CMAT 2026: Result (Released), Final Answer Key, Dates, Cutoff, Top Colleges

Common Management Admission Test 2026 ( CMAT )

Vipra Shrivastava
Updated on Mar 24, 2026 14:07 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

CMAT 2026 exam was held on January 25, 2026 in which 41,872 candidates appeared. NTA announced the CMAT 2026 result on February 17, 2026. The final CMAT answer key 2026 was also released on the same day. According to the final answer key, only one answer has been revised (question number 97). Total number of applications received this year was 53453. CMAT accepting colleges have opened registration window for admission. Read here all about CMAT 2026.

 

Table of contents
  • What is CMAT Exam?
  • CMAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
  • CMAT 2026 Exam Highlights
  • CMAT Result 2026
  • CMAT Cut Offs and Top Colleges
  • CMAT 2026 Answer Key
  • CMAT Admit Card 2026
  • CMAT Syllabus 2026: Detailed Breakdown
  • CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
  • CMAT 2026 Preparation
  • CMAT 2026 Registration Process
  • CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
  • CMAT 2026 Contact Information
  • Important FAQs Regarding CMAT 2026
View More
CMAT Logo

What is CMAT Exam?

CMAT, conducted by the NTA, is business aptitude test to select candidates for MBA course. The score is accepted by all AICTE recognized institutes for technical education. CMAT score is also accepted for admission to Maharashtra State institutes through MAH CET CAP

CMAT is an MCQ based test of 3 hours. CMAT question paper consists of 100 questions from Quantitative Techniques & Data InterpretationLogical ReasoningLanguage Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Candidates have to qualify the exam with high percentile to be eligible for admission to top MBA colleges.

Also read: CMAT 2026 analysis

CMAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CMAT 2026 exam

DatesPast Exam Dates
17 Feb ' 26

CMAT 2026 result

31 Jan ' 26 - 02 Feb ' 26

CMAT 2026 exam answer key objection

25 Jan ' 26

CMAT 2026 exam

CMAT Logo

CMAT 2026 Exam Highlights

CMAT scores are accepted by all AICTE approved institutions. About 75,000+ MBA aspirants appear for the CMAT exam every year. Check the table below for key aspects of CMAT 2026 exam

CMAT Features

Details

CMAT Full Form

Common Management Admission Test (CMAT)

Conducting Body

National Testing Agency

CMAT 2026 exam date

25-Jan-2026

Exam Level

National

Exam Frequency

Once a year

Exam Mode

Computer Based Test

Exam Duration

180 minutes or 3 hours

Exam Syllabus

  • Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Language Comprehension & Verbal Ability
  • General Awareness
  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Exam Pattern

100 questions in MCQ format (20 questions in each section)

Language

English

CMAT Exam Fees

INR 2,500 (General category male)

INR 1,250 (General category female/reserved category students)

Exam Purpose

Admission to 1,300 MBA colleges

Course Offered

MBA/PGDM

No. of Test Cities

107

No. of applicants

53,453 (for the year 2026)

No. of test takers

41,872 (for the year 2026)

Exam Helpdesk No.

Helpline No.- 011-40759000
(09:30 AM to 06:00 PM during working days)

Address

NTA
C-20 1A/8, Sector 62
IITK Outreach Centre,
NOIDA-201309

CMAT Official Website

https://cmat.nta.nic.in/
CMAT Logo

CMAT Result 2026

CMAT result cum scorecard 2026 was released online. Check below how to download it:

 

Also Read:

CMAT Logo

CMAT Cut Offs and Top Colleges

CMAT cut offs 2026 have been determined by the B-schools which accept exam score for admission. NTA does not determine cut offs for admission. CMAT cut offs for top colleges are usually in the range of 90-99 percentile. For Tier 2 colleges, the CMAT cut offs range between 60-80 and for Tier 3 colleges, the CMAT cut offs range between 50-70 percentile. Check below some of the top MBA colleges and their CMAT 2026 cut offs.

