CMAT 2024: Your Gateway to a Top MBA

Missed cracking CAT-23 or XAT-24 somehow ?

Relax! Still the rest of the top MBA programs are there.

Get ready for the CMAT 2024due in May 2024.

Stay tuned as we unravel the essentials.

The CMAT 2024 is organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA), India's premier institution responsible for conducting major entrance exams such as IIT-JEE, NEET, CUET-UG, CUET-PG, and UGC NET. This important test is recognized by all AICTE-approved MBA and PGDM programs across numerous prestigious Tier 1 and Tier 2 colleges. Here are some of the top institutions where a good score in CMAT can open doors:

JBIMS (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management and Science), Mumbai
Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education, Mumbai
Goa Institute of Management (GIM)
Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM)
Institute of Rural Management (IRMA), Anand
National Institute of Bank Management (NIBM), Pune
National Insurance Academy (NIA), Pune
Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Mumbai
Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), Chennai
Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Hyderabad and Nagpur
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Noida
International Management Institute (IMI), Kolkata and Bhubaneswar
Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore

Each of these institutions values the CMAT score highly, giving candidates a significant opportunity to advance their careers in management.

Given the prestigious list of colleges accepting CMAT scores, it makes perfect sense for MBA aspirants to aim for a strong performance in this exam. The stakes are notably high for two main reasons:

Moderate Difficulty Level: Unlike the more challenging sections in exams like CAT and XAT, CMAT's moderate difficulty level is more accessible. Students who find the Quantitative Ability (QA), Data Interpretation (DI), Logical Reasoning (LR), and Reading Comprehension (RC) sections of CAT or XAT daunting may find CMAT more manageable. This can be a game-changer for securing spots in dream programs.
Less Competition: Over the past three years, while CAT has seen participation from about 2-3 lakh candidates, CMAT has attracted only 60-80 thousand candidates. Moreover, the competition is even less fierce because many top contenders, who are primarily focused on institutions like IIMs or XLRI, often skip CMAT.

Exam Pattern of CMAT 2024: CMAT 2024 is a computer-based test consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions spread across five sections:

Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation (QA & DI): 20 questions
Logical Reasoning (Reasoning): 20 questions
English: 20 questions
General Awareness: 20 questions
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: 20 questions

In the CMAT exam, each correct answer earns you 4 marks, but beware, as each wrong answer will cost you 1 mark. This scoring system means the total score for the exam can reach up to 400 marks, with the exam spanning three hours in total. Previously, the CMAT scorecard provided both the raw scores for each section and the overall score along with percentiles. However, starting from last year, the NTA now only reports percentile scores on the CMAT scorecard, omitting raw scores.

This change emphasizes the importance for aspirants to have a clear understanding of the target scores required to achieve high percentiles and thus secure a spot at top colleges. Here\'s a rough guide to the Net Score (total score minus penalties for incorrect answers) versus Percentile, based on the trends from the past three years of CMAT exam results:

Net Score of 170-200: Approximately 75th percentile

Net Score of 180-210: Approximately 80th percentile

Net Score of 210-240: Approximately 90th percentile

Net Score of 240-260: Approximately 95th percentile

Net Score of 270-300: Over 99th percentile

Net Score of 340-360: 100th percentile

It's important to note that these figures are estimates based on previous years and can vary. Factors such as the number of exam takers, the difficulty level of the exam, and the overall performance of the candidates can influence these percentiles. Expect possible deviations of about 5-10% in either direction this year as well. Understanding this scoring matrix will help you set realistic targets and strategize your preparation effectively.

This article should have cleared up your basic questions about the NTA-CMAT 2024 exam. For those serious and dedicated MBA aspirants looking to seize their last opportunity this year, be sure to complete your CMAT application soon, as the deadline is April 18th, 2024. The application fee for general category male candidates is Rs 2,000, while for female candidates and those from reserved categories, it is Rs 1,000.

In the next installment of this series, we will delve into the syllabus and outline the ideal preparation strategy for each topic over the next 30 days.

Author Profile: Gopaljee Jha

Gopaljee Jha topped the CMAT in 2020 with a 100 percentile score (All India Rank 1) and brings a wealth of experience as an aptitude trainer and career coach. With 14 years under his belt, he has successfully guided thousands of students into top B-schools and organizations. Currently, he is the director of Galvanizing Potential in Ranchi, where he specializes in teaching Quantitative Ability, Data Interpretation (QADI), and coaching students for MBA and other entrance exams. Stay tuned for expert advice and strategies from a proven leader in the field.