CMAT Exam Answer Key: How to Download, Calculate Scores, and Raise Objections

Vaishali Pandey
January 8, 2025

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The CMAT Exam Answer Key 2025 will be released 2-3 days after the exam, scheduled for January 25, 2025. While the National Testing Agency (NTA) does not pre-announce the release date, the answer key will be available as a detailed response sheet containing section-wise questions, four answer options, your selected responses, and the correct answers. Candidates will also have the opportunity to raise objections if discrepancies are found, with the NTA reviewing and revising the key accordingly.

By the end of this blog, you will know:

1. The exact process to download the CMAT 2025 answer key and response sheet from the official NTA website.

2. How to calculate your expected scores using the CMAT answer key and identify any discrepancies.

3. Steps to raise objections, including the requisite fees and the review process by the NTA.

CMAT Exam Answer Key: Key Information and Highlights

Learn all about the CMAT 2025 answer key, including release dates, the process to challenge discrepancies, and how to access it.

Particulars

Details

CMAT 2025 official website

exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT

CMAT Exam Date

January 25, 2025

CMAT answer key release date

Last week of May 2025

Last date to challenge answer key

Last week of May 2025

The fee to challenge the answer key

₹200 per question

Final answer key release date

First week of June 2025

CMAT result date

First week of June 2025

Login credentials required

Application number and password/date of birth

Details provided in the answer key

Section-wise questions, four answer options, correct answers, and candidate responses

Number of candidates appearing

Over 70,000 students

Wondering about CMAT 2025 cut-offs? Get all the details on section-wise, trends, and minimum scores.

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How do you Download the CMAT Exam Answer Key?

How do you Download the CMAT Exam Answer Key?

Getting your hands on the CMAT answer key is straightforward. Follow these steps.

1. Visit the NTA Website

Head over to https://cmat.nta.nic.in.

2. Login to Your Account

Use your application number and password or date of birth.

3. Find the Link

Look for the link labelled “Answer Key”.

4. Download the PDF

Save the answer key for reference.

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What is the CMAT 2025 Response Sheet?

The CMAT 2025 response sheet, released by NTA, is a personalised document showing the answers you submitted during the exam. It helps you:

1. Compare your responses with the provisional answer key to estimate your score.

2. Predict your chances of meeting the cutoffs for top MBA colleges.

3. Identify sections where you performed well and areas that need improvement.

The response sheet includes:

1. All the questions presented during the exam.

2. Your selected answers for each question.

3. Correct answers as per the provisional answer key (for comparison).

Candidates can download the response sheet from the official CMAT website using their login credentials. It’s a vital tool to strategise your next steps before the final result.

Important Dates for CMAT 2025 Response Sheet

Here’s an overview of all the important dates and events related to the CMAT 2025 response sheet and result announcement.

CMAT Events

Dates (Tentative)

CMAT response sheet 2025 release date

Last week of May 2025

CMAT result announcement

First week of June 2025

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How to Download the CMAT Response Sheet?

Accessing your CMAT 2025 response sheet is crucial for cross-checking your answers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to downloading it easily.

1. Visit the Official Website

Go to exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.

2. Find the Response Sheet Link

Click on the ‘Display Question Paper and Response’ link on the homepage.

3. Log in to Your Account

Enter your Application Number and Password to log in.

4. Check Your Response Sheet

View your responses and match them against the provided answer options.

5. Download for Future Use

Save a copy of the response sheet for future reference and cross-checking.

How to Challenge the CMAT 2025 Answer Key?

The window for challenging the CMAT 2025 answer key will remain open for only 2-3 days. Follow these steps carefully to submit your objections:

1. Visit the official CMAT 2025 portal: exams.nta.ac.in.

2. Log in using your application number, date of birth, and security pin.

3. Select the ‘Challenge Answer Key’ option.

4. View the list of questions with their respective answer options.

5. Identify the question(s) you wish to challenge by selecting the corresponding option ID(s).

6. Click ‘Save Claim’ to confirm your selection and proceed.

7. Upload supporting documents for the challenge in a single PDF file.

8. Finalise your submission by clicking ‘Save your Claim Finally.’

9.Navigate to the payment section and click ‘Click Here to Pay Fee.’

