Scoring high in a speed based exam requires quick action and eye for detail. Take a look at CMAT 2025 preparation and exam day tips to optimise your performance on the CMAT exam day.
CMAT is a three-hour test wherein candidates have to read 100 questions and solve about 70-75 questions accurately. This process can be mentally and physically tiring. Candidates must devise an exam day strategy before hand so that they can optimise their performance in the given time frame. For making a CMAT exam day strategy, ensure that you complete the revision of CMAT syllabus much before and shift your focus to revision of important concepts and formulae. Revise concepts and formulae from Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning, make notes for Language Comprehension and memorise static GK for General Awareness section of CMAT exam.
CMAT 2025 will be held on January 25 in two shifts. Since we all know that good result is the outcome of not only how much you know but how well you use that knowledge. A day before the exam, you should prepare a strategy on how to handle those crucial three hours when you will be writing the CMAT 2025 exam. It’s not the big errors but silly mistakes that affect performance. Thus there’s a need to pay attention to all the aspects of the exam. So, let’s take a look at some CMAT exam day tips that will complement your CMAT 2025 preparation.
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Also read: Best books for CMAT preparation 2025
CMAT 2025: Preparing for the Exam Day
First of all, you should thoroughly read the CMAT exam day guide issued by NTA. For a hassle free exam, you need to know the dos and don’ts. It is very important that you not only read the instructions carefully but also understand and remember them on the exam day.
Q: What is the latest CMAT exam pattern?
Q: What is the section wise weightage in CMAT?
Q: Which is the lengthiest section in CMAT?
Listed below are some important CMAT preparation and exam day tips:
- The first thing to do is to read the instructions given on the CMAT question paper thoroughly and understand them clearly. Don't rush to the questions, the test screen will anyway not move to questions until it's time.
- CMAT is a computer based test, and you will have to use the computer mouse to punch in your answer. Attempt the official CMAT mock test before the exam day to have an experience of it.
- Only one question will appear on screen at a time. This is a helpful feature as the candidate's focus will be drawn towards only one question at a given time.
- There is no sectional time-limit in CMAT, thus you will be at complete freedom of choosing the order of sections in CMAT 2025. Start with solving the section which is your strength area.
- Keep a close look at the timer. The CMAT exam timer will start the moment you will click on 'Start Test' button. The test will automatically stop once the time is up. Divide three hours in such a way that you get enough time to spend on all five sections of CMAT.
- Unlike several other top MBA entrance exams, CMAT provides the students with the flexibility to review later. If you want to attempt or review a question later, choose the 'flag' button.
- In CMAT, you can even edit your answer at any point of time. To deselect the answers marked, click on 'deselect' button. Be careful in using these features and submit/save your final answer within the time limit.
Q: What is the CMAT marking scheme?
Q: Is there any negative marking in CMAT?
Yes, there is a negative marking in CMAT exam. For each wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted. For example, if a candidate attempts 18 questions from Logical Reasoning and gets 15 questions correct but 3 questions incorrect. Then the candidate's score for this section will be 15x4-3, i.e. 57. However, no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.
Thus, candidates must choose only those questions to solve which they are sure of solving accurately. It is anyway not possible to solve all 100 questions, so candidates must weigh their options viz. Strength and weak areas and then choose questions carefully.
If candidates are not sure of answering a question correctly or it is taking too much time, then they should leave that questions and move to next as they also need to keep a tab on the time limit.
CMAT 2025: Exam Day Guidelines
- CMAT 2025 will be held in two shifts, from 9:00 AM to 12:00, and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Reporting time will be mentioned in the CMAT 2025 admit card. Candidates must visit their test centre as per the reporting time mentioned.
- No stationary other than a blue/black ball point pen will be allowed inside the test hall. Blank paper for rough work will be provided by the invigilator.
- Cell phones, calculators, log tables, book, paper, documents, picture, bag, waist pouch, ear phones, etc. are not allowed inside the exam centre.
- CMAT is conducted under CCTV surveillance so don’t resort to illegal means or malpractices like cheating.
- No additional time will be given to candidates so they must ensure they don't waste the time and complete the paper within three hours.
- Do carry two copies of your CMAT 2025 admit card to the exam centre. Affix the same passport size photo as uploaded in the application form.
- CMAT admit card is a mandatory document to be carried to exam hall. You will not be allowed to enter the CMAT exam hall without the admit card.
- It is also necessary for each CMAT 2025 candidate to carry a copy of their photo ID proof issued by Government of India or any other competent authority.
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Student Forum
Answered 21 hours ago
a score of 161 marks in CMAT 2025 Slot 1 is expected to correspond to a percentile of approximately 65%.
This percentile indicates that your performance is better than about 65% of the candidates who appeared for the exam.
M
Beginner-Level 2
Answered Yesterday
Hello Khushi,
With a CMAT score of 161, you are likely to fall within the 55-60 percentile range. While this score may not meet the cutoff for top-tier MBA colleges, there are several reputable institutions where you can consider applying. Here are some options:
KIIT School of Management, Bhubaneswar
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
Dear Khushi,
Congratulations on securing 161 marks in CMAT 2025! IMI Kolkata typically sets its CMAT cutoff around the 70th percentile.While exact percentiles can vary each year, a score of 161 may place you near or slightly below this threshold. However, admissions decisions also consider factors l
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 days ago
Yes, you may still apply for CMAT 2025. The exam permits candidates who have appeared in the final year of Bachelor's degree to apply if their respective colleges declare the results before the beginning of admissions for the academic year 2025-26 15. With a backlog and ATKT, also you can sit for an
P
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
CMAT exam is held in 2 shifts- 9 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 6 pm. Many candidates may not be in a habit of studying in the morning and many may not be in the habit of studying in the afternoon. So, candidates must try to practice one CMAT mock test during the same time as their test slot, in order to h
N
Beginner-Level 3
Answered 4 days ago
Yes, one can prepare for CMAT with mock tests only, if they are already familiar with the English, Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning, GK and Innovation & Entrepreneurship topics. Any candidate who has appeared for CMAT once can crack the exam with mock tests practice only. But those who are ap
A
Beginner-Level 3
Answered a week ago
No, as admission into Kashmir University MBA admission takes place through CMAT entrance exam, candidates cannot get into Kashmir University MBA without having a valid score in the CMAT entrance exam. To apply for CMAT entrance exam candidates have to pay an application fees through the NTA website
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) offers MBA admissions through multiple pathways:
CAT Score: The university primarily considers the Common Admission Test (CAT) scores for MBA admissions. Candidates with valid CAT scores are given preference during the counseling process.
CMAT Score:
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a week ago
Several top colleges in India accept CMAT scores for MBA admissions. Some of the best ones are:
1. Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai: Requires a CMAT score around 99.99%ile.
2. SIMSREE, Mumbai: Requires a CMAT score around 99.97%ile.
3. PUMBA, Pune: Requires a CMAT score
A
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 3 weeks ago
CMAT city intimation refers to the notification sent by the NTA regarding the allotment of test ciy to candidates for CMAT exam. The CMAT city intimation slip is released two-three days before the release of admit card. It contains the name of city in which the CMAT test taker has been alloted the t
J
Beginner-Level 3