CMAT Counselling 2026: Check Admission Process, Criteria, and Dates

Updated on Oct 7, 2025 18:03 IST

By Vipra Shrivastava, Senior Manager - Content

CMAT counselling - NTA does not conduct any common counselling for CMAT. The score accepting colleges determine admission cut offs and conduct selection process as per their own schedule. Admission process for CMAT 2025 qualifiers is over at most of the score accepting colleges. Students aspiring to pursue MBA in the next academic year must register for CMAT 2026.

Over 1,300 B-Schools in India accept CMAT score for MBA/PGDM admission. CMAT counselling or admission process mainly includes Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI). The institutes shortlist candidates on the basis of CMAT scores of the applicants and call them for GD/PI.

Table of content

CMAT Admission Process: Key Points
CMAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule
CMAT Admission Criteria and Eligibility
Stages of CMAT Admission Process 2026
Documents Required for CMAT Admission 2026
Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores
FAQs on CMAT Counselling

CMAT Admission Process: Key Points

Admission through CMAT is based on Group Discussion and Personal Interview (GD/PI). Some B-Schools conduct Writing Ability Test (WAT) instead of GD. The CMAT accepting colleges conduct the GD/PI/WAT round as per their own admission cycle so candidates must check the official websites of their preferred colleges for application updates.

Here are a few key points related to CMAT admission process, one should keep in mind:

NTA, the CMAT conducting body, does not conduct any common admission process or counselling for seat allocation.
Validity of CMAT score is one year. If a candidates wishes to drop a year, they will have to appear for CMAT again.
CMAT score accepting MBA institutes have their own admission criteria and selection process which they share in admission brochure.
CMAT exam qualifying candidates have to apply to each institute of their choice separately and participate in their selection process.
Application process for MBA colleges is online and candidates have to visit specific college's website to fill the form.
Candidates have to pay application fee for every target institute to be able to register for admission.
Having the required CMAT score does not confirm admission. Selection of candidates is based on GD/PI and academic record.

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is the eligibility criteria for admission to colleges accepting CMAT score?

Although there is no minimum graduation marks criterion for appearing in the CMAT exam, the criterion applies for admission through CMAT. As per the AICTE recommendation, the candidate must have completed graduation from a recognised university with a minimum score of 50 per cent in aggregate (45 per cent for Reserved category students) to be eligible for admission to a UGC recognised MBA/PGDM course. Apart from academic criteria, candidates have to also fulfil the CMAT cut off criteria. CMAT cut offs are different for different institutes. The CMAT cut offs are fixed by the institutes individually on the basis of several parameters. Only those candidates are shortlisted for admission who meet the minimum cut off criteria. If a candidate does not meet the CMAT cut off, they will not be considered for Group Discussion and Personal Interview round or direct admission. Meeting CMAT cut off is the prerequisite for admission to the MBA institutes. Candidates must visit their preferred institute website and check the CMAT cut off percentile required, before applying for admission.

Q: What is the CMAT score calculation process?

CMAT scores calculation is a simple process and it is based on the marking scheme. The raw score calculation in CMAT is the sum total of correct/incorrect entries and unanswered questions. To understand the CMAT score calculation, first understand the marking scheme. For each correct answer, 4 marks will be allotted For each incorrect answer 1 mark will be deducted For each unanswered question, 0 marks will be allotted CMAT has five sections and all the sections have 20 questions each. Thus, the total marks of CMAT exam is 400. If a candidate has got 70/100 questions correct, 10 questions incorrect and skipped 5 questions, then their total score will be (70x4-10+5x0) 270/400. After the calculation of CMAT raw score of each test takers, they are converted into percentile for result and all India merit list preparation. On the CMAT result cum scorecard, raw score as well as percentile is mentioned.

CMAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule

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

Dates	Past Exam Dates
13 Feb ' 25	CMAT 2025 Result
31 Jan ' 25 - 02 Feb ' 25	CMAT 2025 Answer Key Release and Challenge

CMAT Admission Criteria and Eligibility

Candidates seeking admission to an MBA programme must fulfill the following CMAT admission criteria, common to all the CMAT participating institutes:

Academic requirement: Candidates must fulfil the minimum score requirement for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation
Valid CMAT score: Selection is largely based on CMAT cut off, which is institute specific
Good performance in GD/PI: Final selection is based on candidate's skill and abilities displayed during GD/PI
Work experience (if applicable): There are additional points for work experience for MBA admission in all top B-Schools

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

Commonly asked questions

Q: Is there any age restriction to take CMAT exam?

