CMAT 2024 Exam Day Tips and Preparation Strategy

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 13, 2024 12:20 IST

Scoring high in a speed based exam requires quick action. Take a look at CMAT 2024 preparation and exam day tips to optimise your performance on the CMAT exam day. 

CMAT exam day preparation

CMAT is a three-hour test wherein candidates have to read 100 questions and solve about 70-75 questions. 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 a week 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 2024 will be held on May 15 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, one should prepare a strategy on how to handle those crucial three hours when you will be writing the CMAT 2024 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 2024 preparation.

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Also read: Best books for CMAT preparation 2024

CMAT 2024: 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 reads the instructions carefully but also understand and remember them on the exam day.

Q:   What is the latest CMAT exam pattern?

A:
The latest CMAT exam pattern as prescribed by the National Testing Agency NTA is as follows: The question paper carries 100 question. The format of questions is multiple choice type where for each question, four options are given to choose the correct answer from. The 100 questions are divided equally between five sections, Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Each of the five sections carry 20 questions. Earlier, there were only four sections in CMAT and each section has 25 questions. In 2021, Innovation and Entrepreneurship was added as the fifth section. The time limit for CMAT is 180 minutes without sectional time limit or break. As per the latest marking scheme, for every correct option 4 marks are awarded and for every incorrect option, one mark is deducted. There is no negative marking for unanswered questions.

Q:   What is the section wise weightage in CMAT?

A:
CMAT has five sections. Every section of the CMAT exam has 20 questions. Each question of the five sections carries four marks for correct answer and one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. Therefore, the total marks of each section is 80 and the total marks of the CMAT exam is 400. The CMAT percentile is calculated on the basis of marks scored by candidates on 400. Given below is the sectional break up of CMAT exam: 1. Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: 20 questions of 4 marks each 2. Logical Reasoning: 20 questions of 4 marks each 3. Language Comprehension: 20 questions of 4 marks each 4. General Awareness: 20 questions of 4 marks each 5. Innovation & Entrepreneurship: 20 questions of 4 marks each.

Q:   Which is the lengthiest section in CMAT?

A:
Since the Language Comprehension section of CMAT includes reading comprehension passages, it can be considered a lengthy section. However, there is a possibility of any other section to be lengthier. For example, Logical Reasoning questions or Data Interpretation questions can also be lengthy, due to multiple levels of calculations. The weightage of each section is same in CMAT I. e. 20 questions and 80 marks, so it doesn't really matter which section is lengthy as candidates have to meet sectional cut offs to be able to get a good overall score. It is not mandatory to solve all 100 questions in CMAT so candidates have the choice of dropping lengthy questions and solving easier questions. So, the best option is to skip the lengthy questions and solve other questions correctly. Doing so will ensure that the candidate doesn't fall short of time as well as good questions to solve.

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Listed below are some important CMAT preparation and exam day tips:

Q:   What is the CMAT marking scheme?

A:
CMAT marking scheme is straightforward. If they can recall their attempts or have the answer key with them then they can calculate their CMAT raw score by adding and subtracting scores as per correct and incorrect attempts. Check CMAT marking scheme below: 1. For every correct attempt, 4 marks is awarded and for every incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted. 2. For every unanswered question, the candidate will be marked zero. Given below is the process of calculating the CMAT score with the help of the CMAT answer key. Every section has 20 questions, so suppose in Quantitative Techniques section you got 14 questions right, 2 questions wrong and skipped 4 questions. So, your score will be 54 out of 80. Similarly, calculate the score of other sections. After the add all five to arrive as overall raw score. For example, you scored 54, 44, 75, 60 and 40 in five sections, then your sum total will be 203/400. You can read more about CMAT scoring process here: https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/cmat-score-vs-percentile-how-to-calculate-blogId-19977 https://www.shiksha.com/mba/articles/what-is-cmat-score-normalization-process-blogId-53987.

Q:   Is there any negative marking in CMAT?

A:

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.

  • 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 2024. 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.
  • 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.

CMAT 2024: Exam Day Guidelines

  • CMAT 2024 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 2024 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 2024 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 2024 candidate to carry a copy of their photo ID proof issued by Government of India or any other competent authority.
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Vipra Shrivastava
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Vipra is a massive Breaking Bad fan. When not watching crime drama series, she spends time in updating the list of places she wants to visit and people she wants to meet, but she is happiest in the company of dogs. ... Read Full Bio

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