Colleges Accepting CMAT Score

CMAT Cut Offs

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

SOIL Institute of Management

90

Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai

85

Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management

85

IFIM, Bangalore

85

IFMR, Chennai

85

NIBM, Pune

85

NL Dalmia Institute of Management

85

NDIM, Delhi

85

Welingkar Institute of Management, Bangalore

80

IMT, Hyderabad

80

IMT, Nagpur

80

XISS, Ranchi

80

ITM, Navi Mumbai

80

Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida

85

Xavier Business School, Xavier University

85

Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurgaon

85

BIMTECH, Greater Noida

80

XIME, Bangalore

80

ISBM, Pune

80

KIIT School of Management

80

IPE Hyderabad

80

IES's Management College and Research Centre

80

SIES College of Management Studies, Navi Mumbai

80

Woxsen University, Hyderabad

70

 

Also Read

CMAT Admission Process

CMAT admission process includes Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). Some colleges conduct Written Ability Test (WAT) instead of GD. The CMAT score is accepted by many popular government and private colleges in India. These institutes select candidates on the basis of CMAT cut offs determined individually by their. For admission, candidates have to fill the application form for each preferred institute separately. Candidates can also use their CMAT score for MAH CET CAP to get admission to top Maharashtra colleges. 

MBA admission through CMAT includes three main processes:

  • Candidate shortlisting through CMAT score
  • WAT/GD/PI round
  • Final selection for MBA/PGDM admission

Aspirants must note that NTA has no role in MBA admission through CMAT. Score accepting college determine cut offs and selection criteria on their own, keeping essential government guidelines in mind. 

CMAT admission process

Also ReadCMAT Selection and Admission Process

Check CMAT cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting CMAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CMAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict CMAT Admission Calls
CMAT Logo

CMAT 2026 Answer Key

CMAT answer key and response sheet contained question wise official answers and options selected by candidate. Check the process to download CMAT answer key 2026:

  • Log on to CMAT-NTA website
  • Click on 'login'
  • Enter application number and date of birth or password
  • Click on 'Answer Key' link reflecting on the dashboard
  • Download the CMAT 2026 answer key

To challenge the official CMAT answer key 2026, candidates had to fill an online form. Objections raised by candidates were examined by a panel of experts. Only one answer key was revised.

Also Read:

CMAT 2026 answer key out

CMAT 2026 response sheet PDF

CMAT question paper 2026 download

CMAT 2026 exam analysis and sectional difficulty level

CMAT Logo

CMAT Admit Card 2026

CMAT 2026 admit card was released online and was available for download until the exam. Candidates had to login to download it.Given below is the process to download CMAT admit card 2026:

  • Visit the CMAT-NTA website: cmat.nta.nic.in
  • Click on 'CMAT 2026 Admit Card' tab
  • Enter application number and date of birth
  • Click on 'submit' to log in to your account
  • Fill the self declaration form to go to the admit card page
  • Download the CMAT admit card 2026 as PDF

Also read:

Check CMAT cut offs and predict calls from colleges accepting CMAT score for admission. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and Eligibility of all CMAT participating colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict CMAT Admission Calls
CMAT Logo

CMAT Syllabus 2026: Detailed Breakdown

CMAT exam syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams, but has one extra subject, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. All five sections have equal weightage and same marking scheme. When preparing for the exam, candidates must check the previous year's question paper to note down the most important topics of CMAT syllabus. This will help them in preparing in a planned manner with maximum result. Check below details of CMAT 2026 syllabus: 

CMAT syllabus 2022

CMAT syllabus 2026

Section wise topics included in CMAT syllabus:

