The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a popular entrance exam for management programs in India. CMAT is a computer-based test that evaluates candidates on various sections such as Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. CMAT 2023 exam is going to be held on May 4, 2023(2 shifts). One of the unique features of the CMAT exam is the negative marking system, which is implemented to discourage guesswork and reward accurate answers.
What is Negative Marking in CMAT?
Negative marking is a scoring system in which a fraction of the marks allotted for a question are deducted for each incorrect answer. In CMAT, each correct answer is awarded four marks, and one mark is deducted for every wrong answer. This means that for every four incorrect answers, a candidate loses one mark, and for every five correct answers, a candidate earns 20 marks. It is essential to note that there is no negative marking for unattempted questions. Look at the below CMAT 2023 exam pattern for more details.
| Section name | No. of questions | Total marks |
| Quantitative Ability(QA) & Data Interpretation (DI) | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
Tips to Minimize Negative Marking in CMAT
While negative marking can have a significant impact on a candidate’s score, there are several strategies that candidates can use to minimize its impact. Here are some of the tips to minimize the impact of negative marking in CMAT 2023.
- Time Management: Time management is crucial in CMAT, as candidates have a limited time to answer all the questions. By managing their time efficiently, candidates can ensure that they have enough time to answer all the questions accurately, minimizing the need for guesswork.
- Read Questions Carefully: Candidates should read each question carefully and understand what is being asked before attempting to answer it. This approach can help them avoid making careless mistakes and ensure that they are answering the question correctly.
- Attempt Only What You Know: Candidates should attempt only those questions that they are confident of answering correctly. Guessing should be avoided unless a candidate can eliminate at least one or two options.
- Practice Mock Tests: Practice mock tests are an excellent way to prepare for the CMAT exam. By taking several mock tests, candidates can understand the format of the exam and learn how to manage their time and minimize the impact of negative markings.
Candidates can Join our Telegram group of MBA aspirants for quick and regular exam updates.
