CMAT 2026 Expected Score vs Percentile, Number of Good Attempts

CMAT result is announced in percentile, but it is not known until the result in declared. Admission are based on CMAT percentile thus, it is important to know how much score will convert into how much percentile. Read this article to know CMAT expected 2026 score vs percentile.

CMAT score vs percentile 2026

CMAT Score vs Percentile 2026 is a comparison between candidate’s own performance and with other test takers. While CMAT score is the total marks scored, CMAT percentile refers to the percentage of candidates scored less than the top scorer. A desirable score in CMAT is between 95 to 99 percentile for top colleges like JBIMS, SIMSREE, KJ Somaiya, Welignkar, PUMBA and others.

Those planning to appear for CMAT 2026 must also understand the score normalization process and comparison of CMAT 2026 score vs percentile so that they can make a plan for targeting the required score for their preferred college.

CMAT score vs percentile 2026

A major factor that influence CMAT percentile of a candidate is the total number of test takers. Check the table below to understand CMAT 2026 expected score vs percentile.

What is CMAT Score?

To understand CMAT 2026 marks vs percentile, we need to first understand the process of CMAT score calculation. CMAT score is the total marks scored by the candidate out of 400 in the exam. Given below is the marking scheme of CMAT exam:

• For each correct answer 4 marks are allotted
• For each incorrect answer -1 mark is deducted
• There is no negative marking for unanswered question
• Each of the five sections carry 80 marks

However, CMAT percentile in not calculated from candidate’s raw score. It is calculated from scaled score arrived at after marks normalization.

What is CMAT Score Calculator Formula?

Let’s understand the CMAT score calculator formula with the following example:

Suppose you attempted 15 questions out 20 in a section. Out of 15, 10 answers were right and 5 were wrong. So, your score in Logical Reasoning section will be 10x4-5 = 35. So out of 80 marks in this section, your score is 35.

You can calculate in similar manner, marks obtained in each section of CMAT 2026.

CMAT Score Normalization

NTA conducts the CMAT exam in two slots, and the test form of each slot is different. Thus, there is quite a possibility of one set of candidates getting a slightly tougher or easier CMAT question paper. To ensure that all candidates are evaluated on the same scale, the NTA undertakes score normalization process.

Also Read: What is CMAT score normalization process?

CMAT Score vs Percentile 2026: How is CMAT Rank Allotted?

CMAT ranks are allotted on the basis of marks scored by a candidate. The candidate who scores maximum marks out of 400 among all CMAT test taker, he/she secures All India Rank 1. For example, if A candidate scored 341/400, he will be declared AIR 1. In another year, if B candidate scored 350/400, he will be ranked on top.

In case more than one candidate secures the same marks, the same rank is assigned to all of them but are displayed in the CMAT rank list by sorting their names alphabetically. For example, if two candidates scored 335/400 and they will be ranked AIR 2. The rank of the subsequent candidate is then extended by the number of additional students having the same rank, meaning the next highest scorer will be ranked AIR 4.

CMAT Percentile Calculator Formula

CMAT percentile is calculated on the basis of the rank of the candidate vs total number of candidate CMAT Percentile calculator formula prescribed by NTA is given below:

Percentile P = 100 x Number of candidates appeared in the examination with raw marks equal to or less than the candidate/Total number of candidates appeared

For example, suppose 10,000 candidates appeared in CMAT exam. And candidate A has got No.1 Rank. His CMAT percentile score will be: 100 x 9999/10,000= 99.99

You can also calculate the rank with the below given CMAT percentile calculator formula:

Percentile (P)= 10,000 – 1(rank)/10,000 x 100= 99.99.

Similarly, if a candidate has scored rank 3, his/her percentile will be 99.97.

For example, one candidate scored 100 percentile out of 54,516 candidates who appeared in the exam. Five candidates scored 99.99 percentile. One student scored 372 marks in total to obtain 100 percentile.

Another example: In one session, three candidates scored 100 percentile out of 64,448. On candidate secured AIR 1 with 341 marks. Two other candidates scored 335 marks so they were ranked AIR 2. However, the CMAT percentile score of all the three was 100, which means CMAT ranks are based on total score obtained and not the percentile score.

CMAT 2026: Number of Good Attempts

CMAT 2026 is scheduled on January 25, 2026. So to ensure your obtain enough marks to get the desired percentile, you will have to attempt the right number of questions. Check below, an estimation of number of attempts per section to get 95+ percentile.

Read More:

CMAT mock tests for practice

CMAT 2026 expected cut offs

Top MBA Colleges accepting CMAT score