CMAT Exam 2026

The three-hour online test is given in a single sitting and is designed to gauge a candidate's proficiency in a variety of areas, including Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, and General Awareness. The CMAT score is accepted by AICTE-approved institutions and many participating university departments and colleges across India.

Students who pass the exam can apply for admission to government-recognized and private management institutes offering MBA/PGDM programs. With the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducting CMAT from 2021 onwards, an increasing number of accredited B-schools accept CMAT scores for admission.

Eligibility criteria

To appear for CMAT 2026, candidates must fulfill the following eligibility conditions:

• A Bachelor’s degree of minimum three years duration from a recognized university

• Final-year graduation students are eligible to apply

• Minimum marks required in graduation:

  • 50% for General, EWS and OBC candidates

  • 45% for SC, ST and PwD candidates

• No age limit for appearing in CMAT

Candidates from any academic background are eligible, including Engineering, Commerce, Arts, Science, and Management.

CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CMAT evaluates candidates across five sections, each carrying equal weightage.

Section-wise Structure

Marking Scheme

• +4 marks for each correct answer

• -1 mark for each incorrect answer

• No marks for unattempted questions

NTA answer key & result

After the exam, NTA publishes a provisional answer key and the exam question paper on the official CMAT portal. Candidates can download their response sheet and raise objections (with supporting evidence) during the given challenge window. Once objections are reviewed, NTA releases the final answer key and the CMAT result/scorecard.

CMAT cut-offs (indicative)

The cutoffs below are indicative percentiles historically required for shortlisting at some participating colleges. Actual cutoffs change every year—refer to individual institutes for official cutoffs.

CMAT Syllabus 

The CMAT 2026 syllabus covers a mix of fundamentals and current-affairs/business awareness. Key topics include arithmetic and algebra, data interpretation (charts & tables), geometry & mensuration, analytical & logical puzzles, reading comprehension, vocabulary & grammar, national and international current affairs, and entrepreneurship/business concepts.

CMAT 2026 Syllabus Overview

Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation

• Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Time Speed Distance)

• Algebra and Number System

• Geometry and Mensuration

• Data Interpretation using tables, graphs and charts

Logical Reasoning

• Series and Patterns

• Coding-Decoding

• Arrangements and Puzzles

• Blood Relations

• Syllogisms and Analogies

Language Comprehension

• Reading Comprehension

• Vocabulary and Grammar

• Para Jumbles

• Sentence Correction

General Awareness

• Current Affairs (National & International)

• Static GK

• Business, Economy and Corporate Awareness

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

• Business concepts

• Start-up ecosystem

• Innovation-based caselets

• Entrepreneurial thinking and decision making

Exam pattern & marking scheme

Pattern: 100 objective MCQs (20 from each of the five sections). No sectional time limit; total duration 180 minutes.

Marking scheme: +4 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect answer, and 0 for unattempted questions. If NTA cancels a question, the official notice will specify how it is handled (usually as benefit to all candidates).

Admit card

Admit cards are made available on the official CMAT (NTA) portal for registered candidates. Candidates must download and print the admit card and check exam-day instructions. The admit card contains personal details, exam date/time, test city/center, and reporting time.

Admission process 

1. Application: Register and apply on the NTA CMAT portal during the registration window.
2. Admit Card: Download admit card when released.
3. Exam: Appear for the CBT, then wait for provisional/final answer key and result.
4. Selection: Shortlisting by participating institutes based on CMAT percentile, GD/PI, and institute criteria.

Important dates (2026 cycle)

• Notification & Registration start: Oct 17, 2025
• Registration close: Nov 17, 2025
• Admit card: Expected early January 2026 (NTA to announce exact date)
• Exam: Expected January 2026 (exact date to be announced by NTA)
• Result: Typically released a few weeks after exam (check official portal for precise date)

CMAT 2026 Cutoff and College Acceptance

CMAT scores are accepted by hundreds of management institutes across India. Cutoffs vary depending on the institute, course, and category.

• Top colleges generally require 95 percentile and above

• Mid-tier colleges accept scores in the 80–90 percentile range

• Several good colleges accept CMAT scores below 80 percentile as well

Actual cutoffs change every year based on competition and seat availability.

Preparation strategy (quick tips)

To score well in CMAT 2026, aspirants should follow a structured preparation plan:

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly

• Focus on accuracy due to negative marking

• Strengthen Quant and Logical Reasoning basics

• Regularly read current affairs for General Awareness

• Practice mock tests to improve speed and time management

• Pay special attention to Innovation & Entrepreneurship, as it is unique to CMAT

Balanced preparation across all five sections is essential since each section carries equal weight.

Conclusion

The CMAT 2026 exam is an excellent gateway to MBA and PGDM programmes in India. With its well-defined structure, equal section weightage, and wide acceptance, CMAT remains one of the most important management entrance exams. Aspirants who prepare strategically and consistently can secure admission into top business schools through CMAT.

READ MORE - https://catking.in/top-colleges-through-cmat