
CMAT 2026 exam date will be announced by NTA most likely in November 2025 and registration will begin in the same month. The CMAT 2026 application form will be available at the CMAT-NTA website and aspirants will have to fill the form after creating a login ID. CMAT fee is INR 2500 (INR 1250 for Reserved categories, women and transgende candidates) CMAT is an annual exam, conducted at various test centres across India in CBT mode. CMAT 2025 was conducted on January 25, 2025 and the result was announced on February 13, 2025. Admissions through CMAT 2025 scores are currently underway at several participating institutes. The Read here all about CMAT exam 2026.
Ideally, one would say that 99-100 percentile is good for MBA Admission. However, it is not possible for all candidates to score so high. So, what shall be considered a good score in CMAT. A good CMAT score is basically a score that will get you a seat in your desired college. So, if you desire a Tier 1 college, a good score in CMAT will be 85 percentile and above. If you desire a Tier 2 college, a good score in CMAT will be 70-85 percentile and for a Tier 3 college, less than 70 percentile in CMAT will be good. Now, if you want to understand CMAT. Score in terms of percentile, so that while giving the exam you know how much raw score is needed to get the required percentile for the desired college, you need to know how much CMAT score is equal to percentile. About 340-350 score is equal to 100 percentile in CMAT About 281-340 score is equal to 90-99.99 percentile in CMAT About 201-280 score is equal to 81-89 percentile in CMAT About 171-200 score is equal to 71-80 percentile in CMAT About 140-171 score is equal to 61-70 percentile in CMAT About 116-140 score is equal to 51-60 percentile in CMAT.
There are several benefits of appearing in the CMAT exam. It is easier than other exams and accepted by many B-schools. Check below some of the key benefits of CMAT.
- CMAT is conducted at the end of MBA entrance exam season, so MBA aspirants don't have to study much as the previous experience of exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP comes in use.
- CMAT score is accepted by about 1,300 MBA colleges in India which includes top colleges in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities.
- CMAT exam is a moderate difficulty level exam so it is easier to score high in CMAT than CAT, XAT, IIFT, GMAT.
- CMAT cut offs for admission to top colleges are not exceptionally high, so you can get a good MBA college with a decent CMAT score.
- There's no 50 per cent aggregate criteria for CMAT application. Candidates with passing marks in graduation can also appear for the exam.
- CMAT application fee for women and reserved category candidates is only INR 1,000 which is quite less as compared to CAT, XAT, IIFT, SNAP fees.
One of the most respected business schools in India is the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS) located in Mumbai. The cutoff of the Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) for the category of OBC NCL (Other Backward Classes Non-Creamy Layer) is usually high because admissions are highly competitive.
For OBC NCL category, the anticipated CMAT cutoff percentile of JBIMS is about 99.81 percentile. The high cutoff indicates the stringent selection process and the high quality of education maintained by the institution. It is to be noted that the cutoff can fluctuate marginally every year depending upon the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the test, and the performance level of the candidates as a whole.
JBIMS does not officially declare category-wise cutoffs for CMAT, but the overall trend suggests that candidates must score very high to get admitted. The institute also takes into account other aspects like academic performance, work experience, and performance in the group discussion and personal interview rounds.
In conclusion, to gain admission to JBIMS under OBC NCL category via CMAT, striving for a percentile of approximately 99.81 or more is recommended. This will enhance your prospects of being above the cutoff and moving forward to the next rounds of selection.
Students need to follow this admission path through CMAT to join PUMBA:
- Students require a bachelor's degree with minimum 50% marks (45% for reserved categories).
- The entrance requirements vary by region: CMAT acceptance applies to out-of-state candidates yet MAH CET stands as the admission criteria for candidates based in Maharashtra.
- Students must register with the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) through the DTE Maharashtra website.
- The admission process for PUMBA combines CMAT score assessment with merit-based evaluation where candidates above the 95+ percentile have higher opportunities for acceptance.
- Students must participate in CAP counseling sessions for seat assignments using both merit and preferred choices.
- Stay updated by checking PUMBA's and DTE Maharashtra's official websites.
- What is CMAT?
- CMAT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule
- CMAT2026 Exam Highlights
- CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
- CMAT Registration 2026
- CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
- CMAT Syllabus 2026: Detailed Breakdown
- CMAT 2026 Preparation
- CMAT Admit Card 2026
- CMAT Answer Key 2026
- CMAT Result 2026
- CMAT Admission Process 2026
- CMAT Cut Offs and Top Colleges
- CMAT 2026 Contact Information
- Important FAQs Regarding CMAT 2026
What is CMAT?
Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a business aptitude test conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) nation-wide for admission to MBA/PGDM courses offered by government recognised institutes. Earlier, AICTE used to conduct CMAT, but from 2019 onwards NTA is conducting it on behalf of AICTE. The CMAT is an objective-type 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.
