What is CMAT?

The Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to postgraduate management programs such as MBA and PGDM in over 1,300 AICTE-approved institutions across India. Introduced in 2011 by AICTE and now managed by NTA since 2019, CMAT assesses candidates' aptitude in Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation, Logical Reasoning, Language Comprehension, General Awareness, and Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Annually, around 70,000–80,000 candidates appear, competing for seats in top B-schools like JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE, and GIM Goa. Unlike CAT, which focuses on IIMs, CMAT offers broader access to state and private institutes, with scores valid for one year and no age limit.

CMAT 2026 Highlights

CMAT 2026 will be a 3-hour CBT with 100 questions across five sections, emphasising balanced aptitude testing.

CMAT 2026 Important Dates

NTA is expected to release the official notification in October 2025. Based on 2025 trends, the tentative timeline is as follows:

CMAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must meet NTA's criteria, verified by participating institutes during admission.

• Nationality: Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs eligible.
• Educational Qualification: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum 50% aggregate (45% for SC/ST/OBC/PwD).
• Appearing Candidates: Final-year students eligible; must complete degree by admission time.
• Age Limit: No upper age limit.
• Attempts: No restriction on the number of attempts.

CMAT 2026 Application Form: Step-by-Step Guide

The entire registration process is online only at exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT.

• Visit exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT → Click “New Registration”
• Register with name, mobile, email, DOB → Verify OTP → Generate Application Number & Password
• Log in → Fill personal, academic, communication, and category details
• Upload a recent passport-size photograph, signature, and category certificate (if applicable)
• Pay application fee online (Net Banking / Card / UPI)
• Submit and download the confirmation page

CMAT 2026 Application Fees

Non-refundable fee (2025 fee; expected to be similar for 2026):

Document Specifications for Upload

Images must strictly follow NTA guidelines:

CMAT Application Correction Window & Exam Centres

NTA provides a short correction window.

• Correction Window: Usually 3–5 days in December 2025; editable fields include photo, signature, personal details, and category.
• Exam Centres: 110+ cities across India. Candidates choose 4 preferred cities during registration.

CMAT 2026 Exam Pattern

CMAT 2026 consists of 100 questions across five sections, with no sectional time limits. The exam tests balanced aptitude with an emphasis on general awareness and innovation.

CMAT 2026 Detailed Syllabus

The syllabus covers UG-level aptitude with a focus on current affairs and business innovation:

• Quantitative Techniques & Data Interpretation: Number Systems, Algebra, Geometry, Mensuration, Data Sufficiency, Bar/Line/Pie Charts
• Logical Reasoning: Arrangements, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Syllogisms, Puzzles, Series
• Language Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Synonyms/Antonyms, Grammar, Idioms
• General Awareness: Current Affairs (Business, Economy, Sports), Static GK (History, Geography, Polity), Awards, Books & Authors
• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Business Ideas, Startup Ecosystem, Innovation Models, Case Studies on Entrepreneurs

Best Books for CMAT 2026 Preparation

CMAT Cutoff Trends (Percentile for Top Colleges – General Category)

Top 15 MBA Colleges Accepting CMAT 2026 with Fees

CMAT vs CAT vs MAT vs XAT vs NMAT: Key Differences, Difficulty & Participating Colleges

CMAT, CAT, MAT, XAT, and NMAT are key MBA entrances, varying in difficulty (CAT/XAT highest, MAT/CMAT moderate, NMAT adaptive-moderate), pattern (CAT sectional timed, NMAT adaptive), and scope (CAT for IIMs, CMAT for AICTE colleges, NMAT for NMIMS-focused).

How to Download CMAT 2026 Admit Card

Admit cards are released 4–7 days before the exam on the official NTA portal.

• Visit exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT → Log in with Application Number & Password
• Download the admit card PDF and print it in colour
• Carry printed admit card + original photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Voter ID)

CMAT 2026 Exam Day Instructions

NTA enforces strict guidelines across all centres.

• Report 90 minutes before exam time
• Entry closes 30 minutes before start
• Prohibited items: Mobile, calculator, smart watch, notes, bags, and electronic devices
• Dress code: Light clothing, no jackets or large buttons
• Biometric verification (photo + fingerprint) mandatory

CMAT 2026 Result & Score Card

Results are declared within 15–20 days after the exam.

• Scorecard shows raw marks, percentile, and All India Rank
• Percentile is calculated using normalisation across shifts
• Valid only for the 2026–27 academic session
• Download from exams.nta.ac.in/CMAT using login credentials

CMAT 2026 Counselling & Admission Process

Counselling is fully decentralised — each institute conducts its own GD/PI/WAT after shortlisting based on CMAT percentile.

