CMAT 2026 Counseling Overview
The CMAT 2026 result is out on February 17 for MBA course admission 2026. NTA conducted this exam. You must know that there is no centralized counseling process. Instead, candidates must apply individually to AICTE-approved participating B-schools (over 1,300 in India) that accept CMAT scores for MBA/PGDM admissions.
The selection process typically includes shortlisting based on CMAT scores, followed by Group Discussion (GD), Personal Interview (PI), and sometimes Written Ability Test (WAT). Each institute sets its own cut-offs and timelines, so monitor their websites for updates.
We have given the registration dates of various institutes here in the bottom of this article

The CMAT 2026 exam was held on January 25, 2026, and results were declared on February 17, 2026. As of now (late February 2026), many institutes have begun or are about to start their admission processes, including application shortlisting and GD/PI rounds.
Key Dates for CMAT 2026 Counseling/Selection
Dates vary by institute, but here’s a general timeline based on the result declaration. Always check specific college websites for exact schedules.
CMAT 2026 Counseling Process
| Event | Tentative Date |
| CMAT Result Declaration | February 17, 2026 |
| Institute Application/Shortlisting Starts | February-March 2026 (ongoing for many) |
| GD/PI/WAT Rounds | March-May 2026 |
| Final Merit List/Seat Allotment | April-June 2026 |
| Admission Confirmation | May-July 2026 |
Since there’s no common counselling, follow these steps for each target institute:
- Check Cut-offs and Apply: After results, visit the websites of preferred B-schools to view their CMAT cut-offs (typically 70-95 percentile for top ones). Submit applications separately, including your CMAT scorecard.
- Shortlisting: Institutes shortlist candidates based on CMAT scores, academic background, work experience, and other criteria.
- Group Discussion (GD): Discuss a topic in a group to assess communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
- Written Ability Test (WAT) or Personal Interview (PI): WAT involves essay writing on current affairs or business topics. PI evaluates personality, motivation, and fit for the program.
- Final Selection: Based on a composite score (CMAT weightage often 50-70%, GD/PI/WAT 30-50%). Merit lists are released, and seats are allotted.
- Document Verification and Fee Payment: Confirm admission by submitting documents and paying fees.
CMAT 2026 Best MBA Colleges
Top MBA Colleges 2026 Schedule
| Instiute | Application Status |
| IIFM Bhopal | Closing 28 Feb |
| NIBM | Closing 20 March |
| IMI Kolkata and Bhubneshwar | 28-Feb |
| Bimtech Noida | 28-Feb |
| JBIMS | Open |
| Assam University | Second Phase Opens in April 2026 |
| KJ Somaiya | Open |
| XISS Ranchi | Open |
| Welingkar Institute Mum,Bengaluru | Open |
| Christ University | Open |
For state-level processes (e.g., MP CMAT counseling), some regions like Madhya Pradesh may have semi-centralized rounds, but this is not nationwide.
Documents Required
Bring originals and photocopies to GD/PI or verification:
- CMAT 2026 Admit Card and Scorecard
- Class 10th and 12th Mark Sheets/Certificates
- Graduation Mark Sheets/Degree Certificate (or provisional if final year)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD, if applicable)
- Work Experience Certificates (if any)
- Photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
- Recent Passport-sized Photos
Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores
Examples include JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, KJ Somaiya Mumbai, GIM Goa, Great Lakes Chennai, and BIMTECH Greater Noida. Cut-offs vary; aim for 90+ percentile for top-tier ones.
FAQs
There is no counselling process here you will approach the individual college for admission
The institutes like IIFM,NIBM,BIMTEC and IMI registration window is closing February 2026
The IRMA stop accepting the CMAT score
There are various options available you can check NIRF, QS Ranking, and Times Ranking