Key Aspects of the CMAT exam
- CMAT is a popular MBA entrance exams in India after CAT.
- About 75,000 candidates appear for the CMAT every year.
- CMAT score is accepted by about 1,300 B-schools in India including Great Lakes Institute of Management, JBIMS, SIMSREE, K J Somaiya Mumbai, Welingkar Mumbai and PUMBA.
- There is no common counselling for CMAT. Qualifying candidates have to apply to score accepting colleges separately for admission.
- CMAT accepting coleges conduct GD/PI for selecting candidates for MBA programme.
- Candidates can also seek admission by participating in the MAH MBA CAP with their CMAT score.
Commonly asked questions
A few MBA colleges where you can get admission with 72 percentile in CMAT are, EDII Ahmedabad, VESIM Mumbai, Durgadevi Saraf Institute of Management Studies, Delhi School of Business, EMPI Business School New Delhi, Jaypee Business School (JBS) Noida, IIMS Pune. You can check their application scheduleand apply to these colleges accordingly.
CMAT 2025 Exam Dates & Schedule
Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of CMAT 2025 exam
Dates | Past Exam Dates |
---|---|
13 Feb ' 25 | CMAT 2025 Result |
31 Jan ' 25 - 02 Feb ' 25 | CMAT 2025 Answer Key Release and Challenge |
25 Jan ' 25 | CMAT 2025 exam date |
CMAT2026 Exam Highlights
CMAT is the second most popular MBA entrance exam after CAT. It is easier than CAT and 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 |
Last week of January 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 |
74,012 (for the year 2025) |
Exam Helpdesk No. |
Helpline No.- 011-40759000 |
Address |
NTA |
CMAT Official Website |
Commonly asked questions
CMAT Score vs. Percentile:
Average CMAT score: 150, which translates to a percentile of around 60-65, which may not be sufficient for top MBA colleges.
Target score for top colleges: 250-300, aiming for a percentile of 85-95.
Previous year trends:
98th percentile: 283 marks in 2023, 280 in 2022.
95th percentile: 271 marks in 2023, 260 in 2022.
90th percentile: 258 marks in 2023, 240 in 2022.
85th percentile: 238 marks in 2023, 225 in 2022.
CMAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates planning to appear for CMAT 2026 must ensure they fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria before applying so that their candidature is not cancelled at a later stage. Given below is the detailed academic eligibiliy crieteria for CMAT exam 2026:
- 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 in graduation for CMAT exam. Only passing marks is required.
- 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
Commonly asked questions
CMAT Registration 2026
Canidates interested in appearing for CMAT 2026 exam will have to register for the exam at the NTA-CMAT website. Given below are the steps to follow for CMAT 2026 registration:
Step 1: Go to NTA-CMAT website: https://exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/
Step 2: Register by entering name, date of birth, email ID and phone number
Step 3: Create CMAT account and user ID by confirming registration via OTP/e-mail
Step 4: Fill the CMAT application form 2026 by furnishing personal and academic details
Step 5: Upload passport size photo and scanned signature in prescribed format
Step 6: Pay the CMAT registration fees via credit/debit card or internet banking
CMAT Application Fee
Check the table below for category wise CMAT fees to be paid to successfully register for the exam. The fee is non-refundable.
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
Aspirants will get the option to choose up to four locations in the CMAT application form for test centre allotment. The CMAT 2026 test centre will be alloted first come first served basis. Candidates must choose their home city or current location as first preference and the examination authority strives to allot the city of first preference to candidates. In case of seats getting filled in the city of first preference or cancellation of exam centre, the second city of preference is alloted. Candidates must also submit the form at the earliest, so that they can get a test centre in the city of preference.
Also Read: CMAT 2026 test cities and exam centres
Commonly asked questions
CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
CMAT exam pattern is simple. There's equal distribution of questions and marks among the five sections. There is no sectional time limit so candidates apply their own time management strategy. Check below key highlights of the latest CMAT exam pattern.
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 2026
- For every correct answer 4 marks will be awarded
- For every incorrect answer 1 mark will be deducted
- There will be no deduction of marks for unanswered questions
- Every section will carry 100 marks
- Total marks of CMAT 2026 will be 400
Commonly asked questions
Common Management Admission Test is an online computer based test conducted by the National Testing Agency, India. It is a national-level admission test for facilitating institutions to select suitable students for admission in all management programmes approved by AICTE. According to the exam pattern, the CMAT syllabus for MBA admission is divided into five sections namely, Quantitative Technique and Data Interpretation, Language Comprehension, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship. If you plan to prepare for CMAT exam, then you have to at least put in four to six hours daily into studying. 345 to 350 marks are expected to secure the 100 percentile and those securing in the range of 285 to 340 marks will obtain 99 to 99.99 percentile. CMAT merit list will include names of all the aspirants scoring CMAT score vs percentile from 0.005 to 100 percentile. Speed is not an issue at all as you have ample time available. Solving 100 questions in 3 hours is quite easy; hence time is not as important as accuracy is. I have slept for 20 to 40 minutes after completing test every year! The range of topics covered has become very important.
