The CMAT 2026 registration began in October 2025, and the CMAT 2026 exam date is January 25, 2026. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam includes five sections—Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. A structured preparation plan with regular practice, revisions, and mock tests is key to scoring well.
CMAT 2026, the Common Management Admission Test for MBA/PGDM admissions, was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on January 25, 2026, in two shifts (9 AM–12 PM & 3 PM–6 PM).
CMAT 2026 Highlights
| Exam | Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) |
|---|---|
| Conducted by | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| CMAT 2026 Exam Date | January 25, 2026 |
| Exam Pattern | 5 sections, 20 questions each |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours |
| Language | English |
| Total Marks | 400 |
| Accepted by | All AICTE-approved Institutions |
The CMAT 2026 exam is one of the most popular national-level MBA entrance exams in India, accepted by AICTE-approved institutions, universities, and affiliated colleges.
Important CMAT 2026 Dates
The NTA has announced the official timeline for CMAT 2026, helping aspirants plan preparation strategically.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| CMAT Notification | Mid-October 2025 |
| Registration Start | October 17, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | November 24, 2025 |
| Application Correction | November 26, 2025 |
| Fee Payment Closing | November 25, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| CMAT 2026 Exam Date | January 25, 2026 (Online) |
| Result Declaration | Expected February 2026 |
These dates provide a clear framework to finalise your study plan and boost exam-day confidence.
CMAT 2026 Exam Syllabus
The CMAT syllabus 2026 evaluates management aptitude across five core sections:
1️⃣ Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation
- Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry
- Number Systems & Basic Statistics
- Data Interpretation (Charts, Tables)
2️⃣ Logical Reasoning
- Syllogisms, Puzzles
- Coding-Decoding
- Logical Sequences & Arrangements
3️⃣ General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Indian Economy
- History, Geography, Science, Sports & Culture
4️⃣ Language Comprehension
- Grammar & Vocabulary
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Correction, Synonyms & Antonyms
5️⃣ Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Innovation Concepts
- Strategic Thinking
- Entrepreneurial Abilities
CMAT Exam Pattern 2026
Understanding the CMAT exam pattern is essential for scoring well.
- Total Questions: 100 MCQs
- Sections: 5
- Questions per Section: 20
- Marks per Question: +4
- Negative Marking: -1 per wrong answer
- Total Score: 400
Each section carries a maximum of 80 marks, making balanced preparation across all sections crucial.
CMAT Eligibility Criteria
To appear for CMAT 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university
- Final-year graduation students are eligible
- No age limit
- Only passing marks in graduation required
CMAT Results & Expected Cut-Offs
The CMAT 2026 result is expected to be announced in February 2026, around three weeks after the exam. The scorecard will display:
- Overall score
- Percentile
- Section-wise performance
Expected CMAT Cut-Offs (Top Institutes)
| Institute | Expected CMAT Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| JBIMS, Mumbai | 99.9 |
| Goa Institute of Management | 95–99 |
| KJ Somaiya Institute of Management | 95–99 |
| SIMSREE, Mumbai | 99 |
| Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai | 95–99 |
| XISS, Ranchi | 95 |
| Welingkar Institute, Mumbai | 85 |
| Welingkar Institute, Bangalore | 80 |
Cut-offs vary based on exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability.
CMAT Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC-NCL (Male) | ₹2,500 |
| Female / Third Gender / Reserved Category | ₹1,250 |
Payments can be made via credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.
Last-Minute Tips to Prepare for CMAT 2026
- Understand the CMAT syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly
- Solve mock tests and previous-year question papers
- Focus on weak areas with a flexible study plan
- Stay updated with daily current affairs
- Maintain accuracy to avoid negative marking
- Use only reliable and official study materials
MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT Score
Several reputed management institutes across India accept CMAT scores for MBA/PGDM admissions.
Top CMAT Accepting MBA Colleges in India
- Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
- Regional College of Management (RCM), Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- BIMTECH, Greater Noida
- Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai
- Goa Institute of Management, Goa
- LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, Mumbai
- N L Dalmia Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai
- Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi
- KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies & Research, Mumbai
- KIIT School of Management
- Xavier Institute of Management & Entrepreneurship (XIME), Bangalore
Along with these national-level institutes, Regional College of Management (RCM), Bhubaneswar, also accepts CMAT scores and offers AICTE-approved MBA programs with strong industry exposure, skill-integrated PLUS programs, and consistent placement records—making it a preferred choice for CMAT aspirants in Eastern India.
Explore MBA Admission Opportunities at RCM – Request a Call
Conclusion
The CMAT 2026 exam is a gateway to top MBA and PGDM programs in India. With the CMAT 2026 exam date fixed on January 25, 2026, aspirants should now focus on revision, mock tests, and strategic preparation. Whether targeting institutes like JBIMS, Great Lakes, Welingkar, or career-focused B-schools like RCM, a good CMAT score can unlock excellent management career opportunities.
After CMAT, what comes next? Check expected cut-offs & college options
