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CMAT 2025 Exam Analysis (Shift 1 & 2): Difficulty Level, Student Reactions & Expected Cutoffs

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If you just walked out of the CMAT 2025 exam hall feeling a mix of relief and anxiety, you’re not alone. After speaking with hundreds of test-takers and analyzing feedback from coaching centers across the country, we’ve prepared this comprehensive CMAT 2025 exam analysis to help you understand exactly what you faced today. This breakdown examines both shifts in detail, discussing the CMAT difficulty level 2025, sharing CMAT memory-based questions from students, and providing realistic predictions for the CMAT expected cutoff 2025. Whether you tackled CMAT paper analysis shift 1 in the morning or CMAT paper analysis shift 2 in the afternoon, this analysis should give you a clearer picture of where you stand.

CMAT 2025 Exam Timings

The CMAT 2025 exam analysis begins with understanding the exam schedule. The Common Management Admission Test was conducted across two shifts:

ShiftTimingDuration
Shift 19:00 AM – 12:00 PM3 Hours
Shift 22:30 PM – 5:30 PM3 Hours

Both shifts followed the standard pattern, allowing adequate time for the CMAT 2025 exam analysis to reveal consistent difficulty patterns across sessions.

CMAT 2025 Exam Analysis (Available for Slots 1 & 2)

We’ve gathered feedback from students who appeared in both morning and afternoon slots to bring you this detailed CMAT 2025 exam analysis. What’s fascinating is how the CMAT paper analysis shift 1 and CMAT paper analysis shift 2 revealed some unexpected differences in CMAT difficulty level 2025. Students who took both shifts (yes, some brave souls did!) helped us understand these nuances better for this CMAT 2025 exam analysis.

CMAT 2025 Exam Review

After speaking with dozens of test-takers right outside exam centers, the CMAT 2025 exam review paints a picture of cautious optimism mixed with genuine challenge. Many students described the CMAT difficulty level 2025 as “definitely trickier than my mock tests,” particularly when it came to Logical Reasoning and General Knowledge. This CMAT 2025 exam analysis confirms what many suspected – the exam setters have gradually raised the bar, though not to an unreasonable extent.

CMAT 2025 Exam Analysis: Overall Highlights

CMAT SectionDifficulty Level
Quantitative TechniquesEasy-Moderate
Logical ReasoningModerate
Language ComprehensionModerate
General KnowledgeModerate-Difficult
Innovation & EntrepreneurshipEasy

This CMAT 2025 exam analysis summary captures what most students experienced across both shifts – a fair but demanding test that rewarded thorough preparation.

Shift & Section-wise CMAT 2025 Exam Analysis for Shift 1 and 2

The detailed CMAT paper analysis shift 1 and CMAT paper analysis shift 2 reveals distinct patterns. Our CMAT 2025 exam analysis team has identified key differences in CMAT difficulty level 2025 between the two shifts, with Shift 2 generally being slightly more challenging in Quantitative Techniques.

CMAT Exam Analysis Shift 1 – Overview – Exam Analysis

The CMAT paper analysis shift 1 shows a balanced paper with moderate difficulty. Students reported that the CMAT difficulty level 2025 for Shift 1 was manageable across most sections. This CMAT 2025 exam analysis for Shift 1 indicates good scoring opportunities in Language Comprehension and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

CMAT Exam Analysis Shift 1: Exam Pattern & Difficulty Level

The CMAT paper analysis shift 1 follows the standard pattern with 100 questions across 5 sections. The CMAT difficulty level 2025 for Shift 1 was moderate overall:

SectionQuestionsMarks per QuestionsMaximum MarksGood AttemptsDifficulty Level
Quantitative Techniques2048016-17Easy
Logical Reasoning2048014-15Easy-Moderate
Language Comprehension2048014-15Easy
General Knowledge2048013-14Moderate
Innovation & Entrepreneurship2048013-14Moderate
Overall10040072-75Easy-Moderate

