CMI MSc Data Science Part A vs Part B Marks & Percentile Impact 2027
The CMI MSc Data Science entrance exam uses a two stage grading system. Part A acts as a strict 40 mark screening cutoff. Only candidates who clear this threshold have their 60 mark Part B descriptive answers evaluated for final merit.
CMI MSc Data Science Part A vs Part B Marks and Percentile Impact 2027
Last verified: October 30, 2026
The CMI MSc Data Science entrance exam is a 100 mark, 3.5 hour pen and paper test. It contains 40 questions split into two distinct parts. Part A consists of 20 objective questions worth 40 marks and serves as a strict screening cutoff. Part B contains 20 descriptive questions worth 60 marks. Crucially, Part B is evaluated only for candidates who clear the Part A threshold. Understanding this two stage grading mechanic is the single most important factor in your attempt strategy. If you miss the Part A cutoff, your descriptive brilliance in Part B will not be graded.
CMI MSc Data Science Part A vs Part B Marks Distribution
The CMI MSc Data Science entrance exam is a 100 mark paper split into two parts. Part A consists of 20 objective questions worth 40 marks and serves as a strict screening cutoff. Part B contains 20 descriptive questions worth 60 marks and is evaluated only for candidates who clear the Part A threshold.
This structure is deliberately designed to filter candidates efficiently. The objective section tests speed, accuracy, and foundational recall across school level mathematics and discrete mathematics. The descriptive section tests your ability to construct rigorous mathematical arguments and algorithmic logic. You must allocate your 3.5 hours accordingly, prioritizing the screening phase before committing deep time to complex proofs.
Marks vs Percentile Benchmark Matrix
CMI does not publish official percentiles or raw score cutoffs. However, based on historical proxy data and empirical analysis of past admission cycles, we can establish reliable benchmark ranges. These numbers represent the typical thresholds required to progress through the selection pipeline.
| Metric | Raw Score | Net Correct | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Screening Cutoff (Estimated) | 18 to 22 / 40 | 9 to 11 / 20 | Historical proxy; Part B is not evaluated if this threshold is missed. |
| Safe Final Merit Score (Estimated) | 55+ / 100 | 14+ Part A and 25+ Part B | Combined score required for interview shortlist; varies by cohort difficulty. |
Strategic Topic Triage Based on PYQ Weightage
Not all topics are created equal. Based on our analysis of 293 previous year questions, you must categorize your preparation into three distinct buckets. This ensures you maximize your score per minute spent studying.
Core High Yield
- School Level Mathematics 37.2 percent of PYQs. Highest yield; forms the backbone of both Part A objective and Part B descriptive questions.
- Probability Theory 22.87 percent of PYQs. Consistently tested with high weightage; essential for both sections.
Speed Traps
- Algebra 2.05 percent of PYQs. Low yield relative to the time required to solve complex descriptive algebraic proofs.
- Calculus 0.68 percent of PYQs. Minimal appearance in recent PYQs; high time cost for marginal gain.
Skip on First Pass
- Number Theory 0.34 percent of PYQs. Extremely low frequency; only attempt if Part A screening is already secured and time remains.
- Probability and Statistics 0.34 percent of PYQs. Niche sub topic with negligible weightage compared to core Probability Theory.
What is the Safe Score for CMI MSc Data Science 2027
While CMI does not publish official percentiles, a safe combined raw score for interview shortlisting typically hovers around 55 plus out of 100 marks. Crucially, candidates must first secure an estimated 18 to 22 marks in Part A to ensure their Part B answers are even graded.
Most candidates waste their 3.5 hours writing brilliant Part B proofs while failing the Part A screening cutoff. If you do not secure 18 to 22 marks in the first 20 objective questions, the evaluators will never read your descriptive answers. Period.
Critical Exam Timeline and Live Status
Timing your preparation requires awareness of the official admission cycle. Below are the verified upcoming milestones for the 2027 intake.
Upcoming Milestones
| Event | Date (IST) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application Window Opens | March 1, 2027 | Upcoming |
| Entrance Exam | May 15, 2027 | Upcoming |
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Practical Next Actions for Your Preparation
What most candidates get wrong here is treating the 100 marks as a single homogeneous block. They spend weeks mastering complex Part B proofs while neglecting the rapid fire accuracy needed for Part A. Your immediate next action today is to take a timed, 40 question Part A only mock test. Analyze your accuracy. If you are not consistently hitting 10 correct answers, pause all Part B preparation and rebuild your foundational speed in School Level Mathematics and Probability Theory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Part A and Part B marks added together in CMI MSc Data Science
Yes, but conditionally. Your final merit score is the sum of Part A and Part B marks out of 100. However, if your Part A score falls below the undisclosed screening cutoff, your Part B answers are not evaluated at all, resulting in automatic disqualification.
How many questions are in Part A and Part B of the CMI Data Science exam
The exam has 40 questions total. Part A contains 20 objective multiple choice questions worth 40 marks. Part B contains 20 descriptive or short answer questions worth 60 marks.
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