  • CMAT Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation syllabus: Arithmetic, Mensuration, Algebra, Time-Speed-Distance, Alligation & Mixtures, Geometry, Graph, Quadratic and Linear Equations, Tables & Charts, Bar Graphs, etc.
  • CMAT Logical Reasoning syllabus: Analytical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Number Series, Matrix Arrangements, Blood Relationship Tests, Coding-Decoding, Family Tree, Clocks and Calendars, etc.
  • CMAT Language Comprehension syllabus: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, English Usage Errors, Fill in the Blanks, Antonym & Synonym, Idioms, Word Meaning, Vocabulary, Parajumbles, etc.
  • CMAT General Awareness syllabus: Economy, Business, World, Politics, Sports, Culture, Society, Personalities, Awards, Art, Entertainment, Books, Culture, Society, Science & Tech.
  • CMAT Innovation & Entrepreneurship syllabus: Business Studies, Management, Business Partnership, Entrepreneurship, Start-ups and other related topics

To prepare better download CMAT syllabus PDF (free): CMAT syllabus PDF 

CMAT Logo

CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CMAT exam pattern is simple and straightforward. There are five sections and all five of them have equal number of questions. Marks allotted to each section is also the same. Check below key highlights of CMAT exam pattern 2026

CMAT Exam Pattern and Test Structure 2026

CMAT Sections

  • Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Language Comprehension
  • General Awareness
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Number of questions

100

Number of questions per section

20

Sectional time-limit

No

CMAT difficulty level

Moderate to Difficult

CMAT exam duration

3 hours (180 minutes)

CMAT Marking Scheme 2026

  •  4 marks for every correct answer 
  • Minus 1 for every incorrect answer
  • No deduction of marks for unanswered questions
  • Every section will carry 100 marks
  • Total marks of CMAT 2026 will be 400
Also Read: CMAT 2026 analysis 
Read more
CMAT Logo

CMAT 2026 Preparation

For CMAT 2026 preparation, the main requirement syllabus coverage and practice session. Both need ample time and focused strategy. Apart from Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Data Interpretation, CMAT aspirants have to prepare General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship too. If a candidate is preparing for CAT or XAT too, they need to only prepare General Awareness and Innovation and Entrepreneurship sections separately. With one month to go for the exam, start practicing CMAT mock tests now. Check below some CMAT exam preparation tips:

CMAT 2026 exam preparation plan:

  1. Covering CMAT syllabus with the help of recommended books
  2. Practicing CMAT mock tests and sample papers
  3. Regular revision of important topics
  4. Time management and exam strategy
  5. Seeking guidance from mentors/teachers

Here's how to plan your CMAT 2026 preparation w.r.t. the above five main points:

1. Covering CMAT syllabus

To cover the CMAT 2026 syllabus, candidates must make monthly, weekly and daily time table. They should start with tough topics and move to easier ones. Time bound preparation is the key as post syllabus coverage, candidates will need to give ample time to practice sessions. 

For Innovation and Entrepreneurship section, refer to CMAT question papers from 2020 onwards. Now, books for this section are also available in the market. You can also look for notes and guidance in online study forums. For GK section, candidates can refer to current affairs and GK year books.

Also Read:

2. Practicing CMAT mock tests and sample papers

Once you have completed the CMAT syllabus, practice sample papers and mock tests to analyse your preparation level. Practice 25-30 mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy in solving questions. Shiksha has created an online CMAT mock test that candidates can take free of cost below.

CMAT_Mock_Test_1 CMAT_Mock_Test_1_Solutions
CMAT_Mock_Test_2 CMAT_Mock_Test_2_Solutions

Download free question banks for VARC, DILR and Quantitative Aptitude for practicing high difficulty level questions. These questions banks carry answer key to each question for candidates' convenience.

