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CMAT Marks vs Percentile: Understanding Your Score

CMAT marks vs percentile helps candidates gauge their performance. The CMAT exam is scored out of 400. Raw scores are converted into percentiles, indicating a candidate's rank against all test-takers. A higher percentile, typically achieved with scores above 300, is essential for admission to top colleges.
authorImageNazish Fatima27 Jan, 2026
CMAT Marks vs Percentile

CMAT marks vs percentile: The CMAT exam's total score is 400, based on marks from all sections. Aspirants must understand both their CMAT score and percentile. The CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) score represents a candidate's raw marks out of 400, calculated after accounting for correct answers (+4 marks) and penalties for incorrect ones (-1 mark). In contrast, the CMAT percentile is a normalised rank indicating the percentage of test-takers who scored equal to or below a candidate in their session, ensuring fairness across multiple shifts.

CMAT Score Calculation

CMAT scores are calculated using a specific marking scheme.  The exam has 100 questions across five sections, each worth 4 marks for correct answers, totalling 400 marks. A -1 penalty applies per wrong answer; unanswered questions score zero. Raw score = (Correct Answers × 4) – (Wrong Answers × 1). For example, 75 correct and 15 wrong yield (75×4) – (15×1) = 285 marks. Percentile, used for ranking, follows: P = 100 × (Candidates with score ≤ yours / Total candidates). Scores of 280+ often fetch 90+ percentile, aiding top MBA admissions. 

CMAT Percentile Calculation

The CMAT percentile ranks candidates among all test-takers. CMAT percentile measures your relative performance against other test-takers. The National Testing Agency (NTA) uses this formula: Percentile (P) = [100 × (Number of candidates with raw score ≤ yours)] ÷ Total candidates in the session.

First, calculate raw score: (Correct answers × 4) – (Incorrect answers × 1); unattempted get 0. Normalisation ensures fairness across sessions. For example, if 50,000 appeared and 49,995 scored ≤ yours, P = (100 × 49,995) ÷ 50,000 = 99.99.Typically, 345+ yields 100 percentile, 295–345 gets 99–99.9, and 235–254 fetches 90–94. Use predictors for estimates.

CMAT Score Vs Percentile Mapping

Here is the CMAT score vs. percentile mapping to understand relative performance. This CMAT score vs. percentile mapping helps aspirants set realistic goals.

CMAT Score Vs Percentile Mapping
Score Range Percentile
295 – 305 99.5+
275 – 285 99
255 – 265 95
235 – 245 90

Higher percentiles generally require these scores: 100 Percentile: 350-360+; 99+ Percentile: 300-350+; 90-99.99 Percentile: 285-340; 81-89 Percentile: 201-280; 71-80 Percentile: 171-200.

Good Score in CMAT

A CMAT score between 295 and 305+ is generally considered very good.  Achieving a good score in CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) requires strategic preparation and smart execution. Aim for 90+ percentile, typically 250-300+ marks out of 400, to secure calls from top B-schools like JBIMS or SIMSREE.

Key Strategies:

  • Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (70 marks): Master basics like arithmetic and algebra; practice 30 questions daily via mocks.

  • Logical Reasoning (70 marks): Focus on puzzles, arrangements; time management is crucial.

  • Language Comprehension (70 marks): Build vocabulary, RC speed through reading newspapers.

  • General Awareness (70 marks): Cover current affairs, static GK via apps like GKToday.

  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship (70 marks): Read case studies, business news.

 

CMAT Marks vs Percentile FAQs

What differentiates the CMAT score from the percentile?

The CMAT score is your total marks. Percentile shows your rank among test-takers; a 95th percentile means you scored better than 95% of candidates.

How is the CMAT total score determined?

Your CMAT score is based on responses: 4 marks for correct, 1 mark deduction for incorrect. Unattempted questions have no penalty.

What is considered a good CMAT score?

A CMAT score between 295-305+ is considered good, potentially leading to a 99.5+ percentile, vital for top institutes.

How can I calculate my CMAT percentile?

Use the formula: Percentile P = 100 x (Number of candidates scoring equal to or less than you / Total candidates).
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