CMAT 2026 Score vs Percentile is one of the most searched topics by MBA aspirants immediately after the exam. Since CMAT is accepted by 1000+ AICTE-approved institutes, understanding how raw marks convert into percentile is crucial for predicting admissions into top MBA colleges.
This blog explains CMAT 2026 score vs percentile, how scores are calculated, expected percentile ranges, cutoff benchmarks for MBA colleges, and where private institutes like RCM – Regional College of Management stand.
CMAT 2026 Score vs Percentile (Expected)
High scores (345–365+) aim for 99–100 percentile for top colleges like JBIMS/SIMSREE, while 280–340 scores target 90–99 percentile for good B-schools, and 200–280 scores typically fall in the 80–90 percentile range for decent options. Exact percentiles vary with competition and difficulty, requiring 360+ for top ranks and 200+ for 80+ percentile.
What Is CMAT Score vs Percentile 2026?
- CMAT Score: Total raw marks obtained out of 400
- CMAT Percentile: Relative ranking showing how many candidates you outperformed
For example, a 90 percentile means you scored better than 90% of test-takers, not that you scored 90% marks.
Understanding CMAT 2026 score vs percentile helps aspirants shortlist MBA colleges realistically.
CMAT 2026: Total Marks & Marking Scheme
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 400
- Correct Answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect Answer: –1 mark
- Unattempted: 0 marks
Sections include:
- Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Logical Reasoning
- Language Comprehension
- General Awareness
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
CMAT 2026 Score vs Percentile (Expected Mapping)
| CMAT Score | Expected Percentile |
|---|---|
| 350–360+ | 100 Percentile |
| 300–350+ | 99+ Percentile |
| 285–340 | 90–99.99 Percentile |
| 201–280 | 81–89 Percentile |
| 171–200 | 71–80 Percentile |
This table gives a realistic idea of CMAT 2026 expected percentile, though actual values depend on difficulty level and number of candidates.
How Is CMAT Percentile Calculated? (NTA Formula)
The National Testing Agency (NTA) calculates percentile using the formula:
Percentile (P) = 100 × (Number of candidates scoring less than or equal to you ÷ Total candidates)
Example:
If 10,000 candidates appear and you rank 1st:
100 × 9999 / 10,000 = 99.99 percentile
What Is a Good Score in CMAT 2026?
- 295–305+ score → Very good performance
- Likely percentile: 99.5+
- Strong chance for top MBA colleges & private institutes
This range is ideal for aspirants targeting high ROI programs.
CMAT 2026 Cutoff for MBA Colleges (Expected)
Top Government & Elite Colleges
- JBIMS Mumbai: 99.98+ percentile
- SIMSREE: 99+ percentile
- PUMBA Pune: 96+ percentile
Top Private MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT
- KJ Somaiya: 95–98 percentile
- Welingkar (Mumbai/Bangalore): 95+ percentile
- BIMTECH Greater Noida: 95+ percentile
- Regional College of Management (Bhubaneswar): 75–85 percentile
CMAT 2026 Score vs Percentile: Section-wise Performance (2024 Analysis)
| Section | Good Attempts | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Quant & DI | 16–17 | Easy |
| Logical Reasoning | 16–17 | Easy |
| Language | 16–17 | Easy |
| General Awareness | 11–12 | Medium |
| Innovation & Entrepreneurship | 11–12 | Medium |
| Overall | 70–75 | Moderate |
This trend helps aspirants plan realistic score targets for CMAT 2026 cutoff for MBA colleges.
Top Colleges Accepting CMAT Scores
- JBIMS Mumbai
- SIMSREE
- KJ Somaiya
- Welingkar
- BIMTECH
- XISS Ranchi
- Regional College of Management (RCM), Bhubaneswar
- IMT Nagpur
- Jaipuria Institute of Management
Why CMAT Score vs Percentile Matters for MBA Admissions
- Colleges shortlist by percentile, not raw marks
- Percentile fluctuates every year based on competition
- Knowing benchmarks helps in smart application planning
Understanding CMAT 2026 score vs percentile allows aspirants to choose colleges aligned with their performance.
FAQ
Q1. What is the difference between CMAT score and percentile?
CMAT score is raw marks; percentile shows relative ranking among candidates.
Q2. What score is needed for 99 percentile in CMAT 2026?
Around 300–350+, depending on exam difficulty.
Q3. Is CMAT accepted by private MBA colleges?
Yes, top private institutes like RCM, Welingkar, BIMTECH, KJ Somaiya accept CMAT scores.
Q4. Is there sectional timing in CMAT?
No, CMAT has no sectional time limits.
Final Takeaway
CMAT 2026 remains one of the most important MBA entrance exams in India. Whether you aim for 99+ percentile colleges like JBIMS or solid private institutes like Regional College of Management (RCM), understanding CMAT score vs percentile 2026 helps you set realistic targets and make confident admission decisions.
CMAT Expected Cut-offs 2026 – What Score Do You Need for Your Dream MBA College?
