How Many Questions to Attempt for 99 Percentile in CMAT 2026?

100%

90 questions

90

0

(90 × 4) - (0 × 1)

360

99%

90 questions

89

1

(89 × 4) - (1 × 1)

355

95%

95 questions

90

5

(90 × 4) - (5 × 1)

355

90%

100 questions

90

10

(90 × 4) - (10 × 1)

350

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

20

18–20

90–95%

18–19

1–2

70

Logical Reasoning

20

18–20

90–95%

18–19

1-2

70

Language Comprehension

20

17–20

85–90%

17–18

2-3

69

General Awareness

20

17-20

17–18

2-3

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

20

16–20

80–90%

16–17

3-4

64

Overall

100

86-100

85–90%

85–90

11-16

342

Stay Focused and Consistent

Consistency is one of the most critical factors in achieving a high percentile in the CMAT examination. Rather than sporadic bursts of intense preparation, steady and focused study over a longer period yields better results. Candidates should create a realistic and well-balanced study plan that aligns with their daily routine and personal commitments. Taking regular breaks is equally important, as continuous studying without rest can lead to burnout and reduced efficiency. While the idea of working hard is often emphasized, working smart and productively within clearly defined goals is what truly makes the difference when aiming for a 99 percentile.

• Create a daily or weekly study schedule that is achievable and sustainable.
• Allocate fixed time slots for each CMAT section.
• Incorporate short breaks to refresh your mind and improve retention.
• Focus on quality study hours rather than sheer volume of time spent.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Many aspirants fail to achieve their desired percentile not because of a lack of knowledge, but due to avoidable mistakes during preparation and the exam itself. Common pitfalls include attempting too many questions without proper accuracy, poor time management, excessive guessing, or completely ignoring sections like General Awareness. Such oversights can significantly impact overall scores. Remaining calm and composed during the exam is crucial. Practicing mock tests in a simulated exam environment helps reduce anxiety and prepares candidates for unexpected challenges on the final day.

• Avoid unnecessary guesswork to minimize negative marking.
• Do not ignore any section, especially General Awareness.
• Practice full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
• Analyze mock test performance to identify recurring mistakes.

Revise Weak Areas Consistently

Identifying and strengthening weak areas well in advance of the exam can substantially improve overall performance. Many students tend to focus only on their strengths, but ignoring weak topics can limit score improvement. For instance, repeated difficulty in geometry questions in Quantitative Techniques or puzzles in Logical Reasoning should be addressed with focused practice. Leveraging online resources, coaching notes, and discussions with peers can help clarify complex concepts. Even small improvements in weaker sections can have a significant cumulative effect on the final percentile.

• Analyze previous mock tests to identify weak topics.
• Dedicate extra study hours specifically to difficult areas.
• Use online tutorials, videos, and practice questions for concept clarity.
• Revise weak topics periodically instead of studying them only once.

Manage Time Effectively During the Exam

Effective time management during the CMAT exam is essential to maximize attempts while maintaining accuracy. A balanced approach is recommended, such as allocating approximately 25–30 minutes per section and reserving the final 10–15 minutes as a buffer. Starting with sections you are most comfortable with helps build confidence and momentum early in the exam. Lengthy or complex questions should be skipped initially and revisited later if time permits. This strategy ensures optimal utilization of available time without unnecessary pressure.

• Predefine time limits for each section before the exam.
• Begin with your strongest section to gain confidence.
• Skip time-consuming questions in the first round.
• Use the buffer time to reattempt marked questions carefully.

Build Speed with Shortcuts and Tricks

Speed plays a crucial role in competitive exams like CMAT, especially in sections such as Quantitative Techniques and Logical Reasoning. Learning mathematical shortcuts, formulas, and mental calculation techniques can save valuable time during the exam. Memorizing multiplication tables, squares, and cubes enhances calculation speed and accuracy. Similarly, recognizing common patterns in logical reasoning questions helps solve them faster. Regular practice of these shortcuts ensures that they can be applied effortlessly during the actual exam.

• Memorize essential tables, squares, and cubes for quick calculations.
• Practice mental math daily to improve speed.
• Learn common logical reasoning patterns and question types.
• Apply shortcuts consistently in mock tests to build confidence.