CMAT 2023 Analysis (Shift 1 OUT): Check Difficulty Level of Question Paper

Common Management Admission Test 2025 ( CMAT )

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Registration: 14 Nov '24 - 25 Dec '24

Vipra
Vipra Shrivastava
Senior Manager - Content
Updated on May 4, 2023 14:48 IST

CMAT 2023 exam was held in two shifts. Check here CMAT 2023 analysis for shift 1 by experts to know the difficulty level of the exam and number of good attempts per section.

CMAT 2023 exam analysis

CMAT 2023 exam analysis

CMAT 2023 analysis – The NTA conducted the CMAT 2023 exam today. There are two shifts of the exam. The first shift got over at 12 pm and the second shift got over at 5: 30 pm. According to the analysis of CMATT 2023 question paper, the first shift was easy. The detailed analysis of CMAT 2023 has been shared here. The CMAT exam analysis 2023 has in-depth discussion of questions, topics, sectional difficulty level, number of good attempts and expected cut offs. 

The CMAT is usually of moderate difficulty level. Only the Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section is somewhat tough but other four sections are either easy or moderate. Watch this space for CMAT 2023 exam analysis

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CMAT 2023 Analysis: Exam Highlights

  • CMAT 2023 question paper had 100 questions
  • Compared to other MBA entrance exams, CMAT was easy
  • Each section of CMAT question paper has 20 questions carrying four marks each
  • Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation section was moderate.

  • Logical Reasoning and Language Comprehension sections were easy.

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship section was moderate.

  • General Awareness section was moderately tough.

Check out: CMAT 2023 Exam Live Updates: Check question paper analysis, answer key, cut offs

CMAT Exam Analysis 2023: Question Paper Breakup

The CMAT 2023 question paper had five sections, each carrying 20 questions and 80 marks. Check the section-wise CMAT difficulty level of different sections of the exam.

Q:   How can I prepare for CMAT?

A:
To prepare for CMAT exam you need to do two things. Cover the exam syllabus and practice mock tests. After you decide to appear for CMAT the first thing you should do is check the CMAT syllabus. Make a list of topics that you are familiar with and topics that you have never studied before. Start with topics that you are unfamiliar with as those topics will take time. Move to easier topics after that. Do practice sample questions after completing each topic to know how to apply concepts to a problem. Once you have completed the CMAT syllabus, move to the next phase of preparation, I. e. practicing mock tests and sample questions. Dedicate about 40-45 days in practicing CMAT mock tests, to gain not only speed and accuracy but also control on the topics. You should also join online study groups to take help from mentors and peers in exam preparation. Doubt clearing sessions are very helpful in exam preparation. Also stick to CMAT books as recommended by experts. Some of the books you need to refer are: 1. The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT by SK Sinha, S Satyanarayan and JS Rana 2. How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for the CAT by Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 3. Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis 4. High School English Grammar by Wren & Martin English 5. How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT by Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education) 6. How to Prepare for Logical Reasoning for the CAT by Arun Sharma (Mc Graw Hill Education). .

Q:   Which are the most important topics to focus for CMAT preparation?

A:
CMAT exam pattern has five main sections: quant, data interpretation, logical reasoning, verbal ability and general knowledge. CMAT syllabus revolves around Basic Mathematics (mostly arithmetic from standard 1 to 10), Reasoning and Reading Comprehension. Mathematics First prepare topics related to basic school arithmetic. Then move on to advanced topics like: Permutation Combination Probability Trigonometry Geometry Progressions Logarithms English Pay attention to the following topics while preparing for CMAT exam: Reading comprehensions Vocabulary building Grammatical concepts Fill in the blanks Jumbled sentences General Knowledge Students are advised to follow the leading newspapers to stay updated on current affairs. A daily habit of spending 30 to 40 minutes on newspapers is a good long-term investment. For static General Knowledge, students can use any good reading material and memorise as much as possible. You can refer to this link for more information about CMAT exam: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/exams/cmat All the best.

