CMAT 2026 Exam – Complete Guide to Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus, Cutoff & Tips
Get all details on CMAT 2026 – exam date, registration, syllabus, top MBA/PGDM colleges, result, cut-offs, and preparation tips. Start your MBA journey today!
CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) 2026
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 is expected to be officially announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in November 2025. As a national-level entrance examination, CMAT serves as a gateway for aspirants seeking admission into MBA/PGDM programs offered by AICTE-approved institutions across India. The examination is expected to be conducted in January 2026, following the trend of previous years.
The CMAT assesses candidates on various parameters, including quantitative techniques, logical reasoning, language comprehension, general awareness, and innovation & entrepreneurship. With over 1,000 participating B-schools, including renowned institutions like JBIMS Mumbai, K J Somaiya Institute of Management, and Great Lakes Institute of Management, CMAT provides a significant opportunity for management aspirants.
What is CMAT?
The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a computer-based test conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It evaluates candidates' aptitude in areas crucial for management studies. The test comprises 100 multiple-choice questions, divided equally among five sections:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Each correct answer awards 4 marks, while each incorrect answer results in a deduction of 1 mark. The total duration of the exam is 180 minutes.
CMAT 2026: Key Highlights
To get a quick overview of what CMAT 2026 entails, here's a snapshot of the exam's main features.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Sections | 5 (Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer, -1 for incorrect answer |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Fee | ₹2,500 (General Male), ₹1,250 (Female/Reserved Categories) |
| Official Website | https://exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/ |
CMAT 2026: Important Dates (Tentative)
Staying on top of the exam schedule is crucial. Here's a tentative timeline for CMAT 2026 to help you plan effectively.
| Event | Date (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Nov-25 |
| Registration Start Date | Nov-25 |
| Registration End Date | Dec-25 |
| Application Correction Window | Dec-25 |
| Admit Card Release | Jan-26 |
| Exam Date | January 25, 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | Feb-26 |
| Result Declaration | To be announced |
CMAT 2026: Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the application process, it's essential to confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements for CMAT 2026. Let's take a look at who can apply.
- Nationality: Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final-year students whose results will be declared before the commencement of admission for the academic year 2026-27 can also apply.
- Age Limit: There is no age restriction for appearing in CMAT 2026.
CMAT 2026: Exam Pattern
CMAT 2026 comprises five sections—Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship — each containing 20 questions, totaling 100 questions to be attempted in 3 hours.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
| Total | 100 | 400 |
CMAT 2026: Syllabus
Knowing what topics to focus on is half the battle. Here's an outline of the subjects covered in CMAT 2026.
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Number Systems, Modern Math, Data Interpretation (Graphs, Tables, Charts).
- Logical Reasoning: Syllogisms, Puzzles, Series, Blood Relations, Seating Arrangements, Venn Diagrams.
- Language Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles.
- General Awareness: Current Affairs, Business & Economy, History, Politics, Science & Technology.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Business Models, Entrepreneurship, Start-ups, Innovation Management.
2026: Registration Process
Ready to apply? Let's walk through the steps to register for CMAT 2026 smoothly.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to https://exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/.
- Register Online: Click on the "Registration" link and provide basic details to generate login credentials.
- Fill Application Form: Enter personal, academic, and contact details as required.
- Upload Documents: Upload a recent photograph, signature, and any other required documents in the specified format.
- Pay Application Fee: Complete the payment using the available methods (Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, UPI).
- Submit the Application: Review the details entered, make corrections if needed, and submit the form.
- Print Confirmation Page: Save and print the confirmation page for future reference.
CMAT 2026: Preparation Tips
Effective preparation is key to success. Here are some practical tips to help you get ready for CMAT 2026.
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the structure and topics covered in the exam.
- Create a Study Plan: Allocate time for each section and stick to a consistent study schedule.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years' question papers and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on sections where you need improvement.
- Stay Updated: Keep abreast of current affairs, especially for the General Awareness section.
CMAT 2026 Admit Card
The CMAT 2026 admit card is expected to be released in January 2026. Candidates can download it from the official NTA website by logging in with their application number and date of birth. The admit card will contain details like exam date, time, venue, and important instructions.
CMAT 2026: Result and Scorecard
The CMAT 2026 result is expected to be declared in February 2026. Candidates can access their scores and percentile by logging in with their credentials on the official website. The scorecard will display both section-wise and overall scores.
For more information and updates, visit the official CMAT website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/.
What Happens After CMAT 2026?
Once the exam is over, what's next? Let's explore the post-exam process and what you should anticipate.
- Check Results: Expected in February 2026 on the official website.
- Apply to Colleges: Use CMAT scores to apply to preferred AICTE-approved institutions.
- Participate in Selection Processes: Shortlisted candidates will undergo Group Discussions (GD), Personal Interviews (PI), and/or Written Ability Tests (WAT) as per individual college criteria.
- Finalize Admissions: Based on performance in CMAT and subsequent selection rounds.
Last 5 Years' CMAT Cutoffs for Top Institutes
| Institute Name | CMAT Cutoff Percentile |
|---|---|
| Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai | 99.9+ |
| Goa Institute of Management (GIM) | 95-99 |
| K J Somaiya Institute of Management, Mumbai | 95-99 |
| Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai | 99.0+ |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | 95-99 |
Conclusion
CMAT 2026 is a solid option for MBA aspirants aiming for AICTE-approved B-Schools across India. With a moderate difficulty level and a wide range of colleges accepting scores, it provides an accessible pathway to management education. Stay updated with NTA’s official announcements and prepare strategically using mock tests and expert resources.