10. Submit the required fee of ₹200 per question through Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking.

Explore the List of Top CMAT Accepting Colleges with detailed cutoffs, fees, and placement records. Find comprehensive insights into college rankings, programmes offered, and career opportunities to make an informed decision for your management education journey.

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CMAT Exam Answer Key: 5-Year Analysis

Analyse the trends in CMAT answer key releases over the past five years, including provisional and final release dates, for better planning and preparation.

Year

CMAT Exam Date

Provisional Answer Key Release

Final Answer Key Release

Days Between Exam & Final Key

CMAT 2024 Answer Key

May 15, 2024

May 23, 2024

June 3, 2024

11

CMAT 2023 Answer Key

May 4, 2023

May 12, 2023

Not Available

8

CMAT 2022 Answer Key

April 9, 2022

April 19, 2022

Not Available

10

CMAT 2021 Answer Key

March 31, 2021

April 3, 2021

April 9, 2021

3

CMAT 2020 Answer Key

January 28, 2020

January 30, 2020

February 4, 2020

7

CMAT Exam Answer Key: Memory-Based 

The CMAT 2024 memory-based answer key gives insights into the types of questions asked and their correct answers. It helps candidates recall and compare their responses, offering a head start in evaluating their performance. 

Below, we’ve compiled memory-based questions from the General Knowledge, Logical Reasoning, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship sections, along with their answers, to assist you in tallying your attempts.

General Knowledge

1. Lionel Messi's birthplace

2. Kathakali is the dance of which state?

3. Which country will host the Asian Games 2026?

4. Who is considered the father of the Green Revolution?

5. Author of "My Life"

Additional questions covered topics like the Panchayat system, Constitution Day, ancient empires, and civilisations.

Logical Reasoning

Q1. Arrange the following in logical order:

Rain, monsoon, rescue, flood, relief, shelter

Answer: Monsoon, rain, flood, rescue, relief, shelter

Q2. Arrange the following in chronological order:

National Science Day, National Teaching Day, National Youth Day, National Hindi Day, National Children’s Day

Options:
a) 1,3,2,5,4
b) 2,1,4,3,5
c) 3,1,2,4,5
d) 3,2,1,4,5

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Q3. Which of the following is an example of speculative business risk?

1. A customer is injured while using a product and sues the company.

2. A supplier’s shipment is lost.

3. A special promotion fails to increase sales.

4. A cashier gives unauthorised discounts to friends.

Q4. Which of the following is not a part of EDP (Entrepreneurship Development Programme)?

1. Identification of entrepreneurs for training.

2. Selection of entrepreneurs for training.

3. Developing entrepreneurial capabilities.

4. Arranging infrastructural facilities.

Q5. Arrange the stages of entrepreneurship:

1. Knowledge

2. Incubation

3. Implementation

4. Idea-Experience

5. Evaluation

Options:

a) 1,2,3,4,5
b) 1,4,2,5,3
c) 1,2,4,5,3
d) 5,1,2,3,4

This memory-based answer key is a useful tool to cross-check your responses and gain clarity on your potential scores.

CMAT Unofficial Answer Key 2025

The CMAT unofficial answer key is based on memory-based questions collected from test-takers. While it is not official, it provides candidates with a preliminary understanding of their performance. 

Here's why the unofficial answer key can be your go-to tool for an early analysis of your CMAT 2025 performance and future planning.

1. Score Estimation

Get an early idea of your approximate score based on your responses.

2. Performance Evaluation

Analyse your strengths and weaknesses across different sections.

3. Cutoff Predictions

Gauge your chances of clearing the cutoffs for your dream colleges.

CMAT Exam Fee Structure 2025

Explore the CMAT 2025 exam fee structure across categories and plan your application process efficiently.

Category

Exam Fee (INR)

General

2000

Scheduled Caste (SC)

1000

Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

1000

Women

1000

Looking for CMAT exam fee details? Let’s break down the exam fees, payment steps, and everything else you need to know. Simple, clear, and right here.

How to Calculate Your CMAT Score?

