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Common Management Admission Test

Imported from Collegedunia.

Stream: General

Overview

The NTA has released the CMAT Results and CMAT Final Answer Key 2026 on 17 February 2026 on its official website - cmat.nta.nic.in. You just need your application number and password to download the CMAT results. Approximately 53,453 candidates took the test who can now to download their CMAT 2026 scorecards.

Note: The NTA will not send the hard copy of the scorecard; you are required to download your CMAT 2026 scorecard by using your User ID and Password.

Direct link to download the CMAT 2026 Results - (Out)
Direct link to download the CMAT 2026 Final Answer Key - (Out)
CMAT Results 2026

Source: cmat.nta.nic.in/

As the results are declared, now each participating college will release its own cutoff based on factors like applicant numbers, seat availability, exam difficulty, and previous years’ trends.

Candidates who meet the cutoff criteria will be shortlisted for the next stages of selection, including GD/PI and WAT.

As per the discussion on Reddit among CMAT aspirants, in CMAT 2025, JBIMS and SIMSREE had cutoffs around the 99.9+ percentile, while tier-1 colleges closed at 95–99 percentile; CMAT 2026 cutoffs are expected to remain the same, with a possible 5–10 mark shift in raw scores.

Related Links:

CMAT College predictor

Key Summary

  • CMAT is a national-level MBA/PGDM entrance exam conducted by NTA for 1,000+ AICTE-approved institutes.
  • Sections: Quantitative & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
  • Percentiles, not raw scores, determine shortlisting for top B-schools; a score of 300+ generally gives 99+ percentile.
  • Result expected on 13 February 2026; valid for 1 academic year.
  • Top colleges like JBIMS/SIMSREE require 99.9+ percentile; other good B-schools accept 85–95 percentile.
  • Preparation focus: mock tests, past papers, section-wise strategy, and accuracy.

What is CMAT?

The CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam in India conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is designed for admission to management programs like MBA and PGDM offered by over 1,000 AICTE-approved institutes across India.

CMAT is a business aptitude test of 3 hours, designed to test candidates on quantitative ability, logical reasoning, language skills, general awareness, and entrepreneurial thinking. 

The exam is considered to be of a moderate difficulty level and can be cracked with basic to structured preparation, as reflected in the reference provided.

What it’s used for:

  • MBA (Master of Business Administration)
  • PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management)
  • MMS and other AICTE-approved management programmes

Key highlights of the CMAT exam:

  • Fully online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
  • Conducted once a year by NTA
  • 3 hours (180 minutes) exam duration
  • 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • No sectional time limit

CMAT 2026 Important Dates

Official / Confirmed Date Event
17 February 2026 (Out) Final Answer Key 
17 February 2026 (Out) Result Declaration
25 January 2026 (Over) CMAT 2026 Exam Date
31 January 2026 (Released) Answer Key Release
31 January – 2 February 2026 (11:50 PM) (Closed) Answer Key Challenge Window

Ques. What is the date of the CMAT exam in 2026?

Ans.The CMAT 2026 will be held on January 25, 2026. 

Ques. How many times CMAT exam is held in a year?

Ans.The NTA conducts the CMAT exam once a years, usually in January, the candidates can register for the exam during the official window of registration which will start from 14th November 2025.

Ques. When will the CMAT 2026 result be announced?

Ans.The CMAT 2026 result is expected to be declared in the second or third week of February 2026. In 2025 the CMAT result was released on 13 February 2025.  

CMAT Answer Key 2026

The CMAT 2026 Answer Key is an official document released by NTA that contains all the correct answers to all the questions asked in the CMAT exam. It will be released in March 2026, before the results are released.

  • It will help you cross-check your responses, estimate their probable score, and understand where they stand compared to other test-takers.
  • Along with the Answer Key, the NTA will also release the Response sheet, which shows the answers marked by the candidates during the exam.

Ques. How to check CMAT answer key?

Ans. The candidates can check the CMAT Answer key by visiting the official website and logging inusing their User ID and password.

The NTA releases the provisional answer key along with the candidate response sheet, allowing aspirants to verify their answers and estimate their scores before the final result.

Ques. Is the CMAT 2026 answer key out?

Ans. Yes, the CMAT 2026 Answer key has been released on 17th February 2026 on its official website.

CMAT Results

The NTA has released the CMAT 2026 Result on 17 February 2026 on the official website -  exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT. 

The candidates can check and download their results by using their Registration Number and Date of Birth. The CMAT 2026 score will be valid for only 1 academic year i.e, 2026.

Also Check: CMAT Merit List 2025: All India Rank (AIR), Toppers, and Cut off

CMAT Score vs Percentile 2026

A score difference of just 8–12 marks can shift the percentile by 3–5 points, especially in the 90+ percentile range, highlighting the importance of accuracy over attempts.

CMAT Score Range (Out of 400) Expected Percentile
300 – 340 99.0 – 99.9
270 – 299 97 – 98.9
250 – 269 95 – 96.9
230 – 249 90 – 94.9
200 – 229 85 – 89.9
170 – 199 75 – 84.9
150 – 169 70 – 74.9
Below 150 Below 70

Ques. What is 150 marks in CMAT?

Ans. A raw score of 150 out of 400 is considered average, which can place you in the 60-70th percentile, providing you with an opportunity to get into Tier-3/ regional B-schools (e.g., some private colleges in Uttar Pradesh or mid-tier accepting CMAT).

Ques. Is 250 a good score in CMAT?

Ans. Yes, 250 is considered a very good score, placing you in the 90-95th percentile, with this percentile you have a strong chances at mid-to-good tier colleges like KJ Somaiya, Welingkar, BIMTECH, Jaipuria, IFIM, IPE Hyderabad, Alliance.

Also Read:

CMAT Previous Year Cutoffs

Institute Name Category Approximate Cutoff Percentile
All India Management Association (AIMA) General 85 – 90
Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM), Delhi General 90 – 95
Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad General 85 – 90
Jaipuria Institute of Management General 80 – 85
Christ University, Bangalore General 70 – 80
Shiv Nadar University General 70 – 75
SP Jain Institute of Management & Research (SPJIMR) General Usually requires CAT/XAT; CMAT not accepted

Check: 

Top Colleges accepting CMAT Scores

College Name Program Expected CMAT Cutoff (Percentile) Average Placement (₹ LPA)
JBIMS, Mumbai MMS 99.9+ 28
SIMSREE, Mumbai MMS 99.9+ 15–16
GIM, Goa PGDM 95+ 10–11
Great Lakes, Chennai PGDM 95+ 12–17
Great Lakes, Gurgaon PGDM 96+ 13-17
KJ Somaiya, Mumbai MBA/PGDM 95–99 12–13
BIMTECH, Greater Noida PGDM 90–95 10–11
NIBM, Pune PGDM 95+ 14
IMT Nagpur PGDM 90–95 10–12
IMT Hyderabad PGDM 91-94 11-12
IFMR, Krea University MBA/PGDM 85–90 13

Also Read: 

CMAT 2026 FAQs

Ques. Which are the best MBA colleges at the 97 percentile in CMAT?

Ans. Candidates scoring around 97 percentile in CMAT can be achieved by scoring marks around 265-280, which can place in the best MBA colleges like KJ Somaiya, Great Lakes, IMT, Welingkar and XIMR.

Ques. Which colleges should I apply to with an 86.1 percentile in CMAT?

Ans. An 86.1 percentile in CMAT will place you in the mid Tier -2 category collges, which can be achieved with score od around 215-225 out of 500 in CMAT.

Colleges to Apply at 86.1 Percentile in CMAT:

  • BIMTECH Greater Noida (Selected programs)
  • IFMR Graduate School of Business, Krea University
  • IMI Bhubaneswar
  • Welingkar (e-Biz / Retail / Healthcare Management)
  • XIME Bangalore / Kochi / Chennai
  • Jaipuria Institute of Management (Noida, Lucknow, Jaipur)

Ques. "If someone gets a 73 to 74 percentile in the CMAT, then which college will be the best pick in India for that person?"

Ans. A 73–74 percentile in CMAT will fall in the lower tier -2 ti tuer 3 range, translating to a score of around 180-190, with the best colleges options are,

  • Indira Institute of Management, Pune
  • IES Management College & Research Centre, Mumbai
  • SDM Institute for Management Development (SDMIMD), Mysuru (borderline cases)
  • PUMBA (University departments – category/home quota cases)
  • Regional AICTE-approved colleges with good placement records

Ques. I scored in the 52 percentile in the CMAT. Which college should I try now?

Ans. A 52 percentile in CMAT shows that you have scored around 140-150 marks in CMAT exam, which can limit the options of colleges to lower tier.

College Options at 52 Percentile:

  • Regional private MBA colleges (AICTE-approved)
  • New or emerging B-schools with CMAT acceptance
  • State-level colleges with vacant seats in later rounds
  • Institutes offering specialised MBA programs with low cutoffs

Eligibility

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 defines the age limit, minimum educational qualification, aggregate marks, nationality, and other criteria to apply for the exam. NTA is going to announce the eligibility criteria for along with the release of the official notification at the official website – cmat.nta.nic.in. 

The CMAT 2026 Registration has been over, the final date to apply for the CMAT 2026 exam was November 24, 2025, with the fee payment deadline extending to November 25, 2025, as registration was extended from the initial November 17th date. The CMAT exam is scheduled for 25 January 2026 in CBT mode.

Table of Content

  1. CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026:Highlights
  2. Course-Wise CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
  3. CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Reservation Policy
    3.1Other Backward Classes
    3.2Persons with disabilities (PwD)
    3.3CMAT Eligibility for Scribe/Reader
  4. Frequently Asked Questions
CMAT Eligibility Criteria

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 Highlights

Students preparing for CMAT should go through the eligibility criteria before filling out the application form. The highlights of the eligibility criteria is tabulated below for reference:

Criteria Description
Educational Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

Students enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree program in any discipline
Minimum Marks

No minimum aggregate marks are required
Nationality Any candidate who is applying for the exam must be an Indian resident
Age Limit No upper age limit 

Must Read

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

  • Academic Requirement: Applicants must hold a graduation degree in any discipline. Those appearing in their final year graduation exam whose results will be released before the beginning of the 2026-27 academic session can apply. 
  • Minimum Marks in Graduation: No minimum aggregate marks are required for filling CMAT application form.
  • Nationality: Candidates have to essentially be Indian citizens, holding valid ID proofs.
  • Age Limit: As per the latest eligibility criteria, there is no maximum age limit to appear for the exam.
CMAT Course-Wise Eligibility

CMAT Eligibility Criteria: Course-Wise Eligibility

CMAT eligibility criteria for admission to the PGDM/MBA, PGCM, and Executive PGDM programs will be as per the requirements defined by the individual University/Institution. NTA does not conduct any centralized CMAT Counselling. Every CMAT Participating College conducts its own counselling and sets the eligibility criteria as required. The essential program-wise eligibility criteria followed by most of the CMAT score-accepting colleges are listed below:

Name of the Programme Eligibility Details
MBA, PGDM, etc.
  • Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an AICTE-recognized university/institution is a must for candidates applying for the exam.
Executive PGDM
  • Bachelor’s degree from an AICTE-recognized university/institution
  • Minimum experience of 5 years (relevant managerial/ supervisory experience).
Post Graduate Certificate in Management (PGCM)
  • Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an AICTE-recognized university/institution

Quick Links:

CMAT Exam Centers CMAT Admit Card
CMAT Reservation Policy

People Also Ask

Ques. Can a 12th pass give CMAT exam?

