Although the National Testing Agency (NTA) has not yet posted the official CMAT 2026 syllabus PDF on its website- exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/, the exam structure remains consistent with previous years’.
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The CMAT syllabus consists of five main parts: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a mark each comprising 20 percent of total marks.
- This exam will have 20 questions (80 marks per section) in every section, containing a total of 100 questions and 400 marks with a time duration of 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete this examination.
- Official updates and announcements concerning CMAT 2026 should be verified on the NTA CMAT portal by the candidates that are planning to take the upcoming exam.
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- CMAT Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Weightage
- CMAT Syllabus 2026: Marking Scheme
- Source:@exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT
- CMAT Syllabus 2026: Previous Year’s Question Papers
- CMAT Syllabus 2026: Preparation Tips
- CMAT Syllabus 2026: Preparation Books
- CMAT Mock Test 2026
- CMAT Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Key Summary
- The exam consists of five sections, namely Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- Each section carries 20 questions and 80 marks, totaling 100 questions and 400 marks.Section-wise weightage is 20% per section, with +4 marks for correct answers and -1 for wrong answers.
- The Exam Duration for CMAT 2026 is 3 hours (180 minutes).
- Official updates will be available at the NTA CMAT portal: https://cmat.nta.nic.in/
Also Read:
What is the CMAT Syllabus?
The CMAT Syllabus outlines all the subjects and topics candidates need to study for the exam, conducted by the NTA for admission to MBA and PGDM programs across India.
The syllabus has five sections with 20 questions for 80 marks per section, with a total of 400 marks. The CMAT syllabus is designed to assess a candidate’s quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, language proficiency, general awareness, and entrepreneurial mindset.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA/DI) | 20 | 80 | Arithmetic, Algebra & Modern Maths, Geometry & Mensuration, Number System, Data Interpretation & Sufficiency |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | 20 | 80 | Traditional Logic, Verbal / Critical Logic, Analytical Logic |
| Language Comprehension (VARC) | 20 | 80 | Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension & Verbal Ability |
| General Awareness (GA) | 20 | 80 | Current Affairs, Economy & Business, Static GK |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) | 20 | 80 | Entrepreneurship Basics, Innovation & Creativity, Business Models, Finance & Funding, Government Schemes & Ecosystem, Case Studies |
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Weightage
The syllabus for the CMAT exam covers five key areas. The section-wise details are as follows:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA/DI): Tests numerical and analytical ability.
- Logical Reasoning (LR): Evaluates problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Language Comprehension (VARC): Measures reading comprehension and verbal ability.
- General Awareness (GA): Assesses knowledge of current affairs and general knowledge.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E): Examines creativity and business acumen.
Each section carries 20 questions and 80 marks, contributing 20% to the total score.
| Section | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA/DI) | 20% |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | 20% |
| Language Comprehension (VARC) | 20% |
| General Awareness (GA) | 20% |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
| Topics | Subtopics | Approx. Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic | Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Partnership, Simple & Compound Interest, Problem on Ages, Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work, Mixtures & Alligation | 25-30% |
| Algebra & Modern Maths | Linear & Quadratic Equations, Permutation & Combination, Inequalities, Functions, Polynomials, Sequences & Series, Probability, Set Theory, Progression, Logarithms, Surds & Indices | 20-25% |
| Geometry & Mensuration | Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Quadrilaterals, Mensuration, Trigonometry | 10-15% |
| Number System | HCF & LCM, Divisibility, Remainders, Unit digits, Last two digits, Factors, Base conversions | 5-10% |
| Data Interpretation & Sufficiency | Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, Data Sufficiency | 25-30% |
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Logical Reasoning
| Topics | Subtopics | Approx. Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Logic | Alphabet Test, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Directions, Odd One Out, Series, Ranking, Syllogisms, Inequality, Input-Output, Clock/Calendar, Cube and Dice | 40-45% |
| Verbal / Critical Logic | Statement & Assumptions, Statement & Course of Action, Statement & Arguments, Statement & Conclusions, Cause & Effect, Inference | 20-25% |
| Analytical Logic | Linear, Circular, Distribution, Selection | 25-30% |
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Language Comprehension
| Topics | Subtopics | Approx. Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Synonyms & Antonyms, Analogies, Odd-one-out, Fill-up, Cloze Test, One-word Substitution, Spell Check | 25-30% |
| Grammar | Error Detection, Sentence Correction, Sentence Improvement, Part of Speech, Direct-Indirect, Figure of Speech | 20-25% |