The CMAT exam answer key includes question-wise correct answers, chosen options, and marks for every response. Follow these steps to calculate your raw score:

1. Understand the Marking Scheme

Follow a step-by-step guide to calculate your raw score and percentile accurately.

  • +4 marks for every correct answer.
  • -1 mark for each incorrect response.
  • 0 marks for unanswered questions.

2. Calculate Section-Wise Score

For each section, use the marking scheme to compute your score. 

For example, If you attempted 20 questions in Logical Reasoning, and 14 were correct:
Score = (14 × 4) - (6 × 1) = 56 - 6 = 50.

3. Combine All Section Scores

Add the scores from all sections to get your total raw CMAT score.

4. Convert Raw Score to Percentile

Your raw score will be normalised and converted into a percentile, reflecting your relative performance compared to other test takers. For instance, scoring in the 98th percentile indicates better performance than 98% of candidates.

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How to Calculate CMAT 2025 Percentile?

The CMAT percentile is a candidate's relative score compared to others who appeared for the exam. Here's the formula:

Percentile (P) = [(Total candidates - Rank) ÷ Total candidates] × 100

Example Calculation

1. Suppose 10,000 candidates appeared for the CMAT 2025 exam.

2. If your rank is 1, the calculation will be:
Percentile (P) = [(10,000 - 1) ÷ 10,000] × 100 = 99.99%

This percentile helps you gauge your performance and compare it with other candidates, which is crucial for admissions into top management institutes.

CMAT Score vs Percentile: Previous Year Comparisons

The table below highlights the correlation between CMAT percentiles and scores for the years 2023 and 2022. This comparison can help you understand how scores translate into percentiles.

CMAT Percentile

CMAT Score 2023

CMAT Score 2022

99.5

305

303

99

295

293

95

262

260

90

245

240

80

215

211

70

195

180

CMAT 2025 Exam Structure: Section-Wise Breakdown

Understanding the structure of the CMAT 2025 exam is key to preparing effectively and managing your time during the test. The exam consists of five sections, each designed to assess different skill sets. 

With an equal number of questions and marks allotted to each section, the paper ensures a balanced evaluation of your abilities. Below is a detailed breakdown of the exam’s structure.

Section

Number of Questions

Marks

Quantitative Techniques

20

80

Logical Reasoning

20

80

Language Comprehension

20

80

General Awareness

20

80

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

20

80

Total

100

400

CMAT 2024 Question Paper: Analysing Difficulty Levels

The CMAT 2024 exam featured 100 multiple-choice questions evenly distributed across five sections. While attempting all questions wasn’t mandatory, candidates aimed for high accuracy in areas they were confident about. Overall, the exam ranged from easy to moderate difficulty. Below is a detailed breakdown of the section-wise difficulty levels, good attempts, and key highlights.

Section

No. of Questions

Good Attempts

Difficulty Level

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

16-17

Moderate

Logical Reasoning

20

16-17

Easy

Language Comprehension

20

16-17

Easy

General Awareness

20

11-12

Moderate

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

20

11-12

Easy

Total

100

70-75

 

CMAT 2024: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

The Quantitative Techniques section leaned heavily on Arithmetic, with additional questions from Algebra, Geometry, Numbers, and Probability. The questions were moderately challenging, requiring a good grasp of fundamental concepts. Here's the topic-wise breakup:

Topic

No. of Questions

Difficulty Level

Arithmetic (Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance, etc.)

6

Easy to Moderate

Geometry (Mensuration, Triangles)

1

Moderate

Modern Math (Probability)

1

Moderate

Numbers (Properties of Numbers)

5

Moderate

Algebra (Simple Equations)

2

Moderate

Data Interpretation (Table, Pie Chart)

5

Easy

CMAT 2024: Logical Reasoning

The Logical Reasoning section was straightforward, with a mix of non-verbal and verbal reasoning questions. The topics included familiar concepts like family trees and syllogisms. Here’s the breakdown:

Topic

No. of Questions

Difficulty Level

Directions

1

Easy

Series Completion

1

Easy

Counting Triangles/Squares

2

Moderate

Family Tree

3

Moderate

Coding

1

Easy

Linear Arrangement

2

Easy

Miscellaneous

2

Easy

Verbal Reasoning

8

Moderate

CMAT 2024: Language Comprehension

This section included one Reading Comprehension (RC) passage with four questions, accompanied by grammar and vocabulary-based questions. The overall level was easy, and scoring well was achievable.