Yes, there is a negative marking in CMAT exam. For each wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted. For example, if a candidate attempts 18 questions from Logical Reasoning and gets 15 questions correct but 3 questions incorrect. Then the candidate's score for this section will be 15x4-3, i.e. 57. However, no marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.
Thus, candidates must choose only those questions to solve which they are sure of solving accurately. It is anyway not possible to solve all 100 questions, so candidates must weigh their options viz. Strength and weak areas and then choose questions carefully.
If candidates are not sure of answering a question correctly or it is taking too much time, then they should leave that questions and move to next as they also need to keep a tab on the time limit.
CMAT Syllabus 2026: Detailed Breakdown
CMAT exam syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams, but has one extra subject, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. this subject was introduced in 2020. Given below is the detailed break down od CMAT 2026 syllabus.
Check below key topics included in every section of CMAT syllabus 2026
- 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, entrepreneurship, start-ups and other related topics
To prepare better download CMAT syllabus PDF (free):
Download CMAT Syllabus PDF |
Commonly asked questions
CMAT 2026 Preparation
For CMAT 2026 preparation, candidates must focus mainly on practicing sample questions and CMAT mock tests. CMAT has the same syllabus as other MBA entrance exams, such as Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, Data Interpretation an General Awareness. It has only one extra subject - Innovation and Entrepreneurship but it can be handled with basic preparation. Since CMAT is conducted after CAT and XAT, candidates can use their preparation and experience of these exams to crack CMAT easily.
If a candidates plans tp appear for only CMAT then they will have to start preparation 6 months before the exam. The CMAT 2026 exam preparation plan should include:
- Covering CMAT syllabus
- Practicing mock tests and sample papers
- Revision of important topics
- Time management
- Seek guidance
Here's how to plan your CMAT 2026 preparation w.r.t. the above five main points:
1. Covering CMAT syllabus
CMAT syllabus is similar to other MBA entrance exams. It includes Verbal Ability, Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and General Knowledge. CMAT has an additional subject called Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Candidates must start CMAT preparation 2026 by starting with the tougher topics first. Once they are thorough with the tough topics they should move to easier topics. However, the key is to keep a balance between tough and easy topics in such a way that easy subjects don't get sidelined for tough ones. The main focus however, should be on CMAT topics from which maximum questions are asked.
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.
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 so if you do not manage the time for preparation well, you will end up unprepared. Give yourself atleast four hours every day for CMAT preparaton even if you have appeared for it before or appeared for 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 monhts to prepare for CMAT. Time management is alsoi 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 lblock. 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 immensly.
Also Read:
- How to Prepare for CMAT 2026 exam
- 10 Best Books for CMAT 2026 Preparation
- How to Prepare for CMAT 2026 in 6 Months
- 3-Month CMAT Preparation Plan
- CMAT Exam: Last Month Preparation Plan
- CMAT Exam: Last Minute Preparation Tips
Prepare with CMAT Previous Year Question Papers & Prep Guides. Get Topper Tips & Expert Advice
Download HereCommonly asked questions
Yes, 6 months are a decent time duration to prepare for CMAT exam, if one does it with dedication and discipline. Candidates who have appeared for CMAT or any other MBA entrance exam before, will find 6 months more than enough to prepare for the exam. Those, who are appearing in CMAT for the first time, can also prepare in 6 months but they will have to give extra time to it. If you plan a CMAT preparation in six months, make a three stage plan. In the first stage, which will be of 3 months, complete the CMAT syllabus, in the second phase, which will be of 2 months, practice sample papers and mock tests. In the third stage, which will be of 1 months, do revision of important topics and gain control over all that you have studied before. Keep in mind to solve enough number of CMAT mock tests (30-35) for better preparation in short time. Read More: CMAT preparation in 6 months
Since every section of CMAT has 20 questions in total, solving 15-18 questions in each section with 80 percent accuracy is considered a good attempt in CMAT, and it can ensure a good percentile in the exam. In the GK section, about 10-12 correct attempts will be enough. Out of 100 questions, candidates must try to solve about 70-75 questions to achieve a 99 percentile. However, candidates must aim to solve a higher number of questions with maximum accuracy and minimize negative marking. To be able to achieve this target, candidates need to prepare for the CMAT in a dedicated and disciplined manner. Candidates must set aside a minimum of three months to complete the CMAT syllabus, as they have to study five subjects and their numerous topics. If they have appeared for the CAT, XAT, and IIFT exams, then they can complete the CMAT syllabus in one month as well. However, it is advised that candidates spend at least three months on the CMAT syllabus for complete preparation.