| Comprehension & Verbal Ability | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Completion, Idioms & Phrases, Sentence Rearrangement | 40-45% |
CMAT Syllabus 2026: General Awareness
| Topics | Subtopics | Approx. Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Current Affairs | National & International Events, Sports, Awards, Appointments, Summits, Books & Authors | 35-40% |
| Economy & Business | Union Budget, Economic Survey, RBI Policies, Banking & Finance, Business Mergers, Corporate Affairs | 25-30% |
| Static GK | Indian Constitution, Geography, History, Science & Technology, Polity, Environment | 20-25% |
| Miscellaneous | Government Schemes, Important Days, International Organizations, Indian Culture & Heritage | 10-15% |
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Innovation & Entrepreneurship
| Topics | Subtopics | Approx. Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneurship Basics | Concept, Types of Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Business Plan Creation | 20-25% |
| Innovation & Creativity | Design Thinking, Idea Generation, Product Development, Value Proposition, Business Models, Revenue Models | 25-30% |
| Finance & Funding | Sources of Finance, Angel Investors, Venture Capital, Crowdfunding, Bootstrapping | 15-20% |
| Government Schemes & Ecosystem | Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, MSME Schemes, Incubators & Accelerators | 10-15% |
| Case Studies | Real-world scenarios of startups & innovation management | 10-15% |
Ques. What are the key topics in Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation for CMAT 2026?
Ans. The QA/DI section includes:
- Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest
- Algebra: Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Inequalities
- Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Mensuration
- Number System: Divisibility, LCM & HCF, Integers, Prime numbers
- Data Interpretation (DI): Tables, Bar charts, Line graphs, Pie charts, Caselet-based sets.
Ques. What are the key topics in other sections of the CMAT 2026 syllabus?
Ans. The key topics in other sections of the CMAT 2026 syllabus
- Logical Reasoning (LR): Puzzles, Arrangements, Coding-Decoding, Blood relations, Analytical reasoning, Syllogisms
- Language Comprehension (VARC): Reading comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Para-jumbles, Sentence completion
- General Awareness (GA): Current affairs (last 6-12 months), Banking & Economy, Static GK, National & International events
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E): Business concepts, Entrepreneurship basics, Innovation, Funding, Caselets and short scenario-based questions
Ques. Do I need a business background to score in Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) in CMAT?
Ans. No. Basic conceptual reading, following startup news, and practicing MCQs are sufficient to perform well in this section.
Ques. How many Reading Comprehension (RC) passages usually appear in CMAT VARC?
Ans. Typically, the VARC section has 2-3 RC passages, each with 3-5 questions. The number may vary slightly each year, so focus on comprehension speed and accuracy.
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Marking Scheme
The CMAT Syllabus 2026 Marking Scheme is expected to follow the pattern prescribed by the NTA in previous years’.
In CMAT 2026, every correct answer will give you 4 marks, a wrong answer will cost -1 mark, unattempted questions won’t affect your score, and the exam totals 400 marks for 100 questions.
| Section | No. of Questions (Expected) | Marks per Question | Negative Marking | Total Marks (Expected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA/DI) | 20 | 4 | -1 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | 20 | 4 | -1 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension (VARC) | 20 | 4 | -1 | 80 |
| General Awareness (GA) | 20 | 4 | -1 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) | 20 | 4 | -1 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Source: @exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT
Ques. Is there a sectional time limit in the CMAT exam?
Ans. No, CMAT does not have a fixed time limit for each section. Candidates have 180 minutes to complete all five sections and can allocate time to sections as per their strategy.
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CMAT Difficulty Level Trends (2023-2025)
Based on past exam analyses, expert insights, and student feedback, the expected difficulty level for CMAT 2026 is estimated.
| Section | CMAT 2023 Difficulty | CMAT 2024 Difficulty | CMAT 2025 Difficulty (as per analysis) | Expected Trend 2026 | Remarks |
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | Moderate to Tough | Moderate | Moderate (Shift 2 slightly tougher) | Moderate | Usually considered the most time-consuming; Data Interpretation sets have increased. |
| Logical Reasoning | Easy to Moderate | Easy | Easy to Moderate | Easy to Moderate | Pattern remains steady; most questions from traditional reasoning. |
| Language Comprehension | Easy | Easy to Moderate | Easy | Easy to Moderate | Reading Comprehension remains simple; vocabulary-based questions common. |
| General Awareness | Moderate | Moderate to Tough | Moderate to Tough | Moderate | Static GK and business-related current affairs dominate; factual precision needed. |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Easy to Moderate | Easy | Easy to Moderate | Easy | Conceptual and case-based; generally scoring. |
CMAT Expected Difficulty Level for 2026
- Overall Level: CMAT has maintained a Moderate difficulty level for the past three years.