Topic

No. of Questions

Difficulty Level

Reading Comprehension

5

Easy

Vocabulary

7

Easy

Grammar

7

Easy

Verbal Reasoning (Parajumbles)

1

Easy

CMAT 2024: General Awareness

Dive into the General Awareness section highlights from CMAT 2024, focusing on static GK and diverse topics like sports, history, and science.

1. Covered static GK, making it straightforward for candidates with strong general knowledge.

2. Topics included sports, history, and science, offering a broad spectrum of questions.

3. Clearing the sectional cut-off was easier for those well-prepared in general knowledge.

CMAT 2024: Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Explore the Innovation and Entrepreneurship section of CMAT 2024, emphasising basic business concepts and notable personalities.

1. Focused on basic concepts of business and entrepreneurship.

2. Included an RC passage on business ethics, adding variety to the section.

3. Questions about innovation and notable business personalities tested candidates' fundamentals.

4. A solid understanding of business basics helped secure good scores.

The CMAT exam answer key is your essential tool for predicting scores, analysing performance, and ensuring accurate results. By carefully comparing it with your CMAT response sheet, you can identify strengths and weaknesses early. Don’t hesitate to raise objections if you spot errors in the provisional key—your final score depends on it. Use both the official and CMAT unofficial answer key wisely.

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FAQs on CMAT Exam Answer Key

What are the top colleges accepting CMAT with an average package of 12 LPA or higher?

Colleges like Great Lakes Chennai, Goa Institute of Management, and XIM Bhubaneswar offer packages starting from 12 LPA for CMAT-qualified candidates.

Is 85 percentile in CMAT enough for scholarships at top B-Schools?

An 85 percentile is competitive and may qualify for scholarships in colleges like GIBS Business School and other institutions offering merit-based awards.

What is the CMAT cutoff for admission to BLDEA's A.S. Patil College?

The cutoff varies annually but typically aligns with the overall percentile required for merit or management quota admissions.

Which is easier for MBA admissions: CMAT, CAT, or XAT?

CMAT is often considered easier than CAT and XAT due to its straightforward structure, making it a good choice for candidates seeking a manageable exam.

Can I get into an MBA program without taking CMAT?

Yes, colleges like BLDEA’s A.S. Patil College of Commerce accepts other exams like KMAT or Karnataka PGCET alongside CMAT.

What are the best MBA colleges in Gujarat accepting CMAT scores?

Institutions such as Adani Institute of Infrastructure Management and B.K. School of Business Management are popular choice in Gujarat.

Are there colleges offering placements of over 15 LPA through CMAT?

Yes, colleges like Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and Goa Institute of Management provide top-tier placement packages.

What books are recommended for CMAT 2025 preparation?

Books like "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal and "The Complete Reference Manual for CMAT" are highly recommended.

What is the last date for CMAT 2025 registration?

The registration deadline for CMAT 2025 is December 25, 2024.

How can I download the CMAT response sheet 2024?

Log in to the official NTA CMAT website using your application number and password, and click on the "Response Sheet" link to download it.

What is the difference between the CMAT answer key and the response sheet?

The answer key contains correct answers for all questions, while the response sheet shows the answers you submitted during the exam.

Can I challenge the CMAT answer key?

Yes, candidates can challenge the provisional answer key by paying a nominal fee of ₹200 per question within the stipulated time.

What is the CMAT cutoff for colleges like SIMSREE, Mumbai?

The cutoff for SIMSREE, Mumbai, typically ranges around the 95 percentile, but it varies based on the applicant pool.

Does CMAT have a sectional cutoff?

While CMAT does not mandate sectional cutoffs, individual colleges may set their own criteria for admissions.

What are the sections included in the CMAT exam?

The CMAT comprises Quantitative Techniques, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

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