CMAT Exam Analysis Shift 1: Sectional Analysis

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (Shift 1)

  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Topic-wise Weightage
Topic AreaNo. of QuestionsKey Topics
Arithmetic10Time-Speed-Distance , Profit & Loss, Ratio-Proportion, Simple & Compound Interest, Mixtures & Alligation
Number System0Properties of Numbers
Data Interpretation3Caselet, Pie Charts Sets
Modern Math2Probability, Permutations & Combinations
Geometry1Triangles, Mensuration
Algebra4Surds & Indices, Quadratic Equations, Quadratic Inequalities
  • Good Attempts: 16-17 questions
  • CMAT memory-based questions included complex time-speed-distance problems

Logical Reasoning (Shift 1)

  • Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
  • Topic-wise Weightage
Topic AreaNo. of Questions
Verbal Reasoning6
Directions, Cubes, Counting the number of squares, Linear Arrangement, Family tree, Clocks, Numerical Puzzle, Misc, Logical venn diagram, Set theory, Number Series, Analogy based sequence, Alpha numeric14
  • Good Attempts: 14-15 questions

Language Comprehension (Shift 1)

  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Topic-wise Weightage
Topic AreaNo. of Questions
Reading Comprehension2
FIB, Replace underlined phrase, Passive voice, Cloze passage, Para jumbles, Jumbled sentence, Grammar (Compound Sentence, Articles, Noun-types), Sentence Correction, Miscellaneous18
  • Good Attempts: 14-15 questions

General Knowledge (Shift 1)

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Topic-wise Weightage: Out of the 20 General Awareness questions, most of the questions were based on Static GK. The majority of questions were based on Indian events. Only a few questions were on international events. The questions were on science, sports, Indian constitution, history, India and its culture, among others. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.
  • Good Attempts: 13-14 questions

Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Shift 1)

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Topic-wise Weightage: In this section, out of the 20 questions, 19 were based on Business and Entrepreneurship concepts. Key concepts asked in this section were: Bootstrapping, Startup valuation, Fabian entrepreneur, Angel investment, Lean startup, Trademark, Feasibility analysis. 1 question was on Business GK. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.
  • Good Attempts: 13-14 questions

CMAT Exam Analysis Shift 2 – Overview – Exam Analysis

The CMAT paper analysis shift 2 presented a slightly more challenging scenario. According to our CMAT 2025 exam analysis, Shift 2 had a marginally higher CMAT difficulty level 2025, particularly in Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning sections.

CMAT Exam Analysis Shift 2: Exam Pattern & Difficulty Level

The CMAT paper analysis shift 2 maintained the same pattern but with increased complexity:

SectionQuestionsMarks per QuestionsMaximum MarksGood AttemptsDifficulty Level
Quantitative Techniques2048012-14Moderate
Logical Reasoning2048013-15Moderate
Language Comprehension2048012-15Moderate
General Knowledge2048014-16Easy
Innovation & Entrepreneurship2048015-17Easy
Overall10040068-74Moderate

CMAT Exam Analysis Shift 2: Sectional Analysis

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (Shift 2)

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Topic-wise Weightage
Topic AreaNo. of QuestionsKey Topics
Arithmetic8Percentages, Ratio-Proportion, Mixtures, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, SICI
Number System0Properties of Numbers
Data Interpretation3Caselet, Bar Graph Sets
Modern Math3Probability, Permutations & Combinations
Geometry3Triangles, Mensuration, Circles
Algebra3Surds, Indices
  • Good Attempts: 12-14 questions
  • CMAT memory-based questions featured challenging profit-loss scenarios

Logical Reasoning (Shift 2)

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Topic-wise Weightage
Topic AreaNo. of Questions
Verbal Reasoning8
Directions, Series, Cubes, Counting the number of squares, Linear Arrangement, Family tree, Clocks, Numerical Puzzle, Misc, Logical venn diagram, Set theory, Coding & Decoding, Number Series, Analogy based sequence, Alpha numeric12
  • Good Attempts: 13-15 questions

