CMAT FAQs- Important Questions and Answers for CMAT from AICTE website.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

FORMAT OF CMAT

Is CMAT going to be conducted ONLINE twice a year?

No. From academic year 2016-17 onwards, the CMAT exam will be conducted only once a year on 3rd Sunday of January. The CMAT-2016 will be conducted on 17th January 2016.

How is the computer-based online examination different from the conventional paper-based examinations?

The computer-based online examination is more or less the same except that a candidate reads a question on a computer terminal and clicks on the correct answer, instead of reading on a paper booklet and using a pencil/pen to darken the ovals on an answer sheet.

Can I take the test from any computer?

No. A candidate will have to take the test on a pre-assigned computer at the test venue.

What does a Computer Based Test look like?

CMAT trial test is available on the website www.aicte-cmat.in for candidates to get familiarized with the functionality and navigation of the actual Computer Based test.

TEST DURATION & PATTERN

How many sections are there in the CMAT test?

There will be four sections in the test. The sections are  (a) Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation  b) Logical Reasoning  c) Language Comprehension and  d) General Awareness

How many questions are there in each of these sections?

There will be 25 questions in each section.

Can I move back and forth between the four section?

Yes

What is the duration of the test?

The duration of test will be 180 minutes

Will there be negative marking in CMAT exam?

Yes

What is the scoring pattern and rule for negative marking?

For each correct answer there are 4 marks, for each wrong answer 1 mark shall be deducted.

SCHEDULING & REGISTRATION

Who is eligible to take the test?

Candidates who are in the final year of the Bachelor's Degree (10+2+3) Programmes or who have appeared in the final year examination from a recognized institution/university can also appear in the test.

For which programmes I am eligible after giving CMAT-2016 exam?

You will be eligible for PGDM, MBA and similar, PGCM and Executive PGDM programmes. Eligibility criteria for admission to these programmes will be as per criteria laid down by individual University / Institution. However the eligibility criteria for different Post Graduate Management Programme in AICTE affiliated institutions , Is as follows:  Programmes Duration Eligibility Management (PGDM, MBA and similar) 2 Yrs Recognized Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 Yrs duration Obtained at least 50% (45% in case of candidate belonging to reserved category) at the qualifying Examination ManageManagement (PGCM) More than 1 Yrs but less than 2 Yrs Recognized Bachelor’s Degree of minimum 3 Yrs duration /span> Management (Executive PGDM) 15 month Any recogniz Any recognized Bachelors degree of minimum 3 years duration and a minimum of 5 years relevant managerial / supervisory experience. Obtained at least 50% (45% in case of candidate belonging to reserved category) at the qualifying Examination

Can I appear for CMAT for practice purpose, though I am aware that I am not eligible?

No. Only eligible candidates can appear for the test.

Is there any age restriction for appearing in CMAT?

No, there is no age restriction for appearing in CMAT.

What is the fee for the test?

The fee for General / OBC candidates appearing for CMAT is Rs.1400 + Bank charges as applicable; whereas for Female /SC/ST/PWD category candidates fee is Rs.700 + Bank charges as applicable.

Where do I pay my fees?

Candidates are appearing for test in India are required to pay registration fee either by Online (Credit / Debit cards / Net banking)

When and how do I register for CMAT January 2016?

Online registration for CMAT January 2016 will begin on 3rd November, 2015 and close on 10th December 2015. Detailed instructions for the online application and registration process are available on this website (www.aicte-cmat.in)

Can I use my coaching institute’s or a friend’s email address when registering for CMAT?

No, you need to have a valid and unique email address of yourself which you will be using at least for the next eight months

Can I pay the fees through Bank Demand Draft or Cheque or Cash? Where do I pay my fees?

No. Fees cannot be paid through Bank Demand Draft or Cheque. It can be paid through online or Cash at any of the SBI branch. For making cash payment, you need to generate Challan through the portal and visit the nearest SBI bank on the next day of challan generation to pay the cash.

When will CMAT be held and can I choose a test city?

