
KMAT exam pattern 2026 mentions subjects, type of questions, marking scheme, weightage and other important details about the question paper. Karnataka Private Post Graduate Colleges Association (KPPGCA) will conduct the KMAT exam 2026 in a single session, in a home-based remote online proctored test mode. Students will not be required to visit the exam centre to take the exam, they can take the exam from their homes. The KMAT 2026 question paper will have 3 sections. Candidates taking the exam can check the exam pattern of KMAT 2026.
- KMAT Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights
- KMAT Exam Pattern 2026 Section-wise Weightage
- KMAT 2026 Marking Scheme
- KMAT Exam Difficulty Level
- KMAT Syllabus 2026: Important Topics
- Some Important Points for KMAT 2025 Exam Day
- FAQs Regarding KMAT Exam Pattern
KMAT Exam Pattern 2026 Highlights
Look at table below to get an overview of KMAT exam pattern.
| Exam structure |
Details |
|---|---|
| Test mode |
IBT test mode or home-based remote proctored mode |
| Number of sections |
3 sections |
| Subjects |
|
| Duration |
2 hours |
| Number of questions |
120 MCQs |
| Total marks |
120 marks |
| Language of paper |
English |
| Number of answer choices |
4 |
Commonly asked questions
The KMAT exam is held for two hours or 120 minutes. There is only one slot for the KMAT exam. KMAT exam does not have a sectional time limit. This means, that the candidates can solve the question paper with ease without worrying about the sectional timer. However, they must complete the question paper within the overall time limit. Candidates must take care of saving their answers at every step as the moment 120 minutes will get over, the test will automatically stop. There is no provision of changing the exam slot. And there is no provision to apply for the same. Candidates will have to appear for the exam at the time as mentioned on their KMAT Karnataka admit card. Candidates must make sure that they setlled on their seats and have logged in at least 15 minutes prior to the exam time. In case, candidates find any technical difficulty in logging in, they will have the time window to get it resolved.
KMAT Karnataka exam will be held in the home-based remote proctored mode. Candidates can now take the exam from the safe environment of their homes. They do not have to choose the exam city and visit any KMAT exam centre in order to take the exams. They can fill the KMAT application form online and take the remote proctored online exam through the link given to the candidates on the exam day or as mentioned in their KMAT admit card.
The KMAT exam was earlier conducted in paper-based test mode. But due to the COVID-19 outbreak, in 2021 and 2022, the exam was conducted in internet-based test mode.
KMAT Exam Pattern 2026 Section-wise Weightage
Check out the table below to understand the sectional weightage in the KMAT Karnataka 2026 exam.
| Sections |
Questions |
Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
40 |
40 |
| Quantitative Ability |
40 |
40 |
| Logical Reasoning |
40 |
40 |
| Total |
120 |
120 |
Commonly asked questions
KMAT syllabus includes all the important topics of subjects that are relevant for business and general aptitude. For KMAT exam, candidates have to study, Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning. Given below are the key topics included in the KMAT syllabus: -
The Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension section of KMAT exam syllabus includes various topics of Grammar, Word Meaning, Vocabulary, Parajumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Completion, Synonyms and Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, etc.
The Quantitative Aptitude section of KMAT syllabus includes all the topics of Mathematics from Class 9 to 10 such as Arithmetic, Geometry, Algebra Trigonometry Modern Math, Number System and Mensuration.
The Logical Reasoning syllabus of KMAT exam includes topics that require analytical interpretation of data presented in the form of Puzzles, Pie Charts, Venn Diagram, Tables and Bar Graphs.
No, the KMAT exam will be conducted only in single shift. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the KPPGCA, exam conducting authority, has resolved to the remote-proctored mode. Even then, the exam will only be conducted in one shift on a single day. KMAT exam pattern has not changed much since past few years. KMAT exam was conducted in the internet-based test mode in the morning shift on September 7, 2025. The shift timings for both the courses, MBA and MCA will be the same.