Ans. No, Candidates who hold a Bachelor’s degree, or are enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree program are eligible for CMAT.

Ques. If I have completed my graduation through distance learning mode, am I eligible to appear for CMAT exam?

Ans. Yes, candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline can appear for CMAT exam. Candidates must ensure that the university from where they did their graduation must be recognized by AICTE

Ques. What is the minimum marks required for CMAT?

Ans. AICTE has not set any minimum marks criteria for CMAT. Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or are enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor’s degree program are eligible for CMAT irrespective of the marks obtained by them.

CMAT Mock Test

CMAT Eligibility: Reservations Policy

For admission to CMAT score-accepting colleges, the candidate must see the CMAT reservation policy applicable to that particular institute. Private Institutions have their own reservation policy. These below-mentioned reservations are applicable to colleges and institutes that fall under the dominion of the Central Government of India.

Category Percentage
Scheduled Caste (SC) 15%
Scheduled Tribe (ST) 7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) 27%
PwD (each category) 5%
GEN-EWS Category 10%

Apart from the above-mentioned reservation criteria, candidates should also make a note of the below-mentioned points:

  • Private entities may hold different rules and regulations for reserved candidates.
  • In the case of colleges run or aided by State Governments, the reservation policy of the respective State Governments shall be applicable.

CMAT Eligibility: Other Backward Classes Reservation

Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) are as per the Central list of Other Backward Classes available on the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), Government of India website- ncbc.nic.in. Thus, the candidates falling in this list may mention OBC in the Category column. State list OBC candidates who are not in OBC-NCL (Central List) must choose the General category.

CMAT Eligibility: Persons with disabilities (PwD) Reservation

Candidates registering for CMAT under the PwD category must keep the below-mentioned points in mind: 

  • As per Section 2(t) of the RPwD Act, “Persons with Disability (PwD)” means any person with long-term mental, intellectual, physical, or sensory impairment which hinders his full and effective participation in society equally with others. 
  • As per Section 2® of the RPwD Act 2016, Persons with Benchmark Disabilities means a person with not less than forty percent (40%) of a specified disability where a specified disability has not been defined in measurable terms and includes a person with a disability where specified disability has been defined in measurable terms, as certified by the certifying authority. 

The “Specified Disabilities” mentioned in the Schedule of the RPwD Act 2016 are provided below:

CMAT Eligibility: Scribe Policy

Those PwD candidates who are either visually impaired or dyslexic or have a disability in the upper limbs or have lost fingers/hands that prevent them from properly operating the Computer Based Test platform can avail of the services of a scribe in completing the exam. PwD candidates who are in requirement of a scribe must remember the following point:

  • Applicants who require such aids must opt for the same during CMAT Registration. No such arrangement shall be made for the candidates after the completion of registration. 
  • A scribe will be provided only by the NTA and the candidates will not be allowed to bring his/ her own scribe.
  • Test-takers who fall under persons with benchmark disability and either avail or don’t avail of the services of a scribe will be allotted 60 minutes extra to complete their examination. 
CMAT Documents Required
Frequently Asked Questions

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: FAQs

Ques. Who is eligible to apply for CMAT?

Ans. As per CMAT eligibility criteria, anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university can apply for CMAT exam.

Ques. Can I take CMAT exam from home?

Ans. No, CMAT will be conducted in online CBT mode only at 150+ test centers. NTA will not conduct CMAT in home-based remote proctored IBT mode.

Ques. Who is eligible to take the test under the PwD category?

Ans. Candidates suffering from any of the listed disabilities to the extent of not less than 40% as certified by a medical authority, will be considered under the PwD category. Following are the categories defined by for PwD candidates:

  1. Visually impaired
  2. Locomotor Disability
  3. Hearing Impairment
  4. Intellectual Disability
  5. Mental Behaviour
  6. Chronic Neurological conditions
  7. Blood Disorder

Ques. Does CMAT have OBC reservation?

Ans. CMAT Reservation Criteria for colleges and institutions that fall under the domain of the Government of India is as follow:

Category Percentage
Scheduled Caste (SC) 15%
Scheduled Tribe (ST) 7.5%
Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) 27%
PwD (each category) 5%
GEN-EWS Category 10%

Ques. Can final-year candidates apply for CMAT exam?

Ans. Yes, final-year students can apply for CMAT. Such applicants who are appearing for their final year exams whose results will be released before the commencement of the academic year can apply for the exam.

Ques. Does NTA specify any age limit to appear for CMAT exam?

Ans. No, NTA does not specify any upper age limit to appear for CMAT exam. Hence, candidates of all age groups can apply for the exam provided they specify the academic eligibility criteria for graduation.

Application Process

CMAT 2026 Registration is now over. Candidates appearing for the exam can correct their application while the window is open from 26th Novermber to 28th November, 2025 on their official website, exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT. 

You can edit your test city, photo, and signature during form correction. To make the required changes in your application form, you need to log in on the below link using your application number and password. The registration fees is INR 2000 for General category male candidates and INR 1000 for female and reserved category candidates.

CMAT 2026 Form Correction Direct Link

The registration process includes generating login credentials (unique application number & password), filling out application form (personal, academic and exam center choices), uploading scanned images of photo and signature, and paying application fees. Only candidates who have successfully completed their registration will get their Admit Card. The admit cards are likely to be issued around a week before the exam date.

Every year, around 70,000 to 80,000 students register for the exam. Looking at the high number of applications for other MBA exams (CAT, XAT, NMAT) for the session 2024, there were a total of 76,745 registered candidates for the exam last year. 

CMAT Registration Dates

CMAT Registration 2026 Dates

The registration is now open for 2026. NTA has announced the exact Exam Date on the official website. You can check all the updates and the latest news and notices regarding the registration date and process on this page.

Event Dates / Details
Online Submission of Application Form 17 October 2025 to 24 November 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
Last Date of Submission of Application Fees 25 November 2025 (up to 11:50 PM)
Correction in Particulars in Application Form 26 – 28 November 2025
Announcement of the City of Examination To be announced later on website
Downloading of Admit Cards from NTA Website To be announced later on website
Date of Examination To be announced later on website
Duration 180 minutes (03:00 Hrs)
Timing of Examination To be announced later on website
Language of the Paper English Only
Website(s) https://cmat.nta.nic.in/
https://nta.ac.in
CMAT Registration Link

CMAT Registration 2026 Link

The registration link will be available on the revised NTA portal - exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT. Based on the latest changes in the official registration websites of NTA exams, the registration link will also be available at cmat.ntaonline.in. 

CMAT Eligibility

Are You Eligible for CMAT?

Before moving forward with the registration, it is mandatory to ascertain if you are eligible to apply for the exam or not. For CMAT, the minimum eligibility requirement is a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with no minimum marks criteria. However, for admission purposes, most participating colleges require at least 50% (45% for reserved categories) in graduation.

If you are in your final year of graduation, you can still fill the application form. This is subject to the condition that you complete the same before the admission begins.

Read CMAT eligibility criteria in detail

CMAT Application Form

How to Register for CMAT?: Step-by-Step Process to Fill the Application Form

The application process is simple and involves 5 prominent steps. To apply for the exam, you first need to visit exams.nta.ac.in or cmat.ntaonline.in (the new website for registration now LIVE) and click on New Registration and enter and verify the details asked to generate your unique login credentials.

Now, you must login using your application number and password to begin filling the form. The details asked in application form include:

  • personal information (category, gender, PwD status, address, parents’ names, requirement for scribe, nationality, diabetic status, etc.)
  • academic information including work experience and graduation and class 10 & 12 qualifying exam details (pass year, university, marks & percentage)
  • exam city preferences- any 4 in order of priority from the list of 110+ options.

Thereafter, you are required to upload scanned images of photo and signature in the correct format and dimension. Both images should be in .jpg/ .jpeg format and the file size should be between 10-200 kb for the photograph and 4-30 kb for signature.

Saving these details and moving on to the next step, you are required to pay the registration fees through any online mode of payment that could either be a Credit card, or a Debit card, or Net banking, or UPI.

How to Register for CMAT 2024

After payment confirmation, you must download the application form confirmation page for all future correspondence.

CMAT Form Correction

CMAT Application Form Correction Window

CMAT application form correction window is a one-time facility to change some particulars in the submitted form. The correction window allows edits in the uploaded documents, category, academic details, name & date of birth, parent’s names, and exam center choices. Changes in the email ID and registered mobile number are not permitted under any circumstances.

In case a change in category and gender leads to change in the exam application fees, you must pay the difference to submit the corrections. No changes will be allowed after the last date and time of correction window. The application form will be taken as final and based on the verification of eligibility and other details, NTA will issue the admit cards online.

CMAT Statistics

How Many Students Registered for CMAT?: Check CMAT Registration Data

The registration for CMAT 2026 is yet to begin. To know how many students registered for the exam, you’ll have to wait till the registration last date. Meanwhile, the registration data is available for the year (2023) to give you an idea of the competition level each year.

CMAT 2024 Candidates Registered
CMAT 2024 Candidates Appeared

[Source: cmat.nta.ac.in]

CMAT Mock Test
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques. What is the last date for CMAT registration?

Ans. CMAT registration last date was April 23, 2024. The last time to submit the application form was 9:50 pm while the application fee payment window was open till 11:50 pm. 

Ques. Has CMAT application form correction 2024 started?

Ans. Yes, CMAT form correction window is live from April 24 to April 26, 2024. You must keep track of the latest news and updates at exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT or on this page.

Ques. What is the fee for CMAT registration in SC?

Ans. For SC applicants, the fee is INR 1000 irrespective of their gender and state of residence. The fee has to be paid online after filling the application form.

Ques. Can I take CMAT from home?

Ans. No, CMAT is conducted at the test centers in a computer-based test mode. You will be assigned a computer system to take the test at the allotted exam center. The option to take CMAT in any other mode does not exist for any applicant.