Q:   What is the difficulty level of CMAT exam?

A:
CMAT is one of the easier MBA entrance exams. Despite having an extra section, the overall difficulty level of CMAT exam is generally moderate. However, it has been seen previously that some questions in Logical Reasoning and General Awareness sections of CMAT turn out to be more difficult than questions of Quantitative Techniques, Language Comprehension and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. If a candidate can solve about 70-75 of the total questions with about 80 per cent accuracy in each section, they can score well in CMAT. The sectional difficulty in CMAT is as follows: 1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: Moderate 2. Logical Reasoning: Easy to Moderate 3. Language Comprehension: Easy to Moderate 4. General Awareness: Moderate 5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Moderate For the latest exam pattern and difficulty level of CMAT click here: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/cmat-exam-analysis.

CMAT 2023 Sections

Number of Questions

Number of Good Attempts

Difficulty Level

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

16-17

Easy

Logical Reasoning

20

16-17

Easy to Moderate

Language Comprehension

20

16-17

Easy to Moderate

General Awareness

20

11-12

Moderate

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

20

11-12

Moderate

Total

100

70-75

Easy

Also read:

Section wise CMAT 2023 Analysis for Shift 1

The CMAT 2023 question paper of shift 1 was overall easy. Some of the questions in five sections were sitters. None of the questions were lengthy or time taking. Check below section wise CMAT exam analysis and difficulty level. 

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CMAT 2023 Analysis: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

In this section, about 16-17 correct attempts will be considered good. Check the table below for topic wise break-up of the Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation section of CMAT 2023 question paper.

Area

Topics

Total

Arithmetic

Time-speed-distance, Ratio-Proportion, Profit & Loss, SICI, Average,  Partnership

6

Geometry

Triangles

1

Modern Math

Probability

1

Numbers

Surds, HCF LCM

5

Algebra

Quad equations, Quad inequality

2

Data Interpretation

Table (Set of 5 questions)

5

Total

--

20

CMAT 2023 Analysis: Logical Reasoning

In this section of CMAT 2023 shift 1, about 16-17 correct attempts will be considered good. Check the table below for topic wise break-up of the Logical Reasoning section of CMAT 2023 question paper.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

No. of Questions

Family Tree

3

Counting the number of triangles and squares

2

Series Completion

1

Miscellaneous

2

Linear Arrangement

2

Directions

1

Coding

1

Verbal Reasoning

Syllogisms, strong/weak arguments, assertion-reason, analogy, odd one etc.

8

CMAT 2023 Analysis: Language Comprehension

There were three Reading Comprehension passages in the CMAT question paper 2023 of 70-100 words. The passages were easy to comprehend. The topics were - Gandhi’s principles; Opinion on the subject of Poetry; Extract from a story. Verbal Ability questions were also easy. Check below, the table for topic wise distribution of questions in Language Comprehension section of CMAT 2023.

Q:   If I am preparing for CAT, do I need to prepare separately for CMAT?

A:
If you are preparing for CAT your work is almost over for CMAT. I was also a student who prepared for CAT immediately after my graduation. The important things which you should look into while preparing for this exam are as follows: 1. Select one of the best coaching centers which offer quality education- TIME is one of the famous coaching centers for CAT. 2. Dedication- Be focused on the aim which you need to achieve. 3. Try to read Hindu newspaper editorial. Most of the passages which appear in CAT are from Hindu editorial. 4. Try to maximum number of online mock test. You will definitely clear CAT by doing the above. 5. Try to read as much as you can and make note of points. 6. Revision of each week topics is very important. 7. Mathematical ability questions will be little twisted try to do as faster as you can.

Q:   How to prepare for GK section of CMAT?