KMAT 2026 Marking Scheme
Marking scheme for KMAT 2026 is as follows:
| Answer type | Marks per question |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +1 mark |
| Incorrect Answer | No negative marking |
| Unanswered | No marks given or deducted |
Commonly asked questions
The KMAT exam is held for two hours or 120 minutes. There is only one slot for the KMAT exam. KMAT exam does not have any sectional time limit. This means, that the candidates can take the KMAT exam according to their preference and can switch between sections and questions as per their need. There is no provision of changing the exam slot. And there is no provision to apply for the same. Candidates have to take the KMAT exam from the safe environment of their homes as the exam will be conducted in the internet-based test mode and the candidates have to choose their slot for the exam day.
Ideally, candidates should dedicate at least six months to prepare for the KMAT exam. This time would help them grasp the concepts which are tested in the KMAT exam, build a solid foundation and still have enough time for revision.
Generally, candidates spend two to six months preparing for the KMAT exam. The syllabus of the KMAT exam is not very difficult. But, one also has to spend ample of time in practice sessions and mock tests to be able to master all types of KMAT questions - easy, moderate and tough.
Students can dedicate at least three to four hours everyday during the course of their KMAT preparation.
Ultimately, the key to successful KMAT preparation is consistency, a well-structured study plan, and regular practice.
KMAT Exam Difficulty Level
KMAT exam is usually of easy to moderate in terms of the difficulty level. Given below is an analysis of the difficulty level and the number of good attempts based on the previous years’ KMAT exam analysis:
| Section | KMAT 2026 Difficulty Level (Expected) | Good Attempts (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Ability | Moderate | 29-34 |
| Verbal Ability | Easy-Moderate | 30-35 |
| Logical Reasoning | Moderate | 28-32 |
Commonly asked questions
Ideally, candidates should dedicate at least six months to prepare for the KMAT exam. This time would help them grasp the concepts which are tested in the KMAT exam, build a solid foundation and still have enough time for revision.
Generally, candidates spend two to six months preparing for the KMAT exam. The syllabus of the KMAT exam is not very difficult. But, one also has to spend ample of time in practice sessions and mock tests to be able to master all types of KMAT questions - easy, moderate and tough.
Students can dedicate at least three to four hours everyday during the course of their KMAT preparation.
Ultimately, the key to successful KMAT preparation is consistency, a well-structured study plan, and regular practice.
The Karnataka Management Aptitude Test (KMAT) question paper will have a total of three sections. These sections are Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning. Each section in the KMAT question paper carries 40 multiple-choice questions. The candidates will be given a total of 120 minutes to complete the exam.
KMAT Syllabus 2026: Important Topics
Check the table below to know the important KMAT syllabus topics:
| Section | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Completion, Phrases and Idioms, Para Jumbles, etc. |
| Quantitative Ability | Number Systems, Graphs, Arithmetic Equations, Ratio and Proportion, etc. |
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning, Analogy, Coding and series, Syllogisms, Assumptions, Venn Diagram, Venn Diagrams, etc |
Commonly asked questions
General requirements for MBA admission in Karnataka that accept KMAT scores are:
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor degree or an equivalent in any discipline from a recongised university with a minimum CGPA of 50% or equivalent aggregate
- Karnataka MBA schools take into account KMAT result; such students must match KMAT cutoff of the participating college
Quantitative Aptitude section of the KMAT exam is one of the toughest sections of the three. The QA section tests the candidate's mathematical ablilties. One must be clear on the high school mathematic fundamentals and concepts in order to score well in this section. There will be a total of 40 questions in this section.
The important topics of this section include Numerical Calculations, Algebra, Modern Math, Geometry, Number System, Average, Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time, Speed and Distance, Mensuration, Quadratic Equation, Probability, Statistics, Pie Chart, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Common Graphs and Charts, Time and Work, etc. Candidates can use a rough paper for calculations after showing the same to the proctor. Candidates will be required to choose the correct option against the question.
Consistency, speed and accuracy are the key players if one wishes to ace the Quantitative Aptitude section of the KMAT question paper. Students can refer to books such as Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Exams by Abhijit Guha and Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation for CAT by Nishit K Sinha.
Some Important Points for KMAT 2025 Exam Day
-
Candidates are not allowed to use any electronic devices such as watches, or cell phones during the KMAT exam.
