CMAT FEB 2014 Analysis

The LEADER in Online Test Prep

The second (and final) CMAT for the 2014-15 academic season began from 20 Feb. The overall exam has stuck
to the same pattern in terms of format. There were 4 sections, with 25 questions per section. Also, like in the
previous attempts, the order of these sections has also remained constant. QADI and LR were slightly tougher
compared to earlier exams while VA was at par with the Sep 2013 CMAT and followed the same pattern (due
to group questions on Reading Comprehension.) The General Awareness section, which is considered to be
the make-or-break section in CMAT, also followed the Sep CMAT patter with a high proportion of static GK
questions. A couple of questions seemed almost the same as questions asked in the UPSC Civil Services
Prelims exam conducted in 2013.

Summary
Number of Sections

Options per Question

Marks per Question
Negative Marking
Expected Overall Cut-offs

4
4
1
270-280

1. Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation:

Like earlier CMAT exams, this section was manageable in terms of difficulty. Arithmetic and Algebra
formed the bulk of this section. Approximately 60% of this section comprised questions from areas like
averages, percentages, interest and growth rates, ratio and proportion, time and distance, number
systems and theory, equations and inequalities. The questions in geometry were either property based or
involved principles of co-ordinate geometry. This season also saw a question on maxima and minima. Like
last time, there were 2 questions on DI. Though the questions very manageable, the quality of questions
was better compared to previous CMATs. Hence, a well-prepared student could have attempted the entire
section in approximately an hour.
2. Logical Reasoning:
Following the trend set in Sep 2013, there were no Critical Reasoning questions in this section. On the
other hand, the proportion of arrangement-based and logical-condition based questions went up, with
nearly two-thirds of the questions being from these two areas. Some of the other areas that were
represented were critical path, directions, odd man out, cubes, data sufficiency, calendars and sequential
output tracing. Some the arrangement questions were trick-based questions in the sense that solving the
whole arrangement was not required to answer the question. So, a student could have lost time here. On
the whole, the section was lengthy and could have been attempted in 65-70 minutes.
3. Verbal Ability:
The Verbal Ability section was on the same lines as Sep 2013. There were 5 passages (with 3 questions
each) and these were from areas as diverse as history, philosophy, current affairs etc. Each passage had
150-250 words, thereby making them longer than passages in earlier CMATs. Also, the questions in these
passages were inferential in nature, involving style, tone, title, inference, assumptions etc. Some of the
other question types that were covered included FIJ, jumbled sentences, vocabulary, sentence correction,
errors in usage etc. Question selection would have been critical for this section. 18-20 questions would
have been a good attempt for this section.
4. General Awareness:
This section had a good mix of static and dynamic questions, with the tilt being towards static GK. Also,
the current affairs based questions were from diverse areas and a person with basic knowledge of the
news over the last 6-8 months would have done well in this section. A good attempt for this section would
have been around 16 18 questions.

CMAT FEB 2014 Analysis

www.TestFunda.com

CMAT FEB 2014 Analysis

The LEADER in Online Test Prep

Overall, CMAT Feb 2014 was similar to CMAT Sep 2013. However, students expecting RC passages and lot of
arrangement questions would not have been surprised in this CMTAT, unlike Sep 2013. 70-75 correct attempts
or a score of 270-280 would be a safe score for the top 10 colleges under CMAT.

CMAT FEB 2014 Analysis

www.TestFunda.com