
CMAT 2026 exam was held on January 25 and the result was announced on February 17, 2026. Total number of applications received this year was 53453 and the total number of qualifying candidates is 41,872. MBA admission in CMAT participating colleges is currently underway. CMAT 2026 qualifying candidates can apply and seek admission. Next CMAT exam will be held in January 2027. NTA will announce the schedule of CMAT 2027 in October 2026. Read on this page, all about the national level entrance exam.
- What is CMAT Exam?
- CMAT 2027 Exam Dates & Schedule
- CMAT 2026 Exam Highlights
- CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
- CMAT 2026 Registration Process
- CMAT Syllabus 2026
- CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
- CMAT 2026 Preparation
- CMAT Admit Card 2026
- CMAT 2026 Answer Key
- CMAT Result 2026
- CMAT Cut Offs and Top Colleges
- CMAT 2026 Contact Information
- Important FAQs Regarding CMAT 2026
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 Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language 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.
CMAT 2027 Exam Dates & Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CMAT 2026 exam
| Dates | Upcoming Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Oct ' 26 - Nov ' 26 | CMAT 2027 registration and application process TENTATIVE |
| Jan ' 27 | CMAT 2027 exam TENTATIVE |
| Feb ' 27 | CMAT 2027 result TENTATIVE |
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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| Course Offered |
|
| 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 |
| Address |
NTA |
| CMAT Official Website |
https://cmat.nta.nic.in/ |
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
CMAT 2026 Registration Process
Registration: Oct ' 26 - Nov ' 26
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
CMAT Syllabus 2026
CMAT exam syllabus has same topics as other MBA entrance exams. There is only one uniques section, i.e. Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Check below the important 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
Download CMAT Syllabus PDF
| To prepare better download CMAT syllabus PDF (free) |
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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 |
|
| 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
- 4 marks for every correct answer
- Minus 1 for every incorrect answer
- No deduction of marks for unanswered questions
- Every section carries marks
- Total marks of CMAT is 400
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:
- Covering CMAT syllabus with the help of recommended books
- Practicing CMAT mock tests and sample papers
- Regular revision of important topics
- Time management and exam strategy
- 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:
- CMAT Preparation Tips for Logical Reasoning
- CMAT Preparation Tips for Cracking QA-DI
- CMAT Preparation Tips for Language Comprehension
- CMAT Preparation Tips for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
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 HereCMAT Admit Card 2026
CMAT 2026 Answer Key
CMAT Result 2026
Result: Feb ' 27
CMAT Cut Offs and Top Colleges
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
Important FAQs Regarding CMAT 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1435 Institutes accepting CMAT
Srinagar • Public