CMAT 2026 Management School Admission Test

The CMAT 2026: NTA will conduct CMAT 2026J most likely in January 2026. The program will be announced on the official website. See here about CMAT 2026 including date, application, syllabus, pattern, question paper, preparation, cut off, top college, etc.

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) 2026 is scheduled to be held in January 2026, with various sources indicating specific tentative dates such as January 24 or January 25, 2026. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is a national-level computer-based test for admission to MBA/PGDM courses at AICTE-approved colleges.

CMAT 2026 Management School Admission Test: The management entrance test happens every year for admission to Management schools in India. The CMAT 2026 application process starts in November every year. This year, the application form will open in September 2025.

Eligibility

What is eligibility to appear for the CMAT 2026. There is no special education required here only the candidate must meet the following eligibility criteria

• You are Indian citizens.
• Candidate with a bachelor’s degree of minimum three years or four years duration or equivalent in any stream from a recognised university or AICTE-approved institute.
• Appearing candidates in the final year of their bachelor’s degree can also apply, provided their result will be declared before the academic year begins.
• There is no minimum score required to apply for CMAT, but most participating colleges require a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in graduation (45% for reserved categories).
• You should be at least 18 years and no upper age restriction.
• Reservation policies for admission are as per Government of India norms including SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC Non-Creamy Layer (27%), General (50.5%), and PwD (5% in each category).
• PwD candidates with 40% or more disability can avail certain facilities like scribe/reader during the exam with proper certificates.

CMAT 2026

• Exam Date: It may take place most likely in January 24 or 25, 2026
• Exam Duration: You will be provided 180 minutes (3 hours)
• Number of Questions: 100 (20 questions in each of five sections)
• Total Marks: 400
• Sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
• Marking Scheme: +4 marks for correct answers, -1 mark for incorrect answers
• Language: English
• Exam Mode: Computer-based test (online)

Application fee

• Application fees: Around INR 2,500 for general male candidates, INR 1,250 for females and reserved categories

Test Centre and Age acceptability

• Number of test cities: Over 120 across India
• Eligibility: Indian citizens, minimum age 20 years, graduation required (detailed criteria on official site)
• More than 1300 MBA colleges accept CMAT scores, including top colleges like JBIMS, KJ Somaiya, Welingkar, Great Lakes, BIMTECH, and others.

CMAT 2026 Management School Admission Test: Weightage

Candidates can check the exam patter below and prepare accordingly. You must also know that the CMAT 2026 is not tougher than CAT 2025. So you can increase your chances of getting the good college. The CMAT exam pattern maintains equal weightage distribution across its five sections:

• Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: 20 questions, 80 marks
• Logical Reasoning: 20 questions, 80 marks
• Language Comprehension: 20 questions, 80 marks
• General Awareness: 20 questions, 80 marks
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: 20 questions, 80 marks

The official notification and registration window typically opens around November 2025, with registration closing likely by early January 2026.

This exam is a crucial gateway for admission to numerous reputed management institutes across India.

You can check the top colleges who accept the CMAT 2026 score and these colleges have reputation of good placement in the market. So your concern of getting good college will end here.

You can click this link to know more about these collges

Preparation Strategy

How to crack the exam or get excellent marks. There is no set formula, but the following tips can help you. The first step is to know the syllabus thoroughly.

Quantitative Techniques & DI: Master fundamentals, practice 15-20 questions daily, focus on shortcuts and speed.

• Logical Reasoning: Start with puzzles and basic problems, practice time management and elimination techniques.
• Language Comprehension: Daily reading for vocabulary and comprehension, practice reading comprehension strategies.
• General Awareness: Daily 30 mins reading of current affairs of last 6 months plus static GK topics.
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Familiarize with business concepts, government schemes, and startup ecosystem.

1. Practice and Mock Tests
   • Take 2-3 mock tests per week after initial preparation.
   • Analyze your performance, identify weak areas, and improve.
   • Regular tests help develop time management and accuracy.
2. Recommended Study Resources
   • Books: R.S. Aggarwal for Quant and Logical Reasoning, Norman Lewis for vocabulary, Arihant’s CMAT guide.
   • Use online resources and apps for current affairs and mock tests.
   • Join online study groups or coaching if needed.
3. Daily Study Routine
   • Dedicate consistent hours each day, minimum 2 hours.
   • Mix conceptual study with practice.
   • Focus on weaker sections progressively.