A:

Hi, Below mentioned are some tips, which you can follow for CMAT General Awareness preparation: 

  • You can read general awareness topics
  • For Static GK, read Manorama Year Book and other such GK books for competitive exams
  • Read up about latest happenings around the world
  • Take note of every event of politics, sports, economy, books, awards, titles, etc.
  • To know the latest happenings, you should read English newspapers daily.
  •  Also, you can participate in similar group discussions along with some good news channels to keep yourself updated.
  • GK is a memory based subject so you should start preparing for it towards the end of your CMAT preparation
  • Start studying GK year books in the last one month before the CMAT exam to have ll the facts and figures fresh in memory.

Good luck.

Q:   How many questions should I solve to get a good score in CMAT?

A:
Since every section of CMAT has 20 questions in total, solving 15-18 questions in each section with 80 per cent accuracy is considered a good attempt in CMAT and it can ensure good percentile in the exam. In GK section, about 10-12 correct attempts will be enough. Out of 100 questions, candidates must try to solve about 70-75 questions to get 99 percentile. However, candidates must aim to solve higher number of questions with maximum accuracy and minimise on negative marking. To be able to achieve this target, candidates need to prepare for the CMAT in a dedicated and disciplined manner. The candidate must keep minimum three months aside for completing the CMAT syllabus as they have to study five subjects and their numerous topics. If they have appeared for CAT XAT and IIFT exam then they can complete the CMAT syllabus in one month too. However, it is advised that candidates spend at least three months on the CMAT syllabus for complete preparation.

Q:   Can I prepare for CMAT in 6 months?

A:

Yes, 6 months are a decent time duration to prepare for CMAT exam, if one does it with dedication and discipline. Candidates who have appeared for CMAT or any other MBA entrance exam before, will find 6 months more than enough to prepare for the exam. Those, who are appearing in CMAT for the first time, can also prepare in 6 months but they will have to give extra time to it. If you plan a CMAT preparation in six months, make a three stage plan. In the first stage, which will be of 3 months, complete the CMAT syllabus, in the second phase, which will be of 2 months, practice sample papers and mock tests. In the third stage, which will be of 1 months, do revision of important topics and gain control over all that you have studied before. Keep in mind to solve enough number of CMAT mock tests (30-35) for better preparation in short time. Read More: CMAT preparation in 6 months

 

Q:   How can I prepare for CMAT to secure 100 percentile?

A:

Common Management Admission Test is an online computer based test conducted by the National Testing Agency, India. It is a national-level admission test for facilitating institutions to select suitable students for admission in all management programmes approved by AICTE. According to the exam pattern, the CMAT syllabus for MBA admission is divided into five sections namely, Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. If you plan to prepare for CMAT exam, then you have to at least put in four to six hours daily into studying. 345 to 350 marks are expected to secure the 100 percentile and those securing in the range of 285 to 340 marks will obtain 99 to 99.99 percentile. CMAT merit list will include names of all the aspirants scoring CMAT score vs percentile from 0.005 to 100 percentile. Speed is not an issue at all as you have ample time available. Solving 100 questions in 3 hours is quite easy; hence time is not as important as accuracy is. I have slept for 20 to 40 minutes after completing test every year! The range of topics covered has become very important.

Topics

No. of Questions

Reading Comprehension

5

Vocabulary (Synonym, antonym, FIBs, idioms, match the following)

7

Grammar (Fill in the blanks, Identify the correct statement, direct/indirect speech, classify the sentence, question tag)

7

 Verbal Reasoning – Parajumble ( 4 statements)

1

CMAT 2023 Analysis: General Awareness

The 20 questions of General Awareness section of CMAT 2023 was moderately tough. 16 questions were based on Static GK and 4 questions were based on Current Affairs. Topics from which questions were asked include, history, sports, politics, physics, geography and authors. About 11-12 correct attempts in this section will be considered good.

CMAT 2023 Analysis: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

In this section of the first session of CMAT 2023, there were 20 questions. Out of the 20 questions, 16 were based on nascent entrepreneur; phases of funding; reasons for failure and other such concepts. 4 questions were on business knowledge. About 11-12 correct attempts in this section will be considered good.

Watch: CMAT 2023 Student Reactions and Reviews

 

Expected CMAT 2023 Cut Offs for Admission

Check the below table for expected CMAT cut off percentiles of some of the top MBA colleges across India. These are estimated scores and the final cut offs could be higher.

