CMAT 2026 Exam Dates & Schedule, Eligibility Criteria, Seats & Admission Process

Overview: The CMAT exam date 2026 is scheduled to be conducted by the NTA in the month of January 2026. CMAT entrance exam date registration has tentatively begun in November 2025. Let's check all the important updates around the CMAT exam for 2026 in this blog!

• The CMAT 2026 date is to be held on January 25, 2026 up to 09:50 P.M

Download Free Study Material for CMAT Exam 2026 by SuperGrads

• The candidates can successfully pay their CMAT 2026 exam fees till December 2025.
• The candidates can edit their CMAT application form via CMAT correction window.

Continue reading to learn all about the CMAT exam 2026, fees, eligibility criteria, admission process, and more!

CMAT Exam 2026 Highlights

The Common Management Aptitude Test is all set to be conducted on 25th January 2026 by the National Testing Agency. The CMAT exam was conducted in April-May, but for 2026, the exam date is fixed to 25th January 2026.

The CMAT registration process has started and will continue until 25 December 2025. Candidates who wish to appear for the CMAT 2026 exam can still complete the CMAT application form before the deadline.

More than 1,300 institutions accept the CMAT exam score, including BIMS, KJ Somaiaya, Prin LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research, Great Lakes Institute of Management, KIIT School of Management, Amity University, BIMTECH, Goa Institute of Management, Xavier Institute of Management and Research, and Gitam School of Management.

Here are the key highlights of CMAT 2026:

CMAT Exam Date and Schedule 2026 [Latest Updates]

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is responsible for conducting the Common Management Aptitude Test 2026. It has released the important dates for CMAT 2026 which include:

Read More | List of CMAT Subjects

CMAT Exam Eligibility Criteria 2026

The CMAT score is accepted by over 1,300 colleges in India, including some renowned institutes. It is important to review the CMAT 2026 eligibility criteria and exam pattern to get admission to your dream college.  Here are the eligibility criteria for the CMAT exam 2026: 

• The candidate must be a citizen of India.
• The candidate must have a Bachelor‟s Degree in any discipline.
• Candidates appearing for the final year of their Bachelor's Degree, whose results will be declared before the commencement of admission for the academic year 2026-25, can also apply for the CMAT Entrance exam 2026.
• There is no age restriction for appearing in the CMAT 2026 exam.

CMAT Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates should familiarise themselves with the sections, the number of questions asked, and the CMAT marking scheme. Here is the CMAT exam pattern for 2026.

5 sections in CMAT 2026 need to be completed in 180 minutes. The CMAT exam consists of 100 questions with a total of 400 marks.

Marking Scheme of CMAT Exam 2026

The candidates appearing for the CMAT 2026 exam should be aware of the marking scheme, including:

• The CMAT exam consists of a total of 100 questions.
• Each question carries + 4 marks.
• For each correct response, the candidate will get + 4 marks.
• For each incorrect response, -1 mark will be deducted from the total score.
• Unanswered/un-attempted will be given no marks.
• To answer a question, the candidate must choose the correct option.
• However, after the Challenges of the Answer Key process, if there are multiple correct options or changes in the key, only candidates who have attempted it correctly as per the revised Answer key will be awarded marks.
• If a Question is dropped due to a technical error, all candidates will be given full marks, regardless of whether they have attempted it or not.

Also Read | CMAT Total Marks

CMAT Exam Syllabus 2026

CMAT exam Syllabus for Quantitative Techniques and Data Interpretation

• Percentages
• Averages
• Profit and Loss
• Ratios and Proportion
• Fraction and Decimals
• Work and Time
• Time-Speed-Distance
• In-equations
• Allegation & Mixtures
• Partnership
• Pipes and Cisterns
• Geometry
• Mensuration
• Number Systems
• Algebra
• Quadratic and linear equations
• Permutations & Combinations
• Tabulation, Pie Chart, Bar Chart, Line Graph
• Probability
• Graph
• Simple Interest and Compound Interest

Read More | CMAT Exam Syllabus 2026

CMAT exam Syllabus 2026 for Logical Reasoning

• Linear Arrangements
• Analogy Test
• Symbol Based Problems
• Statements Arguments
• Blood Relationship Tests
• Direction and Distance Test
• Statements and Conclusion
• Analytical Reasoning
• Cause and Effects
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Number Series
• Statements Assumptions
• Inferences
• Matrix Arrangements
• Ranking Tests
• Coding and Decoding
• Sequencing