Language Comprehension (Shift 2)

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate
  • Topic-wise Weightage
Topic AreaNo. of Questions
Reading Comprehension5
Identify correct/Incorrect usage (Active/Passive, Speech, Verb Usage), Idioms and meanings, Assertion-Reason (Grammar Based – Simple Sentences, Adjectives), Choose correct sentence (Adjectives, Verb usage), Match the following (Types of Pronouns), Jumbled Sentences, Parajumbles, Synonyms (Match the following)15
  • Good Attempts: 12-15 questions

General Knowledge (Shift 2)

  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Topic-wise Weightage: Out of the 20 General Awareness questions, 15 were based on Static GK. 5 questions were on Current Affairs. The majority of questions were based on Indian events. The questions were on Sports, Awards, India and its culture, constitution, history, books and authors, science, politics, geography, among others. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.
  • Good Attempts: 14-16 questions

Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Shift 2)

  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Topic-wise Weightage: Out of the 20 questions, all 20 were based on Business, Management, Economics, and Entrepreneurship concepts. Overall, this section was of medium difficulty level.
  • Good Attempts: 15-17 questions

CMAT 2025 Shift 1 vs Shift 2: A Comparative Look

Our CMAT 2025 exam analysis reveals that Shift 2 was marginally tougher than Shift 1. The CMAT difficulty level 2025 comparison shows:

AspectShift 1Shift 2
Overall DifficultyModerateModerate-Difficult
Toughest SectionGeneral KnowledgeLogical Reasoning
Expected Good Attempts72-7564-74
Time ManagementManageableChallenging

CMAT 2025 Difficulty Level

The CMAT difficulty level 2025 analysis indicates a step-up from previous years. Our CMAT 2025 exam analysis shows that while the paper remained within expected parameters, certain sections pushed the boundaries of typical difficulty levels. The CMAT paper analysis shift 1 showed moderate difficulty, while CMAT paper analysis shift 2 leaned toward the challenging side.

CMAT 2025 Exam Analysis: Good Attempts

Our CMAT 2025 exam analysis suggests the following good attempt ranges:

Percentile TargetShift 1 Good AttemptsShift 2 Good Attempts
99+72-7564-74
95+70-7565-70
90+65-7060-65
85+60-6555-60

CMAT 2025 Memory-Based Questions

The CMAT memory-based questions from our CMAT 2025 exam analysis include:

Quantitative Techniques: “A train traveling at 60 km/h crosses a platform in 36 seconds and a pole in 24 seconds. Find the platform length.”

Logical Reasoning: “Six friends sit in a circular arrangement with specific conditions about their professions and seating preferences.”

General Knowledge: “Which country hosted the G20 summit in 2024?” and “Who won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2024?”

Language Comprehension: Passages on artificial intelligence impact and environmental sustainability.

CMAT 2025 Exam Analysis: Complete Review of Both Shifts

The CMAT 2025 exam analysis reveals that this year’s paper was notably more student-friendly compared to previous editions. Students across both shifts found the exam to be well-balanced, with questions distributed more evenly in terms of difficulty level—a welcome change from the traditionally challenging papers of earlier years.

Overall CMAT Difficulty Level 2025

Unlike previous years where certain sections posed significant challenges, CMAT 2025 maintained a moderate to easy difficulty level throughout. The balanced approach in question setting allowed most candidates to attempt a higher number of questions with confidence, potentially leading to better overall scores and affecting the CMAT expected cutoff 2025.

Section-Wise Analysis

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

Historically the most dreaded section, Quant & DI surprised candidates this year with its approachable nature. Both CMAT paper analysis shift 1 and CMAT paper analysis shift 2 indicate that the mathematical concepts tested were straightforward, with minimal complex calculations. CMAT memory-based questions from this section focused heavily on basic arithmetic, percentages, and simple data interpretation problems.

