CMAT Examination Pattern 2020

The CMAT exam pattern is set by NTA, the exam conducting body. CMAT is conducted in as an online examination and the question paper has four sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, and General Awareness. Candidates appearing in CMAT 2020 must thoroughly understand the CMAT pattern and prepare accordingly.  Read below to know more about CMAT exam pattern 2020.

CMAT 2020 Exam Pattern: Highlights

CMAT Exam StructureDetails
Number of sections4 (Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness)
Mode of examinationOnline
Duration of exam180 Minutes
Number of Shifts2 (9:30 am to 12:30 am and 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm)
Number of questions100
Total Marks400
Number of answer choices
4
CMAT Marking Scheme+4 marks for correct answer

-1 mark for an incorrect answer
Language of paperEnglish

CMAT Exam Pattern: Section-wise Break-up

The CMAT 2020 exam pattern is the same as last year as the NTA has not included any changes in the questions or the test pattern. Candidates have to solve the CMAT question paper in 3 hours and there is no time limit for each section. In this duration, the candidates are expected to solve 100 MCQs, which could be calculation-based, logic-based and includes reading long paragraphs.

Also Check How to Prepare for CMAT 2020 in One Month

CMAT SectionsQuestionsMaximum Marks
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation25100
Logical Reasoning25100
Language Comprehension25100
General Awareness25100
Total100400

CMAT Marking Scheme

In CMAT 2020, four marks will be awarded for every correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. Marks are not deducted for unanswered questions. Check the below table to understand CMAT 2020 marking scheme:

Answer StatusMarks
Right Answer+4
Wrong Answer-1
Not Attempted0

CMAT Exam Pattern: Key Points

  • The NTA has introduced CMAT Testing Centres for candidates to practise the mock tests and to familiarize themselves with the actual exam environment.
  • Since this test is computer-based, the candidates are not required to carry any stationery item on the exam day.
  • Each candidate will be provided with rough paper and pen/pencil inside the exam hall for rough work.
  • Before leaving the exam hall, the candidate must leave the paper used for rough work at the desk.

Also Check CMAT Answer Key

CMAT Previous Years’ Paper Analysis

CMAT 2019 was easier than previous years with most of the sections having questions of moderate difficulty level. In the table below, the section-wise difficulty level of CMAT previous year papers (slot 1 and slot 2 both) is discussed.

CMAT 2019 Slot 1 Analysis

SectionsQuestionsDifficulty Level
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation25Moderate
Logical Reasoning25Moderate to difficult
Language Comprehension25Moderate to difficult
General Awareness25Moderate to difficult

CMAT 2019 Slot 2 Analysis

SectionsQuestionsDifficulty Level
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation25Moderate to difficult
Logical Reasoning25Moderate
Language Comprehension25Moderate to difficult
General Awareness25Moderate to difficult

Also Check

FAQs Regarding CMAT Exam Pattern

Q: How many colleges accept the CMAT score?

A: CMAT scores are accepted by all AICTE approved colleges.

Q: Are there subjective questions that require essay or paragraph writing?

A: There are no subjective-type questions in CMAT. The CMAT exam paper will carry only MCQs.


Q: Will NTA release the mock test for CMAT 2020?

A: Yes, the NTA will release the mock test only for the registered candidates at the Test Practice Centres.

Q: What is the syllabus of CMAT exam 2020?

A: The CMAT syllabus includes topics from Maths of class 10-12 level, General Knowledge and English. It is divided into four parts: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension and General Awareness.

Q: What is the duration of CMAT exam? Will extra time be granted?

A: The CMAT exam is conducted for three hours from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Extra time is allotted to PwD candidates only.

Q: Is there sectional time-limit in CMAT?

A: No, there is no sectional time-limit in CMAT. Candidates can answer questions from each section according to their convenience.

Q: How much marks will be deducted if I select the wrong answer?

A: For each wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted in CMAT 2020 exam.

Q: Can I skip a question I don’t know the answer to? How many marks will be deducted?

A: Yes, you can skip questions. No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.

Q: Can I use a calculator in the exam?

A: No electronic items are allowed inside the exam centre. The candidates can use the onscreen calculator or pen and paper provided at the exam centre for making the calculation.

Q: What is the order of sections in CMAT exam?

A: The order of CMAT sections is as follows:
1.Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
2.Logical Reasoning,
3.Language Comprehension
4.General Awareness

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