Common Management Admission Test 2026 or CMAT 2026 is one of the most important national-level entrance exams in India. Students aspiring to pursue their MBA and other management programs appear in this highly competitive entrance exam.
CMAT 2026- Who Conducts this Exam?
CMAT 2026 is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This exam is a gateway to hundreds of AICTE-Approved Institutions across the country. With the increase in competition every year, it is important for the candidates to be thoroughly prepared for this exam to achieve a good score.
They must know the exam’s syllabus, exam dates, pattern, preparation strategy and the admit card process.
Eligibility Criteria for CMAT 2026
- Candidates must be citizens of India.
- A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University. Final year students whose results will be declared before the admission process are also eligible.
- No specific minimum marks required, just passing graduation is sufficient.
- There is no age limit for CMAT 2026.
CMAT 2026 Exam Dates
| CMAT 2026 Events | Dates |
| Registration Starts | Starts 2nd Week of November 2025 |
| Registration Ends | Last Week of December 2025 |
| Admit Card 2026 Release | 3rd Week of January 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Exam | 4th Week of January 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Answer Key Challenge | 4th Week of January 2026 |
| CMAT 2026 Result | 2nd Week of February 2026 |
CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern& Syllabus
Understanding the exam pattern is important for effective preparation. CMAT is conducted online. It is a computer based test. The exam evaluates the candidates across the four major sections.
CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Duration | 3 Hours |
| Total Questions | 100 (25 Per Section) |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answer -1 for incorrect answer |
| Maximum Marks | 400 |
Sections in CMAT 2026
- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
CMAT 2026 Syllabus
NTA does not officially define the syllabus. However based on the common topics asked in the previous exams, here is the subject-wise breakdown.
- Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry & Mensuration
- Probability, Permutations and Combinations
- Data Interpretations.
- Logical Reasoning
- Coding- Decoding
- Series
- Blood Relations
- Directions & Ranking
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangement
- Critical & Analytical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Para Jumbles and Sentence Completion
- General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Business & Economy Updates
- Government Schemes and Policies
- History, Geography, Science and Polity basics
- Awards, Sports and Important Personalities.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Concepts of Entrepreneurship
- Startups and business needs
- Government policies related to entrepreneurship
- Basics of innovation and venture capital.
Preparation Strategy for the CMAT 2026
- Know the Exam Structure
- Create a timetable
- Strengthen your basics
- Focus on Weak Areas
- Regular Mock Tests
- Practice Reading Daily
- Focus on Current Affairs
- Time Management and Accuracy.
Preparation Strategy for the CMAT 2026
- Know the Exam Structure
- Create a timetable
- Strengthen your basics
- Focus on Weak Areas
- Regular Mock Tests
- Practice Reading Daily
- Focus on Current Affairs
- Time Management and Accuracy.
CMAT 2026 Admit Card
CMAT 2026 Admit Card will be released at the CMAT-NTA website- https://exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT/. The candidates can download it and carry it to the examination center on their exam day. The candidates can download the admit card using their application number and password or date of birth.
Details Mentioned on the Admit Card-
- Candidate’s name, roll number, photograph and signature.
- Exam date, time and center details
- Important exam day instructions.
Note- The candidates must carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID proof to the exam center. Without it, the entry will not be permitted.
CMAT 2026 Registration and Application Process
The registration for CMAT 2026 will be available in online mode only. The form will be made by the NTA on the website. Here is the CMAT 2026 application process-
- Click on ‘registration link for CMAT 2026’
- Click New Registration Option
- Enter Personal details and Choose a password to create a login ID
- Login with the ID shared in the mail
- Upload a government ID
- Fill the form with details
- Add your academic and personal details
- Select 4 cities in order of your preference
- Upload a photo ID and signature
- Pay the fee online via debit/credit card of net banking
CMAT 2026 Cut-Offs for MBA Admission- Colleges Accepting CMAT Score
| Colleges Accepting CMAT 2026 Score | CMAT Cut-off Percentiles |
| JBIMS, Mumbai | 99.9 |
| GIM, Goa Institute of Management | 95-99 |
| K J Somaiya Institute of Management | 95-99 |
| SIMSREE | 99 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | 95-99 |
| University of Pune, Dept. of Management Sciences | 95-99 |
| Xavier Institute of Social Service, Ranchi | 95 |
| Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai | 85 |
| Wellingkar Institute of Management, Bangalore | 80 |
| Indian Institute of Information Technology & Management | 85 |
| IFIM, Bangalore | 85 |
| IFMR, Chennai | 85 |
| NIBM, Pune | 85 |
| NL Dalmiya Institute of Management | 85 |
How to download the CMAT Admit Card 2026?
- Visit the CMAT –NTA website
- Click on the CMAT Admit Card Tab
- Enter your application number and date of birth
- Enter the security pin and click on login
- Click on the CMAT admit card and download the PDF.
CMAT 2026 Answer Keys
The answer keys of the CMAT 2026 will be released 3 to 5 days after the exam. It will be released along with the candidate response sheet.
Check the steps below to download the CMAT 2026 answer key and response sheet.
- Visit the CMAT 2026 website
- Click on the CMAT 2026 answer key option
- Enter the application number and password
- Click on the answer key to download it.
Note: NTA will allow candidates to challenge the provisional CMAT 2026 answer key if they believe any response provided by the authority is not correct. To do so, the candidates must submit their objections online and pay a fee of INR 200 per question. Each objection will be carefully reviewed, and if found valid, the provisional answer key will be updated accordingly.
The CMAT 2026 exam is an excellent opportunity for management aspirants to secure admission in the prestigious AICTE-approved institutions.
By understanding the syllabus, pattern, exam dates and preparation strategy, the aspirants can effectively craft strategic study plans and boost their chances of scoring well.
Stay updated through the official NTA website, take regular practice, and stay focused, healthy and confident. With the right approach, the CMAT 2026 will open doors to a rewarding management career.
FAQs
- What is CMAT 2026?
CMAT 2026 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the NTA for admission to MBA and other management programs in the AICTE-approved institutions across India. - What is the exam pattern of CMAT 2026?
The exam is held online (computer–based) and consists of 100 questions divided into four sections- quantitative techniques & data interpretation, logical reasoning, language comprehension and general awareness. - How to register for CMAT 2026?
Visit the official NTA CMAT website, fill the online application form, upload the required documents, pay the application fee online and register. - What is the application fee for CMAT 2026?
The application fee for the CMAT 2026 is INR 2500 for General Category Male candidates and INR 1250 for the General Category female candidates, Gen-EWS, SC, ST, PwD, OBC-NCL and Transgender candidates. - How many times CMAT is conducted in one year?
CMAT exam is conducted only once a year. - Is there any sectional cut-off in the CMAT 2026?
No, there is no sectional cut-off in the CMAT 2026. - How many colleges accept CMAT 2026 scores?
All the AICTE-approved colleges across India accept CMAT scores. - What documents are required on the CMAT 2026 exam day?
Candidates must carry the CMAT 2026 admit card along with a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhar Card, Pan card, Voter ID, Driving License or Passport. Without these, entry will not be permitted. - Is there negative marking in the CMAT exam?
Yes, -1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer in the CMAT exam. - How to download the CMAT 2026 admit card?
The admit card will be available on the NTA website. Candidates can log in with their application number and password or date of birth to download their admit card.