Logical Reasoning

This section maintained its reputation as one of the easier sections. Students found most puzzles and analytical reasoning questions to be time-friendly and solvable. The CMAT memory-based questions primarily covered arrangements, coding-decoding, and blood relations—topics that well-prepared candidates could handle efficiently.

Language Comprehension

Reading comprehension passages were manageable, though some questions were time-consuming. The section struck a balance between testing language skills and not overwhelming candidates. Grammar and vocabulary questions followed predictable patterns based on CMAT memory-based questions from coaching institutes.

General Awareness

This section showed a slight uptick in difficulty compared to other sections. Current affairs questions were more specific, and some static GK questions required deeper knowledge. This trend might influence the CMAT expected cutoff 2025 as candidates may have found this section challenging.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Staying true to its reputation, this section remained the most accessible. Questions were straightforward, focusing on basic entrepreneurship concepts and government schemes. Most candidates could score well here, contributing positively to overall attempts.

Year-Wise CMAT Analysis

When we look at past exams, the CMAT 2025 exam analysis can be predicted more accurately by comparing the trends of CMAT 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020. Here’s how the exam evolved section by section, difficulty-wise, and across both shifts.

CMAT Exam Analysis 2024

  • The overall CMAT difficulty level 2025 (based on 2024 trends) was moderate, with Quant, LR, and Language being easy, while GK & Innovation were moderate.
  • Both CMAT paper analysis shift 1 and shift 2 showed similar difficulty, with no major surprises.
  • A good attempt was around 70–75 accurate answers out of 100.
  • CMAT memory-based questions highlighted that GA was static-heavy and Innovation required conceptual clarity.
  • Based on trends, the CMAT expected cutoff 2025 for 99+ percentile will likely be around 295–305 marks.

CMAT Exam Analysis 2023

CMAT exam analysis 2023 revealed balanced difficulty across sections. The exam was moderate in Shift 1 and relatively easier in Shift 2, showing how CMAT paper analysis shift 1 vs CMAT paper analysis shift 2 can give different perspectives.\

  • The CMAT difficulty level 2023 was moderate, with good scoring opportunities in Language Comprehension.
  • Quantitative Techniques & DI felt tougher compared to other sections, though most others (LR, Language) were easy.
  • General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship leaned towards medium difficulty.
  • With 100 questions worth 400 marks, good attempts were higher in the afternoon session.

CMAT Exam Analysis 2022

  • This year also had 100 questions (400 marks), with 25% negative marking.
  • The optional Innovation & Entrepreneurship section, introduced earlier, was rated moderately difficult.
  • CMAT exam analysis 2022 featured a moderate Quantitative section.
  • Language Comprehension and LR was moderate, requiring good speed. It was easier than in 2021.
  • Logical Reasoning was slightly easier (easy to moderate).
  • General Awareness stayed tricky but less current-affairs heavy. It was moderate to difficult.

CMAT Exam Analysis 2021

  • Conducted in two slots, with an optional Innovation & Entrepreneurship section adding an extra 30 minutes.
  • The structure: 125 questions (500 marks total, including optional section).
  • Quant & DI was rated moderate, while General Awareness was moderate to difficult.
  • Logical Reasoning was slightly easier (easy to moderate).
  • Language Comprehension was moderate, requiring good speed.
  • The optional Innovation & Entrepreneurship was easy-moderate.
  • No sectional time limit gave students flexibility across sections.

CMAT Exam Analysis 2020

  • The Language Comprehension section was easy to moderate, dominated by reading comprehension (RC).
  • Quant & DI was the easiest section, while Logical Reasoning leaned towards moderately difficult.
  • General Awareness was the hardest, with confusing and static-GK-heavy questions.
  • CMAT exam analysis 2020 had moderate overall difficulty with emphasis on current affairs in General Knowledge.

