CMAT Exam 2026: Registration, Syllabus, Exam Dates, Eligibility & Preparation Guide
CMAT Exam 2026 is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to over 1000 management institutes across India. The CMAT Exam 2026 is scheduled to be held on January 24, 2026, and is known for its moderate difficulty level. The exam will be 180 minutes long and will include 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) equally divided into five sections. Understanding the structure of the CMAT Exam 2026 is essential for effective preparation. Make sure to go through previous year papers and the complete CMAT Exam 2026 pattern to boost your chances of success.
What is CMAT Exam?
CMAT Exam 2026 is a national-level MBA entrance exam conducted for admission to over 1000 AICTE-approved PGDM institutions, university MBA departments, and affiliated colleges across India. While CMAT Exam 2026 opens doors to many reputed B-schools, it’s important to note that top institutes like IIMs, MDI Gurgaon, and XLRI Jamshedpur do not accept CMAT scores. Previously managed by AICTE until 2018, the exam has been conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) since 2019. The official website for CMAT exam updates is exams.nta.ac.in/cmat.
The CMAT Exam 2026 is expected to be held on January 24, 2026. Last year, CMAT 2025 was conducted on January 25. The exam is known for its moderate difficulty level and has a duration of 180 minutes. The CMAT Exam 2026 pattern includes five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Candidates preparing for the CMAT Exam 2026 should stay updated and review the detailed exam pattern below for better preparation.
CMAT 2026 Exam Highlights
CMAT Exam 2026 is not just one of the most widely accepted MBA entrance exams in India—it also serves as a gateway to many top B-schools across the country. Below are the key highlights of the CMAT exam, including important details such as the CMAT full form, form release date, exam schedule, and other essential information related to CMAT Exam 2026.
| CMAT Exam Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| CMAT Exam Full Form | Common Management Aptitude Test (CMAT) |
| Who conducts CMAT Exam? | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT | K J Somaiya, Welingkar, PUMBA, BIMTECH |
| CMAT Exam Date | January 24, 2026 |
| CMAT Exam Slots | Two Slot Exam of 3 Hrs Duration for each slot |
| Mode of CMAT Exam | Online Computer Based Test at Exam Centres |
| CMAT Official Website | exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/ |
| CMAT Exam Application Fees | Rs. 2500 |
| Number of Candidates Registered | 75,000 |
| Total Questions in the Exam | 100 |
| Number of Sections | 5 Sections with 20 Questions in Each Section |
CMAT 2026: Important Dates
The CMAT Exam 2026 is expected to be held on January 24, 2026. Based on last year’s schedule, you can check other important CMAT dates listed below.
| Event | Important Dates |
|---|---|
| CMAT Notification Date | November 14, 2025 |
| CMAT Registration Start Date | November 14, 2025 |
| CMAT Registration Last Date | December 25, 2025 |
| CMAT Registration Fees Payment Last Date | December 25, 2025 |
| CMAT Admit Card Release | January 20, 2026 |
| CMAT Exam Date (Expected) | January 24, 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Answer Key Release Date | February 1, 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Answer Key Objection Form Challenge Last Date (Expected) | February 4, 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Result Date (Expected) | February 13, 2026 |
CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 require candidates to have completed their graduation from a recognized university. Since CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 are set for postgraduate-level admission, students in the final year of their bachelor’s degree are also eligible to apply. There is no minimum percentage required to appear for the exam—only a passing mark in graduation is necessary. Additionally, there is no age restriction to take the test. However, individual CMAT-accepting colleges may require a minimum of 50% marks (45% for reserved categories) in graduation. Candidates are advised to check institute-specific requirements along with the CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026.
CMAT Registration 2026 and Application Process
CMAT Registration 2026 will be conducted exclusively online through the official CMAT-NTA website. Candidates aspiring to take the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) must complete their CMAT 2026 application form within the given timeline to be eligible for the exam.
The CMAT Registration 2026 process includes several important steps such as online registration, uploading documents, selecting exam cities, and paying the application fee. It is crucial to follow the procedure accurately to avoid any rejection of your application.
How to Complete CMAT Registration 2026: Step-by-Step Process
Follow the detailed steps below to successfully complete your CMAT Registration 2026:
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1
Visit the Official Website
Go to the CMAT-NTA official website where the CMAT 2026 application form will be available.
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2
Click on the ‘CMAT Registration 2026’ Link
Once the registration portal is live, click the link labeled ‘CMAT Registration 2026’ on the homepage.
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3
Select ‘New Registration’ Option
New users must select the ‘New Registration’ button to begin the process.