There is no age bar for appearing in CMAT exam. Any person at any phase of their career, from any field, fresher or working professionals, can appear for CMAT. However, the candidate should have completed graduation. The education mode can be full-time or correspondence but the university should be affiliated to the UGC. A graduation degree is normally completed by the age of 20 so the candidate must be at least 20 years old at the time of appearing in the CMAT exam. So, yes one can say that there is a minimum age limit but not maximum age limit for appearing in CMAT. A large percentage of CMAT applicants is of fresh graduates as it suits them better to continue education in full-time mode. However, many working professional also appear for the CMAT exam to purse executive MBA, Online MBA, Distance MBA or Part-Time MBA from reputed institutes.

Q: For how many colleges can I apply through CMAT?

Since one has to apply to CMAT accepting colleges individually, there is no limit to the number. Aspirants can apply to as many colleges as they want and think they have the chance of getting admission in. While applying for CMAT, candidates must check the CMAT cut offs for the colleges and apply to only those who have cut offs in the range in which their CMAT score falls. For example, if a candidate has scored 76 percentile in CMAT, they should apply to colleges accepting scores in the range of 70-76 percentile.

Stages of CMAT Admission Process 2026

1.CMAT Admission Process: Screening of Candidates

The CMAT participating institutes fix cut offs to select candidates for admission. The criteria of fixing CMAT cut off may vary for every institute. The institutes will accept applications from only those candidates who will meet the minimum CMAT cut off criteria. They will be then invited to participate in Group Discussion/Written Ability Test and Personal Interview.

Also read: CMAT cut offs of top MBA institutes

2.CMAT Admission Process: Group Discussion

Group discussion conducted as part of CMAT selection process will be to assess the candidate’s communication skills, leadership quality, problem solving ability and other personality traits. A lot of weightage is given to this round for admission hence, candidates must prepare well for this round. They must read a lot on socio-economic issues and current affairs and practice public speaking.

3.CMAT Admission Process: Personal Interview

The Personal Interview round is conducted by the institutes to assess the candidate's interpersonal skills, personality, general & managerial aptitude, command over speech, confidence and knowledge of business and industry. It is mandatory to be present in person for both Group Discussion and Personal Interview. Those who will not attend this round, will not be considered for admission.

Also Read: Top MBA colleges accepting CMAT score for admission

4.CMAT Admission Process: Final Selection

Final selection for admission will be based on the candidate’s overall performance in the CMAT exam, Group Discussion and Personal Interview, academic history and other professional/ECA merits. Admission offers will be sent to selected candidates by the institutes and they will be required to complete the formalities within the deadline.

Commonly asked questions

Q: When can I apply for CMAT?

The next CMAT exam will be held in January 2026. The NTA will start registration for the same in November 2025. Those interested in appearing for the exam are required to register for it at CMAT-NTA website and fill the online application form. The score of CMAT will be valid for one year only, so if you appear for CMAT 2026, you must take admission in the same academic year.

Apart from 1300 B-schools, the CMAT score is also valid for admission through MAH CET CAP. The Maharashtra State CET Cell conducts MBA/MMS admissions for 300 colleges in the state. It is followed by a common counselling process called CAP. CMAT test takers can also participate in MAH MBA CET CAP and secure a seat in MBA/MMS course offered by over 300 colleges in Maharashtra.

Q: How are CMAT cut offs determined?

CMAT cut offs are determined by the score accepting colleges individually. The colleges determine admission cut offs on the basis of certain parameters such as:

· CMAT result trend and exam difficulty level

· Previous years' CMAT cut offs for their college

· Number of exam test takers

· College ranking

· Overall pass percentage and scoring trend in CMAT of that particular year

Documents Required for CMAT Admission 2026

Documents to carry for Group Discussion and Personal Interview for admission to MBA/PGDM course through CMAT exam are listed below. Additional documents if required will be specified by the institute in the PI-call letter. Candidates must arrange the following documents before their GD/PI schedule:

Documents required (original and self-attested photocopy)
CMAT scorecard	CMAT admit card
Class 10 marksheet and certificate	Class 12 marksheet and certificate
Graduation marksheet and certificate	Date of birth certificate
Valid photo ID issued by the Government of India	Permanent Address proof
Caste/PWD certificate	ECA certificates or proof of recognition

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Commonly asked questions

Q: If I meet CMAT cut offs but not the academic score criteria, will I still be considered for admission?