- Scoring Sections: Language Comprehension and Innovation & Entrepreneurship are consistently seen as high-scoring.
- Tricky Areas: Quantitative Techniques & DI remains time-intensive and tricky for many aspirants.
Trend for 2026: Expected to follow the same overall pattern which is moderate level with balanced difficulty across shifts
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Previous Year’s Question Papers
| Exam | Question Paper | Solutions PDF |
|---|---|---|
| CMAT 2024 Question Paper May 15 Shift 1 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
| CMAT 2024 Question Paper May 15 Shift 2 | Download PDF | Check Solutions |
CMAT Question Paper 2023
| Slot | Question Paper PDF |
|---|---|
| May 4 Slot 1 (9:00 am to 12:00 noon) | Check Here |
| May 4 Slot 2 (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm) |
CMAT Question Paper 2022
| Question Paper | Download Link |
|---|---|
| Question Paper 2022 | Check Here |
CMAT Question Paper 2021
| Exam Slot | Question Paper with Solutions PDF |
|---|---|
| Slot 1 | Check Here |
| Slot 2 | Check Here |
CMAT Question Paper 2020
| Exam | Question Paper with Solutions PDF |
|---|---|
| Question Paper 2020 | Check Here |
CMAT Question Paper 2019
| Date/Slot | Question Paper with Solutions PDF |
|---|---|
| Jan 28 | Check Here |
| Jan 29 | Check Here |
CMAT Question Paper 2018
| Exam Slot and Subject | Question Paper with Solutions PDF |
|---|---|
| Slot 1 Quant | Check Here |
| Slot 1 Language Comprehension | Check Here |
| Slot 1 Logical Reasoning | Check Here |
| Slot 1 GK | Check Here |
| Slot 2 Quant | Check Here |
| Slot 2 Language Comprehension | Check Here |
| Slot 2 Logical Reasoning | Check Here |
| Slot 2 GK | Check Here |
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CMAT Syllabus 2026: Preparation Tips
CMAT 2026 preparation requires a strategic approach focusing on accuracy and time management.
- Understand the exam pattern and marking scheme thoroughly before starting preparation.
- Focus on accuracy over attempting all questions due to negative marking.
- Practice sectional time management to ensure you can complete all questions within 3 hours.
- Strengthen fundamentals in Quant, LR, and VARC before moving to advanced topics.
- Read daily current affairs for the GA section and maintain a short revision notebook.
- Keep short notes, formula sheets, and flashcards for last-minute revision.
- Students can also focus on an 8-week structured preparation plan.
CMAT 2026: 8-Week Preparation Strategy
| Week | Focus Area | Daily / Weekly Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | Foundation | Quant: Basic arithmetic & number system (45-60 min daily)VARC: 1 Reading Comprehension + vocabulary exercise dailyLR: 1 medium puzzle dailyGA: Compile last 6 months headlinesI&E: Read 2-3 entrepreneurship primer articles |
| Week 3-4 | Sectional Practice | Topic tests for QA, LR, VARC (alternate days)Start DI sets (mixed charts)Weekly GA full revision sheet |
| Week 5-6 | Mocks & Strategy | Take 2 full-length mocks per weekReview mistakes thoroughlyTime practice for DI sets & LR puzzles |
| Week 7 | Polish | 3-4 mocks; focus on accuracy & negative marking controlFinal GA short notes & one-line memory aids |
| Week 8 | Revision | Light mocksFormula sheet & short flashcards for GA & vocabMental math warmups |
Use official NTA mock instructions to get comfortable with the CBT interface (NTA Test Practice Centre).