CMAT Admit Card 2026
Commonly asked questions
CMAT city intimation slip is available for download for 2-3 days only. Once the CMAT admit card is released, the city intimation slip is not required as the hall ticket carries complete details of test centre. However, registered candidates must download the city intimation slip once it is released to know the test city and make arrangements for exam day before hand. City intimation is very useful specifically for students from rural and far off areas, who have to come to cities to appear for entrance exams.
CMAT Answer Key 2026
Commonly asked questions
The NTA will allow each CMAT test-taker to challenge the answer key, if they are unsatisfied with the official answer/s. Upon submission of the objections, the exam authorities will examine them and if any objection is found to be valid, they official answer key will be revised. Given below are step of filling up the online application form for challenging CMAT answer key:
- Log on to the official NTA-CMAT website
- Click on CMAT Answer Key/Objection tab
- Enter your CMAT 2024 Application Number and Date of Birth Enter Security Pin and Submit
- All 100 questions for CMAT Paper IDs will appear in sequential order.
- To challenge a question, use the option IDs given against it by clicking the check box.
- Click on Save your Claim and move to next screen.
- All option IDs challenged will be displayed.
- Now, select Choose File option and upload supporting documents in a single pdf file.
- Click on Save your Claim Finally.
- Click on fee payment option - Click here to Pay Fee and pay INR 200 per question through Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking.
CMAT Result 2026
Commonly asked questions
After the declaration of CMAT result, colleges accepting the exam score for MBA/PGDM admission will start the selection process. The candidates who shall have passed they CMAT exam will be required to fill the application forms of their target MBA colleges for admission. Aspirants will need to apply on the basis of their score and cut offs fixed by the institute. If a candidate does not meet the minimum CMAT cut off, they should not apply to that college, as their application will be rejected at the first level of screening. The institutes will conduct group discussions and personal interviews to select candidates for final admission. Candidates will have to ensure that they perform well in the group discussions and personal interviews as merely meeting the CMAT 2024 cut off will not confirm admission.
CMAT Admission Process 2026
Commonly asked questions
Ideally, one would say that 99-100 percentile is good for MBA Admission. However, it is not possible for all candidates to score so high. So, what shall be considered a good score in CMAT. A good CMAT score is basically a score that will get you a seat in your desired college. So, if you desire a Tier 1 college, a good score in CMAT will be 85 percentile and above. If you desire a Tier 2 college, a good score in CMAT will be 70-85 percentile and for a Tier 3 college, less than 70 percentile in CMAT will be good. Now, if you want to understand CMAT. Score in terms of percentile, so that while giving the exam you know how much raw score is needed to get the required percentile for the desired college, you need to know how much CMAT score is equal to percentile. About 340-350 score is equal to 100 percentile in CMAT About 281-340 score is equal to 90-99.99 percentile in CMAT About 201-280 score is equal to 81-89 percentile in CMAT About 171-200 score is equal to 71-80 percentile in CMAT About 140-171 score is equal to 61-70 percentile in CMAT About 116-140 score is equal to 51-60 percentile in CMAT.
The journey towards securing admission to Welingkar's Rural Management course is an exciting and competitive one, where your potential and abilities are carefully assessed. While a good CMAT score holds significance, it is not the sole determining factor for admission. The selection process takes into account a holistic evaluation of various aspects of your profile.
The admission committee at Welingkar considers multiple factors, including your academic performance, entrance exam score, work experience, and performance in the selection rounds. This comprehensive approach ensures that the most deserving candidates are chosen to be part of this esteemed program.
Even if your CMAT score may not be in the top bracket, do not lose hope. Welingkar's Rural Management course values candidates who exhibit excellence in other selection rounds, such as the written test, group discussion, and personal interview. Your performance in these rounds, coupled with your overall profile, can leave a lasting impression on the admission committee and boost your chances of securing a seat.
Remember, the selection process is designed to identify individuals with the right blend of skills, knowledge, and a passion for rural management. Embrace this opportunity to showcase your abilities, highlight your experiences, and express your dedication towards making a meaningful impact in rural communities.
While waiting for the official announcement of the results, remain optimistic and continue honing your skills and knowledge in the field of rural management. Keep yourself updated with the latest developments and news from Welingkar, and be prepared to seize the opportunities that come your way.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the esteemed admission committee, who carefully assess each candidate's potential and suitability for the Rural Management course. Trust in your abilities, present your best self during the selection process, and believe that your hard work and dedication will shine through.
Wishing you the utmost success as you embark on this transformative journey towards a career in Rural Management at Welingkar. Embrace the challenges, display your unique strengths, and seize this opportunity to make a positive impact on rural communities. Your determination and passion will undoubtedly be recognised and rewarded.