Ques. I forgot my CMAT login password. How can I retrieve the same?

Ans. You can reset the password using the ‘Forgot Password’ tab in the login window. You will be sent a verification code and password reset link via email or SMS on the registered contact details.

Ques. What is CMAT paper pattern?

Ans. CMAT paper pattern comprises 5 sections carrying 20 MCQs each. The marks carried by each question are 4 and there is a negative marking of 1 mark. The 5 sections that make up CMAT paper pattern are:

  • Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
  • Language Comprehension
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • General Awareness

Exam Pattern

The CMAT exam pattern has been released by NTA on the official website https://exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/. According to the CMAT exam pattern, the question paper consists of five sections: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovative and Entrepreneurial Skills.

  • CMAT exam pattern 2026 is expected to remain the same as the previous year.
  • Each section of CMAT carries a weightage of 20 questions
  • The total number of questions in CMAT is 100
  • Total marks in CMAT are 400, maximum marks for each section is 80.
  • As per the CMAT marking scheme, +4 marks for a correct answer and -1 for a wrong answer.

Related Links

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026

Key Summary

  • The CMAT 2026 exam pattern includes 5 different sections, such as 1. Quantitative technique and data interpretation, 2. Logical reasoning, 3. Language comprehension, 4. General awareness and 5. Innovative and entrepreneurship.
  • The CMAT 2026 consists of 100 MCQ-type questions.
  • Each section of CMAT 2026 consists of 20 questions, each question worth 4 marks.
  • The correct answer will be awarded 4 marks, and in case of the wrong answer 1 mark will be deducted.
  • The arithmetic topic in quantitative technique and data interpretation has the highest weightage with 24%.
  • Reading comprehension gets the highest weightage in the language comprehension section with 60%.
  • Logical reasoning has equal importance across the topics, however verbal reasoning has slightly high weightage (16%) compared to other topics.
  • Static general awareness is the highest weighted average in general awareness with 90% weightage.

What is the CMAT Exam Pattern?

CMAT is a computer-based test conducted by the NTA. The CMAT exam pattern is released by NTA along with the registration information.

  • CMAT includes 100 MCQ-type questions.
  • The exam pattern includes 5 sections of CMAT syllabus such as 1. Quantitative technique and data interpretation, 2. Logical reasoning, 3. Language comprehension, 4. General awareness and 5. Innovative and entrepreneurship.
  • The time duration given to the students to solve the paper is 3 hours. There is no individual sectional time limit.
  • Each section has 20 questions, and the total number of questions is 100.
  • Total marks of CMAT is 400, with each question carrying 4 marks.
  • The CMAT exam will be conducted only in English language.
CMAT Particulars Details
Exam Mode Online
Duration 3 Hours
Language English
Total number of shift 2
Sections
  • Quantitative technique and data interpretation
  • Logical reasoning
  • Language comprehension
  • General awareness
  • Innovative and entrepreneurship
Sectional time limit No sectional time limit
Number of questions 100
Total Marks 400
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026

Ques. What is the format of CMAT?

Ans. CMAT is the computer-based test consisting of 100 MCQs divided into 5 sections. Such as Quantitative technique and data interpretation, logical reasoning, language comprehension, general awareness and innovation and entrepreneurship.

Ques. Is there a sectional time limit in CMAT?

Ans. No, there is no sectional time limit in CMAT. Total duration of CMAT is 180 minutes ( 3 Hours) without sectional time limit. Students need to balance the time for the whole 5 sections.

Ques. What is the mode of the CMAT exam?

Ans. CMAT is conducted as a computer-based examination in pre-allocated test centers in 2 shifts.

Ques. Is the CMAT MCQ based?

Ans. Yes, CMAT is entirely MCQ based. CMAT consists of 100 MCQ-type questions.

What is the CMAT Marking Scheme?

As per the exam pattern released by the NTA, marking scheme is as follows

  • Maximum marks can be obtained in each section is 80 marks, making the total marks of CMAT is 400.
  • The correct answer will be awarded 4 marks.
  • 1 mark will be deducted for each wrong answer.
  • No marks will be given for unanswered questions.
Details Marks
Correct answer +4
Wrong answer -1
No answer 0
What is the CMAT Marking Scheme

Ques. How is the CMAT exam scored?

Ans. Each question in CMAT carries 4 marks. Correct answers are awarded 4 marks, incorrect answers get -1 marks, and no answer gets no marks or 0 marks.

Ques. Is there ‌negative marking in CMAT?

Ans. Yes, there is negative marking in CMAT. Choosing the wrong answer will deduct 1 mark. The correct answers are awarded ‌ 4 marks each, and no answer will get no marks.

CMAT Exam Pattern: Sectional Weightage

The CMAT exam is divided into 5 sections. Each section carries 20 MCQ-type questions.

The maximum marks that can be obtained is 80 marks per section. The difficulty level varies across question papers.

Section Name Total Number of Question Maximum Marks Difficulty Level
Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation 20 80 Easy to moderate
Logical Reasoning 20 80 Moderate
Language Comprehension 20 80 Moderate to Difficult
General Awareness 20 80 Moderate to difficult
Innovation and Entrepreneurship 20 80 Moderate
CMAT Exam Pattern: Sectional Weightage

Ques. What is the sectional distribution of CMAT?

Ans. The sectional weightage of CMAT is as follows

  • Quantitative techniques and data interpretation: 20 questions
  • Logical reasoning: 20 questions
  • Language comprehension: 20 questions
  • General awareness: 20 questions
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship: 20 questions

CMAT Previous Years’ Question Papers

Solving previous year's question papers is very important to improve time management and accuracy. Candidates can download the previous year's question papers below.

CMAT 2025 Question Paper CMAT 2021 Question Paper
CMAT 2024 Question Paper CMAT 2020 Question Paper
CMAT 2023 Question Paper CMAT 2019 Question Paper
CMAT 2022 Question Paper CMAT 2018 Question Paper

CMAT Exam Pattern: Changes in the Last 5 Years

There have been no major changes in the CMAT exam pattern since 2022. Here are the most recent changes regarding the CMAT exam pattern.

CMAT 2021:

  • The Innovation and Entrepreneurship section is introduced as an optional section with 25 questions. It didn’t count for the calculation of percentile.
  • Each section consists of 25 questions each.
  • For the candidates who attend the section, 30 minutes extra.

CMAT 2022:

  • The Innovation and Entrepreneurship section is now introduced as a permanent section and it is mandatory for all students.
  • The number of questions in each section is reduced to 20.
  • The exam duration is now fixed at 3 hours.
  • All sections are counted for percentile calculations.

CMAT (2023 - 2026)

There are no significant changes in the CMAT exam pattern between 2023 - 2026.

  • Exam duration remains 3 hours, and 5 mandatory sections remain unchanged.
  • Each section consists of 20 questions.
Year Questions Sections Exam Duration Major Changes
2025,2024,2023 100
  • Quantitative and data interpretation
  • Logical reasoning
  • Language comprehension
  • General awareness
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
 3 hours No major changes
2022 100
  • Quantitative and data interpretation
  • Logical reasoning
  • Language comprehension
  • General awareness
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship
 3 hours
  1. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship section was made compulsory to all candidates.
  2. Exam duration is fixed at 3 hours for all.
  3. All sections are now counted for percentile calculations.
  4. The number of questions for each section is reduced to 20 questions.
2021 100/125
  • Quantitative and data interpretation
  • Logical reasoning
  • Language comprehension
  • General awareness
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Optional)
 3 hours/ 3.5 hours
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship section is introduced as an optional section.
  • For students who attempt the 5th optional section, the exam duration is 3.5 hours; otherwise, it was 3 hours.
  • Innovations and Entrepreneurship sections did not count for percentile calculation.

Ques. Is it compulsory to attend the Innovation and Entrepreneurship section?

Ans. Yes, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship section is compulsory. It is counted towards the percentile calculations. This section has a weightage of 20 questions, with each question carrying 4 marks, making it worth ‌80 marks.

Ques. Are there any changes in the CMAT 2026 exam pattern from the previous year?

Ans. There are no significant changes in the CMAT 2026 from CMAT 2025.

  • There are 100 MCQ-based questions. 20 questions in each section.
  • The exam duration is 3 hours. Total marks is 400.
  • +4 for the correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer.

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Chapter-wise Sectional Weightage

As per the official NTA, The CMAT exam pattern is divided into 5 sections. Each section covers the questions from the various topics. Below are the topics and their topic-wise weightage, including number of questions and their percentages.

Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation

Among all the topics in quantitative and data interpretation, arithmetic has the highest weightage with 6 questions, followed by geometry having 5 questions.

Algebra has a weightage of 3 questions out of 20 questions. All other topic gets

Topic Name Total number of questions Weightage in Percentage
Algebra 3 16%
Arithmetic 6 24%
Geometry 5 28%
Data Interpretation 2 8%
Modern Maths 2 16%
Miscellaneous 2 8%
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026: Chapter-wise Sectional Weightage

Language Comprehension

Highest weightage of 60% comes from 4 Passages for reading comprehension questions. Synonyms and antonyms will approximately get 2 questions.

Topic Name Total number of questions Weightage in percentage
Reading Comprehension - 4 passages 10 60%
Synonyms and Antonyms 2 8%
Fill in the blanks 1 4%
Error correction 1 4%
Idioms 1 4%
Para jumbles 1 4%
Word analogy 1 4%
Meaning of phrase 1 4%
Word meaning 1 4%
Correct the sentence 1 4%
CMAT Language Comprehension

Logical Reasoning

Verbal reasoning gets the highest weightage with 4 questions, while other topics get around 1 - 2 questions each.

Topic Name Number of questions Weightage in percentage
Verbal reasoning - statement argument, statement conclusion, word relationship, Assertion reason 4 16%
Odd one out 2 12%
Coding - decoding 2 12%
Blood relations 2 12%
Series completion 1 8%
Visual reasoning 1 8%
Analogy 2 8%
Logic based 1 4%
Counting number of squares in a figure 1 4%
Ranking 1 4%
Square arrangement 1 4%
Directions 1 4%
Miscellaneous 1 4%
cmat Logical Reasoning

General Awareness

Static GK covers various topics such as history, geography, the Indian constitution, economics, literature, etc. Static GK has the highest weightage with 18 questions, while current affairs get 2-3 questions.

Topic Name Number of questions Weightage in percentage
Static GK 17-18 90%
Current affairs 2-3 10%
cmat General Awareness

Ques. How many marks are in the quant and DI sections in CMAT?