CMAT exam Syllabus 2026 for Language Comprehension

• Reading Comprehension
• One-word Substitution
• Jumbled Para
• Idioms and Phrases
• Sentence Correction
• English Grammar
• Paragraph Completion
• Sentence Improvement
• English Usage Errors
• Synonyms and Antonyms

CMAT Syllabus 2026 for General Awareness

• Current Affairs of National and International
• Politics
• Geography
• Literature
• History
• Sports News
• Culture
• Economics
• Trade Awareness
• Personalities in News

CMAT Syllabus 2026 for Innovation & Entrepreneurship

• Understanding Innovation and Business Concepts
• Exploring the Life Cycle of Innovation
• The Dynamics of Entrepreneurship and Startups
• Fostering Entrepreneurial Development
• Strategies for Launching a New Venture
• Differentiating Types of Startups
•  The Impact of Government Policies on Entrepreneurship

CMAT Exam Registration Process 2026

• Register online with your email and mobile number via cmat.nta.nic.in
• Complete the application form and note your application number. Upload:
  • A recent photo (10Kb-200Kb), colour or B&W, with 80% of your face visible (ears included) against a white background.
  • Your signature (4Kb-30Kb).
  • PwD certificate (50Kb-300Kb), if applicable.
• Pay the fee via SBI/HDFC, using Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI, and save the payment proof.
• After payment, download, save, and print the confirmation page for your records.
• These steps can be completed all at once or separately. Your application is deemed successful only after the fee transaction is confirmed.

Check Here|  CMAT Exam Registration 2026

CMAT Exam Registration Fee 2026 [Category-wise]

CMAT Exam Centers List 2026

Once the CMAT entrance exam date for 2026 is released, the following will be the sites where CMAT 2026 exam will be conducted in online mode:

Also Check | List of Top colleges accepting CMAT Score in India

CMAT Exam Results 2026

• Once the CMAT exam date is released and the exam is conducted, the result for the CMAT 2026 exam will be available on the website cmat.nta.nic.in only.
• CMAT 2026 exam result will be compiled based on Final Answer Keys.
• No grievance with regard to Answer Key(s) after the Declaration of the Result of the CMAT entrance exam 2026 will be entertained. 
• The raw marks obtained by a candidate will be considered further for computation of the CMAT 2026 result.
• No Scorecard will be issued to the candidates.
• There is no provision for rechecking/re-evaluation/re-totaling of the result/score.

Find Out | CMAT Exam Results 2026

CMAT Previous Years Cut off 

NTA does not participate in the admission counseling for Management Programs.

Follow these steps for admission using your CMAT result score 2026:

• Apply individually to your chosen institutions that accept the CMAT score.
• Wait for these institutions to announce their CMAT 2024vscore cut-offs.
• Ensure your score meets or exceeds these cut-offs to qualify for admission.
• Qualified candidates must then go through the institution's selection process, which may include a Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI).
• Your final selection will depend on how well you perform in both the GD and PI stages.

Also Check | CMAT Exam Cut Off

CMAT Exam Admit Card 2026

CMAT exam admit cards for 2026 are provided provisionally, contingent upon meeting eligibility criteria.

• Download your admit card from the NTA website and attend the exam at the specified center, date, and time as mentioned on it.
• Entry to the exam center is strictly according to the schedule and location on your CMAT admit card.
• If unable to download the CMAT admit card, contact the Help Line from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Carefully read and follow the instructions listed on your CMAT admit card during the exam.
• Report any discrepancies in your admit card details or photo/signature to the Help Line from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
• Attend the exam with the downloaded CMAT admit card; corrections will be addressed by NTA subsequently.

Also Check | How to download CMAT Admit Card

CMAT 2026 Exam Preparation Tips

Following are some expert tips that could help you if you are preparing for CMAT exam 2026:

• Leverage Past Papers: Enhance reasoning and problem-solving skills by practising with previous years' CMAT question papers and online mock tests.
• Leverage Experience: If you've taken any national-level MBA entrance exams, use that experience to your advantage, as the CMAT syllabus overlaps significantly with other exams.
• Start Early: Begin your CMAT preparation at least six months in advance to ensure thorough coverage of all topics.
• Practice with Mock Tests: Regular practice with mock tests helps simulate the actual exam environment. Analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement and adjust your study plan accordingly.
• Strengthen Your Basics: Ensure you have a strong grasp of fundamental concepts, especially quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and language comprehension. If necessary, use textbooks, online resources, and tutorials.
• Develop Reading Habits: For sections like Language Comprehension and Indian and Global Environment, regular reading of newspapers, journals, and magazines can significantly enhance your comprehension skills and general awareness.