CMAT in India will be held on 17th January, 2016. Yes, you can select up-to 3 cities in India giving order of preference towards your test city. The first choice of city will be given due consideration and weightage. However, actual allotment as per order of choice will be subject to availability of the slot in that particular city.

From where can I get the list of test cities?

A list of test cities is available on the website www.aicte-cmat.in

When will I get my Admit Card?

You can PRINT your ADMIT CARD by going to website www.aicte-cmat.in from 5th January, 2016.

What details will be mentioned in the Admit Card?

The admit card will contain the photo, name and signature of the candidate, CMAT Roll number, test date, time, reporting time at the venue, venue name, venue address and brief instructions for the candidate.

Will the Admit Card be sent to me as a hard copy by mail?

No. Apart from the ADMIT CARD made available ONLINE on the website, the admit card will be sent to the email address provided by you. It is therefore, mandatory for you to have a valid email account throughout the selection process. Note: Admit Card is a mandatory requirement in order to take the test. You must bring a print out of your Admit Card to the test centre.

What are the different Time Slots of the Test?

There will be no different time slots. Test will begin at 9:30 AM on 17th Jan 2016. Candidates are required to arrive at the test centre on or before 8:00 AM for Security checks, Identity verification, and check-in.

What are the timings to contact the helpline?

The FAQs, IVRS and online instructions are designed to enable self-service. You are requested to use these tools which can guide you through the entire process and help answer most of your queries. In case you are still facing issues, then CMAT Customer Care Support is available by phone and email 24x7. Helpline number: 022-66258304 Fax number : 022-25814283 E-mail id: customercare@aicte-cmat.in Phone support availability: 3rd November, 2015 – 18th February, 2016, 8.00 am - 10.00 pm everyday Daily Webmail support will be available from 3rd November, 2015 – 18th February, 2016. Queries, received by webmail, will be responded within 2 business days. Do not send the same email multiple times, as it will delay the response process.

What if I generate the CASH challan on 10th Dec, 2015? How can I proceed after that as the registration last date is also 10th December 2015? Can I pay the fees through Bank Demand Draft or Cheque or Cash?

If you generate Challan on 10th Dec, 2015, you can pay the CASH by 11th Dec, 2015 and complete the registration process by 13th Dec, 2015. For all existing users who have not paid their CASH after generating CHALLAN or are waiting for their data to get updated on the portal, the last date of application form submission will be 13th Dec, 2015.

Can I change my preferred test city after I have submitted my form?

No. No data can be changed once the form is finally submitted.

After submission of CMAT registration fee, can I cancel my application and apply for refund of fee?

Under no circumstances, cancellation of application and refund of fee will be allowed.

If I do not take my test, will I be eligible for a refund?

No. Your fees will not be refunded in case you do not appear for your test as per your scheduled location, date and time

EXAMINATION DAY

What is the reporting time for the examinations?

One Hour and Thirty minutes prior to the test time. For the test beginning at 9.30 am, you must reach the test centre no later than 8:00 AM.

What is the identification documents required to be carried to the test centre?

Candidates appearing for test in India will need to bring the following identification documents on the test day: a) ATTESTED COPY of CMAT 2016. Admit Card with recent passport size photo pasted on it.  b) At least one original (not photocopied / scanned copy) and valid (not expired) photo identification. The name on your photo identification must match your name as entered in the CMAT application. Acceptable forms of photo identification types are limited to Driver's license, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, UID card or a notarized Affidavit (in English) with Photo, Signature, Date of Birth and Residential Address. Photocopies of the original are not acceptable. Candidates will not be permitted to take the test if photo identification is not presented. SC/ST candidates are required to bring the valid caste certificate in Original and an ATTESTED photocopy. Physically Disabled candidates are required to bring the valid Disability certificate in Original and an ATTESTED photocopy. ATTESTATION CAN BE DONE BY INSTITUTE HEAD ALSO Note: You will have to store all other personal items at the test centre at your own risk. Please do not bring any other items to the test centre, as they are not permitted into the testing centre.