Ans. Quant and DI section has a weightage of 20 questions, with each carrying 4 marks. So the quant and DI section gets 80 marks in total.

Ques. Can I skip any section in the CMAT if I am weak in it?

Ans. It is technically possible to skip any section, but it is not advisable to skip completely, since every section carries 80 marks. You can minimize the preparation time, but please do prepare for important topics from the section to get at least partial marks.

Ques. Is the logical reasoning section more important than any other section in CMAT?

Ans. No, the logical reasoning section has equal weightage as other sections. Every section consists of 20 questions, and each worth 80 marks.

CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips

CMAT 2026 preparation should be done as per the exam pattern and syllabus. Go through the entire syllabus and analyse the exam pattern to understand the structure of the exam. Tips below may help you prepare well for CMAT 2026.

  • Candidates must plan and allocate their time to studies and stick to the plan. Allot the time according to the difficulty level. Make sure every section is covered.
  • Gradual and regular revision helps in familiarizing with the topics,basics of the topics, types of questions and important questions.
  • Try to solve the previous year's CMAT question paper as much as possible.
  • Do practice sectional mock tests, and overall mock tests to analyse what ‌your strengths and weaknesses are.
  • Work on speed and accuracy by learning shortcut methods and tricks to solve problems.

Check Out:

Ques. How to improve time management skills for the CMAT exam?

Ans. CMAT requires speed and accuracy to solve problems in CMAT since 100 questions need to be solved in 180 minutes. Solving mock tests and sample papers is the best way to practice time management. And learning shortcut methods, tricks and formulas will help you solve the problems so fast.

Ques. How many hours should I dedicate to CMAT preparation?

Ans. If you are a beginner who is just starting to understand the CMAT exam patterns, 7 - 8 hours of focused study is required. But if you already know about the CMAT exam pattern and concepts, then 3-4 hours of study would be enough.

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 FAQs

Ques 1. Is CMAT difficult?

Ans. CMAT is considered moderately difficult, however difficulty level can vary section wise. CMAT tests the fundamentals and applications of each topic. It is easier compared to the CAT exam.

Ques 2. Can I use a calculator in the CMAT examination?

Ans. No, physical calculators are not allowed in the CMAT. An on screen calculator will be provided during the exam.

Ques 3. In what languages the CMAT is conducted?

Ans. CMAT is conducted in the English language only.

Ques 4. How many times can I attempt the CMAT?

Ans. You can attempt the CMAT as many times, there is no limit on the number of attempts. However, you need to pay the application fee each time you attempt the exam.

Ques 5. What are the passing marks for CMAT?

Ans. There are no passing marks for CMAT, generally colleges set their own cutoff using CMAT percentile. Usually 120 marks considered qualifying marks but scoring minimum 250 marks is required to be considered for top B schools

Ques 6. Do any IITs accept the CMAT score?

Ans. No, IITs don’t accept the CMAT score for their management programmes.They accept XAT, CAT and GMAT.

Syllabus

Although the National Testing Agency (NTA) has not yet posted the official CMAT 2026 syllabus PDF on its website- exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/, the exam structure remains consistent with previous years’.

  • The CMAT syllabus consists of five main parts: Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship with a mark each comprising 20 percent of total marks.

  • This exam will have 20 questions (80 marks per section) in every section, containing a total of 100 questions and 400 marks with a time duration of 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete this examination.
  • Official updates and announcements concerning CMAT 2026 should be verified on the NTA CMAT portal by the candidates that are planning to take the upcoming exam.
CMAT Syllabus 2026

Key Summary

  • The exam consists of five sections, namely Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
  • Each section carries 20 questions and 80 marks, totaling 100 questions and 400 marks.Section-wise weightage is 20% per section, with +4 marks for correct answers and -1 for wrong answers.
  • The Exam Duration for CMAT 2026 is 3 hours (180 minutes).
  • Official updates will be available at the NTA CMAT portal: https://cmat.nta.nic.in/

Also Read:

What is the CMAT Syllabus?

The CMAT Syllabus outlines all the subjects and topics candidates need to study for the exam, conducted by the NTA for admission to MBA and PGDM programs across India.

The syllabus has five sections with 20 questions for 80 marks per section, with a total of 400 marks. The CMAT syllabus is designed to assess a candidate’s quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, language proficiency, general awareness, and entrepreneurial mindset.

Section No. of Questions Maximum Marks Key Focus Areas
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA/DI) 20 80 Arithmetic, Algebra & Modern Maths, Geometry & Mensuration, Number System, Data Interpretation & Sufficiency
Logical Reasoning (LR) 20 80 Traditional Logic, Verbal / Critical Logic, Analytical Logic
Language Comprehension (VARC) 20 80 Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension & Verbal Ability
General Awareness (GA) 20 80 Current Affairs, Economy & Business, Static GK
Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) 20 80 Entrepreneurship Basics, Innovation & Creativity, Business Models, Finance & Funding, Government Schemes & Ecosystem, Case Studies

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Weightage

The syllabus for the CMAT exam covers five key areas. The section-wise details are as follows:

  • Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA/DI): Tests numerical and analytical ability.
  • Logical Reasoning (LR): Evaluates problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Language Comprehension (VARC): Measures reading comprehension and verbal ability.
  • General Awareness (GA): Assesses knowledge of current affairs and general knowledge.
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E): Examines creativity and business acumen.

Each section carries 20 questions and 80 marks, contributing 20% to the total score.

Section Weightage
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA/DI) 20%
Logical Reasoning (LR) 20%
Language Comprehension (VARC) 20%
General Awareness (GA) 20%
Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) 20%
Total 100%
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Section-Wise Weightage

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

Topics Subtopics Approx. Weightage
Arithmetic Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Partnership, Simple & Compound Interest, Problem on Ages, Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work, Mixtures & Alligation 25-30%
Algebra & Modern Maths Linear & Quadratic Equations, Permutation & Combination, Inequalities, Functions, Polynomials, Sequences & Series, Probability, Set Theory, Progression, Logarithms, Surds & Indices 20-25%
Geometry & Mensuration Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Polygons, Quadrilaterals, Mensuration, Trigonometry 10-15%
Number System HCF & LCM, Divisibility, Remainders, Unit digits, Last two digits, Factors, Base conversions 5-10%
Data Interpretation & Sufficiency Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, Data Sufficiency 25-30%

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Logical Reasoning

Topics Subtopics Approx. Weightage
Traditional Logic Alphabet Test, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Directions, Odd One Out, Series, Ranking, Syllogisms, Inequality, Input-Output, Clock/Calendar, Cube and Dice 40-45%
Verbal / Critical Logic Statement & Assumptions, Statement & Course of Action, Statement & Arguments, Statement & Conclusions, Cause & Effect, Inference 20-25%
Analytical Logic Linear, Circular, Distribution, Selection 25-30%

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Language Comprehension

Topics Subtopics Approx. Weightage
Vocabulary Synonyms & Antonyms, Analogies, Odd-one-out, Fill-up, Cloze Test, One-word Substitution, Spell Check 25-30%
Grammar Error Detection, Sentence Correction, Sentence Improvement, Part of Speech, Direct-Indirect, Figure of Speech 20-25%
Comprehension & Verbal Ability Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Para Completion, Idioms & Phrases, Sentence Rearrangement 40-45%

CMAT Syllabus 2026: General Awareness

Topics Subtopics Approx. Weightage
Current Affairs National & International Events, Sports, Awards, Appointments, Summits, Books & Authors 35-40%
Economy & Business Union Budget, Economic Survey, RBI Policies, Banking & Finance, Business Mergers, Corporate Affairs 25-30%
Static GK Indian Constitution, Geography, History, Science & Technology, Polity, Environment 20-25%
Miscellaneous Government Schemes, Important Days, International Organizations, Indian Culture & Heritage 10-15%

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Topics Subtopics Approx. Weightage
Entrepreneurship Basics Concept, Types of Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Business Plan Creation 20-25%
Innovation & Creativity Design Thinking, Idea Generation, Product Development, Value Proposition, Business Models, Revenue Models 25-30%
Finance & Funding Sources of Finance, Angel Investors, Venture Capital, Crowdfunding, Bootstrapping 15-20%
Government Schemes & Ecosystem Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, MSME Schemes, Incubators & Accelerators 10-15%
Case Studies Real-world scenarios of startups & innovation management 10-15%

Ques. What are the key topics in Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation for CMAT 2026?

Ans. The QA/DI section includes:

  • Arithmetic: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest
  • Algebra: Linear equations, Quadratic equations, Inequalities
  • Geometry: Lines, Angles, Triangles, Circles, Mensuration
  • Number System: Divisibility, LCM & HCF, Integers, Prime numbers
  • Data Interpretation (DI): Tables, Bar charts, Line graphs, Pie charts, Caselet-based sets.

Ques. What are the key topics in other sections of the CMAT 2026 syllabus?

Ans. The key topics in other sections of the CMAT 2026 syllabus

  • Logical Reasoning (LR): Puzzles, Arrangements, Coding-Decoding, Blood relations, Analytical reasoning, Syllogisms
  • Language Comprehension (VARC): Reading comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Para-jumbles, Sentence completion
  • General Awareness (GA): Current affairs (last 6-12 months), Banking & Economy, Static GK, National & International events
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E): Business concepts, Entrepreneurship basics, Innovation, Funding, Caselets and short scenario-based questions

Ques. Do I need a business background to score in Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) in CMAT?

Ans. No. Basic conceptual reading, following startup news, and practicing MCQs are sufficient to perform well in this section.

Ques. How many Reading Comprehension (RC) passages usually appear in CMAT VARC?

Ans. Typically, the VARC section has 2-3 RC passages, each with 3-5 questions. The number may vary slightly each year, so focus on comprehension speed and accuracy.

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Marking Scheme

The CMAT Syllabus 2026 Marking Scheme is expected to follow the pattern prescribed by the NTA in previous years’.

In CMAT 2026, every correct answer will give you 4 marks, a wrong answer will cost -1 mark, unattempted questions won’t affect your score, and the exam totals 400 marks for 100 questions.

Section No. of Questions (Expected) Marks per Question Negative Marking Total Marks (Expected)
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA/DI) 20 4 -1 80
Logical Reasoning (LR) 20 4 -1 80
Language Comprehension (VARC) 20 4 -1 80
General Awareness (GA) 20 4 -1 80
Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) 20 4 -1 80
Total 100 400
CMAT Syllabus 2026

Source: @exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT

Ques. Is there a sectional time limit in the CMAT exam?

Ans. No, CMAT does not have a fixed time limit for each section. Candidates have 180 minutes to complete all five sections and can allocate time to sections as per their strategy.

