Common Management Admission Test

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to MBA and PGDM programs in over 1,000 management institutes across India. CMAT 2026 is expected to be held in the last week of January 2026 in online computer-based mode. The exam duration is 3 hours, with 100 multiple-choice questions divided equally across five sections: Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship.

Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline or those appearing in the final year of graduation are eligible to apply. The application process is expected to start in November 2025, and the admit card will be released a few days before the exam. After the result declaration in February 2026, participating institutes will conduct GD and PI rounds for final selection. CMAT scores are widely accepted by top B-schools like JBIMS, GIM, KJ Somaiya, and Great Lakes for MBA/PGDM admissions.

CMAT 2026 Highlights

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to MBA and PGDM programs. The table below provides key details about CMAT 2026, including the exam date, mode, duration, syllabus, fees, and other important information.

CMAT 2026 Important Dates

NTA will conduct the CMAT 2026 exam in the last week of January 2026. Candidates must keep track of all important dates related to registration, fee payment, admit card, exam, and result. The table below provides a tentative schedule to help plan the application and preparation process effectively.

CMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria 

Before applying for CMAT 2026, candidates must check if they meet the eligibility requirements. These include educational qualifications, age limit, and nationality. The table below outlines the key eligibility criteria for appearing in the exam and applying to MBA or PGDM programs through CMAT scores.

CMAT 2026 Admission 

After the CMAT 2026 result is declared, the admission process will begin. It includes Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI) rounds, which are conducted separately by each participating college. Institutes will shortlist candidates based on CMAT scores and performance in GD/PI.

Steps to Apply for CMAT 2026

1. Visit exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT
2. Enter name, date of birth, email ID, and phone number
3. Complete registration using OTP/email
4. Fill out personal and academic details in the form
5. Upload a passport-size photo and a signature
6. Pay the fee via card, net banking, or UPI

CMAT Application Fees

The CMAT 2026 application fee varies based on the candidate's category and gender. The table below provides a clear breakdown of the fee structure for General, Reserved, and other categories as per official guidelines.

Candidates should note that additional charges, such as service/processing fees and GST, will be applied to the CMAT exam fee. These charges must be paid to the bank or payment gateway during the transaction. See the table below for details.

CMAT 2026 Syllabus 

The CMAT 2026 syllabus is divided into five main sections, each testing different skill sets required for management studies. The table below highlights the key topics covered under each section to help guide focused preparation.

CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern 

The CMAT 2026 exam pattern includes five key sections with a total of 100 questions. Each section carries equal weightage. The pattern helps candidates understand the structure of the paper, marking scheme, and time allocation for each section.

CMAT 2026 Preparation Tips

To prepare well for CMAT 2026, it is important to start early and follow a regular study plan. A 6-month preparation strategy can help cover all topics adequately.

Here are some simple and effective CMAT preparation tips:

• Follow a daily 6-hour study routine.
• Revise all topics from the CMAT syllabus.
• Practice mock tests and previous year papers.
• Read current affairs to improve general awareness.
• Watch online videos to learn shortcuts for logical reasoning and quantitative problems.

CMAT 2026 Admit Card 

The CMAT 2026 admit card will be available 4–5 days before the exam on the official website — cmat.nta.nic.in. It will include important details such as the candidate's name, roll number, exam centre, date, and time. If candidates encounter any issues, such as a missing photo or incorrect details, they should contact the helpline between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Steps to Download CMAT 2026 Admit Card:

1. Visit cmat.nta.nic.in
2. Click on the ‘CMAT 2026 Admit Card’ link
3. Enter application number and date of birth
4. Click ‘Submit’
5. Fill out the self-declaration form
6. Download the admit card as a PDF and take a printout

CMAT 2026 Answer Key 

The CMAT 2026 Answer Key and Response Sheet will be available 3–4 days after the exam on the official website. The answer key will display correct answers for all questions, while the response sheet will show the responses marked during the exam. This allows candidates to estimate scores. If any answer appears incorrect, objections can be submitted with a fee of ₹200 per question and supporting documents.

Steps to Download CMAT 2026 Answer Key:

1. Visit cmat.nta.nic.in
2. Click on the ‘Login’ link
3. Enter application number and date of birth or password
4. Select the ‘Answer Key’ link
5. Download the answer key in PDF format

CMAT 2026 Results 

CMAT Results 2026 will be declared by February 2026. It will include subject-wise marks and percentiles obtained by the candidates. Candidates must note that the CMAT Results 2026 will be valid for 1 year from the day of result declaration. Candidates must follow the steps below to download the CMAT Results 2026.

• Go to cmat.nta.nic.in
• Click on the 'CMAT 2026 Scorecard' tab
• Enter the application number and password
• Click on 'Submit' and download the CMAT Result 2026

CMAT 2026 Cutoff 

The CMAT 2026 cutoff is the minimum score required for admission to top MBA colleges accepting CMAT scores. Cutoffs vary from one college to another and depend on factors like exam difficulty and seat availability. The table below lists expected cutoffs for some popular institutes.

CMAT 2026 FAQs