The academic score criteria of minimum 50% in graduation for General category candidates and minimum 45 % for SC/ST/PwD candidates is a mandatory criteria set by AICTE for all colleges offering technical education including MBA, so it is very unlikely that if you don't have the minimum academic score by meet CMAT cut off, you will still get admission.

Q: Are there CMAT accepting colleges in which GD/PI is not conducted?

Yes, there are CMAT accepting colleges which do not conduct GD/PI. The seat allotment is based on counselling process based on CMAT cut off and candidate's choice of college. Most of the Maharashtra MBA colleges such as JBIMS, SIMSREE, PUMBA, Welingkar's, IMT, KJ Somaiya, etc. that participate in MAH CET CAP round, offer admission without GD/PI.

Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores

Top MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score: City Wise

Candidates can check from the list below, their preferred MBA college in their preferred city for admission through CMAT:

MBA colleges accepting CMAT in Delhi	MBA colleges accepting CMAT in Bangalore	MBA colleges accepting CMAT in Bhopal
MBA colleges accepting CMAT in Mumbai	MBA colleges accepting CMAT in Pune	MBA colleges accepting CMAT in Hyderabad

List of MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores

Check Cut offs of top MBA entrance exams and predict calls from IIMs and other Top MBA Colleges. Check Fees, Placement Reviews, Admission, Shortlist Criteria and eligibility of all MBA Colleges by clicking the link below:

Predict IIM & Non IIM Calls

View accepting colleges

FAQs on CMAT Counselling

Check below Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to CMAT counsellling:

Commonly asked questions

Q: Which are the top colleges for MBA with CMAT score of 80 to 85 percentile?

If you score between 80 to 85 percentile CMAT you need not worry about admission. There are a large number of MBA colleges that accept candidates with CMAT score in the range of 80 to 85 percentile. A number of government as well as private institutes with good infrastructure and placements are within your reach. Some of those popular colleges include, Welingkar Institute of Management-Mumbai, Welingkar Institute of Management-Bangalore, Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management, IFIM-Bangalore, IFMR- Chennai, NIBM-Pune, NL Dalmiya Institute of Management, IMT Hyderabad, IMT Nagpur, XISS Ranchi, ITM Navi Mumbai, Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida, Xavier Business School-Xavier University, Great Lakes Institute of Management-Gurgaon, BIMTECH-Greater Noida, XIME-Bangalore, ISBM-Pune, Jaipuria Institute of Management Lucknow, KIIT School of Management, IPE Hyderabad, SIES College of Management Studies-Navi Mumbai and Chetana Institute of Management and Research-Mumbai among others.

Q: Which are the top colleges for MBA with CMAT score of 65-75 percentile?

Candidates with CMAT score of 65-75 percentile, must not feel bad about their comparatively low score. There are number of good MBA colleges in India which accept CMAT scores in this range for their postgraduate management courses. Some of the college that accept CMAT score of 65-75 percentile include, BIMTECH-Greater Noida, BIT-Mesra, DY Patil School of Management-Pune, DY Patil School of Management-Pune, Calcutta Business School, New Delhi Institute of Management (NDIM) New Delhi, Xavier Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (XIME) Chennai, IES Management College And Research Centre, Mumbai, Jaipuria Institute of Management Noida, FIIB Delhi: Fortune Institute of International Business, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII Ahmedabad), VESIM Mumbai, Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies, Delhi School of Business, EMPI Business School New Delhi, Jaypee Business School (JBS) Noida, International Institute of Management Studies (IIMS) Pune among others.

Q: Which are the top colleges for MBA with CMAT score of 95 plus percentile?

95 percentile and is a very good score in CMAT if you are looking for a college with decent reviews, placements and moderate fees. Some of the top MBA colleges which accept candidates with CMAT score of 95 percentile and above include Jamnlal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies-Mumbai, Goa Institute of Management (GIM) Goa, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management-Mumbai, Sydenham Institute of Management Studies Research and Entrepreneurship Education (SIMSREE) Mumbai, Great Lakes Institute of Management-Chennai, University of Pune, Dept of Management Sciences and Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi to name a few. Admission process of these colleges include personality assessment test which may include group discussion and Personal Interview . or only Personal Interview . Candidates must check the admission dates and academic eligibility criteria before applying to the MBA courses offered by these colleges.