Colleges Accepting CMAT score

CMAT Expected Cut Off Percentiles

JBIMS, Mumbai

99.9

Goa Institute of Management

95-99

KJ Somaiya Institute of Management

95-99

SIMSREE, Mumbai

99

Great Lakes Institute of Management

95-99

IPE Hyderabad

90-95

University of Pune, Dept of Management Sciences

95-99

Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai

85

Welingkar Institute of Management, Bangalore

80

Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management

85

IFIM, Bangalore

85

IFMR, Chennai

85

NIBM, Pune

85

NL Dalmiya Institute of Management

85

IMT Hyderabad

80

IMT Nagpur

80

XISS Ranchi

80

ITM Navi Mumbai

80

Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida

85

Also Read:

Check CMAT Cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting CMAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CMAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict CMAT Admission Calls
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Answered 5 hours ago

Arihant MCA Entrances 2025

As per my opinion this book is best for MCA.

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Nitin prakash sonkar

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 2 days ago

Top MBA colleges offering average CTCs above 12 LPA, with ST out-of-state reservations and accepting CMAT or XAT scores, include XLRI Jamshedpur (32 LPA, XAT), XIM Bhubaneswar (20 LPA, XAT), Great Lakes Institute of Management (15–17 LPA, CMAT/XAT), Goa Institute of Management (14–15 LPA, CMAT/XAT),

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Amit Saini

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

An 85 percentile in CMAT is considered a good score and can make you eligible for a PGDM scholarship at GIBS Business School. GIBS typically offers scholarships to students with strong academic records or good performance in entrance exams like CMAT. With an 85 percentile, you are likely to be consi

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Bhavani

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 6 days ago

Yes, I can suggest colleges in Gujarat that accept CMAT score for admission to MBA

Colleges are :- 

  • Adani Institute of Infrastructure management
  • Bk School of business management 
  • Amrut modi School of management 
  • Shanti Business School
  • Indus University 
  • Graduate School of management studies 
  • Centre for manag

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Sankalp Anand

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a week ago

Depends on exam results, the CMAT cutoff for BLDEA's A S Patil College of Commerce changes depends on the admissions method. Two methods are available to candidates for admission: the Management Quota, which uses CMAT/KMAT scores, or the Government/Merit Quota, which uses CMAT scores through KEA cou

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Kritika Kumari

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

You can join BLDEA's A S Patil College of Commerce for MBA or PGDM programs even if you haven't taken the CMAT. The college also accepts other entrance exams like Karnataka PGCET and KMAT.

Admission Process:

  • Students are primarily admitted based on merit through these exams, followed by a counseling p

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Suyash Pandey

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Hii, The difficulty of XAT, CAT, or CMAT depends on individual aptitude and preparation, but generally:

  1. CAT: Considered the toughest, with high competition and emphasis on VARC, DILR, and Quant.
  2. XAT: Moderate, with an additional Decision-Making section and essay writing, testing analytical thinking.
  3. CM

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A

Ankit kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Indeed, CMAT results are accepted for admission to the MBA programme at the Best MBA college in Global Institute of Business Studies (GIBS), located in Bangalore. Candidates who have taken the CMAT may apply to GIBS's MBA programme as long as they fulfill the requirements. A group discussion and in-

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Guna

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 3 weeks ago

No, you will not require giving the exam of CMAT for the course of mass communication and journalism from Gujarat University. The CMAT is basically an entrance examination that can be cleared by students who want to undergo an MBA course from one of the B schools. For courses in mass communication a

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Shejal agrawal

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

RKDF University accepts CMAT exam scores for admission to its MBA programme. The exam schedule for 2025 has not been released by NTA yet. However, this exam is usually conducted in the month of March or April.

However, in 2023 and 2024, it was held in May. Thus, CMAT 2025 is expected to be held in Ma

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Shailja Rawat

Contributor-Level 10