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4
Enter Basic Details & Create Password
Fill in your name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID. Create a password to generate your login credentials.
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5
Login Using Credentials
Use the login ID and password sent to your registered email to access the CMAT application form 2026.
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6
Upload Government-Issued Photo ID
Upload a valid photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or voter ID) as per the official format.
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7
Fill in the CMAT 2026 Application Form
Enter your personal details, academic qualifications, and other required information carefully.
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8
Select Test Cities
Choose four preferred test cities in order of priority. Allotment is based on availability.
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9
Upload Photograph and Signature
Upload a passport-size photograph and scanned signature as per CMAT-NTA guidelines.
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10
Pay the Application Fee
Pay the CMAT 2026 application fee using debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking. The amount depends on your category.
Important Tips for CMAT Registration 2026
- Double-check all details before submitting the form.
- Use a valid and accessible email ID and mobile number for communication.
- Save a copy of your CMAT Registration 2026 confirmation page and payment receipt.
- No offline registration will be accepted. The entire process is online.
Completing your CMAT Registration 2026 accurately is the first and most crucial step toward securing a good B-school admission. Make sure you stay updated with the official notification and deadlines to avoid missing out.
CMAT Fees 2026
The application fee for CMAT 2026 must be paid online at the time of form submission. The fee structure is as follows:
NMAT also provides the option to retake the exam to improve your score or reschedule it in case of any unforeseen situation. If you’re unable to appear on your originally scheduled date, you can reschedule your exam within the testing window. However, the retake and rescheduling options are available only up to 72 hours before your scheduled test, and a separate fee is applicable for rescheduling.
- ₹ INR 2,500 for General, EWS, and OBC-NCL (Male) candidates
- ₹ INR 1,250 for Female candidates, Third Gender applicants, and candidates from reserved categories
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 includes a total of 100 objective-type (MCQ) questions, evenly distributed across five key sections: Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The duration of the CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 is 180 minutes, with no sectional time limit, allowing candidates to manage their time as per their strategy. Based on previous years’ paper trends, the CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 follows the marking scheme below:
- + Each question carries 4 marks.
- ✓ 4 marks are awarded for every correct answer.
- − 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect response.
- 0 No marks are given for unanswered or unattempted questions.
Understanding the structure and marking scheme of the CMAT Exam Pattern 2026 is essential for effective preparation and time management during the test.
| Section | Exam Sections | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks Section-wise |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Language Comprehension | 20 | 80 |
| 2 | Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation | 20 | 80 |
| 3 | Logical Reasoning | 20 | 80 |
| 4 | General Awareness | 20 | 80 |
| 5 | Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 20 | 80 |
| Total | — | 100 | 400 |
CMAT Syllabus 2026
CMAT Exam Syllabus 2026 is structured into five major sections: Language Comprehension, Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Each section tests different skill sets and knowledge areas essential for management studies. A brief overview of the CMAT Exam Syllabus 2026 is provided below:
• Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation: This section covers topics such as Arithmetic (Ratio, Time & Work, Averages, Percentages, Profit & Loss), Algebra, Geometry, Probability, Number Properties, and data interpretation using tables, bar charts, pie charts, and graphs.
• Language Comprehension: Topics include grammar, vocabulary, tenses, sentence correction, para-jumbles, and reading comprehension based on inference, central ideas, idioms, and expressions.
• Logical Reasoning: Includes problems on linear and circular arrangements, sequencing, puzzles, coding-decoding, Venn diagrams, statement-conclusion, and visual reasoning.
• General Awareness: Covers both static and current affairs with a focus on business, economy, monetary and fiscal policies, international organizations, important personalities, and national events.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Topics include government start-up schemes, business innovation concepts, entrepreneurship fundamentals, recent developments, and terms like bootstrapping and break-even point.
To prepare effectively, candidates are advised to go through the section-wise CMAT Exam Syllabus 2026 in detail and align their study strategy with the topics mentioned in the CMAT Exam Syllabus 2026.
CMAT Preparation 2026
CMAT Preparation 2026 should ideally begin at least six months before the exam, making August or September the right time to start. A well-structured CMAT Preparation 2026 strategy must include complete syllabus coverage along with regular practice through mock tests and previous year question papers.
To strengthen your preparation, it’s essential to refer to expert-recommended CMAT books that thoroughly explain each topic. Aspirants are advised to divide their CMAT Preparation 2026 into phases—starting with a six-month study plan, followed by a focused three-month strategy, and finally, a revision-intensive one-month plan for best results.