Also Read:

CMAT Difficulty Level Trends (2023-2025)

Based on past exam analyses, expert insights, and student feedback, the expected difficulty level for CMAT 2026 is estimated.

Section CMAT 2023 Difficulty CMAT 2024 Difficulty CMAT 2025 Difficulty (as per analysis) Expected Trend 2026 Remarks
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation Moderate to Tough Moderate Moderate (Shift 2 slightly tougher) Moderate Usually considered the most time-consuming; Data Interpretation sets have increased.
Logical Reasoning Easy to Moderate Easy Easy to Moderate Easy to Moderate Pattern remains steady; most questions from traditional reasoning.
Language Comprehension Easy Easy to Moderate Easy Easy to Moderate Reading Comprehension remains simple; vocabulary-based questions common.
General Awareness Moderate Moderate to Tough Moderate to Tough Moderate Static GK and business-related current affairs dominate; factual precision needed.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Easy to Moderate Easy Easy to Moderate Easy Conceptual and case-based; generally scoring.

CMAT Expected Difficulty Level for 2026

  • Overall Level: CMAT has maintained a Moderate difficulty level for the past three years.
  • Scoring Sections: Language Comprehension and Innovation & Entrepreneurship are consistently seen as high-scoring.
  • Tricky Areas: Quantitative Techniques & DI remains time-intensive and tricky for many aspirants.

Trend for 2026: Expected to follow the same overall pattern which is moderate level with balanced difficulty across shifts

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Previous Year’s Question Papers

Exam Question Paper Solutions PDF
CMAT 2024 Question Paper May 15 Shift 1 Download PDF Check Solutions
CMAT 2024 Question Paper May 15 Shift 2 Download PDF Check Solutions

CMAT Question Paper 2023

Slot Question Paper PDF
May 4 Slot 1 (9:00 am to 12:00 noon) Check Here
May 4 Slot 2 (2:30 pm to 5:30 pm)

CMAT Question Paper 2022

Question Paper Download Link
Question Paper 2022 Check Here

CMAT Question Paper 2021

Exam Slot Question Paper with Solutions PDF
Slot 1 Check Here
Slot 2 Check Here

CMAT Question Paper 2020

Exam Question Paper with Solutions PDF
Question Paper 2020 Check Here

CMAT Question Paper 2019

Date/Slot Question Paper with Solutions PDF
Jan 28 Check Here
Jan 29 Check Here

CMAT Question Paper 2018

Exam Slot and Subject Question Paper with Solutions PDF
Slot 1 Quant Check Here
Slot 1 Language Comprehension Check Here
Slot 1 Logical Reasoning Check Here
Slot 1 GK Check Here
Slot 2 Quant Check Here
Slot 2 Language Comprehension Check Here
Slot 2 Logical Reasoning Check Here
Slot 2 GK Check Here

Also Read:

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Preparation Tips

CMAT 2026 preparation requires a strategic approach focusing on accuracy and time management.

  • Understand the exam pattern and marking scheme thoroughly before starting preparation.
  • Focus on accuracy over attempting all questions due to negative marking.
  • Practice sectional time management to ensure you can complete all questions within 3 hours.
  • Strengthen fundamentals in Quant, LR, and VARC before moving to advanced topics.
  • Read daily current affairs for the GA section and maintain a short revision notebook.
  • Keep short notes, formula sheets, and flashcards for last-minute revision.
  • Students can also focus on an 8-week structured preparation plan.

CMAT 2026: 8-Week Preparation Strategy

Week Focus Area Daily / Weekly Tasks
Week 1-2 Foundation Quant: Basic arithmetic & number system (45-60 min daily)VARC: 1 Reading Comprehension + vocabulary exercise dailyLR: 1 medium puzzle dailyGA: Compile last 6 months headlinesI&E: Read 2-3 entrepreneurship primer articles
Week 3-4 Sectional Practice Topic tests for QA, LR, VARC (alternate days)Start DI sets (mixed charts)Weekly GA full revision sheet
Week 5-6 Mocks & Strategy Take 2 full-length mocks per weekReview mistakes thoroughlyTime practice for DI sets & LR puzzles
Week 7 Polish 3-4 mocks; focus on accuracy & negative marking controlFinal GA short notes & one-line memory aids
Week 8 Revision Light mocksFormula sheet & short flashcards for GA & vocabMental math warmups

Use official NTA mock instructions to get comfortable with the CBT interface (NTA Test Practice Centre).

Also Read:

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Preparation Books

For effective preparation of CMAT 2026, using the right books can help strengthen concepts, improve speed, and practice extensively for each section. Below is a section-wise recommended book list:

Section Recommended Books / Authors
Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation (QA/DI) Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations - R.S. AggarwalHow to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - Arun SharmaFast Track Objective Arithmetic - Rajesh Verma
Logical Reasoning (LR) A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning - R.S. AggarwalLogical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT - Nishit K. SinhaAnalytical Reasoning - M.K. Pandey
Language Comprehension (VARC) Word Power Made Easy - Norman LewisHigh School English Grammar & Composition - Wren & MartinObjective General English - S.P. Bakshi
General Awareness (GA) Manorama Yearbook - Latest EditionPratiyogita Darpan - Current AffairsNewspapers: The Hindu, Economic Times (Daily Current Affairs)
Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Peter F. DruckerEntrepreneurship Development - S.S. KhankaOnline resources: NITI Aayog / Startup India portal articles

CMAT Mock Test 2026

CMAT Mock Tests helps candidates get used to the exam format and try questions from all five sections. They show which areas need more practice and help improve accuracy. Regular practice also increases speed, builds confidence, and improves exam strategy.

Also Read:

CMAT Syllabus 2026 FAQs

Ques. What are the key topics in the CMAT 2026 syllabus?

Ans. The key topics in the CMAT 2026 syllabus are:

  • QA/DI: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, number system, data interpretation sets.
  • LR: Puzzles, arrangements, coding-decoding, analytical reasoning.
  • VARC: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, para-jumbles, sentence completion.
  • GA: Current affairs, banking, economy, static GK, national/international events.
  • I&E: Business concepts, entrepreneurship, innovation, funding, caselets.

Ques. Has the CMAT 2026 Information Bulletin been released?

Ans. No, the official 2026 Information Bulletin is not yet released. Aspirants can refer to the previous year’s syllabus and pattern. Official updates are available at the NTA CMAT portal.

Ques. What is the expected CMAT 2026 exam pattern?

Ans.The CMAT exam is expected to have five sections namely Quantitative Techniques & DI, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship with a total of 100 questions and 400 marks. Each correct answer carries +4 marks and wrong answers carry -1 mark.

Section-wise pattern:

Section Questions Marks Weightage
QA/DI 20 80 20%
LR 20 80 20%
VARC 20 80 20%
GA 20 80 20%
I&E 20 80 20%
Total 100 400 100%

Ques. What is the marking scheme for CMAT 2026?

Ans. Each correct answer contains +4 marks, each incorrect answer has -1 mark, and unattempted questions has 0 marks. The marking scheme is uniform across all sections.

Marking scheme:

Section Questions Marks per Question Negative Marking Total Marks
QA/DI 20 4 -1 80
LR 20 4 -1 80
VARC 20 4 -1 80
GA 20 4 -1 80
I&E 20 4 -1 80
Total 100 400

Ques. What is the expected duration of CMAT 2026?

Ans. The exam duration is 180 minutes (3 hours). Candidates should manage time across sections to complete all 100 questions.

Ques. Is there a sectional cut-off in CMAT?

Ans. No, CMAT does not have official sectional cut-offs. Admissions may require an overall score or percentile, though some colleges may set their own sectional minimums for shortlisting candidates.

Ques. Which books are recommended for CMAT 2026 preparation?

Ans. Some of the books which are recommended for CMAT 2026 preparation are as follows:

Section Recommended Books / Authors
QA/DI Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations - R.S. AggarwalHow to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT - Arun Sharma
LR A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning - R.S. AggarwalAnalytical Reasoning - M.K. Pandey
VARC Word Power Made Easy - Norman LewisHigh School English Grammar & Composition - Wren & Martin
GA Manorama Yearbook, Pratiyogita Darpan, Newspapers: The Hindu, Economic Times
I&E Innovation & Entrepreneurship - Peter F. DruckerEntrepreneurship Development - S.S. Khanka

Ques. How should one approach CMAT 2026 preparation?

Ans.The approach for CMAT 2026 preparation could be as follows:

  • Focus on section-wise practice for QA, LR, VARC, GA, and I&E.
  • Take mock tests to familiarize with the CBT interface.
  • Revise using formula sheets, flashcards, and short notes.
  • Emphasize accuracy due to negative marking.

Ques. Where can I get official updates for CMAT 2026?

Ans. Students can check the NTA CMAT official portal regularly: https://cmat.nta.nic.in/ for exam dates, syllabus updates, and mock tests.

Cut-offs

The CMAT Cutoff is the minimum score or percentile that candidates need to score in the CMAT to get shortlisted for admission into MBA, PGDM, and other management courses offered by AICTE-approved colleges across India.

NTA does not declare any official CMAT cutoff. Instead, every participating institute sets and releases its own cutoff.

As per the @catguruji, Maharashtra All-India MBA seats are tough, 99.99+ needed with 320 marks out of 400 for colleges like JBIMS and SIMSREE, slightly lower for locals with an avg package of ₹26 LPA.

  • The other B-Schools like Welingkar, IFMR GSB, IMT Nagpur & Hyderabad will require a cutoff between 75 - 90 percentile, depending on the institute and programme.
  • For BIMTECH Greater Noida, XISS Ranchi, and Jaipuria Institute of Management (Noida, Lucknow, Jaipur), cutoffs usually fall in the 70 - 85 percentile range.

Related Links:

CMAT Cutoff 2026

Key Summary

  • CMAT Cutoff 2026 is the minimum percent/score for admission to AICTE-approved institutes for MBA/PGDM.
  • Expected CMAT cutoff for General Category: JBIMS (99.99+; 340-355), SIMSREE (99+; 320-340), KJ Somaiya (95-99; 280-310), Great Lakes/GIM (95+; 270-300), Welingkar (85–90; 240-270), BIMTECH (80–85; 220-240), Christ/IFIM (70-80; 180-210).
  • CMAT cutoff for Reserved Category: OBC-NCL/EWS- 8-12% less than General; SC/ST/PwD- 40-50% less than General.
  • Top Scores: 99+ percentile with 340+ marks; 90 percentile with around 250 marks.
  • The highest cut-offs are anticipated for JBIMS and SIMSREE, around 99.9 percentile, with strong competition and fewer seats.
  • Cut-off makes one eligible for GD-PI rounds; final admission will be subject to the overall profile.
  • It is expected that CMAT 2026 cut-offs can increase by 2-4 marks over 2025, indicating higher participation and average level of difficulty.