• Institutes release merit lists on their websites
• Typical process: Online registration → GD/PI/WAT → Final merit list
• Documents required: CMAT scorecard, UG marksheets, work experience (if any), caste/income certificate, ID proof
• Reservation: As per AICTE/Government of India norms

FAQs

1. Is CMAT easier than CAT?

Yes, significantly. CMAT is moderate in difficulty, has fixed 100 questions with predictable sections, and includes General Awareness & Innovation. CAT is very high difficulty with unpredictable patterns, tougher DILR, and no GK. Most students score 280–340 in CMAT vs 80–120 in CAT for the same preparation level.

2. Which top colleges accept CMAT but not CAT?

JBIMS Mumbai, SIMSREE Mumbai, PUMBA Pune, and Goa Institute of Management (GIM) are the biggest names that give primary weightage to CMAT (JBIMS and SIMSREE accept only CMAT, not CAT). They are among the best ROI MBA colleges in India.

3. Is CMAT sufficient for a good MBA?

Absolutely. With 99+ percentile, you can get JBIMS (average package 28–30 LPA), SIMSREE (24–26 LPA), KJ Somaiya, GIM Goa, Welingkar — all Tier-1/1.5 colleges with excellent placements and low fees compared to private institutes accepting CAT/NMAT.

4. Can I convert JBIMS with CMAT?

Yes. JBIMS accepts only CMAT (not CAT/XAT/NMAT). You need 99.99+ percentile (345–360 marks) and a strong profile (past academics + work experience) to get a final call.

5. Is CMAT accepted by IIMs?

No. IIMs accept only CAT scores. CMAT is for AICTE-approved non-IIM colleges.

6. Which is better: CMAT or NMAT?

Depends on target colleges. NMAT is better for NMIMS Mumbai, SPJIMR (PGPM), and ISB Hyderabad. CMAT is better for JBIMS, SIMSREE, GIM Goa, and 1,300+ other colleges. NMAT has no negative marking and is adaptive; CMAT has GK and Innovation sections.

7. Is General Awareness very tough in CMAT?

No. 20 questions — 12–15 static GK and 5–8 current affairs. Consistent reading of newspapers and Lucent/Manorama for 3–4 months easily fetches 60–70 marks.

8. How much time is enough for CMAT preparation?

3–4 months intensive preparation (4–6 hours daily) is sufficient for 95+ percentile if you have basic aptitude. 6–8 months if starting from scratch.

9. Is work experience required for CMAT colleges?

Not mandatory, but preferred by top colleges like JBIMS, GIM Goa, and Great Lakes. Freshers are also selected in large numbers.

10. Which has more colleges: CMAT or MAT?

CMAT has 1,300+ AICTE-approved colleges (including top ones like JBIMS, GIM). MAT has 600–700, mostly Tier-2/3. CMAT is far superior in quality and quantity of good colleges.

11. Is CMAT score valid for 2 years?

No. CMAT score is valid only for the academic year in which it is taken (2026 score valid only for 2026–28 batch).

12. Can I give both CAT and CMAT?

Yes, and it’s highly recommended. CAT opens IIMs and top private colleges; CMAT is a strong backup for JBIMS, SIMSREE, and other high-ROI institutes.

13. Is calculator allowed in CMAT?

No on-screen or physical calculator. Rough calculations must be done manually.

14. Which section is most scoring in CMAT?

Logical Reasoning and Language Comprehension are usually the highest-scoring (90%+ accuracy). Quant and Innovation are moderate; GK is the decider for 99+ percentile.

15. How many students score 99+ percentile in CMAT?

Around 500–800 students every year, making top colleges very accessible compared to CAT (where 99.9+ is needed for old IIMs).

16. Is CMAT accepted by NMIMS?

No. NMIMS Mumbai accepts only NMAT (and CAT for some programs). CMAT is not accepted by NMIMS.

17. Which is better for ROI: JBIMS via CMAT or SPJIMR via CAT?

JBIMS (total fee ~₹6–7 lakh, avg package 28–30 LPA) has the best ROI in India. SPJIMR (fee ~₹22–24 lakh) is excellent but costlier.

18. Is there a sectional cutoff in CMAT?

No official sectional cutoff by NTA, but top colleges like JBIMS, GIM apply their own sectional cutoffs during shortlisting.

19. Can I get a call from GIM Goa with CMAT?

Yes. GIM Goa accepts CMAT (98+ percentile required) along with CAT/XAT. Profile (academics + work ex) plays a big role.

20. Is coaching necessary for CMAT?

Not mandatory. Self-study with Arun Sharma (Quant/LR), Norman Lewis (Verbal), Manorama Yearbook (GK) and previous CMAT papers is sufficient for 95+ percentile.

21. Which has tougher Quant: CMAT or CAT?

CAT Quant is much tougher (higher difficulty, LOD 3 questions). CMAT Quant is moderate, arithmetic-heavy, and Class 10–12 level.

22. Does CMAT have essay writing?

No. Only objective MCQs. XAT is the only major exam with essay writing.

23. How soon after CMAT do top colleges start GD/PI?

JBIMS, SIMSREE, and GIM Goa usually start GD/PI within 2–4 weeks of result declaration (February–March).