Stay confident, focused, and motivated, knowing that your efforts will lead you towards a brighter future in the field of Rural Management.
CMAT Cut Offs and Top Colleges
Commonly asked questions
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management accepts CAT/ MBA CMAT entrance exam scores for admission to the MBA courses. KJ Somaiya cutoff percentile was 86 for CAT, 95 for CMAT and 84 for XAT for the General All India category students in 2022. Considering the past year cutoff percentiles, candidates seeking admission to KJ Somaiya Institute of Management must secure between 80 and 95 for the General category student.
Candidates can refer to the table given below to check out the KJ Somaiya Institute of Management previous year cutoff percentile for CAT, XAT and CMAT for the Genereal AII India category students:
Exam | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
---|---|---|---|
CMAT (percentile) | 95 | – / – | 95 |
CAT (percentile) | 86 | 86 | 86 |
XAT (percentile) | – / – | 85 | 84 |
Having a 75 percentile in CMAT, you have a number of good MBA college options in Uttar Pradesh and Delhi that provide good education at low fees. Below are some colleges you can think about:
Uttar Pradesh:
1. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU), Lucknow: With a good fee structure and good placements, AKTU has a variety of MBA courses to offer.
2. Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University (MJPRU), Bareilly: MJPRU offers MBA courses with emphasis on practical learning and industry interaction at an affordable price.
3. Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Ghaziabad: IMS Ghaziabad is highly acclaimed for its MBA courses and has a comparatively lower fee structure than other private universities.
4. Invertis University, Bareilly: The university has MBA programs based on industry-skill-oriented course with a medium fee structure.
5. ABES Engineering College, Ghaziabad: ABES provides MBA programs with great placement opportunity and industry relationship, which suits the students scoring 75 percentile in CMAT.
Delhi:
1. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi: GGSIPU has various MBA courses offered at its affiliated colleges, which have good placements and low fees.
2. Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi: JMI is a central university that provides MBA courses with low fees and high-quality faculty.
3. Delhi School of Economics (DSE), University of Delhi: DSE provides an MBA programme specializing in economics and management with its low fees and high academic credibility.
4. Department of Management Studies (DMS), IIT Delhi: Although IIT Delhi is popularly renowned for its courses in engineering, its MBA course is also good and provides a decent return on investment with a moderate fee pattern.
5. Bharati Vidyapeeth's Institute of Management and Research (BVIMR), New Delhi: BVIMR provides MBA programs with an emphasis on practical learning and industry exposure at an affordable fee.
These colleges provide a good mix of quality education, industry exposure, and affordable fees, and thus are good choices for students with a 75 percentile in CMAT.
CMAT 2026 Contact Information
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
Commonly asked questions
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.
No, you cannot appear for the CMAT exam at any test centre. You can appear for the test at the centre mentioned in your CMAT admit card. Entry at every CMAT test centre is given to candidates only after thorough scrutiny of the hall ticket and ID proof. If you attempt to gain entry in any other test centre, you will be disqualified. Thus, candidates must make sure that they check the location of their allotted test centre beforehand and reach there on exam day on time. If they reach the test centre after the gates have been closed they will not be allowed entry under any circumstances. CMAT test centre gates close 15 minutes before the commencement of exam.
For preparation of an exam like CMAT will always be helpful as you will be provided with relevant study material and guidance from industry experts. It will help you in disciplined and focused study as coaching centres have time bound classes, lectures, practice sessions, mock tests, etc. So, if you feel that you will not be able to stay dedicated and motivated enough in self-study to crack CMAT will high scores, join a CMAT coaching institute.
CMAT is a highly competitive exam having five subjects – Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. These subjects have a lot of topic and sub-topics that one has to cover. Practicing only CMAT sample papers and mock tests will not be enough as to be able to solve all types of questions, one needs to have understood the topic or the concept. Thus, study the topics included in CMAT syllabus first and then practice CMAT sample papers and mock tests.
CMAT has five subjects – Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English Comprehension, General Awareness and Innovation & Entrepreneurship and to cover all of them, one will need good enough time. Overall, 3 months are needed to cover the syllabus of CMAT and about 2-3 months for practice and revision. So, overall 4-6 months can be considered ideal time duration for CMAT preparation. It can vary from candidate to candidate as every person has different capacity.
The candidates who shall have passed they CMAT exam will be required to fill the application forms of their target MBA colleges for admission, after the declaration of CMAT result, colleges accepting the exam score for MBA/PGDM admission will start the selection process. Aspirants will need to apply on the basis of their score and cut offs fixed by Jaipuria institute of Management, Lucknow. If a candidate does not meet the minimum CMAT cut off, they should not apply to that college, as their application will be rejected at the first level of screening. The institutes will conduct group discussions and personal interviews to select candidates for final admission.
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.
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.
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 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.
