CMAT Exam Guide for MBA in Nepal: Complete Preparation Strategy 2026
Complete CMAT exam guide for MBA admission in Nepal. Syllabus, verbal ability, quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, general awareness preparation tips, and free online mock tests.
Jul 13, 2026 11 min read 17 views
CMAT Exam Guide for MBA in Nepal: Complete Preparation Strategy 2026
The Central Management Admission Test (CMAT) is the entrance examination for MBA and MBS programs at Tribhuvan University (TU) and its affiliated colleges in Nepal. Conducted by the Faculty of Management (FOM), CMAT is mandatory for admission to all TU-affiliated management colleges, including prestigious institutions like Shanker Dev Campus, Prime College, Kathmandu College of Management (KCM), and Apex College. This comprehensive CMAT exam guide for MBA covers everything you need to know — syllabus, preparation strategy, verbal ability tips, and free online mock tests.
What is CMAT?
CMAT stands for Central Management Admission Test. It is a standardized entrance examination conducted by TU's Faculty of Management for admission to:
MBA (Master of Business Administration) — 2-year program
MBS (Master of Business Studies) — 2-year program
PGD (Post Graduate Diploma) — 1-year program
The CMAT exam is conducted once per year, typically in Bhadra–Ashwin (September–October).
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026
The CMAT exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions worth 100 marks, to be completed in 90 minutes:
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time Suggested |
|---------|-----------|-------|----------------|
| Verbal Ability | 25 | 25 | 20 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 25 | 30 min |
| Logical Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 25 min |
| General Awareness | 25 | 25 | 15 min |
| Total | | | |
100
100
90 min
There is no negative marking in CMAT, so you should attempt every question.
CMAT Eligibility for MBA
To be eligible for the CMAT exam for MBA admission:
Educational qualification: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university
Minimum marks: 50% aggregate in bachelor's (45% for reserved categories)
Work experience: Not required (but preferred by some colleges)
Age: No upper age limit
CMAT Syllabus — Detailed Breakdown
1. Verbal Ability (25 Questions)
The Verbal Ability section tests your English language proficiency. This is often the deciding factor for many candidates.
Topics covered:
Reading Comprehension — 2–3 passages with 5–10 questions each
| Exam | Conducted By | Duration | Questions | Difficulty |
|------|-------------|----------|-----------|------------|
| CMAT | TU (FOM) | 90 min | 100 | Medium |
| KUUMAT | Kathmandu University | 90 min | 100 | Medium-High |
| SOMAT | Purbanchal University | 90 min | 100 | Medium |
Most students appear for CMAT as it covers the maximum number of colleges.
CMAT Score and MBA Admission
What is a good CMAT score?
40+ out of 100: Eligible for most TU-affiliated colleges
60+ out of 100: Competitive for top colleges (Shanker Dev, Prime, KCM)
80+ out of 100: Likely to get into any college of choice
CMAT Counseling Process
Result publication — usually within 2–3 weeks of the exam
Merit list — based on CMAT score + bachelor's percentage (weightage varies)
College selection — fill preferences during counseling
Admission — complete college formalities within deadline
Common Mistakes to Avoid in CMAT
Ignoring Verbal Ability — 25 easy marks that many lose
Spending too much time on one question — move on if stuck
Not attempting all questions — no negative marking means attempt everything
Weak GK — current affairs require consistent daily reading
Not taking mock tests — knowledge without practice = failure
Panic on tough questions — skip and return later
FAQ
What is CMAT exam in Nepal?
CMAT (Central Management Admission Test) is the entrance exam for MBA and MBS programs at Tribhuvan University and its affiliated colleges in Nepal.
How many questions are in CMAT?
CMAT has 100 MCQs — 25 each from Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and General Awareness — to be completed in 90 minutes.
Is there negative marking in CMAT?
No, there is no negative marking in CMAT. You should attempt every question.
What is the pass mark for CMAT?
There is no formal pass mark, but you need at least 40+ to get into a decent college and 60+ for top colleges.
How can I prepare for CMAT verbal ability?
Read English newspapers daily, learn 20 new words per day, practice reading comprehension passages, and solve grammar exercises from Wren & Martin.
Can I give CMAT after +2?
No, CMAT is for postgraduate admission (MBA/MBS). You need a bachelor's degree to be eligible. For undergraduate management programs, look at BBA/BBS admission at TU-affiliated colleges.
How many times is CMAT conducted in a year?
CMAT is conducted once per year, typically in Bhadra–Ashwin (September–October).
Which is the best college for MBA under CMAT?
Shanker Dev Campus is the top-ranked TU campus for management. Other excellent options include Prime College, KCM, and Apex College.