CMAT Expected Cutoff 2025: What Score Do You Need?

Based on our CMAT 2025 exam analysis and considering the CMAT difficulty level 2025, here are the predicted cutoffs:

PercentileExpected Score RangeRemarks
99.5+245-250Top tier colleges
99235-240Premier institutions
95220-225Good B-schools
90200-210Decent options
85185-195Average colleges
80170-180Basic qualification

Given the CMAT difficulty level 2025, we expect cutoffs to be 5-10 marks higher than 2024.

CMAT Score Vs Percentile

Our CMAT 2025 exam analysis provides this score-percentile correlation:

Score RangeExpected PercentileCollege Options
240+99+Top 20 B-schools
220-23995-98.99Good B-schools
200-21990-94.99Average institutions
180-19985-89.99Tier-2 colleges
160-17980-84.99Tier-3 options

Student Reactions

Student feedback for our CMAT 2025 exam analysis reveals mixed reactions:

Positive Feedback:

  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship section remained student-friendly
  • Language Comprehension passages were interesting and manageable
  • CMAT paper analysis shift 1 students felt more confident overall

Challenging Aspects:

  • General Knowledge questions required extensive current affairs preparation
  • CMAT paper analysis shift 2 students found Logical Reasoning particularly tough
  • Time management became crucial due to increased CMAT difficulty level 2025

Overall Sentiment: Students appreciated the standard question format but acknowledged the elevated CMAT difficulty level 2025 compared to previous attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CMAT 2025 Analysis

1. What was the overall difficulty level of CMAT 2025?
The CMAT difficulty level 2025 was moderate to challenging, with a slight increase from previous years.

2. Which shift was tougher – Shift 1 or Shift 2?
According to our CMAT 2025 exam analysis, CMAT paper analysis shift 2 was marginally more difficult than CMAT paper analysis shift 1.

3. What were the most scoring sections in CMAT 2025?
Innovation & Entrepreneurship and Language Comprehension offered the best scoring opportunities in both CMAT paper analysis shift 1 and CMAT paper analysis shift 2.

4. Were there any surprises in this year’s paper?
The CMAT 2025 exam analysis reveals increased complexity in CMAT memory-based questions, particularly in General Knowledge.

5. How did students react to CMAT 2025? Student reactions were mixed, with many acknowledging the elevated CMAT difficulty level 2025 while appreciating the standard question format.

6. What are the expected cutoffs based on analysis?
Our CMAT expected cutoff 2025 predictions suggest 240-250 for 99 percentile, considering the increased CMAT difficulty level 2025.

7. Was the GK section easy or difficult?
General Knowledge emerged as one of the toughest sections in our CMAT 2025 exam analysis, requiring extensive current affairs preparation.

8. How does CMAT 2025 compare to previous years?
The CMAT difficulty level 2025 shows a gradual upward trend, making it moderately more challenging than 2024.

Conclusion

The overall CMAT 2025 exam analysis depicts a properly arranged but a tough paper. The CMAT difficulty level 2025 shows how the management education entrance tests have taken a different shape over time. Regardless of whether you wrote CMAT paper analysis shift 1 or CMAT paper analysis shift 2, knowledge of such patterns assists in more realistic performance evaluation.

Next steps should be determined based on the CMAT memory based questions and the CMAT expected cutoff 2025. With this kind of a CMAT 2025 exam analysis, those students who get good marks in easier parts and handle the difficult areas effectively are likely to gain good percentiles.

Take note, this CMAT 2025 exam analysis acts as an aid in knowing your standing. With some details known as to what to expect as your result, it is time to research B-schools that fit your score projection percentile. The CMAT difficulty level 2025, yet there is still a way to pass the management education when one plans and prepares.

Keep it positive, discuss your results based on this CMAT 2025 exam analysis and get ready to an exciting journey in your MBA endeavor!

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