It is unlikely that the CMAT answer key download link will be available even after the result has been released. The NTA may remove old links from the website after the CMAT result announcement. Thus, it is better to download the CMAT answer key on the day it is released and save a copy of the same.
CMAT score is not accepted by the IIMs. These institutes accept only CAT score for their management programmes. CMAT is accepted by over 1300 MBA colleges in India which belong to mostly Tier 2 and Tier 3 status. You can seek admission with CMAT score to all AICTE approved institutions – private, government and government aided.
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 Lacs 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.
It is not tough to score 99 percentile in CMAT but it is not a cake walk either. One need to study for the exam in a focused and time bound manner. It is speed based test in which time management is the key. One needs to also achieve maximum accuracy in solving CMAT questions to be able to aim for 99 percentile. Moreover, there is negative marking in CMAT, so one needs to be extremely careful in choosing questions in the exam.
It is quite unlikely that you can get admission if you do not meet the academic eligibility criteria for MBA. The basic criteria of selection are CMAT score and academic score. As per the AICTE, the minimum score required in graduation to qualify for MBA programme is 50 % (for SC/ST/PwD category, the minimum score requirement is 45%. So, MBA aspirants must ensure that they have scored at least 50 percent in their Bachelor's degree programme.
Meeting CMAT cut off is the first stage of MBA admission. Candidates need to clear the Personal Interview/Group Discussion/Written Ability Test round too. Some institutes conduct only Personal Interview, some conduct Personal Interview/Group Discussion and some conduct all three, Personal Interview/Group Discussion/Written Ability Test. Apart from that, candidates must also meet the academic criteria for selection.
NTA does not release CMAT cut off. It has no role in release of CMAT cut off or admission through it. The CMAT cut offs are determined and released by score accepting colleges individually. The institutes either release CMAT cut off at the time of applications for admission or announce it during the PI shortlisting process.
NL Dalmia allows MBA admission via CMAT exam scores. Candidates seeking admission at NL Dalmia must have valid CMAT scorea as well as they must qualify the cutoff released by the institute. Considering the NL Dalmia MBA cutoff 2024, the percentile needed to get into MBA stood at 85 for the General AI category candidates. Similarly, it stood similar for OBC AI category candidates too.
With a 77 percentile in CMAT and 8.02 CGPA in graduation, your chances are good for admission to IMS DAVV Indore. The institute considers the CMAT score for admission and the cutoffs in the past have fluctuated between 75 and 85 percentile for general category students. You are within range of the minimum eligibility of 50 percent in graduation as it relates to CGPA. However, depends on counseling and seat availability, and category-based reservation policy. If the position in percentile is similar to previous cutoffs you should apply and undergo the admission process. Watch for official notifications from the university for deadlines and notifications regarding criteria.
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.
MAT and CMAT syllabi are same for Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning. MAT also has GK like CMAT, but the nature of GK questions of MAT are slightly different from that of CMAT. The MAT GK section has more questions from economy and business.
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, IIITM Gwalior allows admission to the MBA course through CMAT. Considering the IIITM Gwalior CMAT cutoff 2024, the needed percentile to get into the institute for the MBA course stood at 85. And, scoring this much of percentile in CMAT exam will easily allow you admission to IIITM Gwalior.
The admission process of IBMR IPS Indore considers several factors, including the candidate's CMAT score, academic record, work experience, and performance in the other admission rounds. While a CMAT percentile of 43 is not very high, it's difficult to predict whether you will get admission to IBMR IPS Indore without considering the other admission criteria. It's important to note that IBMR IPS Indore has a limited number of seats, and admission is based on the credibility of other applicants as well. The institute typically considers candidates with a CMAT percentile of above 70.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship syllabus of CMAT is not a very difficult section. The syllabus pertains to business studies, economy and entrepreneurship. So, it will not require must time to cover the syllabus. Candidate can dedicate one month to this section towards the end, while preparing for other sections. You can refer to books - Innovation and Entrepreneurshiip by Peter F. Drucker and Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management by R. Gopal, Entrepreneurship by Robert D. Hisrich and Manorama Year Book by Mammen Mathew.
As of the latest available data, the CMAT cutoff for Akemi Business School (ABS), Pune is approximately 70.35 percentile.
Key Admission Details:
Eligibility Criteria: -Completion of a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university - A valid score in CMAT, CAT, or MAH MBA CET Participation in the Centralized Admission Process (CAP) conducted by the Government of Maharashtra
Application Process: -Fill out the application form available on the official ABS website Submit all required documents, including entrance exam scorecards and academic transcripts Attend the counseling sessions as per the CAP guidelines
CMAT is one of the accepted exams for admission in an MBA at IFIM School of Management, Bangalore. The school releases a cutoff list to declare the minimum exam score required for selection purposes. In 2024, the CMAT percentile was 85. Aspirants who meet the minimum cutoff percentile become eligible for admission. The mentioned cutoff is as per unofficial sources and hence, is indicative.