What is the Cutoff for CMAT?

The CMAT cutoff refers to the percentile range at which MBA colleges typically close their admission offers after evaluating the CMAT scores, each institute decide its own admission cutoff on basis of factors such as the number of applicants, seat intake, past admission trends, program reputation, and overall exam difficulty.

There are two types of cutoffs:

  • Qualifying cutoff: A base eligibility percentile is needed to be considered for admission.
  • College-specific cutoff: The percentile a particular institute expects to shortlist you for selection rounds (GD/PI).

CMAT Cut-off category-wise

The CMAT Cutoff varies according to the different categories, the General category candidates need 95–99.99+ percentile, OBC 90–95, and SC/ST around 75–85 percentile in CMAT.

The PwD candidates are requires the cutoff in the low ranging between 70-85.

Category Expected Cutoff (Percentile)
General 95–99.99+
OBC 90–95
SC 75–85
ST 75–85
PWD 70–85
CMAT Cutoff 2026 category wise

CMAT Accepting Colleges with their Cutoff and Fees

The colleges accepting CMAT scores show an inverse relationship between the CMAT percentile and return on investment (ROI).

  • With 99.5+ percentile colleges like JBIMS and SIMSREE charging very low fees of ₹1.3–6 lakh while providing top-tier average packages.
  • A percentile range of 95-99 offers a strong balance of brand value, and good placements charge a moderate fee of ₹2–17 lakh.
  • Colleges with 90-95 percentiles expand their accessibility and intake, but charge high fees around ₹12 -14 lakh.
  • The 80-90 percentile range focuses on the value for money MBA programs, offering mid-range fees of ₹8-10 lakh.
  • Colleges with 75 percentile and below have a wide fee variation, and rely more on regional placements.

CMAT Colleges for 99.5 - 99.99 Percentile

Candidates scoring 99.5 percentile and above can aim for highly competitive flagship B-schools with excellent ROI and placements.

College Name Expected CMAT Cut-off 2026 Approx. Total Fees (₹)
JBIMS Mumbai 99.98 – 100 percentile ₹6 lakh
KJ Somaiya 99 – 99.5 percentile ₹1.3 – 1.5 lakh
SIMSREE 99 – 99.7 percentile ₹18 – 20 lakh
Welingkar (WeSchool) Mumbai 99 – 99.3 percentile ₹12 – 14 lakh

CMAT Colleges for 95 - 99 Percentile

This percentile range offers access to strong mid-to-top tier MBA colleges known for balanced placements and industry exposure.

College Name Expected CMAT 2026 Cut-off Approx. Total Fees (₹)
PUMBA Pune 96-97 percentile ₹3 lakh
MET Institute of Management 96-98 percentile ₹2 – 4 lakh
XISS Ranchi 95-97 percentile ₹8 – 10 lakh
BIMTECH Greater Noida 95-96+ percentile ₹12 – 17 lakh
Welingkar Bangalore 95-96 percentile ₹10 – 12 lakh

CMAT Colleges for 90-95 Percentile

Aspirants in this percentile category can target reputed business schools with good placement opportunities and strong PGDM programs.

College Name Expected CMAT 2026 Cut-off Approx. Total Fees (₹)
IMT Nagpur 92 – 94 percentile ₹12 – 15 lakh
Jaipuria Institute of Management 90 – 94 percentile ₹10 – 14 lakh
Amity University 90 – 92 percentile ₹8 – 15 lakh
NIBM Pune 90 – 92 percentile ₹12 – 16 lakh

CMAT Colleges for 80-90 Percentile

This range includes numerous quality institutes offering value-for-money MBA programs and wide specialisations.

College Name Expected CMAT 2026 Cut-off Approx. Total Fees (₹)
IPE Hyderabad 85 – 88 percentile ₹8 – 10 lakh
SDMIMD Mysore 85 – 90 percentile ₹10 – 12 lakh
Indus Business Academy Bangalore 80 – 85 percentile ₹8 – 9 lakh
Delhi School of Business 80 – 85 percentile ₹8 – 10 lakh
FIIB Delhi 80 – 85 percentile ₹7 – 9 lakh

CMAT Colleges for 75 Percentile and Below

College Name Expected CMAT Cut Off (%) Approx. Total Fees (₹)
BIMTECH, Greater Noida 75 ₹12 – 17 lakh
BIT Mesra 75 ₹6 – 9 lakh
DY Patil School of Management, Pune 75 ₹6 – 8 lakh
National Insurance Academy (NIA), Pune 75 ₹11 – 12.5 lakh
Calcutta Business School 75 ₹6 – 8 lakh
NDIM, New Delhi 75 ₹8 – 10 lakh
XIME, Chennai 75 ₹10 – 12 lakh
IES Management College & Research Centre, Mumbai 75 ₹6 – 9 lakh
Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida 75 ₹10 – 14 lakh
FIIB Delhi (Fortune Institute of International Business) 70 ₹7 – 9 lakh
EDII Ahmedabad 70 ₹10 – 11 lakh
VESIM, Mumbai 70 ₹6 – 8 lakh
Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies 70 ₹6 – 8 lakh
Delhi School of Business 70 ₹8 – 10 lakh
EMPI Business School, New Delhi 65 ₹6 – 8 lakh
Jaypee Business School (JBS), Noida 65 ₹6 – 8 lakh
IIMS, Pune 65 ₹6 – 8 lakh

Also Check:

Ques. Is 70 percentile a good score in CMAT?

Ans. A 70th percentile in CMAT 2026 is considered an average score, which can be achieved by around 180-190 marks out of 400.

Top B-schools: Colleges like JBIMS, SIMSREE, K J Somaiya, and Great Lakes require higher scores (95-99+ percentile), so they are not options for a 70 percentile candidate.

Ques. Can I Get K J Somaiya at 70 Percentile?

Ans. Given that K J Somaiya Institute of Management has a cutoff around the 98th percentile, a 70 percentile is insufficient for admission.

Alternative Options: Candidates with a 70 percentile should consider other reputable institutes like BIMTECH Noida, with lower cutoff requirements.

Ques. Is 100 a Good Score in CMAT?

Ans. A score of 100 marks in CMAT is considered low and typically corresponds to a percentile below 50. While top B-schools are out of reach, some lesser-known private colleges like Mody University of Science & Technology in Lakshmangarh, MIT Pune, and Universal Business School in Mumbai may still accept this score, offering basic MBA programs.

MBA College at 60 to 99+ Percentile CMAT 2026

There are many colleges through CMAT which provides MBA at a 60 to 99+ percentile, as per MBA with Arshi by Studentkhabri.

  • At 99+ percentile, you can get top-tier colleges like JBIMS, which are highly dependent on the rank due to the limited seats, all-India.
  • Students with 90+ percentiles can target good institutes like BIMTECH, IMR Chennai, E-School Mumbai, and Great Lakes, with average packages around ₹7–9 LPA.
  • The 70–90 percentile range offers colleges like PIBM, JIMS, NDIM, ISBR, and Christ University.
  • Even 60–70 percentile candidates have admission opportunities, mainly in private and state-level colleges, making CMAT accessible across a broad score range.
Percentile Range College  Average Package / Notes
99+ JBIMS, NIVM, NIA, LBSIM (non-core courses) Top-tier institutes are very competitive
90+ IMR Chennai, E-School Mumbai, BIMTECH, Great Lakes High competition, good placements
70-90 Lexicon, PIBM, JIMS, Rohini, FIB Delhi School of Business, IIMP, IISBM, NDIM, Balaji ISME Bangalore, IM University, ISBR, Christ University Moderate competition, decent placements
40-70 Various state-level and private colleges More accessible options

CMAT accepting government colleges in India 2026 with the lowest fees and best placements

Based on the data from the MBA with Arshi by Studentkhabri, there are many CMAT government colleges that offer the best ROI, mainly at very high percentiles.

  • SIMSREE and JBIMS require very low fees and provide exceptionally high average packages, but both require 99+ percentile and top ranks.
  • PUMBA Pune is a cost-effective option for high scorers around 99.6 percentile, especially Maharashtra candidates.
  • In the 90–95 percentile range, IBM Pune provides good placements of around 14 LPA with decent ROI.
  • Colleges like DMS DAVV Indore offer stable outcomes at low fees, but at 90+ percentiles.
  • The IIT Allahabad and NIT night programs are affordable but have lower average packages, making them suitable only for students prioritizing cost over placements.
College Name Approx. Fees (₹) CMAT Cutoff Percentile Average Package (₹) Key Insight / ROI
JBIMS, Mumbai ~6,00,000 99.5–99.9+ ~27 LPA Best ROI in India; very limited seats, rank-critical
SIMSREE (Mumbai) ~1,40,000 ~99.8–99.9 ~22 LPA Extremely low fees; high packages, strong ROI
PUMBA, Pune Low ~99.6 Moderate–High Affordable govt option; easier for MH candidates
IBM Pune (RBI-run) Moderate 90–95 ~14 LPA Strong banking focus; good ROI at mid-percentile
DMS DAVV Indore Low ~90+ (varies) Good Popular MP govt college with steady outcomes
IIT Allahabad (Mgmt Program) ~4,45,000 85–90 ~5 LPA (Avg), 35 LPA (Highest) High upside potential, moderate average
NITs (Night Programs) Low Varies ~3–4 LPA Low cost but limited roles and ROI

List of colleges that accept both CMAT and MAH CET Scores

As per @catking, most colleges accepting both CMAT and MAH CET are located in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, giving students flexibility through either exam.

  • SIMSREE is the toughest to get into, needing a 99+ percentile.
  • Colleges like KJ Somaiya and Welingkar usually need around 90+ percentile, with Welingkar being slightly easier through CMAT.
  • SIES, MET, Lala Lajpatrai, and CIMR accept students in the 80–90 percentile range, making them good mid-range options.
  • VESIM is the easiest to access, with cutoffs around the 70–80th percentile, suitable for average scorers.
College Location Entrance Scores Accepted Typical Cutoff Range (General)
SIMSREE (Sydenham Institute of Management Studies & Research) Mumbai MAH CET, CMAT, CAT ~99+ CET / ~99+ CMAT
K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management Mumbai MAH CET, CMAT, CAT ~90+
Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research (WeSchool) Mumbai MAH CET, CMAT, CAT, XAT ~90+ CET/ ~85+ CMAT
SIES College of Management Studies Navi Mumbai MAH CET, CMAT ~88–90
MET Institute of Management Mumbai MAH CET, CMAT ~80–85
Lala Lajpatrai Institute of Management Mumbai MAH CET, CMAT ~80+
VES Institute of Management Studies & Research (VESIM) Mumbai MAH CET, CMAT ~70–80
Chetana’s Institute of Management & Research (CIMR) Mumbai MAH CET, CMAT ~80

CMAT Cutoff 2026 for Top Colleges

The CMAT 2026 expected cutoff shows high competition among the institutes.

