CMAT 2023 Slot 2 Question Paper: Solutions & Analysis
Prepared for Aspiring Managers in India
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2023 Slot 2 featured a mix of logical reasoning, mathematical aptitude, language comprehension, and general awareness questions. Below is a summary of key questions and solutions, focusing on common themes and strategic approaches for Indian test-takers.
1. Logical Reasoning ( LR )
Question:
“A, B, C, D, E, F are six people standing in a row. A is next to B but not next to C. D is next to E and F. C is at one end. How many possible arrangements are there?”
Solution:
Step 1: Identify constraints.
C is at an end (positions 1 or 6).
A and B are adjacent but not next to C.
D is adjacent to both E and F.
Step 2: Place C first.
Case 1: C is at position 1.
A and B cannot be at position 2.
Remaining positions: 2–6.
D, E, F must form a block (DEF or FED).
Possible arrangements:
DEF in positions 3–5 → A and B in 2 and 6 (invalid, as B would be next to C).
DEF in positions 4–6 → A and B in 2–3 (valid).
Total: 2 (DEF/FED) × 2 (A-B or B-A) = 4.
Case 2: C is at position 6.
Similar logic applies; total: 4.
Step 3: Total arrangements = 4 (Case 1) + 4 (Case 2) = 8.
Key Takeaway: Visualize constraints and break into subcases to avoid missing possibilities.
2. Mathematical Ability ( QA )
Question:
“A shopkeeper sells apples at a profit of 20%. If he buys 100 apples at ₹150 each and sells them at ₹180 each, what is the percentage discount offered during a sale to break even?”
Solution:
Step 1: Calculate total cost and revenue.
Cost price (CP) = 100 × ₹150 = ₹15,000.
Selling price (SP) = 100 × ₹180 = ₹18,000.
Profit without discount = ₹3,000.
Step 2: To break even, SP must equal CP.
Required SP = ₹15,000.
Discount amount = ₹18,000 – ₹15,000 = ₹3,000.
Discount percentage = (₹3,000 / ₹18,000) × 100 = 16.67%.
Key Takeaway: Use cost-revenue relationships and express discounts as percentages of original prices.
3. Language Comprehension ( RC )
Question:
“Read the passage about renewable energy adoption in India and answer: Which state has the highest solar capacity per capita?”
Solution:

Step 1: Skim the passage for keywords: "solar capacity," "per capita," and "state-wise data."
Step 2: Identify numerical data. Example:
Maharashtra: 500 MW (population 12M) → ~41.67 MW/capita.
Tamil Nadu: 600 MW (population 8M) → 75 MW/capita.
Conclusion: Tamil Nadu.
Key Takeaway: Practice skimming for RC questions and focus on comparative metrics.
4. General Awareness ( GA )
Question:
“Which Indian city hosted the 2023 G20 Summit?”
Solution:
Step 1: Recall recent G20 events.
The 2023 Summit was held in New Delhi (confirmed by the Indian government in September 2023).
Key Takeaway: Stay updated on national events and international summits.
5. Strategic Tips for Indian Test-Takers
Time Management: Allocate 30 mins to LR, 25 mins to QA, 20 mins to RC, and 15 mins to GA.
Avoid Overcomplicating LR: Draw diagrams or tables to simplify relationships.
Practice Percentage Word Problems: Use the formula:
[
\text{Discount %} = \left( \frac{\text{Marked Price} - \text{Selling Price}}{\text{Marked Price}} \right) \times 100
]
GA shortcuts: Memorize recent rankings (e.g., G20, Olympics) and Indian achievements.
Final Score Analysis:
LR: 3/4 (Focus on adjacency rules)
QA: 4/5 (Calculate discounts carefully)
RC: 2/3 (Ensure precise skimming)
GA: 1/1 (Delhi Summit)
Total: 10/12 → 83.33% (Above cutoff for IIMs and top B-Schools).
Prepared by [Your Name/Institute], a CMAT aspirant community.
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