SIMSREE (Sydenham Institute of Management Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship Education) stands out as a top choice for MBA students in Mumbai who want to study at an affordable college that accepts CMAT scores. At JBIMS (Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies) students can enter through CMAT while enjoying both excellent academic reputation and strong placement outcomes. Among schools that admit CMAT applicants Welingkar together with K J Somaiya and N.L. Dalmia charge more tuition compared to SIMSREE.
The CMAT cutoff for the MBA program at Atharva Institute of Management Studies (AIMS), Mumbai, is approximately 80 percentile.However, it's important to note that AIMS primarily admits students to its Master of Management Studies (MMS) program through the MAH MBA CET exam. The cutoff for MAH CET 2024 was around 91.39th percentile. While CMAT scores are accepted, the majority of seats are filled via the Maharashtra CET Centralized Admission Process (CAP).
If you're considering applying with a CMAT score, ensure your percentile aligns with the institute's requirements. Additionally, it's advisable to check the official AIMS Mumbai website or contact their admissions office for the most accurate and updated information.
Candidates seeking admission to KIIT School of Management for PGDM course must check out the year-wise cutoff for the institute. As per the KIIT School of Management cutoff 2024, the PGDM percentile for CMAT, MAT, and XAT stood at 80, 80, and 70 for the General AI category candidates. Similarly, for the previous years, the cutoff remained the same.
With a 61.99 percentile in CMAT, you're eligible to apply to Chandigarh University (CU), one of India's fastest-growing and top-ranked institutions for MBA aspirants. CU does not require CMAT for admission? candidates need to appear for the Chandigarh University Common Entrance Test (CUCET) to qualify for MBA programs.
CU'S University School of Business offers specialisations like Marketing, Finance, International Business, HR, Business Analytics, and Digital Marketing, designed with industry-aligned curricula and real-world projects. The university has been ranked #20 among the top private universities in India in the NIRF 2024 and is also highly rated by the QS Asia University Rankings 2025 and QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
What makes CU stand out is its record-breaking placements, global internships, and experiential learning opportunities through fintech labs, business simulations, and live projects- making it an ideal choice even with a modest CMAT score.
The overall CMAT percentile cut-off for PGDM admission at the National Insurance Academy has remained constant at 75 for the General-All India CMAT category for 2022, 2023, and 2024. The cut-off is the university's consistent eligibility criterion for its PGDM programme to ensure that the applicants have a similar level of aptitude in the CMAT to secure admission.
OBC candidates seeking admission to MBA (Full-Time) at IMS DAVV need to show their CMAT scores with yearly varying cutoff admission requirements. The OBC category cutoff percentile at IMS DAVV has normally spanned from 85 to 90 percentile in past admission cycles according to competition levels and available seats. The admission probability is high for candidates with scores above 91.53 percentile. The selection process additionally depends on factors related to counseling rounds together with seat matrix and reservation policies. Available information about the latest cutoffs should be reviewed for verification purposes.
Yes, the CMAT exam is necessary if candidates want to secure admission into the MBA programme at PCTE Group of Institutes. Canididates need to have a minimum aggregate of 50% in the graduation to be eligible for admission into the programme and the selection takes place through the merit secured in the CMAT entrance exam. The institute does not take any other entrance exam or select through any other score for its MBA programme.
Yes, candidates with more than 90% and above in CMAT are eligible to get JIM Lucknow MBA scholarships. Candidates who have qualified for this eligibility criteria will be awarded the scholarship that is worth INR 2 lakh. To get the scholarships, candidates are required to apply through the scholarship portal available on the official website of the institution. Moreover, at the time of filling out the scholarship form, candidates are required to prove the eligibility criteria through supported certificates and documents.
As per the Bright Minds Scholarship offered by RCAS powered by Sunstone, candidates with a 90-95 percentile in CMAT are offered a scholarship of 1.5 lakhs. Candidates applying for admission through CMAT can refer to the table below to get an idea of the different scholarship amounts given to students who secure a high percentile in the exam:
For CMAT Aspirants | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
CMAT | 95-100 | 90-95 | 85-90 | 80-85 |
Scholarship Amount | 2,00,000 | 1,50,000 | 1,00,000 | 75,000 |
Ideally, you should preserve your CMAT admit card even after the exam is over, because you may be asked to present it at the time of admission or selection process by the institute. The CMAT admit card is one of the important documents of identification, that the candidate had registered for the exam and appeared for it. The signed and stamped CMAT admit card is a proof that the candidate appeared in the exam on the said date and the said year and that the scorecard in his possession is genuine. Thus, it is advised that candidates preserve their CMAT admit card until the end of admission process.
