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:

Visit the Official Website:
Go to the CMAT-NTA official website where the CMAT 2026 application form will be available.
Click on the ‘CMAT Registration 2026’ Link:
Once the registration portal is live, click on the link labeled ‘CMAT Registration 2026’ on the homepage.
Select ‘New Registration’ Option:
New users must select the ‘New Registration’ button to begin the process.
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 for CMAT Registration 2026.
Login Using Credentials:
Use the login ID and password sent to your registered email to access the CMAT application form 2026.
Upload Government-Issued Photo ID:
Upload a valid photo ID (Aadhaar card, PAN, passport, or voter ID) as per the official format.
Fill in the CMAT 2026 Application Form:
Enter your personal details, academic qualifications, and other required information carefully.
Select Test Cities:
Choose four preferred test cities in order of priority. Allotment is based on availability.
Upload Photograph and Signature:
Upload a passport-size photograph and scanned signature as per CMAT-NTA guidelines.
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:

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.
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
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:

Visit the official CMAT-NTA website
Click on the ‘CMAT 2026 Scorecard’ tab on the homepage
Enter your CMAT application number and date of birth as login credentials
Click on the CMAT Result 2026 link to view your scorecard
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.

MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score

Explore some of the top MBA colleges in India that accept CMAT scores for admission.

Colleges	APPLY NOW
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra	APPLY NOW
Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) Mumbai	APPLY NOW
BIMTECH, Greater Noida	APPLY NOW
Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai	APPLY NOW
Goa Institute of Management, Goa	APPLY NOW
LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Mumbai	APPLY NOW
N L Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai	APPLY NOW
Xavier Institute of Social service, Ranchi	APPLY NOW
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai	APPLY NOW
Christ University, Bangalore	APPLY NOW
KIIT School of Management	APPLY NOW
Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore	APPLY NOW
Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education, Mumbai	APPLY NOW
Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Hyderabad	APPLY NOW
KIIT School of Rural Management, Bhubaneshwar	APPLY NOW
Indus Business Academy, Bangalore	APPLY NOW