Exams
The Common Admission Test (CAT) is a prestigious national entrance exam conducted annually by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission into their MBA programs. Held on the last Sunday of November, the exam is administered in three time slots across more than 170 cities. There are 21 IIMs in total, comprising 7 established IIMs and 14 newer or "baby" IIMs. While the older IIMs use the CAT application form as both an exam and admission application, the newer and baby IIMs follow the Common Admission Process (CAP) to shortlist candidates for admission.
The CMAT exam is divided into four sections: quantitative techniques and data interpretation, logical reasoning, language comprehension, and general awareness. Last year, an extra section called Innovation and Entrepreneurship was added. The following are essential CMAT syllabus topics:
Sections |
Important Topics |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation |
Algebra, Geometry, Time-Speed-Distance, Allegation & Mixtures, Graph, Quadratic Equation, Linear Equations, Differential Equations |
Logical Reasoning |
Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests |
Language Comprehension |
Reading Comprehension, Para–jumbles, Grammar, English Usage Errors |
General Awareness |
Current affairs, Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society |
Innovation and Entrepreneurship |
Fundamental Concepts of Innovation and Entrepreneurship |
CMAT Syllabus with Section Wise Weightage
The weightage of subjects included in the CMAT syllabus is equal in each section. CMAT exam paper 2023 will have 100 MCQs distributed evenly across all sections. Four marks will be awarded for each correct try, and one mark will be deducted for each incorrect attempt. The CMAT question paper breakdown is as follows:
Sections |
Number of Questions |
Marks Allotted |
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation |
20 |
80 |
Logical Reasoning |
20 |
80 |
Language Comprehension |
20 |
80 |
General Awareness |
20 |
80 |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship |
20 |
80 |