CMAT Question Papers: Previous Papers, Pattern and Practice
Previous CMAT papers and sample questions help candidates understand the style and difficulty of the test, practise time allocation and find gaps in preparation. NTA may publish question papers, recorded responses or sample material in cycle-specific notices. Download materials only from the official CMAT/NTA website or a source linked there, and check copyright and usage terms before sharing.
Latest published paper pattern
The 2026 reference format was a 180-minute computer-based test with 100 multiple-choice questions across five sections: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Each section had 20 questions. The stated marking scheme was +4 for a correct answer and -1 for an incorrect answer; unanswered questions carried no penalty. The 2027 pattern has not been announced.
Benefits of solving previous papers
- Recognise recurring question formats and identify topics that need more work.
- Practise switching between the five subject areas while keeping track of time.
- Review accuracy, avoidable errors and the effect of negative marking.
- Compare mock performance over time rather than relying on a single score prediction.
How to find and use the paper archive
- Open the official CMAT website and look for its question-paper, answer-key or candidate-response notice.
- Check the cycle and exam date printed on each file; do not assume an older paper follows the current pattern.
- Attempt a paper in one sitting using the time limit and marking scheme stated in that cycle's bulletin.
- Review the official key or response record when NTA makes one available, then log errors by topic.
The 2027 question-paper archive and sample-paper availability are not yet announced. IndCareer's older CMAT question-paper and sample-paper routes redirect here; no old file should be treated as an official 2027 paper.