Also Read:
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Preparation Books
For effective preparation of CMAT 2026, using the right books can help strengthen concepts, improve speed, and practice extensively for each section. Below is a section-wise recommended book list:
| Section | Recommended Books / Authors |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA/DI) | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations - R.S. AggarwalHow to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - Arun SharmaFast Track Objective Arithmetic - Rajesh Verma |
| Logical Reasoning (LR) | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning - R.S. AggarwalLogical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT - Nishit K. SinhaAnalytical Reasoning - M.K. Pandey |
| Language Comprehension (VARC) | Word Power Made Easy - Norman LewisHigh School English Grammar & Composition - Wren & MartinObjective General English - S.P. Bakshi |
| General Awareness (GA) | Manorama Yearbook - Latest EditionPratiyogita Darpan - Current AffairsNewspapers: The Hindu, Economic Times (Daily Current Affairs) |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) | Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Peter F. DruckerEntrepreneurship Development - S.S. KhankaOnline resources: NITI Aayog / Startup India portal articles |
CMAT Mock Test 2026
CMAT Mock Tests helps candidates get used to the exam format and try questions from all five sections. They show which areas need more practice and help improve accuracy. Regular practice also increases speed, builds confidence, and improves exam strategy.
Also Read:
CMAT Syllabus 2026 FAQs
Ques. What are the key topics in the CMAT 2026 syllabus?
Ans. The key topics in the CMAT 2026 syllabus are:
- QA/DI: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system, data interpretation sets.
- LR: Puzzles, arrangements, coding-decoding, analytical reasoning.
- VARC: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, para-jumbles, sentence completion.
- GA: Current affairs, banking, economy, static GK, national/international events.
- I&E: Business concepts, entrepreneurship, innovation, funding, caselets.
Ques. Has the CMAT 2026 Information Bulletin been released?
Ans. No, the official 2026 Information Bulletin is not yet released. Aspirants can refer to the previous year’s syllabus and pattern. Official updates are available at the NTA CMAT portal.
Ques. What is the expected CMAT 2026 exam pattern?
Ans.The CMAT exam is expected to have five sections namely Quantitative Techniques & DI, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship with a total of 100 questions and 400 marks. Each correct answer carries +4 marks and wrong answers carry -1 mark.
Section-wise pattern:
| Section | Questions | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| QA/DI | 20 | 80 | 20% |
| LR | 20 | 80 | 20% |
| VARC | 20 | 80 | 20% |
| GA | 20 | 80 | 20% |
| I&E | 20 | 80 | 20% |
| Total | 100 | 400 | 100% |
Ques. What is the marking scheme for CMAT 2026?
Ans. Each correct answer contains +4 marks, each incorrect answer has -1 mark, and unattempted questions has 0 marks. The marking scheme is uniform across all sections.
Marking scheme:
| Section | Questions | Marks per Question | Negative Marking | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QA/DI | 20 | 4 | -1 | 80 |
| LR | 20 | 4 | -1 | 80 |
| VARC | 20 | 4 | -1 | 80 |
| GA | 20 | 4 | -1 | 80 |
| I&E | 20 | 4 | -1 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Ques. What is the expected duration of CMAT 2026?
Ans. The exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). Candidates should manage time across sections to complete all 100 questions.
Ques. Is there a sectional cut-off in CMAT?
Ans. No, CMAT does not have official sectional cut-offs. Admissions may require an overall score or percentile, though some colleges may set their own sectional minimums for shortlisting candidates.
Ques. Which books are recommended for CMAT 2026 preparation?
Ans. Some of the books which are recommended for CMAT 2026 preparation are as follows:
| Section | Recommended Books / Authors |
|---|---|
| QA/DI | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations - R.S. AggarwalHow to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - Arun Sharma |
| LR | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning - R.S. AggarwalAnalytical Reasoning - M.K. Pandey |
| VARC | Word Power Made Easy - Norman LewisHigh School English Grammar & Composition - Wren & Martin |
| GA | Manorama Yearbook, Pratiyogita Darpan, Newspapers: The Hindu, Economic Times |
| I&E | Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Peter F. DruckerEntrepreneurship Development - S.S. Khanka |
Ques. How should one approach CMAT 2026 preparation?
Ans.The approach for CMAT 2026 preparation could be as follows:
- Focus on section-wise practice for QA, LR, VARC, GA, and I&E.
- Take mock tests to familiarize with the CBT interface.
- Revise using formula sheets, flashcards, and short notes.
- Emphasize accuracy due to negative marking.
Ques. Where can I get official updates for CMAT 2026?
Ans. Students can check the NTA CMAT official portal regularly: https://cmat.nta.nic.in/ for exam dates, syllabus updates, and mock tests.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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