based
Computer-Based
CBT, PBT, IBT
Frequency
Once a Year
Once a Year
4 Times a Year
Application Fee
INR 2000
INR 2400 (General Category)
INR 1950
Difficulty Level
Moderate
High
Moderate
Conclusion
The CMAT exam is a crucial opportunity for management aspirants looking for admission into AICTE-approved MBA and PGDM programs. Its balanced difficulty level and unique section on Innovation & Entrepreneurship make it stand out among other management exams. With the right preparation strategy and consistent practice, you can secure a top rank in CMAT and achieve your management career goals.
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national-level entrance examination introduced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It serves as a gateway for students seeking admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in various central, state, and private universities …
The ICAR AIEEA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination for Admission) is one of the most prestigious exams for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in agricultural sciences and related fields. Conducted by the Indian …
The NDA (National Defence Academy) exam is one of the most prestigious and challenging entrance exams in India. Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), it is the gateway for young candidates aspiring to join the Indian Army, Indian …