  • Top colleges like JBIMS Mumbai (99.99+ percentile) and SIMSREE Mumbai (99+ percentile) require near-perfect scores.
  • High-tier colleges such as KJ Somaiya (95–99), GIM Goa (95+), and Great Lakes Chennai (95+) need strong percentiles.
  • Mid-tier colleges, including PUMBA Pune (90+), WeSchool (85–90), and IMT Nagpur (85–90) have relatively lower cutoffs
  • Flexible options like BIMTECH (80–85) and Christ University (70–80) accept lower percentiles
Institute Expected Cutoff (Percentile)
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai 99.99+
SIMSREE (SIES College of Management Studies), Mumbai 99+
K J Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research (KJSIMSR), Mumbai 95–99
Goa Institute of Management (GIM), Goa 95+
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai 95+
Pune University Department of Management Studies (PUMBA), Pune 90+
Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Nagpur 85–90
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), Greater Noida 80–85
Christ University Institute of Management, Bangalore 70–80
CMAT Cutoff 2026 for top colleges

What is a Good Score in CMAT?

A good CMAT score depends on percentile and target colleges. However, if you score marks between 230-279, which is considered a good score which will place you in the 85-94 percentile, by providing you the opportunity to take admission into NL Dalmia and IMT Hyderabad.

CMAT Score (Out of 400) Expected Percentile Category of Marks Top Colleges & Courses
320+ 99+ percentile Excellent JBIMS, SIMSREE, K J Somaiya – MBA in Finance, MBA in Marketing
280–319 95–98 percentile Very Good PUMBA, Great Lakes, Welingkar – PGDM in Business Analytics, PGDM in Digital Marketing
230–279 85–94 percentile Good NL Dalmia, BIMTECH, IMT Hyderabad – PGDM in International Business, PGDM in Data Science
180–229 70–84 percentile Average IFIM Business School, ISBM Pune – PGDM in HR, PGDM in Marketing
Below 180 Below 70 percentile Below Average Mody University, MIT Pune – General MBA, Executive MBA

CMAT Cut Off 2025 Trending News:

CMAT 2026 Score vs Percentile

The CMAT score vs percentile 2026 shows candidate’s estimated percentile as per the scores obtained in the CMAT exam.

  • A score more than 310 will place you in 99.9+ percentile, and 290-310 marks can get you 99-99.9 percentile.
  • The scores in the range of 270–290 are considered strong which fall in the range of 95-99 percentile, while 250–270 translate to the 90-95 percentile.
  • Mid-range scores of 200–250 place candidates between the 70–90th percentile which is suitable for mid-tier colleges.
  • Scores below 150 will place under the 50th percentile, which limits to only regional colleges.
CMAT Score Expected Percentile
310+ 99.9+
290-310 99 - 99.9
270-290 95 - 99
250-270 90 - 95
220-250 80 - 90
200-220 70 - 80
150-200 50 - 70
Below 150 Below 50

Check:

Ques. What is 80 Percentile in CMAT?

Ans. An 80 percentile in CMAT can be achieved with a score of approximately 220 marks. With colleges like XIME Bangalore, Christ University, BIMTECH, ISBM Pune, IFIM Business School, SIES College of Management Studies, Chetana Institute of Management, KIIT School of Management, IMT Nagpur

Ques. What Percentile is 270 Marks in CMAT?

Ans. A score of 270 marks in CMAT usually corresponds to the 95th percentile. A 95th percentile score is strong and increases your chances of getting into top MBA colleges. With a 270+ score, you can target well-known institutes like Great Lakes Institute of Management (Chennai), Welingkar Institute of Management (Mumbai), and National Insurance Academy (NIA) Pune.

Ques. Can I Get a Good College with 71 Percentile?

Ans. A 71 percentile in CMAT can open up opportunities at several good colleges, although top-tier institutes may be out of reach. Colleges like Christ University, with a cutoff around 70 percentile, offer programs such as MBA in Marketing, MBA in Finance, and MBA in Human Resources. WeSchool Bangalore, also with a cutoff around 70 percentile, provides courses like PGDM in Marketing, PGDM in Finance, and PGDM in Operations Management.

CMAT Cutoff 2025

The CMAT Cutoff 2025 shows that JBIMS and SIMSREE required a need high percentile of 99.9+ however they have a lower fees around 6 lakhs.

K J Somaiya also has a high cutoff but much higher fees. Great Lakes and Welingkar have lower cutoffs and are easier to get into, though their fees are still high.

College Name Expected Cutoff Percentile Total Fees (INR)
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) 99.99 6 Lakhs
K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai 98 21 Lakhs
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai 90 15.86 Lakhs
Sydenham Institute of Management Studies (SIMSREE) 99.96 1.5 Lakhs
Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai 85 13 Lakhs

CMAT Previous Year Cutoff (2024-2022)

As per the previous years, the CMAT cutoffs have gone down over the last three years from 2022 to 2024.

  • The 99.5+ percentile cutoff dropped from 320 in 2022 and 2023 to 305 in 2024, and the 99 percentile cutoff fell from 315 in 2023 to 290 in 2024.
  • The biggest drop was at the 95 percentile level, which went down from 300 in 2023 to 265 in 2024.

This shows that the exam may have been easier in 2024 or that fewer high-scoring students appeared, while top scorers still faced strong competition.

Year 99.5+ Percentile Score 99 Percentile Score 95 Percentile Score
2024 305 290 265
2023 320 315 300
2022 320 312 270

CMAT Cutoff 2026 FAQs

Ques. How are percentile cutoffs different from raw marks?

Ans. Raw marks are the actual score you get out of 400 in CMAT, while percentile shows how well you have performed as compared to the other candidates. Colleges use percentile, not raw marks for shortlisting.

Ques. Are cutoff trends changing over the years?

Yes. Due to shifting exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seats available, cutoffs have fluctuated. For example, a 99 percentile used to correspond to ~290–315 marks in earlier years; this trend continues to vary slightly each cycle.

Ques. Does NIBM really have a 94 percentile cutoff? I got 87.77 — should I still apply?

Ans. NIBM Pune’s accepts around 90-94 percentile for general category depending on the year and category. With the 87.77 percentile getting NIBM under general category are low, but candidates from OBC/EWS/other reserved categories.

Ques. Did KJ Somaiya give calls to CMAT students? What was the cutoff — 95 or 98?

Ans. Yes, KJ Somaiya does accept the CMAT scores with an official cutoff is often around 95 percentile, actual shortlist calls have gone closer to 97- 98 percentile in recent years due to high competition and limited seats.

Scoring 97+ percentile is considered a safer benchmark for calls.

Ques. Can I get SOIL with 82 percentile in OBC-NCL? What other options do I have?

Ans. With a 82 percentile under OBC-NCL, you have a chance at SOIL, as its cutoff for reserved categories is usually lower than the general categories.

Ques. What percentile is 240 marks in CMAT?

Ans. A score of 240 marks in CMAT usually falls in the 95–98 percentile range, making it a strong score and good enough for shortlisting at many top private MBA colleges.

Ques. What is a 50 percentile score in CMAT?

Ans. A 50 percentile in CMAT will place you around 140–160 marks and is considered an average score, suitable mainly for colleges with lower cutoff requirements.

Results

The CMAT 2026 result was released on 17 February 2026, on the official website - cmat.nta.nic.in. The NTA has also released the CMAT Final Answer Key. Around 53,453 candidates who took the test can download their CMAT 2026 scorecard.

Direct Link to download the CMAT Result 2026 - (Out)
  • To download the scorecard, candidates will need to log in to the official portal using their application number, password/date of birth, and security pin.
  • The scorecard will include the overall score, sectional scores, percentile, and ranking.
CMAT Results

Source: cmat.nta.nic.in/

Appearing in the CMAT exam alone does not guarantee admission to management colleges; students must follow the selection process, including Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds.

Also Read

CMAT RESULT 2026

Key Summary

  • In this article, we will discuss about the result, expected release date, percentile and cutoff.
  • The CMAT 2026 exam is scheduled on 25th January, 2026.
  • Around 53,453 candidates appeared for CMAT 2026.
  • The result for the same will be announced 15-20 days after the completion of the exam.
  • Candidates will get a chance to challenge the answer key before the actual release of the results.

What is the CMAT Result?

The CMAT result is the official score report of the CMAT, released for candidates who appeared in the exam to determine their eligibility for admission to AICTE-approved MBA/PGDM and other management programmes in India.

The CMAT 2026 score includes the candidates’ section-wise scores, overall score, and percentile.

“CMAT results are valid for only one academic year; the CMAT Result 2026 will be valid only for admissions to the 2026–28 academic session.”

CMAT Scorecard

CMAT Scorecard

CMAT 2026 Result Date

The CMAT Exam is scheduled for 25th January 2026. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the results on 13th to 15th February 2026. Before the release of result, a provisional Answer key will be released around a week after the exam.

Event Date
CMAT Exam Date January 25th, 2026
Release of Provisional Answer Key 17th Feb, 2026
Result Date 17th Feb, 2026

Check Out How to Download CMAT Result 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide by Collegedunia

CMAT Result Date: Previous Years Trends

As per the previous years’ CMAT Result dates analysis, the results are usually declared within 7-27 days after the exam, with most years estimated around a 20-22-day window.

From 2022- 2025, the NTA has followed a similar and stable pattern, releasing the results roughly around 3 weeks after the exam, and in 2024 and 2025, the results were declared in 22 days.

So it is expected that the CMAT 2026 Results will also be released within 20 days, which is around 13-15 Feb 2026.

CMAT Year Exam Date Result Date Gap (Days)
2026 January 25, 2026 Expected: 13th Feb - 15th Feb, 2026 ~18–20 days
2025 May 15, 2025 June 6, 2025 22 days
2024 May 15, 2024 June 6, 2024 22 days
2023 May 4, 2023 May 31, 2023 27 days
2022 April 9, 2022 April 29, 2022 20 days
2021 March 31, 2021 April 7, 2021 7 days
2020 January 28, 2020 February 7, 2020 10 days

Ques. Is the CMAT 2026 result out?

Ans. No, the CMAT 2026 has not been released yet. The NTA usually declares the CMAT result in 2-3 weeks after the exam, which is expected around 13-15 Feb 2026 on the official website.

Ques. At what time will CMAT results be declared?

