CMAT (Oct 2013) to include Section that tests Emotional Quotient (EQ) of Management Aspirants

To be a good manager, it doesn’t suffice to have a decent IQ (intelligence quotient) score. Each action of ours is controlled by our emotions, and since effective awareness & management of ours and others’ emotions are key factors that help us go up the corporate ladder, testing the “emotional intelligence quotient (EQ)” of management aspirants is increasingly becoming relevant.


The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) that conducts the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT), plans to test the "emotional quotient" (EQ) of aspiring management graduates from CMAT 2013 onwards.

CMAT is the national, computer-based entrance exam conducted by AICTE for admissions to post graduate programmes in management in around 3700 management schools in india excluding the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs). The first CMAT for the year 2013-14 was held from 27 September to 1 October 2012 and the second CMAT for the year 2013-14 will be held from 21 February - 25 February 2013.

(Also read:Online CMAT to be held Twice a Year from 2013-14 Academic Session: AICTE)

"We are working with experts to create content that can evaluate a candidate's emotional intelligence to judge how suitable he or she is for the course," said S S Mantha, AICTE chairman.

About the Proposed EQ Section in CMAT

The proposed section to test the emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) of a student will have a weightage of 25 marks out of the total 400 and is most likely to be introduced in October 2013. 

Is the plan a good idea?

Considering how emotions can influence thoughts, behaviour, actions and motivate decision- making and professional relationships, incorporating a section in CMAT that tests ones' capability of handling emotions does make sense.

Studies indicate that a leader’s emotional intelligence (EQ) is so crucial that it is responsible for 58% of his or her job performance. Similarly, more than 90% of top performers in leadership positions possess a high degree of EQ. 

Testing the EQ would be a good way to spot potential leaders from the ever-increasing number of management aspirants.

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Online CMAT to be held Twice a Year from 2013-14 Academic Session: AICTE

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