Free VARC Questions with Answers for Practice Free Quantitative Aptitude Questions with Answers for Practice Free DILR Questions with Answers for Practice

3. Revision of important topics

CMAT 2026 exam preparation is incomplete until the candidate gets a strong hold on every topic included in the syllabus. To have a complete control, you need to constantly revise the topics and processes that you've been studying for solving various types of questions. Thus, keep aside an hour every day for revision of topics that you study on a particular day. In the last 15-20 days before the CMAT 2025 exam, dedicate maximum time on revision of the CMAT syllabus so that everything is fresh in memory on the exam day. Read some articles below to know various CMAT exam preparation strategies:

4. Time Management

CMAT syllabus is vast. Give yourself atleast four hours every day for CMAT preparation even if you have appeared for it before or taken CAT/XAT. Make a daily time table to divide study hours into dedicated time for concepts, practice questions and revision. You will need at least 6 months to prepare for CMAT. Time management is also important in the exam, so practice time bound mock tests as much as you can. 

5. Seek Guidance

Do not shy away from seeking guidance. There will be a lot of times when you will face road block. Sometimes you might face challenge in understanding concepts and sometimes you might face challenge in application of formula. There will come a time where you will not move ahead from a particular score in mock tests. These are the times when consulting a expert or reaching our to common students groups will help immensely. 

Also Read:

Prepare with CMAT Previous Year Question Papers & Prep Guides. Get Topper Tips & Expert Advice

Download Here
Read more
CMAT Logo

CMAT 2026 Registration Process

CMAT 2026 application form was available at the NTA website. Check below CMAT 2026 registration process:

  • Go to NTA-CMAT website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/
  • Click on new registration option and enter name, date of birth, email ID and phone number 
  • Create CMAT account and user ID by confirming registration via OTP/e-mail
  • Fill CMAT application form 2026 by furnishing personal and academic details
  • Upload passport size photo and scanned signature in prescribed form
  • Pay the CMAT registration fees via credit/debit card or internet banking 

CMAT Application Fee 

The fee amount for CMAT differs category-wise. Check below, fee amount to be paid for CMAT 2026 registration. 

Category CMAT fees
General Male INR 2500
SC/ST/PwD/Female/Transgender INR 1250

Check out Complete CMAT 2025 registration process

CMAT Test Centres and Cities 2026

The option to choose test city for CMAT 2026 is given in the application form. Candidates have the option to choose upto 4 cities for test centre allotment. The NTA will allot CMAT test centre in the city of first preference. The allotment will be done on first cum first serve basis, thus, candidates must fill the CMAT form and pay the fee at the earliest.

Also Read: CMAT 2026 test cities and exam centres

Read more
CMAT Logo

CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

 Apirants have to meet the following eligibilty criteria to appear for CMAT exam:

  • Candidate must have graduation (in any stream) or equivalent degree from a recognized university.
  • Final year graduation students can also appear in CMAT 2026. Their candidature will remain provisional until submission to graduation completion certificate to the MBA institute.
  • There is no minimum score percentage criteria for CMAT exam. Only passing marks is required for graduation.
  • MBA colleges accepting CMAT score may have minimum score criteria of 50% for unreserved categories and 45% for reserved categories.
  • There is no upper age limit for CMAT. Anybody at any phase of their career can appear for CMAT.

Also Read: CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026

Read more

National Testing Agency
C-20 1A/8, Sector 62
IITK Outreach Centre,
NOIDA-201309

Telephone Number: 0120-6895200

email ID: cmat.nta2019@gmail.com

Registered office:
Department of Higher Education
Ministry of Human Resource Development
West Block – 1, Wing No. 6, 2nd Floor, R K Puram, New Delhi – 110016

Address for correspondence
Block C-20/1A/8, Sector 62,
Gautam Budh Nagar, Noida -201309 (UP)
Help Line: For Technical Support, contact following during working days between 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m

CMAT Logo

Important FAQs Regarding CMAT 2026

Check here frequently asked questions (FAQs) about CMAT exam:

Q:   What is the CMAT answer key objection fee?
A: 

CMAT answer key objection fee is INR 200 per question. The objection will be accepted only if the fee has been paid successfully. Since CMAT objection fee is to be paid per question, it is advised that candidate should raise objection to answer keys of only those which they know are incorrect. Don't raise objection on answer keys that you are not sure of.