CMAT Admit Card 2026
CMAT Admit Card 2026 will be made available for download on the official CMAT-NTA website. All registered candidates must download and carry the CMAT admit card 2026 to the exam centre on the day of the test, as entry without it will not be permitted. Follow the steps below to access your CMAT admit card 2026:
Step-by-step process to download CMAT Admit Card 2026:
• Visit the official CMAT-NTA website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT
• Click on the tab labeled ‘CMAT 2026 Admit Card’.
• Enter your CMAT application number and date of birth.
• Input the security pin and click on ‘Login’.
• Click on the download link to save the CMAT admit card 2026 in PDF format.
Ensure you take a printout of the CMAT admit card 2026 and verify all details mentioned on it before the exam day.
CMAT Answer Key 2026
CMAT Answer Key 2026 will be released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) within 3 to 5 days after the exam, along with the candidate response sheet. To access the CMAT Answer Key 2026, candidates need to follow the steps mentioned below:
Steps to Download CMAT Answer Key 2026:
• Visit the official CMAT 2026 website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT
• Click on the ‘CMAT 2026 Answer Key’ link.
• Enter your application number and password.
• Click on the ‘Answer Key’ link to download the PDF.
Candidates will also have the opportunity to challenge the provisional CMAT Answer Key 2026 if they believe any answer is incorrect. To raise objections, candidates must fill out an online form and pay a fee of INR 200 per question. After reviewing all objections, NTA will revise the provisional CMAT Answer Key 2026 if the challenges are found to be valid.
CMAT Result 2026
The CMAT Result 2026 will be declared approximately 10 days after the release of the provisional answer key. Candidates who appeared for the CMAT 2026 exam can check their CMAT Result 2026 and download the official CMAT scorecard from the CMAT-NTA website by logging in with their credentials.
Your CMAT Result 2026 is an essential document for MBA admissions, and it includes your overall percentile, sectional scores, and qualifying status. It is highly recommended to download and save the scorecard for use during counselling and the admission process.
Steps to Download CMAT Result 2026
Follow these easy steps to access and download your CMAT 2026 scorecard:
1. Visit the official CMAT-NTA website.
2. Click on the ‘CMAT 2026 Scorecard’ tab on the homepage.
3. Enter your CMAT application number and date of birth as login credentials.
4. Click on the CMAT Result 2026 link to view your scorecard.
5. Download the CMAT scorecard PDF and save it for future reference.
Make sure to take a printout of your CMAT Result 2026 and keep it safe until the entire admission process is complete. This scorecard will be required during document verification and MBA college applications.
CMAT Cut Offs for MBA Admission
MBA admissions through CMAT are based on percentile cut-offs. Below is a list of colleges that accept CMAT scores within the 85 to 99 percentile range.
| Colleges Accepting CMAT Score | CMAT Cut Off Percentiles |
|---|---|
| JBIMS, Mumbai | 99.9 |
| Goa Institute of Management | 95-99 |
| KJ Somaiya Institute of Management | 95-99 |
| SIMSREE, Mumbai | 99 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | 95-99 |
| University of Pune, Dept of Management Sciences | 95-99 |
| Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi | 95 |
| Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai | 85 |
| Welingkar Institute of Management, Bangalore | 80 |
| Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management | 85 |
| IFIM, Bangalore | 85 |
| IFMR, Chennai | 85 |
| NIBM, Pune | 85 |
| NL Dalmiya Institute of Management | 85 |
CMAT Exam Centers
CMAT exam centers are spread across all states in India. For the 2025 exam, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted CMAT in 107 cities at 178 test centers nationwide. While filling out the CMAT application form, candidates are required to select their top four preferred exam cities. Check out the complete list of CMAT exam cities across India.
CMAT Exam Centers
Explore some of the top MBA colleges in India that accept CMAT scores for admission.
| Colleges | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra | APPLY |
| Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai | APPLY |
| BIMTECH, Greater Noida | APPLY |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | APPLY |
| Goa Institute of Management, Goa | APPLY |
| LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai | APPLY |
| N L Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai | APPLY |
| Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi | APPLY |
| KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai | APPLY |
| Christ University, Bangalore | APPLY |
| KIIT School of Management | APPLY |
| Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore | APPLY |
| Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education, Mumbai | APPLY |
| Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Hyderabad | APPLY |
| KIIT School of Rural Management, Bhubaneshwar | APPLY |
| Indus Business Academy, Bangalore | APPLY |
Important FAQs on CMAT 2026
Check below some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to CMAT exam 2026:
What is the fee for CMAT Exam 2026?
What is the syllabus for CMAT 2026?
Will CMAT happen in 2026?
Is CMAT twice a year?
Is CMAT 2026 hard or easy?
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