-
Candidates can use a rough paper during the exam only.
-
The candidate is not allowed to start solving the question paper before the time.
-
It is advisable to be prepared for the KMAT exam at least an hour before the exam starts.
-
Candidates are not allowed to keep anything except their KMAT admit card and photo ID during the exam.
Read More:
Commonly asked questions
No, to appear for the KMAT exam, candidates must have a laptop or a desktop. They must also use a stable internet connection on the device they are using. The exam will be conducted in the online remote proctored mode. It is hence preferred to have the following requirements:
- Laptop or desktop with a webcam
- Stable internet connection
- Compatible browser (Chrome or Firefox)
- Windows
The KMAT exam will be conducted in the internet-based remote home proctored mode. Therefore, there is no need to visit any exam centre to take the exam. The authorities will email the examination link to the candidates who have registered for the exam and paid the application fee. Candidates must however not use any electronic gadgets other than the system they are using to take the exam. Candidates must also keep a printout of the KMAT admit card. Candidates must also not use any unfair means during the exam to avoid cancellation of the exam.
FAQs Regarding KMAT Exam Pattern
Check below the Frequently Asked Question on KMAT exam pattern:
Commonly asked questions
- Syllogisms
- Critical Reasoning
- Cause and Effect
- Statement and Conclusion
- Strong and Weak Arguments
- Coding and Decoding
- Statement and Inference
- Data Sufficiency and Interpretation
- Arrangements
- Blood Relations
- Series and Sequences
Explore subject-wise topics asked in KMAT
Select your preferred subject
KMAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered 5 days ago
No, KMAT scores are not compulsory for admissions into the MBA course at KSM, Karunya University. There are other scores too, on which school looks upon for selecting the students. Those entrance exams are XAT/CAT/MAT. Thus, students with good scores in any of the following can enroll in the MBA cou
I
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
KMAT application fee is INR 850, including GST. Students applying for the KMAT exam have to pay the application fee online using online transcation methods. The fee is same for all categories.
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 2 weeks ago
Karunya School of Management accepts KMAT scores for admission to MBA programme. Karunya University conducts KMAT in five phases. The sections in KMAT paper includes:
- Verbal Ability & Reading Comprehension
- Data Interpretation & Logical Reasoning
- Quantitative Ability
- Indian & Global Business Environment
N
Guide-Level 15
Answered 4 weeks ago
General requirements for MBA admission in Karnataka that accept KMAT scores are:
- Candidates must hold a Bachelor degree or an equivalent in any discipline from a recongised university with a minimum CGPA of 50% or equivalent aggregate
- Karnataka MBA schools take into account KMAT result; such students
R
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
Yes, the colleges accepting KMAT scores are AICTE approved. Colleges offer MBA/PGDM and MCA courses through KMAT scores. Students can pursue MBA and MCA courses from recognised institutes and get quality education.
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered 4 weeks ago
There is no centralized KMAT counselling process. Students who match the cutoff after the KMAT result announcement will be called by the participating institutes to take part in the counselling rounds. Students can choose their KMAT institute while filling the KMAT application form.
R
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
Top specializations offered by top MBA colleges in Karnataka through KMAT scores include:
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Sales and Marketing
- Business Analytics
- Operations
N
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
KMAT scores are accepted by the top BSchools in Karnataka. These colleges offer MBA and MCA courses for admissions. The admission criteria is the KMAT Karnataka scores.
M
Beginner-Level 5
Answered a month ago
On the KMAT exam day, candidates have to follow some guidelines which include settling on time, cooperating with the exam conducting staff, following instructions of test invigilator, etc.
KMAT exam day dos:
- Login at least 10 minutes prior to time mentioned on KMAT admit card.
- Keep a photocopy of the K
A
Contributor-Level 6
Answered a month ago
KMAT is an important MBA entrance exam. The first tip to ace the KMAT exam is to stay calm. Here are a few last minute preparation tips for KMAT exam:
- Use the restroom before to the start of the test. Because students will not have time and may not be able to get a break during the exam
- Check all syst
S
Beginner-Level 5
Is KMAT compulsory for admissions into MBA course at Karunya School of Management?