Does the name need to match with the names appearing on the identification documents?

Your name needs to be exactly identical to the name on your Xth Mark sheet or equivalent for candidates appearing for CMAT. Note: - If the name has been changed due to events such as marriage, you must show the relevant document such as Marriage Certificate, Divorce Decree, Legal Name Change Document and submit a photocopy at the time of the examination of CMAT-2016 and interview and at the time of joining a programme at institutes.

What are the permitted materials I can bring with me to the test centre?

None. You will not be permitted to bring any personal items to the test centre, including but not limited to wrist-watch, cellphones, calculators, etc.

What is the duration and pattern of the test?

The total duration is 3 hours. The actual test will contain 100 questions. For further details, refer to Test Duration & Pattern.

Do I have any breaks during the test?

No, you will not be given any breaks during the test.

If I complete my exam before three hours, can I leave early?

No. even if you complete the exam before the scheduled end time, you will not be allowed to leave the exam hall. You are allowed to leave the exam only after the scheduled three hours of exam are over. You cannot leave in between the exam even if you finish the exam early.

Will I be provided with any scratch paper for rough work and calculations during the test?

At the test centre, each candidate will be seated at a desk with a computer terminal and he/she will be provided with a scratch paper for calculations. Rough work cannot be done on any other paper/sheet, as nothing will be allowed inside the testing room. On completion of the test, candidates will have to hand back all the scratch paper to the Administrator.

RESULTS

Will I get to see my scores on the test day?

No.

Within how many days can I expect the results?

CMAT 2016 results are expected to be declared on 21st January, 2016 on the website www.aicte-cmat.in

How do I get my Admit Card, whom should I contact?

You need to login on the website www.aicte-cmat.in using your username & password and select “Admit Card” to print your Admit Card directly from the website. In case you are unable to take the printout you may seek help of Call Centre / Helpdesk at the following contact : 022-66258304

Can I make any changes to my postal address after I have submitted my application form?

No, Once you submitted your application form, there is no way to change your information.

PHYSICALLY DISABLED (PD) CANDIDATES

Who is eligible to take the test under the Physically Disabled category?

As per the “Persons with Disability Act, 1995”, candidate appearing for CMAT in India qualifies to be a Physically Disabled (PD) candidate if he/she suffers from any of the listed disabilities, to the extent of not less than 40% as certified by a medical authority. Following are the categories defined by AICTE for PWD candidates: a.Visually impaired b.Physically handicapped  c.Hearing Impairment d.Dumb

Which are the acceptable testing devices that I can use/bring to the test centre?

The approved means of testing assistance that you may select on the application form are as follow: Testing Assistance Applicable for Arranged by Abacus (without calculator) Visually Impaired Candidate Hearing Aid Hearing Impairment Candidate Wheel Chair Locomotor Disability/ Cerebral Palsy Candidate Screen/Font Magnification Visually Impaired Test Centre Scribe/Reader Visually Impaired / Cerebral Palsy Candidate / Test Centre *

*  Provided at the Test Centre only on the prior request.

I am a PWD candidate with low vision / blindness / cerebral palsy. What special accommodation will be provided to me on the test day?

Visually Impaired and Cerebral Palsy candidates will be allowed to bring a Scribe/ Reader as per scribe form mentioned on the CMAT website. Scribe facility can also be provided by AICTE if the candidate so opts for that. Candidate will be given an opportunity to interact with the scribe a day before the examination. After meeting with the identified scribe, candidate will be required to submit an undertaking. You will also be provided with a time extension of one hour for computer based test

What will be the time extension given to Visually Impaired or Cerebral Palsy candidates?

Visually Impaired or Cerebral Palsy Candidates will be given a time extension of twenty minutes for every hour of the test, thus for 3 hour test you will get a total of 'One Hour' extra.

What are the eligibility criteria for a scribe/reader?