Ans. NTA does not announce a fixed time for the CMAT result declaration; however, as per the previous years trends the CMAT results were declared between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM (IST).

You should keep your application number and DOB/Password ready on the day of the CMAT result.

Ques. How to get CMAT result?

Ans. You can check and download your CMAT 2026 result and scorecard by visiting the official CMAT website - nta.ac.in/CMAT and entering your application Number and DOB/Password.

Download and save your CMAT scorecard PDF for admission and counseling purposes.

CMAT Result 2026 Errors and Problems

In the previous years, many aspirants faced errors and problems while downloading their CMAT Scorecard due to multiple reasons:

  • On X user was unable to download the scorecard due to login issues, risking admission cancellation. "Dear @DG_NTA, I am unable to download my CMAT 2026 scorecard, and it is crucial for my admission.
  • One of the Reddit users said, "I could never download it, faced the same error multiple times.
  • On Quora, candidates gave general advice: "You just have to call the admission help centre after you get the call, communicate and clarify the error in your form."
  • Quora: "If this happens, then you're using the wrong browser, or there is a connection issue in your place. Also, there are high possibilities of servers."
Problem / Error Possible Solution Real User Statements & Sources
Invalid Credentials Error Reset password, recheck details, change browser/device Reddit: “It keeps saying invalid credentials even after changing the password.”
Server Error / 502 Bad Gateway Clear cache, use incognito, try later Reddit: “It’s showing a bad gateway!”
No Download Option Visible Refresh page, re-login, contact NTA Reddit: “I can log in but don’t see any download option.”
OTP / Session Timeout Issue Resend OTP, use stable internet Reddit: “OTP failed even after multiple retries.”
Website Lag / Temporary Error Try off-peak hours, wait and retry X: “The website is laggy and shows a temporary error.”
Forgot Credentials Use recovery option or email cmat@nta.ac.in Quora: “You cannot correct the form once the window is closed.”

CMAT 2026 Cut-Off Score for Top B-Schools

College Name CMAT Cut-Off (Approx.) Approx. Fees (₹)
JBIMS 99–99.99 percentile ₹4–6 lakh (Total)
Goa Institute of Management 270–310 (score) ₹18–20 lakh
KJ Somaiya Institute 280–310 (score) ₹20–22 lakh
IFMR Graduate School of Business 80–90 percentile ₹16–18 lakh
BIMTECH 238–270 (score) ₹14–15 lakh
Welingkar Mumbai 80-85+ percentile Not specified (large batch; mid-tier fees)
IMT Nagpur 258–271 (score) ₹12–14 lakh
XISS Ranchi Not specified ₹8–10 lakh
IP Hyderabad 210–260 (score) ₹7–8 lakh
Christ University Not specified ₹7–9 lakh

Source - MBA Pathshala

CMAT 2026 Participating Colleges: Programs, Fees & Seats

College Name Programs Offered Domains / Specialisations Total Seats Average Package (₹ LPA)
JBIMS, Mumbai MMS Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, Systems 156 ₹26 LPA (college-claimed; may be inflated)
Goa Institute of Management (GIM) PGDM (General) Marketing, Finance, HR, Analytics, Consulting, BFSI ~40 (CMAT intake) ₹12–14.8 LPA 
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management MBA (General) Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, Healthcare, Sports Mgmt ~600 ₹13 LPA
IFMR Graduate School of Business PGDM (Finance) Finance, Banking, FinTech, Risk, Analytics 240 ₹13 LPA
Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) PGDM, MMS Retail Management, Marketing, Finance, HR Not specified ₹11 LPA
VJIM (Vignana Jyothi Institute of Management) PGDM, MMS Marketing, Finance, HR, Operations, Analytics Large batch ₹6–7 LPA (implied Tier-2 level)
IMT Nagpur PGDM, MBA (Specialised) Marketing, Finance, Operations ~300 ₹13–15 LPA (higher for work-ex)
Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi MBA HR, MBA Rural Management HRM, Rural Mgmt, Sustainability, Development 220–250 ₹8–9 LPA (regional standard, not explicitly stated)
IPE Hyderabad PGDM IT, Banking, Finance, Marketing, HR ~450 ₹6–7 LPA (implied)
Christ University MBA, PGDM General Mgmt, Finance, HR, Marketing, Analytics 900+ (All Mgmt) ₹10 LPA (claimed in video)

Source - MBA Pathshala

CMAT Scorecard Discrepancy

Issue Solution (User Tip) Real Users’ Statements
Personal details mismatch Report to NTA helpdesk with proof "Filled gender as male by mistake in CMAT form... Can I change it?" - Reddit User
Marks mismatch in response sheet Challenge key; email NTA As Reddit Thread- "More than 50% of ans marked by me not matching in response sheet..."
Wrong answers marked Recheck & object "Wrong answers marked but I didn't..." (Reddit patterns)
Percentile mismatch Recalculate; contact helpdesk "38 marks = 80 percentile? This exam is a scam" - faced by a Reddit User
Scorecard not matching attempts Email screenshots to cmat@nta.ac.in "Unable to download scorecard... admission risk" (Common X complaints)

CMAT Result 2026 Previous Years Trends (2025-2019)

As per the previous years' trends of the CMAT Result from 2025-2019 shows a consistently moderate difficulty level with a high success rate of around 80-90%.

The registrations have stayed between 65,000 and 75,000, with about 10-15% absenteeism every year.

The number of 100 percentilers remains very limited, around 6-11, showing a strict normalization.

However, in CMAT 2026, we can expect more candidates to score in the 100th percentile as the exam was conducted in a single shift; hence, there will be no normalization.

Year Registered Candidates Appeared Students Difficulty Level Candidates with 100 Percentile Approximate Success Rate
CMAT 2026* ~72,000 (expected) ~53,000 Moderate 8–10 85–90%
CMAT 2025 74,012 63,145 Moderate 11 88–90%
CMAT 2024 76,745 65,127 Moderate 10 85–88%
CMAT 2023 75,209 58,035 Moderate to Difficult 9 80–85%
CMAT 2022 58,956 51,144 Easy to Moderate 10 90%+
CMAT 2021 71,490 52,327 Moderate 8 78–82%
CMAT 2020 74,486 ~63,000 Moderate 7 85%
CMAT 2019 64,582 54,516 Moderate 6 85%

CMAT Score vs Percentile 2026

The CMAT score vs Percentile 2026 shows strong competition at the top percentile, where a small change in score can lead to a huge impact on the percentile, especially above 260 marks.

  • Scores in the range of 240-260 can place you in the 90th-95th percentile by offering access to strong PGDM colleges
  • While scores ranging between 200 - 230 will get you around 80-88 percentile, which can still get you multiple MBA/PGDM options.
  • Below 190 marks, the percentile drops rapidly to 60-70 percentile, limiting the options to lower-tier colleges.
CMAT Score Range Expected Percentile Range Program / Admission Scope
300+ 99.90 – 99.99 Top MMS colleges (Top 4), elite institutes
285 – 300 99.5 – 99.9 Premium PGDM, some MMS options
275 – 285 ~99 Top PGDM colleges
260 – 275 97 – 99 Tier-1 PGDM institutes
250 – 260 ~95 Reputed PGDM colleges
240 – 250 90 – 94 Good private B-schools
230 – 240 88 – 90 PGDM / MBA programs
210 – 230 85 – 90 PGDM / MBA (multiple options)
200 – 210 80 – 85 Private universities
190 – 200 ~80 Wide range of colleges
160 – 190 70 – 80 Emerging PGDM colleges
140 – 160 60 – 70 Regional institutes
Below 140 Below 60 Limited admission options

Common CMAT Result Errors Reported by Candidates

Based on previous CMAT cycles and student grievance trends, the most frequently reported issues include:

Type of Error Approx. Share of Complaints*
Incorrect percentile calculation ~35%
Mismatch in sectional scores ~25%
Errors in personal details (name, category, DOB) ~20%
Scorecard download/access issues ~15%
Other technical discrepancies ~5%

NTA CMAT Helpdesk Contact Details

The NTA has set up a separate helpdesk for issues faced by CMAT candidates. If there is any problem regarding the CMAT 2026 result, if you find any discrepancy and need any support, you can contact the NTA-CMAT 2026 helpdesk via email or phone.

NTA resolves 60–70% of CMAT-related grievances within 5–7 working days, especially scorecard access and personal detail issues.

Mode Details
Email cmat@nta.ac.in
Helpline 011-40759000
Working Hours 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon–Fri)

CMAT 2026 Result: What to do Next?

The NTA is only responsible for registration, conduction of the exam, release of the answer key & recorded responses of the candidates, and release of result.

After that, different Business Schools take admissions based on their own criteria.

For admission into your desired college, you have to follow certain steps:

Apply to the specific Institution

After the release of the CMAT 2026 scorecard, the next step is to apply for the institutions accpetion CMAT scorecard for admissions.

Depending on your career goals and score, you should target different institutions.

Top-Tier colleges like-

  • JBIMS Mumbai, will accept a percentile around 99.9 percentile
  • PUMBA Pune, will have an expected cutoff of around 99.5 percentile
  • KJ Somaiya Mumbai, Altera Gurgaon, will have an expected cutoff of around 99 percentile

Mid-Tier colleges like-

  • Wlingkar will accept a percentileof around 90
  • IMT Nagpur, will accept a percentile of around 90-95

Some newer Business Schools will accept a lower percentile to around 80-85.

Shortlisting for GD and PI

After the result, the institutes shortlist candidates based on multiple factors, including their CMAT percentile, academic background, work experience and extracurricular activities.

  • After the GD and PI, the institutions release their final selection list.
  • If you are selected for the program offered, then you will receive a call letter with further instructions on fee payment, document verification and other admission related process.
  • After getting the call letter, you will be called for counselling and document verification process, only after clearing this stage, your admission will be finalised.

Also read:CMAT 2026 Counselling Process

FAQs

Ques. Is 250 marks a good score for CMAT 2026?

Ans. 250 Marks in CMAT 2026 will get you a percentile of around 95, which is a good score to get you into mid-tier management institutes like NIA, FLAME, IMT, etc.

Ques. How many marks will get you 99 percentile in CMAT 2026?

Ans. To get a score of around 99 percentile, you will need to secure around 280-285 raw marks.

Ques. Is there any other test after clearing CMAT 2026 for admission in MBA?

Ans. Qualifying CMAT alone does not guarantee admission in management institutes. The B-Schools may have their own admission criteria, which include GD and PI, after that you will get admission into the institution.

Ques. Can you challenge the answer key released by NTA after exam?

Ans. Yes, candidates can challenge the answer key released by the NTA with a fee payment of 200 INR. The decision based on the review of expert panel by the NTA will be final.

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