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CMAT vs MAH CET
The Common Management Admission Test and MAH CET are popular MBA entrance exams in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency and Maharashtra authorities, this article also presents a detailed comparison below to help students understand important differences in exam pattern, syllabus, and opportunities.
CMAT
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level computer-based test used by business schools to find applicants for all programs approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), India.
MAH CET
MAH CET is a state-level entrance exam administered by Maharashtra's Directorate of Technical Education (DTE). It provides the entrance to a variety of management degrees offered by state institutions, including MBA, MMS, and PGDM. It is a state-level examination for management institutes in Maharashtra.
CMAT vs MAH CET Exam Pattern
Below is the detailed table of CMAT and MAH CET exam pattern:
CMAT vs MAH CET Exam Pattern | ||
Aspects | MAH CET | CMAT |
Full-Form | Maharashtra Common Entrance Test | Common Management Admission Test |
Conducting Authority | DTE, Maharashtra | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Level of Examination | State Level | National Level |
Application Mode | Online | Online |
Total Duration | 150 minutes | 180 minutes |
Medium of Answering | English | English |
Applicants Per Year (Approx.) | 1.1- 1.2 Lakhs | 60K - 70K |
Exam Centres | In Maharashtra Only | Across India |
Frequency | Annually | Annually |
Exam Mode | Online (CBT) | Online (CBT) |
Official Website | cetcell.mahacet.org | cmat.nta.nic.in |
CMAT vs CET Syllabus 2027
Below is the comparison between CMAT and CET syllabus:
CMAT Syllabus 2027
The CMAT 2027 syllabus is closely comparable with other MBA entrance exams and covers similar topics. Students will require around 3-4 months to cover all of the topics contained in the CMAT syllabus. The following table lists the syllabus, important topics, and number of questions in the CMAT exam:
Section | No. of Questions | Important Topics |
Logical Reasoning | 20 | Arrangements, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense, Statement-Based (Assumptions/Arguments), Series, Analogies |
Quantitative Techniques | 20 | Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Work-Time), Algebra, Geometry, Modern Maths (P&C;, Probability), Data Interpretation |
Language Comprehension | 20 | Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Grammar, Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms), Cloze Test |
General Awareness | 20 | Current Affairs, Government Schemes, Economy, Polity, Business & Trade Awareness, Static GK |
Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | Government Initiatives, Startup Ecosystem, Business Environment, Policies, Funding & Investments |
MAH CET Syllabus 2027
The MAH CET question paper is divided into four sections, each assessing a particular set of abilities required for management education. Here is the MAH CET syllabus for 2027:
Section | No. of Questions | Important Topics |
Logical Reasoning | 75 | Seating Arrangements (Linear/Circular), Puzzles, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Direction Sense, Syllogism, Series, Statement-Based (Assumptions/Conclusions) |
Abstract Reasoning | 25 | Series & Pattern Recognition, Odd One Out, Mirror/Water Images, Paper Folding, Figure-based Questions |
Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance, Work-Time), Algebra (Equations), Number Series, Geometry & Mensuration, Data Interpretation |
Verbal Ability & RC | 50 | Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms), Grammar, Error Detection, Cloze Test, Idioms Phrases. |
Colleges Accepting CMAT Score
Every year, hundreds of colleges that accept CMAT scores take part in the admission process. This large pool allows students to choose colleges based on fees, location, brand value, ROI, and specialization options.
Rank | College Name |
1 | Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai |
2 | Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education, Mumbai |
3 | K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai |
4 | Department of Management Sciences (PUMBA), Savitribai Phule Pune University |
5 | Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai |
6 | Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida |
7 | Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi |
8 | Institute of Management Technology, Nagpur |
9 | KIIT School of Management, Bhubaneswar |
10 | N. L. Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai |
11 | National Institute of Bank Management, Pune |
12 | IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University |
13 | Jaipuria Institute of Management |
14 | Xavier Business School, Kolkata |
15 | SIES College of Management Studies, Mumbai |
16 | AIMS School of Business, Bangalore |
17 | Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management, Hyderabad |
18 | New Delhi Institute of Management, Delhi |
19 | Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship, Bangalore |
Colleges Accepting MAHCET Score
Students must evaluate a number of factors while selecting which institute to apply to, including faculty competence, placements, fee structure, facilities, and student quality. Some of India's top MBA colleges have developed themselves as centers of excellence among the roughly 400 colleges that accept MAH-CET exam scores.
The following is a comprehensive list of top management colleges that accept MAH-CET scores for admission into their MMS (Master of Management Studies) programs:
Rank | College Name |
1 | Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai |
2 | Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education, Mumbai |
3 | Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai |
4 | Xavier Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai |
5 | Department of Management Sciences (PUMBA), Savitribai Phule Pune University |
6 | SIES College of Management Studies, Mumbai |
7 | COEP Technological University (Department of Management), Pune |
8 | Chetana’s Ramprasad Khandelwal Institute of Management & Research, Mumbai |
9 | MET Institute of Management, Mumbai |
10 | Indira College of Engineering & Management, Pune |
CMAT vs MAH CET Exam Fees
The decision between CMAT and MAH-CET is based on the colleges you want to apply to and which exam seems more familiar to you. In short, both exams offer excellent ways to get into well-known management colleges. The idea is to choose the one that best fits your goals and allows you to show your brilliance. The tables below show the CMAT and MAH CET exam fees:
CMAT Exam Form Fees
Category | Male | Female |
General (UR) | ₹ 2500 | ₹ 1250 |
Gen-EWS / SC / ST / PwD / OBC (NCL) | ₹ 1250 | ₹ 1250 |
Third Gender | ₹ 1250 | ₹ 1250 |
MAH CET Exam Form Fees
Category | Fee (₹) |
Open Category (Maharashtra State), Outside Maharashtra State (OMS), J & K Migrant candidates | 1500 |
Backward Class Categories (SC, ST, VJ/DT-NT(A), NT(B), NT(C), NT(D), OBC, SBC, EWS), PwD (Maharashtra State only) | 1300 |
Orphan and Transgender (Other) Candidates | 1300 |
CMAT vs MAH CET : Conclusion
Choosing between CMAT vs CET depends on your MBA goals, preferred colleges, and preparation strategy. CMAT is ideal for students looking for a wider range of colleges across India, as it is a national-level exam accepted by many institutes. It also includes a balanced syllabus with sections like GK and Innovation, making it suitable for students with diverse strengths.
On the other hand, MAH MBA CET is the best choice for candidates targeting top colleges in Maharashtra such as JBIMS and SIMSREE. With no negative marking and a strong focus on logical reasoning, CET requires speed and accuracy. Many aspirants choose to appear for both exams to increase their chances of securing admission into top MBA colleges.