With 73% in CMAT and SC category privileges, you have a good chance of getting admitted to the Institute of Management Studies (IMS), Indore for an MBA. IMS Indore considers CMAT scores for admission, and the cutoffs change each year. In general, SC candidates have a lower cutoff than the general category. You could look into the most recent cutoff trends for more clarity. Aside from CMAT scores, IMS Indore assesses candidates based on academic performance and a personal interview. The total fees are reasonable when compared to private institutes. Make sure you apply before the deadlines and prepare thoroughly for subsequent selection processes. Admission notifications will be posted on the official website of IMS Indore.
There is no option of CMAT result evaluation. Scores mentioned on the CMAT scorecard are considered final. Candidates do have a chance to challenge the official CMAT answer keys on the basis of which results are prepared. CMAT provisional answer key is released a couple of days after the exam, and candidates can check offiicial answers. If they think any of the official answer is incorrect they can challenge it. The examination authority will review the answer key are revised the offiical answe key if required. The final scorecard will be prepared only after all objections have been reviewed.
With 81 percentile in CMAT, you stand a good chance of getting admission in a number of reputed MBA colleges in Mumbai. Some of your choices are listed below:
1. IES Management College and Research Centre (IESMCRC): Famed for its value-based and excellence-oriented education, IESMCRC is an excellent option that could prove to be ideal for you.
2. Atharva Institute of Management Studies: This is a well-respected institute with a well-rounded MBA programme and good industry linkage. It offers a good learning and professional development environment.
3. S.P. Mandali's Prin L.N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research (WeSchool): WeSchool is famous for its creative pedagogy and emphasis on experiential learning. It has many specializations and a good placement record.
4. Xavier Institute of Management & Research (XIMR): XIMR provides a broad-based MBA curriculum with emphasis on leadership and management skills development. The institute prides itself in its high-quality academic standards as well as large alumni base.
These colleges also have their own criteria for selection, which can involve group discussions, personal interviews, and other tests. It is important to prepare well for these phases to increase your chances of getting admitted. Also, try to visit the campuses, if feasible, to experience the atmosphere and culture.
CMAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered a week ago
Digital copy of CMAT admit card will not be accepted at the test centre for identification. Candidates will have to present a print out of their CMAT admit card with a passport size photo affixed on it. The hard copy of CMAT admit card will have to be signed and stamped by the invigilator on the exa
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Beginner-Level 5
Answered a week ago
If you misplace another copy of your CMAT admit card, you can download another copy by logging into your NTA-CMAT account. There is no cap on number of download or fee for downloading the CMAT admit card more than once.
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Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
CMAT scores are used as an admission requirement in the MBA degree at Srusti Academy of Management. Apart from CMAT, MAT, CAT, XAT and ATMA are also suitable exams. The OJEE counselling process is used to grant admission. Applicants have to fulfill minimum academic qualifications as well.
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Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, CMAT results are accepted by Srusti Academy of Management for entrance into its MBA programme. CMAT is important and so are the scores from MAT, CAT, XAT, ATMA and OJEE. Candidates have to qualify academically to be shortlisted for final selection. When counselling is finished and fees are paid
a
Contributor-Level 9
Answered 2 weeks ago
One should dedicate about 4-5 hour in a day for CMAT preparation. This is because the CMAT syllabus has five parts and all of them need to be prepared exhaustively. If you have started CMAT preparation six months before 4-5 hours daily will be good. But if you start preparation 3 months before CMAT
P
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 weeks ago
If you have appeared for CMAT before then you can prepare for another attempt only with mock tests as you would be already thorough with the syllabus and topics. You would also know your strengths and weakness. So, with CMAT mock tests, you will be able to revise and prepare accordingly. However, if
S
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 weeks ago
Yes, you can prepare for CMAT from CAT books as Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, English and Data Interpretation topics of CMAT are same as CAT. The CMAT difficulty level is lower than CAT. However, since CAT does not have GK and Innovation & Entrepreneurship sections, you will need CMAT sp
N
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, CMAT is not compulsory to get admissions into the PGDM course at Taxila Business School. As the institute accepts scores from other entrance examinations too for admissions to PGDM courses. Therefore, CMAT can be considered as one of the accepted entrance exams for admissions to the PGDM course.
I
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
With a score of 35% in CMAT it may be tough to be getting a good college in CAP round however, in my opinion, you can get good institutes who have lower cutoffs and good faculty and placement opportunities, like Welingkar, MET Mumbai, IPE Hyderabad. Target institutes which might interest you and com
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
No, CMAT is not compulsory for admissions to the MBA course at Priyadarshini Lokmanya Tilak Institute of Management Studies and Research. Because CMAT is one of the accepted entrance exams for admission to MBA courses. As the institute accepts valid scores from several entrance exams, such as, MBA/
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Contributor-Level 10
1423 Institutes accepting CMAT
Hosur Road, Bangalore • Private
Can I show digital copy of the CMAT admit card at test centre?