The scribe must fulfil the following criteria:  a. Is not a family member or a friend.  b. Is not involved in any academic tutoring or preparation for the test to be administered.  c. Has not completed 19 years of age as of 17th January,2016.  d. Has academic qualification lower than that of the candidate. Note: The age certificate of Scribe has to be presented at the Test Centre. A scribe will not be permitted to assist a candidate in case the above criteria are not met.

GENERAL INFORMATION;

Which universities / institutes will consider CMAT scores for admission?

All AICTE approved Institutes / Departments / Constituent Colleges / Affiliated Colleges of Universities are expected to accept CMAT scores. The specific notifications issued by Universities and State Governments are available at CMAT website; www.aicte-cmat.in.

If I have done Graduation through PART TIME or DISTANCE LEARNING MODE, am I eligible to apply for CMAT exam?

Yes; as long as it is approved by respective statutory bodies.

Will CMAT score be considered for admissions to Part Time MBA courses?

CMAT score will be considered for admissions to all AICTE approved part-time programs.

Will there be a sectional cut off in the examination?

No. there is no sectional cut off in the CMAT examination.

How long is the CMAT-2016 exam score valid?

The CMAT -2016 exam score will be valid for the admissions to academic year 2016-17 only.

I have learnt that the test will not disqualify anybody, but will just give a rank to all test takers. The colleges, based on their individual merit list can decide if candidate of a certain rank is eligible for admission. Is the CMAT score only to rank candidates?

CMAT has been designed to assess all the candidates who appear in the test based on their aptitude towards the management education in the order of their merit. The objective of the test is not to eliminate the candidates from the process of seeking admission in the AICTE approved management programmes, rather to facilitate the institutions to select the suitable candidates as per their merit.

Can I give CMAT exam via paper pencil mode later in case I missed the Online examination?

CMAT is a computer based online exam scheduled on 17th January 2016. It cannot be taken in paper-pencil mode.

Is there any age restriction for taking the CMAT exam?

No, there is no age restriction for taking the CMAT exam.

When will I get my Admit Card?

Admit card will be available for view and print from Tuesday, 05 January 2016, onwards. You will have to log onto the CMAT website with your registered User ID. You will be eligible for an Admit Card only upon submission of online application form.

Will the Admit Card be sent to me as a hard copy or by mail?

No. The admit card will be only available on the CMAT Website when you log on using your CMAT User ID. Note:Admit Card is a mandatory document required to take the exam. You must bring a print out of your Admit Card to the exam centre.

If I have made any mistake(s) while registering for CMAT 2016, can I make changes later to rectify?

You may select “Existing User Login” on CMAT website to make changes to your personal details, such as address, educational information or exam city preferences. For security reasons, editing of candidate’s full name, date of birth, email id, mobile no, State and Country will not be allowed. However, if you have genuinely made a mistake in entering your Date Of Birth, State, etc., you will have to show evidence of the correct data at the time of examination/interview/admission else your candidature will be nullified. Note: The ability to edit application profile will be available only until you have not submitted the Application Form. Once you have submitted and made the exam fee payment, you will NOT be allowed to make any more changes. You may only view and print thereafter.

If you have made a mistake in filling out details for those fields which will affect selection process, such as Percentage of Marks, Category, Gender, Work Experience, etc. then you are advised to re-register with a new email ID. Your CMAT 2016 application will be considered for the latest registration and Admit Card issued for the same. Note: You will not receive a refund or Admit Card for your earlier registration. Failure to re-register in such circumstances may lead to nullification of your candidature.

In case the website does not work and I am unable to complete my application, what should I do?

If the registration website is not accessible for any reason, please close your Internet browser and try again. Also, ensure you are using the correct version of the Internet browser recommended: The Registration/Application form is best viewed in Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers. You may also refer to the help desk details given below for instructions: • Telephone no: 022-66258304  • Email: customercare@aicte-cmat.in

Does CMAT 2016 have a syllabus for exam preparation?

No, the CMAT exam does not have a defined syllabus for CMAT preparation. However, you can take our mock test to understand the pattern of exam and types of questions. Check the CMAT website regularly for the announcement of mock test.

Source: http://www.aicte-cmat.in/College/faq.aspx