Common Management Admission Test Overview 2026
Common Management Admission Test Overview
CMAT 2026 Result and Answer Key Released
The National Testing Agency (NTA) released the CMAT Results and CMAT Final Answer Key 2026 on 17 February 2026. The results are available on the official website, cmat.nta.nic.in.
Approximately 53,453 candidates took the test. Candidates can now download their CMAT 2026 scorecards using their application number and password.
Note: The NTA will not send a hard copy of the scorecard. You must download your CMAT 2026 scorecard 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)
Source: cmat.nta.nic.in
CMAT 2026 Cutoffs
Now that the results are declared, each participating college will release its own cutoff. Cutoffs are 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. These stages include GD/PI and WAT.
As per discussions on Reddit among CMAT aspirants, in CMAT 2025, JBIMS and SIMSREE had cutoffs around the 99.9+ percentile. 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.
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.
Related Links
- CMAT 2026 Final Answer Key (Out)- Download Answer Key @cmat.nta.nic.in
- CMAT 2026 Result (Out) - Download Scorecard, Percentile Score, Cut off, and Toppers List
- CMAT Cut Off 2026: Check Good Score & Marks vs Percentile for Top MBA Colleges
- Top MBA Colleges accepting CMAT 2026 Scores
- CMAT Score vs Percentile 2026- Check Score Calculation, and Score Normalization
What is CMAT?
CMAT is a business aptitude test that lasts 3 hours. It tests candidates on quantitative ability, logical reasoning, language skills, general awareness, and entrepreneurial thinking.
The exam has a moderate difficulty level. It can be cleared with basic to structured preparation.
What CMAT is 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
The CMAT 2026 exam was held on January 25, 2026. The result and final answer key have been released on 17 February 2026.
| 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 |
Frequently asked questions about CMAT 2026 dates
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 year, usually in January. The registration window started 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. It contains all the correct answers to all the questions asked in the CMAT exam.
The answer key was released on 17th February 2026 on the official website.
- It helps candidates cross-check their responses and estimate their probable score.
- Along with the Answer Key, the NTA also releases the Response sheet, which shows the answers marked by the candidates during the exam.
How to check the CMAT answer key
Candidates can check the CMAT Answer key by visiting the official website and logging in using their User ID and password.
The NTA releases the provisional answer key along with the candidate response sheet. This allows aspirants to verify their answers and estimate their scores before the final result.
CMAT Results
The NTA has released the CMAT 2026 Result on 17 February 2026 on the official website - exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.
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.
CMAT Score vs Percentile 2026
A score difference of just 8–12 marks can shift the percentile by 3–5 points. This is especially true 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 |
What does a specific score mean?
Ques. What is 150 marks in CMAT?
Ans. A raw score of 150 out of 400 is considered average. It can place you in the 60-70th percentile, providing an opportunity to get into Tier-3 or regional B-schools.
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 strong chances at mid-to-good tier colleges like KJ Somaiya, Welingkar, BIMTECH, Jaipuria, IFIM, IPE Hyderabad, and Alliance.
CMAT Previous Year Cutoffs
The table below shows approximate cutoff percentiles for CMAT at selected institutes. These are indicative figures from previous years.
| 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 |
Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores
The following table lists colleges that accept CMAT scores. It includes the program offered, expected cutoff percentile, and average placement package.
| 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 |
CMAT 2026 FAQs
Which are the best MBA colleges at the 97 percentile in CMAT?
A score around 265-280 in CMAT can place you at the 97 percentile. This score can get you into colleges like KJ Somaiya, Great Lakes, IMT, Welingkar and XIMR.
Which colleges should I apply to with an 86.1 percentile in CMAT?
An 86.1 percentile in CMAT places you in the mid Tier-2 category. This percentile corresponds to a score of 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)
If someone gets a 73 to 74 percentile in the CMAT, then which college will be the best pick in India for that person?
A 73–74 percentile in CMAT falls in the lower tier-2 to tier-3 range. This translates to a score of around 180-190.
Best college options at this percentile 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
I scored in the 52 percentile in the CMAT. Which college should I try now?
A 52 percentile in CMAT means you have scored around 140-150 marks in the exam. This score limits your options to lower tier colleges.
Who Should Consider CMAT
CMAT is suitable for candidates aiming for admission to specific types of management institutes. These include regional private MBA colleges that are approved by AICTE.
It is also a good option for those targeting new or emerging business schools that accept CMAT scores. State-level colleges that have vacant seats in later admission rounds also use this exam.
Additionally, institutes offering specialised MBA programs with low cutoffs consider CMAT scores for admission.