The CMI syllabus 2027 lists what each Chennai Mathematical Institute entrance paper tests. The B.S. (Hons) paper is a mathematics aptitude test based mostly on material up to Class 12. The M.Sc. and Ph.D. papers cover mathematics, computer science, data science or physics. The exam is on 15 May 2027.
CMI Syllabus 2027
This page covers the official syllabus for each CMI entrance paper, the exam pattern and marking, and how to prepare.
What is the CMI 2027 syllabus for each paper?
CMI gives a short official syllabus for each paper on its admissions website. The topics below are taken from it.
| Paper | Official syllabus |
|---|---|
| B.S. (Hons) Maths, Maths & CS, Maths & Physics | Aptitude for mathematics: objective questions and longer problems, based mostly on material up to Class 12 |
| M.Sc./Ph.D. Mathematics | Algebra, real analysis, complex analysis, calculus |
| M.Sc./Ph.D. Computer Science | Discrete mathematics, logical reasoning, programming, formal languages and automata theory, data structures and algorithms, probability theory, calculus, linear algebra |
| M.Sc. Data Science | School-level mathematics, discrete mathematics, probability theory, programming |
| Ph.D. Physics | Aptitude in physics |
Which Class 11 and 12 topics matter most for the CMI B.S. paper?
The B.S. paper rewards clear reasoning more than speed. Recent papers mix these school topics in unusual ways:
- Algebra: polynomials, inequalities, sequences and series, complex numbers, binomial theorem.
- Calculus: functions, limits, continuity, derivatives and their uses, integrals and areas.
- Number theory and combinatorics: divisibility, primes, counting, probability.
- Geometry and trigonometry: coordinate geometry, circles, triangles, trigonometric identities.
- Proof writing: Part B gives no credit without correct reasoning.
What is the CMI 2027 exam pattern and marking?
CMI does not announce the pattern in advance, so the latest papers are the best guide.
| Paper | Latest pattern (from the question paper) |
|---|---|
| B.S. (Hons), 2025 | Part A 40 points, 17 short-answer questions typed on a computer, no negative marking; Part B 6 problems for 80 points |
| M.Sc./Ph.D. Mathematics, 2026 | Part A 10 questions x 4 marks (screening); answer 6 questions from Part B; 3 hours |
| M.Sc./Ph.D. Computer Science, 2026 | 100 marks, 3 hours: Part A 10 MCQs x 3, Part B 3 questions x 10, Part C best 4 of 8 questions x 10; no negative marking |
| M.Sc. Data Science, 2026 | Part A multiple choice on a computer (screening), Part B written answers with short explanations |
In Part A multiple-choice questions you get credit only if you choose all the correct options and no wrong one.
Where can you get the official CMI syllabus and past papers?
CMI’s syllabus page has the official topic list and past papers with solutions for each programme. Solving them under time is the best way to prepare; you can also use the CMI previous year question papers on this site.
- LINKApplying to CMI in 2027: exam on 15 May 2027, applications from around 1 March 2027Official site · cmi.ac.inOpen
- PDFCMI Information Brochure 2026-27 (latest)Official site · cmi.ac.inOpen
- LINKCMI entrance syllabus and past papers (official)Official site · cmi.ac.inOpen
How to Prepare for the CMI 2027 Syllabus
- Start with NCERT Class 11 and 12 mathematics so the basics are solid.
- Solve at least five years of CMI papers, then check your work against CMI’s own solutions.
- Write full solutions for Part B type problems; marks go to the reasoning, not just the final answer.
- For the B.S. paper, olympiad-style problem books help with the harder Part B questions.
- For M.Sc./Ph.D. papers, revise undergraduate texts in the listed topics and practise multiple-correct MCQs.