Q:   When does CMAT answer key release?
A: 

CMAT answer key is released 3-7 days after the exam. The exact date of CMAT exam answer key release is shared by the NTA in after the exam has been conducted. After the release of CMAT answer key, candidates can assess their performance, by tallying their responses and official answers. They can also challenge the official CMAT answer key, by filling an online form and uploading supporting documents. The NTA-CMAT will examine the objections to see if they are genuine or not. In case, the ojection/s are found to be valid, the CMAT answer key is revised and released as the final answer key. The CMAT result is prepared only after examination of all te objections received from candidates.

Q:   Till when is provisional CMAT answer key available for download?
A: 

The provisional CMAT answer key is usually available for 2-3 days until the objection window is open. Candidates must download their CMAT response sheet and answer key within the objection window duration so that you don't miss the chance of having it, if the link is deactivated later. Post the result declaration, the provisional CMAT answer key may not be available for download.

Q:   Will I be able to calculate my CMAT percentile with CMAT answer key?
A: 

With the CMAT answer key candidate can calculate their raw score but calculating accurate CMAT percentile may not be possible as, several factors are considered for CMAT percentile calculation, most important being normalised CMAT score and number of test takers.

Q:   Is the CMAT answer key objection fee refundable?
A: 

The CMAT answer key objection fee is non-refundable. However, it will be refunded to only those candidates whose objections will be accepted as valid. Thus candidates must raise objection on answer keys only after careful deliberation and discussion with mentors/teachers. The fee amount will be refunded within 5-7 working days.

Q:   Does CMAT city intimation slip have test centre details?
A: 

The CMAT city intimation slip mentions only the name of city in which test centre has been allotted to the candidate. No other information is given on the CMAT city intimation slip. Details regarding the test centre, exam timings, reporting time. etc. are mentioned on the CMAT admit card only.

Q:   Is CMAT syllabus easier than CAT syllabus?
A: 

CMAT syllabus is somewhat same as CAT syllabus. It has two extra subjects, Innovation and Entrepreneurship and General Awareness. However, these two subjects are not tough and can be covered alongside Quantitative Aptitude, English and Logical Reasoning. Despite having less subjects CAT is tougher than CMAT.

Q:   Do I have to preserve the CMAT admit card even after the exam?
A: 

Yes, you should keep CMAT admit card safe even after exam, because you may be asked to present it at the time of admission. Signed and stamped CMAT admit card is a proof that candidate appeared in exam.

Q:   Why are CAT cut offs higher than CMAT cut offs?
A: 

CAT cut offs hare higher than CMAT cut offs, due to various factors such as number of applicants, exam difficulty level, ranking of institutions, etc. CAT is conducted by IIM and is the toughest MBA entrance exam in India. Nearly 3 Lakh candidates appear for CAT exam and scores are accepted by some of the top ranking institutes. To select best of the best candidates CAT cut offs of IIMs and top colleges are very high. CMAT on the other hand is a moderate difficulty level exam and nearly 75000 candidates appear for it. It is accepted mostly by Tier 2 and Tier 3 colleges.

1428 Institutes accepting CMAT

Guwahati University - GU

Guwahati Public

Guwahati U
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time
    • 26,500
    • 2 years
    • |
    • Full Time
      • 2 years
      • |
      • Full Time

      University of Mumbai [MU]

      Fort, Mumbai Public

      University
        • 2 years
        • |
        • Full Time

        Explore more MBA exams with upcoming dates

        MU BAAT 2026 Early Evaluation Registration 12 Jan '26 - 31 Mar '26
        SRCC GBO 2026 result announcement Apr '26
        NTA JEE Main 2026 Exam Date Session 2 2 Apr '26 - 9 Apr '26
        Release of BITS BAAT 2026 scores Apr '26
        TANCET registration window 16 Mar '26 - 10 Apr '26

        News & Updates

        Latest NewsPopular News