What is the CMAT exam pattern like?

CMAT or Common Aptitude Management Test is a computer-based test conducted by NTA (previously by AICTE). This exam is of objective nature. The internal mentor of mine from TIME Institute informed us that the CMAT question paper contains 100 MCQs with four options each to choose the right answer from. You are allowed to submit your responses in 3 hours, following which the test window will be closed automatically. Similar to other management entrance tests, the exam has four sections:

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation:

• You need to focus on Arithmetic and Modern Maths and have strong basics and good familiarity with all possible questions that could be framed from these two topics. 
• Data Interpretation demands to focus on bar graphs and pie charts. 
• Along with this, you need to be comfortable and confident in topics such as Algebra, Mensuration, Geometry, Number Systems, Trigonometry, etc.

Logical Reasoning

• It is an analytical way of thinking about a given problem statement, analyzing and evaluating information gathered from observation and experience, to reach certain conclusions. 
• Critical/Logical Reasoning clarifies goals considering certain assumptions, apprehends hidden values, and evaluates evidence to assess rational conclusions. 
• You should work on skills like observation, interpretation, analysis, inference, evaluation, estimation, and explanation.

General Awareness

• General awareness includes topics on history, geography, current affairs – economic, business, sports, corporate events, etc. 
• Questions related to entertainment, politics, and the environment are also asked. 
• You are advised to stay updated with the recent important events happening in India and across the globe.
• You can follow good English dailies and good magazines such as The Hindu, Competition success review, etc.

Language Comprehension

• Traditional reading comprehension is basically a paragraph with 5 questions revolving around the author’s viewpoint, idea, etc. 
• CMAT’s language comprehension would be easier as compared to that of other competitive exams, as direct questions would be asked. 
• Develop a habit of reading, as it will eventually build your Comprehension skills. Vocabulary includes Para-jumbles, Antonyms & Synonyms, and grammar (idioms & phrases, Sentence correction, Sentence completion, fill in the blanks, Interference & Judgement, Facts, analogy, etc). Here is an overview of the marking scheme:

Each section comprises 25 questions, where each question carries four marks. This makes each section weigh 100 marks equally and hence the entire exam is graded out of 400 marks. However, unanswered questions do not cause mark deductions. You are advised to take more and more mock tests for CMAT, to get more familiar with the exam pattern, and to develop the required temperament for the exam.